If you own something that you’re truly passionate about and proud of, it’s only natural to want to show that thing off, and auto show season is the perfect time for you to let your custom truck build shine! Whether you’re looking to showcase a restored classic, a lifted beast or a meticulously slammed street truck, it’s important to be properly prepared. If you present a well-prepped truck, you’re sure to turn heads, earn admiration and reflect the dedication that you’ve put into your build. So, today, we’re going to give you some quick tips and tricks on how to prep your truck for show season — including advice on detailing, paint and stance.
Detailing: The Process of Deep Cleaning
One of the most important steps in preparing your truck for show season is proper detailing. This is the foundation upon which everything else can be built, and you should skip it just because you think you keep your truck cleaned on a regular basis. Detailing is much deeper than that, requiring extra attention to the finer details and making sure everything is as spotless as possible. The following list includes just a few examples of the steps you should take while detailing your custom truck.
- Deep Clean Exterior
- Wash vehicle exterior following two-bucket method to prevent swirl marks
- Remove contaminants embedded in paint by using a clay bar
- Apply high-quality polish to enhance depth and shine
- Finish with ceramic coating, premium wax to provide extra protection, mirror-like finish
- Deep Clean Interior
- Shampoo carpets, condition leather seats
- Clean vents, knobs, tight spaces with detailing brushes
- Apply non-greasy dashboard protectant to prevent sun damage
- Focus on Trim & Glass
- Restore faded plastics, rubber trim with UV-protecting conditioner
- Polish chrome, metal accents to eliminate oxidation
- Clean windows with streak-free glass cleaner to enhance clarity
Paint: Touch Up or Replace Your Finish
A large part of your truck’s first impression is its paint job, as this is something most show-goers can see from all the way across the parking lot. You don’t want any imperfections in your finish as it can dull the truck’s overall presence, so make sure to touch up your paint job if necessary. Alternatively, if paint is an aspect of your custom build you’ve left lacking, show season is the perfect time to make that commitment by replacing your paint job with a new finish. Here are some tips for either event:
- Corrections & Touch-Ups
- Fix chips, scratches using high-quality touch-up kit
- Address oxidation, fading with paint correction techniques
- Consider getting a professional buff, especially to remove any present swirl marks
- Custom Paint Options
- Specialty finishes like pearlescent, candy, metallic, matte
- Vinyl wraps offer bold customization without permanent commitment
- A simple respray can revive older truck’s look
Stance: Getting the Perfect Look
Chances are, whether you lifted it or lowered it, you built your truck with its stance in mind. But dialing in your overall setup is crucial for show season, so the last thing you want to do to prepare is address your suspension system, wheels and tires.
- Suspension Adjustments
- If you’ve lifted your truck, you’ll want to make sure that your alignment is exactly how it should be and that any suspension components have been clean and polished as you’re likely going to be showing them off at some point during the season.
- On the flip side, if you have a slammed truck you’ll want to ensure that your clearance is optimized for the location and that your wheel tuck or camber settings are precise.
- Wheels & Tires
- Clean and polish wheels, ensuring no curb rash or damage
- Apply non-sling tire dressing for fresh, deep black aesthetic
- Ensure fitment of custom wheels is precise; remember that aggressive offsets can dramatically enhance stance
Final Show Day Prep
Hopefully all of this information has helped you prepare your custom truck for show season this year, but there are a few final things you’ll still want to do to prepare for each show day you attend. Before rolling up to the venue, be sure to inspect every detail. Make sure your truck is as spotless as it can be, and bring microfiber towels for any last-minute touch-ups that you might need. Set up proper lighting if displaying indoors and consider a custom signage board highlighting modifications, but these things will depend on and vary from show to show.
If you need expert advice or services to get your truck ready, get in touch with us here at Glover Customs — we’ll help you take your ride to the next level!