Spring is here and it’s time to get your classic car ready for the upcoming show season. At JD’s Auto Repair, we help our customers get their classic cars prepared for the next big show. There are many ways to go about preparation and with a few simple steps, your classic car will look great in no time. You can also bring your classic car in to JD’s Auto Repair for a safety check.

Clean the engine and then the undercarriage: It’s a good idea to make this the first step in your preparation to avoid getting grease on a cleaned car. You might also want to consider placing towels on your windshield and fenders to prevent them from degreaser stains.

Washing your classic car is also an important step if you want to get it show-ready. Rinse it first, then use a car-specific cleaner and sponge to clean the exterior. Make sure that you don’t use dish soap because this can be too strong for many car exteriors. Clean your tires first, then work your way from the roof down. When your classic car is completely washed, dry it off with a chamois or a microfiber towel. You can also apply tire dressing.

Use either a polish or a clay bar to clean off any stains that you find on your classic car. Follow the directions on the packaging so that you end up with a great finish and so that you don’t cause any damage to the exterior. Afterward, you can wax your car somewhere in the shade. Waxing it in the sun can cause hazing and other imperfections.

Finally, get the interior of your classic car clean, too. Focus on the door jambs, hinges and door backs. Vacuum the carpet and use a soapy rag to wipe down the vinyl and plastic surfaces. Be sure that you don’t use harsh or abrasive detergents.