Re: Dream Car Garage - Maybe?

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

At 09:27 PM 8/12/2005 -0400, you wrote:
> I'm not sure if the US gets the Dream Car Garage which is shown on speed 
> vision up here in Canada, however I have a little story - its long so be 
> patient with me, or just scroll down!
<snip>

Dream Car Garage is show on Speed in the US.

<snip>
Now a question, I know Gwynn (sp) had her little rambler pictured in 
Hemmings so perhaps she can help me or anyone else that wants to jump in - 
what things should I anticipate, how can I get the car looking it's best, 
what should I say to the producers. Should I allow them to drive the car? 
If anyone can give me give me directions on how best to handle the 
possibilty that my little Gremlin will be on Dream Car Garage, please let 
me know!
<snip>

Based on my long experience judging at AMC meets (I've done it twice now 
<G>), it's the little things that make all the difference. There's a bunch 
of stuff that isn't likely to show on TV (like slightly worn carpet or not 
quite perfect door weatherstrip -- as long is it isn't missing chunks) but 
I would except them to want under hood shots which means that the engine 
compartment should be tidy looking and clean (don't forget the underside of 
the hood). If you have hood insulation, take a close look at it. It usually 
ends up looking really cruddy pretty quickly. Also, the accordion type 
universal radiator hoses look like dog dirt and stick out in an otherwise 
tidy engine compartment. If you have one of these (especially for the upper 
radiator hose), you may want to try finding a molded hose instead.

Tires and wheels also make a big difference (and people pay a lot of 
attention to them). Personally, I don't like shinny tires (mostly because 
tires aren't shinny when new) but they should at least be clean, the color 
should be even, and they should be properly inflated. Also make sure that 
the wheels and/or wheel covers are clean. Dents and scratches should be 
okay (especially if you're obviously in the middle of a restoration) but 
they shouldn't look like you've been off road or drove through a tar pit.

Make sure your glass (including side and rear view mirrors) is clean. 
Stoner Invisible Glass does a great job of cleaning the glass and does not 
leave streaks.

The grille, trim, and bumpers should all be clean (don't forget to clean 
the headlights and other exterior lights, an old toothbrush will help 
getting into the nooks and cranies). Preferably, it will either be worn but 
presentable or look like new. Slightly damaged trim looks okay as long as 
it's clean and the rest of the body is showing it's age but if your grille 
looks like you hit a moose, I'd replace it.

On the inside, carpets, seats, sun visors, head liner, door panels, and 
other finishing panels should be clean and in good condition. Some wear is 
okay as long as it doesn't look like a moose lived in your car (hey, you 
gotta stick with a theme!). If you have tears in the carpet, it would help 
to trim up any stray strands to make it look like you care. If your carpet 
is faded but in okay condition otherwise, you may want to dye it. Black 
carpet (don't know what color yours is) tends to fade gray and looks 
horrible so it's about the worst color to have fading in. Nice floor mats 
will cover worn carpet but they should also be clean.

The gas and brake pedals should also be clean. Some wear is okay as long as 
the rest of your interior isn't perfect.

They'll likely want dash pictures so make sure it's clean. The instruments 
lenses can get dust build up behind them. I'm not sure how easy it is to 
take them off on a Gremlin but it makes a big difference if you can get 
them off to clean.

Matt

mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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