How to Show Off a Muscle Car

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Preparing your classic muscle car for public viewing can be time-consuming, but once your car is fully restored, you can proudly show it off to your friends, neighbors and other car enthusiasts. Muscle cars are an important part of American life, and many people find owning a gleaming, show-ready vehicle is a truly rewarding experience.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Non-detergent cleaner, for car exterior
Sponge or hand applicator, for cleaning car exterior
Chamois cloth
Polishing agent, for car exterior
Carnauba wax
Aerosol spray lubricant, optional

Clean Your Entire Car Carefully

Step 1

Remove the car's seats. Although this step can be difficult, it allows for a thorough cleaning you can't otherwise do. Besides, you may find hidden treasures (or car parts) underneath the seats.
Step 2

Clean your car seats with soap and water and a soft, white rag. If your car seats are made of leather, use an appropriate leather cleaner.
Step 3

Apply a UV protector to your car's dashboard. Show-worthy muscle cars never have cracked dashboards.
Step 4

Pre-treat carpets with a stain remover, and then clean them with a gentle carpet shampoo. Consider treating the carpets with spray fabric protector to keep them clean in the future.
Step 5

Clean your windows with glass cleaners made specifically for cars.

Restore Your Car's Existing Paint Job

Step 1

Determine whether you can restore your muscle car's existing paint job or whether you will need to repaint the entire car.
Step 2

Clean your car's exterior if you determine that its existing paint job can be restored. Use a non-detergent cleaner to protect the paint still on the car. Use only a clean sponge or soap applicator, as any residue on either one can scratch your car's surface. Wash the car in sections, and rinse each section before moving on to the next.
Step 3

Dry the car thoroughly with a chamois cloth.
Step 4

Polish the car, using whichever polishing agent is appropriate to the paint surface.
Step 5

Apply carnauba wax to your dry car. This will make the paint shine like new.

Repaint Your Car

Step 1

Decide whether to repaint your muscle car in its original factory colors or whether to use more modern paint colors. Some companies specialize in selling classic muscle car paint colors.
Step 2

Have the painting done by a professional. This is the best way to protect your car's surface and ensure that the paint job is smooth and neat.
Step 3

Apply carnauba wax.

Show Off Your Muscle Car

Step 1

Cruise the streets in your like-new muscle car, and show off all of your hard work.
Step 2

Join a muscle car club to meet other car enthusiasts and learn about shows and events in your area.
Step 3

Take part in a muscle club show where you can display your car for others to admire.