1st time truck show advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KEH · 01-02-2004, 12:55 PM

I'm going to plan to go to my 1st show at the Pigeon Forge Nationals this Spring. Being new to this, I don't want to be unprepared. I know the veterans must have some good advice to give that will make the event more enjoyable.

I will be making motel reservations and sending off the entry registration soon. I guess some comfortable chairs, a cooler of food and drinks would be a good idea.

Any other thoughts? Thanks.

Ackattack · 01-02-2004, 01:16 PM

I'd take some cleaning supplies, a few magazines, and a camera (might get some ideas from some people). I made up a board that tells information about my truck, incase you're not there to tell people about it. It seems that people always have questions about something. Good luck

*Randy70C-10* · 01-02-2004, 01:25 PM

Install a security system in your truck. National events are a thief's playground.

PanelDeland · 01-02-2004, 01:52 PM

Bring $$$$$ there will be lots of stuff there you will want.There will be vendors for truck parts.There will be vendors for engine parts.There will be vendors for garage and den art. There will be restuarants and PF is kinda a tourist trap type town.
Of cours you will want an event T-shirt(not as cool as a BB shirt but still cool).You may want to wear your BB shirt so everyone will know you are a part of this elite group.Camera and extra film or memory,a photo album of your buildup and comfortable shoes for walking the show.Also an umbrella and or awning might be worthwhile.
If you get there and park near the BB crowd an alarm will be redundant because there will always be someone around.And the show grounds have someone there all the time.

70c10 · 01-02-2004, 02:57 PM

Get there a little early to wipe it down.

ozarkhippie · 01-02-2004, 03:09 PM

Hire a model in a bikini

cdowns · 01-02-2004, 03:55 PM

chair,sunscreen,cooler,umbrella for shade,one of those fold up things that reflects sunlight so you can tan under your chin,having a board with your specs and venders or manufacturers used or where you had work done are all helpfull , you might also want to print up some business cards with a picture of your truck
take a week or so to clean and wax the truck nooks and crannies count big time, bring along a bottle of the spray and whipe detailing stuff and glass cleaner whatever you do don't go overboard on tire stuff for a "wet look" another thing you want to avoid is mudpuddles on the way to the show
the most important thing is be prepared for stupid questions and experts with superior attitudes above all just have fun and mingle with people you'll have a good time

KEH · 01-02-2004, 05:36 PM

Thanks, I knew you guys would have good advice...I'll tell the wife to get the bikini ready, lol...

*Randy70C-10* · 01-02-2004, 06:19 PM

Bikini women are a dime a dozen at the nats. Tell her to go naked.

SEVEND2 · 01-02-2004, 06:30 PM

Lawn or comfortable Chair!!! EZ-up Shade, Wheel,/chrome cleaner, Duster for paint, DONT park under a tree (leaves, birds or ?? fall on truck/car). ONE big thing is you will get alot of Flyers, they throw them in your windows, it you have nice interior, remove them and put them in a bag, I have seen first hand the dye and ink, bleed on to the interior, last thing you need is a pink or purple spot on a light gray seat!!! Take a Ice chest with waters, a snack, Lift the hood, most shows wont judge your auto if hood is closed. pics and info on your truck or car is good in a photo album. I have seen people put out items like emergency items on show with their trucks too, chrome or polished bottle of Anit freeze, oil, extigisher, jump cables, flah lights super clean jack and assesories, things like that. you will get some questions, and people like when you answer them, you would be surprised how many people just say (I had it done, i dont know). Well Good luck, and let us know how it goes!!!

ozarkhippie · 01-02-2004, 09:23 PM

LOL Randy I was thinking that but I was trying to be modest.

da-burb · 01-02-2004, 10:20 PM

I talked to the judges last year. They said they were tired of crate ZZ350's and would like to see something either "spotless" original or unique. Clean, clean, clean is what they look for.

For the show its self, sunscreen, umbrella or collapsable awning, liquids, chairs, camera, and money.

This is not the best show in the world to go to. The national magazines make it out to be much bigger and better than it really is, BUT I still wouldn't miss it for the world. I drive 1100 miles one way and and can't wait to meet up with my funny talking friends of the south again. This will be my 4th year attending.

Mudder · 01-02-2004, 11:38 PM

Don't know how far you are driving but I take all my cleaning stuff and lots of rags/towels. I would say the biggest majority of the time you may even want to wash it once you get there. I do most of my detailing at the motel the night before a show. Get it clean, walk around your truck with the hood open and doors open. Judge it yourself! You will see what the judges are going to see. I have been to a lot of Nationals type shows and probably over 150 shows in the last 4 years.

KEH · 01-03-2004, 02:55 PM

I think the flyer said that the show is at the motel? It must be a big lot. Do you just park the truck there on arrival and leave it the whole time?

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm looking forward to seeing everyones trucks.

pissonNOS · 01-03-2004, 03:20 PM

make a sign that says "Eyes Dont Leave Finger Prints"

Daves72'GMC · 01-03-2004, 08:23 PM

My trucks in restoration, so it won't be there, but I'll be there buying parts.

meathead95 · 01-04-2004, 01:32 PM

make sure you have a canopy it will be hotter than hell or pouring their never seems to be a happy medium

PanelDeland · 01-04-2004, 05:36 PM

I didn't make it last year but always before the PF show has had drive thru judging.You drive your truck up into line and the judges do their bit in their own judging area.So the opening of the hoods and doors at this show is mostly for the fans and spectaters to be able to see.

jamis · 01-04-2004, 06:53 PM

Make a little flash card that says.

"DONT ASK ME HOW MUCH IT COSTS, MY WIFE IS STANDING NEXT TO ME"

Just try to have fun and dont go crazy, if you make to much work of it, you may not want to do it again.

01-02-2004, 12:55 PM	#1
KEH Better late than never Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 324	1st time truck show advice I'm going to plan to go to my 1st show at the Pigeon Forge Nationals this Spring. Being new to this, I don't want to be unprepared. I know the veterans must have some good advice to give that will make the event more enjoyable. I will be making motel reservations and sending off the entry registration soon. I guess some comfortable chairs, a cooler of food and drinks would be a good idea. Any other thoughts? Thanks. __________________ 1970 C/10 SWB Stepside

01-02-2004, 01:16 PM	#2
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	I'd take some cleaning supplies, a few magazines, and a camera (might get some ideas from some people). I made up a board that tells information about my truck, incase you're not there to tell people about it. It seems that people always have questions about something. Good luck __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

01-02-2004, 01:52 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Bring $$$$$ there will be lots of stuff there you will want.There will be vendors for truck parts.There will be vendors for engine parts.There will be vendors for garage and den art. There will be restuarants and PF is kinda a tourist trap type town. Of cours you will want an event T-shirt(not as cool as a BB shirt but still cool).You may want to wear your BB shirt so everyone will know you are a part of this elite group.Camera and extra film or memory,a photo album of your buildup and comfortable shoes for walking the show.Also an umbrella and or awning might be worthwhile. If you get there and park near the BB crowd an alarm will be redundant because there will always be someone around.And the show grounds have someone there all the time. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-02-2004, 02:57 PM	#5
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Get there a little early to wipe it down. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-02-2004, 03:09 PM	#6
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	Hire a model in a bikini __________________ Buy Sale or Trade 71 3/4 4x4 72 1/2 ton cheyenne 4x4

01-02-2004, 01:25 PM	#3
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Install a security system in your truck. National events are a thief's playground.

01-02-2004, 03:55 PM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	chair,sunscreen,cooler,umbrella for shade,one of those fold up things that reflects sunlight so you can tan under your chin,having a board with your specs and venders or manufacturers used or where you had work done are all helpfull , you might also want to print up some business cards with a picture of your truck take a week or so to clean and wax the truck nooks and crannies count big time, bring along a bottle of the spray and whipe detailing stuff and glass cleaner whatever you do don't go overboard on tire stuff for a "wet look" another thing you want to avoid is mudpuddles on the way to the show the most important thing is be prepared for stupid questions and experts with superior attitudes above all just have fun and mingle with people you'll have a good time __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-02-2004, 05:36 PM	#8
KEH Better late than never Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 324	Thanks, I knew you guys would have good advice...I'll tell the wife to get the bikini ready, lol... __________________ 1970 C/10 SWB Stepside

01-02-2004, 06:19 PM	#9
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Bikini women are a dime a dozen at the nats. Tell her to go naked.

01-02-2004, 06:30 PM	#10
SEVEND2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Menifee, Calif, USA Posts: 2,146	Lawn or comfortable Chair!!! EZ-up Shade, Wheel,/chrome cleaner, Duster for paint, DONT park under a tree (leaves, birds or ?? fall on truck/car). ONE big thing is you will get alot of Flyers, they throw them in your windows, it you have nice interior, remove them and put them in a bag, I have seen first hand the dye and ink, bleed on to the interior, last thing you need is a pink or purple spot on a light gray seat!!! Take a Ice chest with waters, a snack, Lift the hood, most shows wont judge your auto if hood is closed. pics and info on your truck or car is good in a photo album. I have seen people put out items like emergency items on show with their trucks too, chrome or polished bottle of Anit freeze, oil, extigisher, jump cables, flah lights super clean jack and assesories, things like that. you will get some questions, and people like when you answer them, you would be surprised how many people just say (I had it done, i dont know). Well Good luck, and let us know how it goes!!! __________________ With a 1972 Chevy Custom-10 Long bed w/350cid th350, (under-construction). Progress on truck so far (follow link): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=51051 and stage 2 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=58132 ~ "Why couldn't you have just put the bunny back in the box?" ~

01-02-2004, 09:23 PM	#11
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	LOL Randy I was thinking that but I was trying to be modest. __________________ Buy Sale or Trade 71 3/4 4x4 72 1/2 ton cheyenne 4x4

01-02-2004, 10:20 PM	#12
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	I talked to the judges last year. They said they were tired of crate ZZ350's and would like to see something either "spotless" original or unique. Clean, clean, clean is what they look for. For the show its self, sunscreen, umbrella or collapsable awning, liquids, chairs, camera, and money. This is not the best show in the world to go to. The national magazines make it out to be much bigger and better than it really is, BUT I still wouldn't miss it for the world. I drive 1100 miles one way and and can't wait to meet up with my funny talking friends of the south again. This will be my 4th year attending. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

01-02-2004, 11:38 PM	#13
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Don't know how far you are driving but I take all my cleaning stuff and lots of rags/towels. I would say the biggest majority of the time you may even want to wash it once you get there. I do most of my detailing at the motel the night before a show. Get it clean, walk around your truck with the hood open and doors open. Judge it yourself! You will see what the judges are going to see. I have been to a lot of Nationals type shows and probably over 150 shows in the last 4 years.

01-03-2004, 02:55 PM	#14
KEH Better late than never Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 324	I think the flyer said that the show is at the motel? It must be a big lot. Do you just park the truck there on arrival and leave it the whole time? Thanks for all the great advice. I'm looking forward to seeing everyones trucks. __________________ 1970 C/10 SWB Stepside

01-03-2004, 03:20 PM	#15
pissonNOS senior member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: fort macleod alberta Posts: 2,770	make a sign that says "Eyes Dont Leave Finger Prints" __________________ 69 GMC bagged



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01-03-2004, 08:23 PM	#16
Daves72'GMC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Asheville, N.C Posts: 952	My trucks in restoration, so it won't be there, but I'll be there buying parts.

01-04-2004, 01:32 PM	#17
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	make sure you have a canopy it will be hotter than hell or pouring their never seems to be a happy medium __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

01-04-2004, 05:36 PM	#18
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	I didn't make it last year but always before the PF show has had drive thru judging.You drive your truck up into line and the judges do their bit in their own judging area.So the opening of the hoods and doors at this show is mostly for the fans and spectaters to be able to see. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-04-2004, 06:53 PM	#19
jamis F.A.S.T. president Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 1,883	Make a little flash card that says. "DONT ASK ME HOW MUCH IT COSTS, MY WIFE IS STANDING NEXT TO ME" Just try to have fun and dont go crazy, if you make to much work of it, you may not want to do it again.

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