Things I did different for this years Concours Season

[JB in Irvine]

Garage
* New wall mounted Vac with computer cleaning attachements for interior detailing

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...pid=00917775000
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/tmt/conyourvacto.html

* New wall mounted retractable air hose (for compressor)

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...0&bidsite=CRAFT

* New moveable storage draws for MF Towels & Applicators
http://www.containerstore.com/browse...2065&FEEDCNT=3
10 draws for clean and 10 draws for dirty

Products
* Used Klasse SG on door jams and alloy wheels instead of wax

* Switched to Griots Leather Conditioner (better smell and wipes are easy to use)

* Started using Griots rubber cleaner for rubber trim

* Switched to Stoners Trim Shine for engine detailing

* New white inspection gloves

* Switched to Raggtopp cleaner and protectant for Cabrio Top

* Switched to MF towels
http://www.pakshak.com/

Car
* Had front half resparyed mid season to address some very minor rock chips.

* Some interior trim replaced under warranty

* Bought new "D" latch for front trunk and had it Powder Coated. Since the latch chips, I install this new latch at the event

Accessories and Final Prep
* Service covers for seats. Use them while cleaning car and also when I take car to show

* New set of mats specifically for shows

* Bought new smaller fold up chairs to allow more room for other stuff

* Bought a portable power supply to run Vac without having to plug into cig lighter outlet

* Created a 43 page PowerPoint checklist for the event. Each page a photo of a part of the car with arrows and a checklist of what needs to be done/check http://www.brackenrig.net/Concours%2...iles\frame.htm

Example of one page...


* Made up special detailing kits:




* Bought 2 travel blankets (vinyl one side) for gound work at event

Planning
* Planned all events months in advance. Completed major detailing efforts (polishing/waxing etc) weeks in advance.

* Used compressed air to dust everything prior to it going into car

* Kept a complete record of all deductions and broken them down by area and type (type as in prep error, event error, car problem) and then looked for trends, so I could focus more attention in certain areas


*Completed all paperwork before the event (usually paperwork handed out at the event, but I made copies so as to not waste time at the event)


.......and a bunch more stuff I have forgotten

[Quickstrike]

Great Ideas

Being as organized as you are, you will definately have an advantage over the competition.


That powerpoint presentation sounds like a must-have.
Mind sharing with the Autopia crew?

[bretfraz]

Now that's impressive. Well done!!

Friends and wannabe's, take special note. This is the level of detail you need to be at in order to just be competitive at a real concours event. Slappin' on a couple coats of your favorite mail order crud might cut it at your local high school car show, but you'll get your doors blown off at anything more serious.

JB, rock on, man

[JB in Irvine]

Originally posted by Quickstrike
.......
That powerpoint presentation sounds like a must-have.
Mind sharing with the Autopia crew?

OK...follow the link. Note the checklist is obviously specifc to my car, but you will get the idea.
JB's Concours Check List

[edschwab1]

Nice work JB.

I really like the ppt, makes remembering the final details easier.

Eric

[edschwab1]

JB,
Where did you purchase the travel cases from?

Eric

[JB in Irvine]

Originally posted by edschwab1
JB,
Where did you purchase the travel cases from?

Eric

The Container Store
http://www.containerstore.com/browse...1536&CATID=231

[Scottwax]

I really like the travel cases. I always bring some of my detailing stuff on trips since when I get there, my car needs attention. Cases like that would take up less space since I could use smaller bottle sizes and fit everything into a smaller container.

Your level of oranization is amazing! I really like how you track the areas that you've lost points, that is sure to give you a leg up on the competition and help you improve even more.

[BoxsterCharlie]

Wow, JB. I'm really glad I'm on the other coast so I don't see you at my events!

I used to think I tracked your obsession pretty evenly, but you've taken it up a notch with the installation of a new trunk latch AT THE EVENT! The worst I do is put the removable radio face and all the rubber storage liners in ziplock bags for the event.

I look forward to reading your checklist. It really is unbelievable how much work a total prep entails. After installing my winter wheels, I detailed my summer alloys indoors. At least 2 hours were required ON EACH WHEEL to get all the brake dust out, particularly from all the inside concave surfaces. I didn't even do this for my last concours, but at your level it would be essential.

[Pats300zx]

Wow, JB. I'm really glad I'm on the other coast so I don't see you at my events!

This so true !!! I am so glad that I own a 300ZX and don't have to compete against Porsches

That is so impressive JB..your organization is incredible...

[MBZ 500E]

JB thank you for sharing your experience, you've certainly helped me imeasurably over this past year and I look forward to learning more.

Some questions:

What size of Plastic case did you purchase for your show setup? Did you also find all the spray bottles at the container store as well and are they good quality?

Lastly....I'm glad I have an MB, no way I could compete at your level.

[JB in Irvine]

Originally posted by MBZ 500E
JB thank you for sharing your experience, you've certainly helped me imeasurably over this past year and I look forward to learning more.

Some questions:

What size of Plastic case did you purchase for your show setup? Did you also find all the spray bottles at the container store as well and are they good quality?

Lastly....I'm glad I have an MB, no way I could compete at your level.

I'll check the size of the cases when I am back home later this week. Yes I got all the bottles from the Container Store. They are nothing special, but they work.

Thanks JB