Car Show Rant

[MrSony]

I ONLY go to free cruise in nights. If it costs anything to enter, I'm not there. Cruise in nights are what got me into cars. I love going, parking the car, popping the hood, pulling out the fold out chairs and BSing with whoever parks next to me. I walk around and check out the other cars, usually see a lot of the same ones, but that's just what it is. Usually there's a few vendors, you can grab something to eat, sit outside and enjoy the weather and smell the sweet, carcinogenic smell of race gas exhaust fumes. Life doesn't get any better than that for me. It's not a competition, nobody wins anything unless they run a 50/50 raffle.

Now I do get a little annoyed when 1/2 the cars that show up are still under warranty. That's why I don't go to cars and coffee.

I never know when any car shows are going on in my area, but I always try to make it to goodguys. Me and my car were there this summer:

 

[BOXCARS]

How about $20 or $25 to show your car, and you're forced to stay there 3 or 4 hours until they announce the winner in your class? I hadn't entered a pay show for years, but after a long, hot, summer of pretty much not going anywhere, my project time, I entered this pretty large show at a mall because last April I purchased a pristine, unmodified, 86 T-type with a real 32,000 miles that looks showroom new. I wanted to compete against a bunch of cars. So, hundreds of cars there, mostly newer Mustangs and Camaros by the way, it turned out my class competition was two other cars. I left as soon as I got bored. $25 down the drain. Never again!

 

[TURNA]

The judged car shows that "Long Island Custom Cars" has are all BS you pretty much pay for your trophy and the same people who have been going for years always seem to win over and over and over.

1st and 2nd place are a joke if you get the 3rd place trophy and are not part of the "click" you know your car is good.

 

[lilbowtie]

This car show thing reaches a multitude of people and a diversity of cars, there is a little bit something for everyone. Everyone has opinions on what should be there but they are all there to enjoy cars. I'm surprised how many people go to these cruises that don't even have a car. No, I'm not a person to pay for a cruise(maybe a charity), I like going just to check out the cars and be gone unless I'm hooking up with people. On the other hand I have paid dearly to get into some drag racing events, so it's what ever floats your boat. If you don't like it don't go.

 

[BOXCARS]

I don't believe anybody on this thread is saying not to go and check out the cars. It's just their preference not to pay to participate in the "contest".

 

[Turbo Zach]

Keep in mind that most car club's are nonprofit. So the profits are probably going to a charity.

 

[fleming442]

I ponied up $10 just to be in it. Actually had an older couple inquiring about the car which I found flattering. Hell, I didn't even wash it.

My point was more about the crap that people think is cool to put on their cars. Case in point (should have grabbed a pic): picture if you will an early-50's, Ford, I think, with a Hilborn style scoop on the carb and chrome flex lines feeding the front of said scoop from the core support and it all fit under the hood- a very good example of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should" The 1st pic of the Super Duty was another good example; what the pic doesn't show is all the LEDs on a rando-flash pattern all over the place with no rhyme or reason. And, don't forget about those stupid pouting kid dolls leaned against the bumpers.
As far as trophies, I don't have anything nice enough to "deserve" one. I would rather drive them than polish them.

 

[joesregalproject]

If it's $5 or $10 to go to some charity or whatever that's fine, but I won't pay just to enter for a chance to win a meaningless trophy.

 

[joesregalproject]

I never know when any car shows are going on in my area, but I always try to make it to goodguys. Me and my car were there this summer: View attachment 99096

I find them on carcruises.com. There used to be a great weekly one, but they don't do it anymore since they turned the parking lot into an office building and a Chik-Fil-A.

 

[DRIVEN]

There's really only 3 I used to attend. One was held weekly but I usually only went once or twice in a summer. Held on the grass next to PIR and happened to be on test and tune night so there was drag racing in the background. $10 entry (for charity) but not judged. Plenty of under warranty cars but typical there were several hundred vehicles. The last one of the summer usually draws over 1000 cars. Food, brews, and bands. It's 7 hours away now so unlikely I'll be back.

The 2nd is a small town mainstreet gig. Costs $20(?) to enter. It's pretty political and run by an MG club currently. I've won a couple plaques over the years but that certainly isn't why I go. It's in the town where my grandparents (and my Cutlass) lived. Its mostly just an excuse to go to see friends and family since it's 4 hours away. They also hold an early iron show on the same weekend so you can walk a few blocks along the river and see the old tractors and hit-n-miss stuff. Pretty cool.

The 3rd is a 2 day Datsun only show. They have a judged side and a non-judged side plus a swap meet area. I usually just go for an hour or two and look for parts. It's 8 hours away now so I may never go back unless it's to sell my car.

I'm with you though. New cars and Kmart rash have no place there.

I've been too busy to scout for events since I moved. Maybe next summer.