1st time truck show advice

[KEH]

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]

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]

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

[PanelDeland]

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]

Get there a little early to wipe it down.

[ozarkhippie]

Hire a model in a bikini

[cdowns]

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]

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

[Randy70C-10]

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

[SEVEND2]

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]

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

[da-burb]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Daves72'GMC]

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

[meathead95]

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

[PanelDeland]

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]

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.