River Valley Cruisers Car Show Newaygo part four

River Valley Cruisers Car Show in historic downtown Newaygo. This is part four of four.

Here is the last of the beautiful, kool and hot cars in Newaygo, 2009. It was a great day in spite of the rain. The rain did hold off until the end, but started just as they began to hand out the trophies. I didn't get all of the winners, but did get some pics of a few of the recipients. So gather round, take a look and get excited for the next show!!


American Motors did make some hot looking cars. This AMC AMX is a prime example of what they did at their best. Very exciting design restored to its original condition. Thanks for bringing your car today!

Like most cars in this show, quality was the number one job of restoration. Hot Rod lovers can drool. What a nice, clean, straight car. The paint job was remarkable.

Not just another pretty face, this Hot Rod came with all one needs for buzzing around town. Great looks, great paint and nice folks. I would love a ride in this kool Hot Rod!

I noticed that I chose these two '55 Pontiacs to feature last year. Both are top notch cars with that kool hood ornament. I have always wondered....do they light up at night? If not, I think I would put some bright lighting system inside and make them GLOW!!

This neat Cushman sits inside the next truck. Colors match and all. A very nice display, guys! Does that little Cushman still run? I remember the day.....

This is the Ford that hauls the Cushman. A very good job in restoration and display set up. I always say, presentation is everything and this was presented very well. Great job....

Note the jacket on the back of the seat. Man, would I love a River Valley Cruisers jacket!! What would I do for one of those? Someday, when I join, I will have to steal...er..buy, a jacket like that!

Studebaker Lark, I do believe. So glad someone took the time to restore this car. I have so many memories of riding around town in my buddy Lee's Lark convertible. Wild times! Well, that is the way I remember it anyway, Lee!



Hot little VW. My daughter got her pic taken sitting in this bug. She is a true bug lover. I got to talk to the owner. They have the bug and Elvira sitting next door. Very nice folks, enjoying a day at the car show.



Elvira standing tall and looking good!

And the winner is....

Another winner!!

Great looking Chevy wins an award!!

Well, that is all from the River Valley Cruisers Car Show in Newaygo, Michigan. Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. Some very special cars were at this show and I regret that I didn't get a pic of every one. Maybe next year I will get some more!!

Our thanks to the River Valley Cruisers who volunteered to put on the show, and the many sponsors who donated time and money for all of the awards given. Our thanks again to Jim Mieras for his great job of Masters of Ceremonies. Like always, he was quick witted and ready with something interesting to say at any time! To the Dairy Queen and Mugsy's Drive In, thanks! Great sauerkraut dogs, too. I will cherish the mustard stain I got on my new River Valley Cruisers T-shirt.....

My thanks also, to Hagerty Collector Car Insurance for providing me with so many things to give to this show for their contestants. I am sure everyone enjoyed the bags, magnets, pens, etc!

See you at the next show. Mike's Show-N-Shine loves comments so be sure to add yours to the list by clicking on the "comments" below. If you would like to be notified each time I post something new, please go to the side bar (to the right) and click on "follow this blog" or one of the other links.

Make sure you visit our great advertisers, like American Muscle-(neat Mustang stuff!,) Hagerty Collector Car Insurance, Meguires Car Care and Deltran, the Battery Tender people. They all help Mikes Show-N-Shine sparkle!

See you next time. And remember- "If you don't like the show, leave."

Is it a Wax, or a Paint Sealant? Ask Meguiar's Online

Is it a wax, sealant, polymer coating, polish...darned if I know!!

When I have a question about car clean-up or detailing, I always turn to my friends at Meguiar's. Why? Because nobody knows cars like Meguiar's. Nobody. So, as I was reading Meguiar's Online, I ran across this article. How many times have you gone to the auto supply store, or maybe just the Walmart down the street and cruised the aisle looking for a good car wax. Or do you need a sealant? Carnabua Wax, synthetic?
Man, all these choices! What is the difference, anyway? Should I use a sealer and then a wax? Spray on or in a can?

Ahhhh. Here are the answers to your questions. Take a minute and read through this and you will get your questions answered.
My thanks to Mike Phillips of Meguiar's for his helpful work. You can see more of his writings and other great tips at Mequiar's Online.


Is it a wax? Or a paint sealant?

There's a lot of confusion over the topic of car waxes and paint sealants. More specifically, there's confusion over what's the difference between a car wax and a paint sealant? Such as when you would use one over the other as well as if you need to use both?

Here's what forum consensus is on this topic as the non-cyber world tends not to get as A.R.

Car Wax
On discussion forums, most people think of a car wax as something that contains some kind of naturally occurring wax, as in a type of wax that is found in nature, for example Carnauba wax is the most commonly used naturally occurring wax used in car wax formulations.


Paint Sealants
On discussion forums, most people think of a paint sealant as something made from synthetic polymers with no naturally occurring wax type substance or other naturally occurring ingredients.

(The above two explanations are fairly broad by design as I'm not a chemist and completely unqualified to write anything deeper when it comes to chemistry.)


To add to that confusion, some people think you need to use both usually performing a practice commonly known as Topping in which a person would first apply a paint sealant to seal the paint and provide perceived maximum protection followed by the application of a car wax, usually one that includes Carnauba to give the resulting final finish warmth and glow.

(Warmth, Glow, Pop, Sterile, Plastic are all discussion forum buzz words used to describe and differentiate the appearance results produced by either a paint sealant or a car wax)


Here's the skinny...

First, whether it's a car wax or a paint sealant, you only need to use one or the other, not both. You can use both if you like, that's personal preference, but you don't have to. Meguiar's has been teaching people the 5 Step Paint Care Cycle since 1981 when they introduced Trigger Wash which was the first "Mist & Wipe" type product that we've all come to refer to generically as Quick Detailers. The name Trigger Wash was dropped and the mist and wipe product that actually created/defined the category in the industry was named Quik Detailer. (Before 1981, because there was no such thing as a mist and wipe type quick detailer Meguiar's taught the 4-Step Paint Care Cycle)

The 5-Step Paint Care Cycle is a common sense approach to regular car care maintenance which breaks the process of maintaining a vehicle's paint into 5 distinct categories or steps. This would include,

Step 1: Washing
Step 2: Surface Prep
Step 3: Polishing
Step 4 Protecting - This is the step where you would apply either a car wax or a paint sealant
Step 5 Maintaining


Now follow me on this, you can figure out what a product is by the step or category it is placed into. If a product removes defects off or out of the paint then it fits into Step 2: Surface Prep.

If a product is applied to the paint with the end-result goal intended to be protecting the paint then it's placed into Step 4: Protecting no matter what the name is on the label of the bottle or can.

It is in the step or category that both groups, waxes and paint sealants belong. This being true, (and it is), then when it comes to protecting your car's paint, after you have done any necessary washing, surface prep and polishing, (and optional step), to prepare the paint then at this point you only need to choose and apply one type of product to coat over, seal and protect the paint. You can if you like apply one, two or more applications of this same product that's your choice but it's not necessary to apply an application of each type of product.

While you don't have to apply a coat of each type of protection product, some people choose to do this for a host of different reasons, usually for perceived better protection or perceived better appearance, but you don't have to, it's your option, not a rule.

Meguiar's recommends one coat of a protection product to protect the paint with a recommendation for a second coat to insure,

* Uniform appearance
* Uniform coverage

Meguiar's does not teach applying multiple, multiple applications of a paint protection product to create a thicker and thicker layer of this product on the surface because the surface of your car's paint will only hold so much product and after you've created a uniform coating, any more product applied simply replaces what is already there or is wiped off as excess residue. To date, no one has ever proved that layering, that is multiple applications for a product increases the thickness of the coating being applied.

The difference between a wax and a paint sealant
The difference or the distinction between what is a wax and what is a paint sealant, (according to forum consensus), is that a "Car Wax" contains some type of natural waxy type substance. A paint sealant contains no natural wax but instead is made from man-made or synthetic materials with the the catch-all term of polymers being the most common word used to describe what's in the can or bottle. There are currently no "Wax Police" so companies can pretty much use any word or term they choose to label their products.

According to the forum consensus definition of a paint sealant, NXT Tech Wax 2.0 is an all synthetic paint sealant but the word "wax" was chosen as the descriptive word for the label because the majority of enthusiasts in the world understand what a car wax is and when and how to use it. When the average do-it-yourselfer walks into an auto parts store to purchase products to wash and wax their car, they are looking for a Car Wash and a Car Wax. (Simple words that tell them what it is they are buying).

When you start using words like paint sealant or paint protectant on the label of a retail product on the shelf of you local auto parts stores, you can confuse the customer. That's bad marketing and you can lose market share but you can also keep a potential customer from using a top notch product because they don't understand what it is and when to use it.

So from a marketing and sales point of view you want to use the KISS system, that is Keep it Simple Simon.

We know in the "Discussion Forum World", people can get extremely AR about words and terms but at the end of the day what's most important is that you know what the product is that you're using and you're happy with the results it's producing in all it's dimensions which include, application, removal, appearance, protection, longevity, protection, cost and availability.

For the record...
NXT Tech Wax and M21 Synthetic Sealant are both paint sealants as both are made from all synthetic or man-made ingredients. NXT Tech Wax uses the word "wax" on the front label and is marketed and sold through normal consumer channels where the primary intended user is an enthusiast do-it-yourselfer. M21 uses the word sealant on the front label and is marketed and sold through professional channels where the primary intended user is is a professional.


(This is my favorite "last minute" shine. Quick, easy and looks GREAT!! Mike's Show-N-Shine plug!)

All the rest of Meguiar's waxes are "Blended Waxes in that they include a blend of both naturally occurring protection ingredients found in nature and a synthetic or man-made ingredients created in a laboratory. Meguiar's chemists have the expertise to blend multiple ingredients which results in paint protection products that provide multiple benefits and features versus only benefits and features based upon a single ingredient. Even our Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax while it states right on the label Carnauba Wax, if you turn the bottle over and read the back label it states that Carnauba Wax is blended with silicones, polymers and resins. Thus it is a blended wax.



__________________
Mike Phillips
Meguiar's Online Administrator

Thanks Mike. This was run with Mike's approval. What a guy. If you have any comments, please click "comments" below. If you would like to subscribe to Mike's Show-N-Shine and get it sent by email each time I post a new article, please look on the right hand column and sign up! Mike's Show-N-Shine loves comments and new subscribers!!

Celebration 10,000th Visit Continues Part Three

Today, Mike's Show-N-Shine posts its last Celebration 10,000th Visitor contest.

I have two more gifts to give away and this is from my friends at Meguiar's.
They have sent me two great items, both my favorites! The winner of this contest will receive both items.

First, Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer with the new Hydrophobic Polymer Technology.
This is the missing link between washing and waxing! Instantly restores your show car's perfect finish!



Second, Miguiar's New Quik Mist & Wipe Wheel Detailer. For that instant tire shine that you want when you take your classic car to the car show.



So, here is what you do to win these great items from Meguiar's. Simply leave a comment below telling me anything you know about the Meguiar company. Examples: What kind of events do they sponsor? What kind of product have you used from Meguiar's, etc, etc., etc. Make sure I have an email address, website or some other way of notifying you when you win. If I can't contact you, you will be ineligible. Contest is open only to those 16 or older and live in the U.S. (sorry, but all you great Mike's Show-N-Shine readers from outside our borders are not eligible!) Alaska & Hawaii are also not eligible. It's a shipping and local law thing. Contest closes at 11:59pm on November 25th. Winner will be picked by random.

A special thanks to my friends at Meguiar's for providing these amazing products! Thanks guys and gals!!

So get going! One entry per email address, please! Good luck!

Mike's Show-N-Shine is actually over 12,000 visitors and going strong. If you would like to advertise on this site, just drop a line. Let's talk.

Mike

Winterizing your Classic/Vintage Car

Ok, it is that time of year again. Time to think about putting up your beauty for the winter. The summer really flew by, didn't it?

Here are some tips. Take the time to do it right this year. Keep your baby safe!!

Every year, as winter approaches, owners of classic, antique and vintage cars ponder how they can best protect their prized possessions while they are stored until the following spring. Even for new cars, taking them off the road and letting them sit for three months or longer allows the effects of oxygen, gravity, and trace corrosive residues in the fuel, coolant and lubricants to more rapidly rust, oxidize, corrode, pit, crack and weaken vital external and internal surfaces. Any measures that the owners of these vehicles take must remove corrosives from the cooling, fuel and lubricating systems and apply protective or rejuvenating products to areas likely to undergo rusting or oxidation.

1. As gasoline burns, some of the products of combustion combine to form highly corrosive sulfuric acid which condenses on internal engine surfaces and is a common cause of exhaust valve pitting. Draining the oil from the vehicle after it has warmed up and replacing it will effectively remove corrosives that have accumulated.
2. Fill the gas tank to decrease the amount of water that condenses in the tank.
3. Replace other fluids such as coolant, brake and transmission fluids to replenish the anti-corrosive properties they offer.
4. Disconnect or remove the battery and store in a cool, dry place. Preserve the battery by connecting it to a trickle charger, preventing self-discharge.
5. Wash and then wax the car with Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax to add a fresh layer of protection. Thoroughly vacuum and shampoo the interior to remove any food crumbs and debris that might attract wayward rodents. Allow the interior to dry thoroughly before storing the car with all windows closed tightly. Convertibles should be stored with the roof up to prevent permanent wrinkles in the fabric.
6. Apply Meguiar's Hot Shine Tire Spray to tires and use their Quik Interior Detailer to interior surfaces to reduce drying and cracking. Consider mounting the vehicle on jack stands to preserve shocks and tires. Disengage the brake and slightly over inflate the tires.
7. Cover the car with a breathable car cover to allow dry air to circulate and discourage mold.
8. Store the car in a completely dry, enclosed, lockable garage and remove any valuables. Many classic cars are driven infrequently and qualify for cheap insurance rate, especially if they are stored securely.
9. Dampness and mold can invade your vintage car from the ground up through a damp garage floor. To prevent moisture from condensing on the undercarriage, lay down tar paper or a plastic drop sheet on the ground and park on top of it.

The best way to prepare and maintain your vintage car in winter is to take it to a facility which is in the business of storing cars. They can initiate a maintenance program which far surpasses what you might do at home. They are bonded and insured to cover any loss or damage to the vehicle.

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or not, taking the proper steps to prepare and store your antique, classic or vintage car for winter can virtually freeze its aging process and add years of enjoyment and pride in your masterpiece on wheels.

If you would like to comment on this article, please click the "comments" window below. I always enjoy hearing from my readers.

Product Review, Meguiar's Car Products Part Two

About two weeks ago, I mentioned that Meguiar's had sent me some complementary products to review here on Mike's Show-N-Shine. I did a post on half of the products and here I will review the others.

Meguiar's makes some great products, easy to use, easy to clean up. I was quite impressed with all of them. Not that I hadn't tried any Meguiar's products previously. I have a number of Meguiar's waxes in my "clean and wax" collection. But these were all the latest and greatest.




I tried this on my wife's PT Cruiser in my first review about Meguiar's products. I really liked it. It made the tires shine and kept that shine for just about two weeks. Actually they still look pretty good, just a bit dirty now! That is on a car that is driven every day, probably 60 to 100 miles each day.



I have now tried it on my Mustang and it looks great! I would highly recommend this product for keeping the wheels black on your collector car! Simply spray it on. It is up to you whether you want to wipe it off, or leave the shiny look. I prefer the "new tire" look, so I always wipe it off.




This was a bit difficult to test. The plastic on the lenses of the PT are in pretty good condition. So I let them get quite dirty, two weeks worth of dirt as a matter of fact, and then cleaned them with Meguiar's Plasix Cleaner. What a difference!! Where they were once a bit dull, they now sparkle like glass! It sure sold me!



What a pain it is to use most interior cleaners. They leave a greasy surface and collect dust and dirt like a magnet. Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Wipes is much different. They pop out of the container just a bit damp and wipe away all of the dust that has accumulated from parking in dusty lots at some of the car shows. It wipes across the surface easily without leaving the sticky, wet goop the "well known" cleaner leaves behind. It can be carried along with your Meguiar's Detailer in your trunk for that last minute spruce up when you get to the show. It won't leak all over the trunk, and will wipe off seats, dash, side panels etc., quickly and easily.
Another great product!




I am familiar with Meguiar's Mist & Wipe Detailer. But this next item is their newest. As you know, I am not one to spend lots of time waxing my Mustang. One good wax a year is enough for me. But just before I go to a car show, or, sometimes when I am rushed and attend without that last minute clean up, I use Meguiar's Mist and Wipe Detailer. This new product is also called a Quik Detailer and is even better than what I usually use. It still smells great! Spray it on, and towel it off. I did my entire car in about 20 minutes! Chrome and all!




That is what I really like about Meguiar's Quik Detailer. It can take care of all the surfaces. (Probably not the windows...although maybe I should try......) I highly recommend Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer with "Hydrophobic Polymer Technology" as it says on the bottle.



My thanks to Meguiar's and their agent Fazel for allowing me to review their products. It was no stretch for me to recommend these fine Meguiar's products. They never let you down and always perform better than you expect! Click on Meguiar's name in the text to see more Meguiar's items.
To leave a comment, simply click "comments" below. I love to hear from my readers.

See you at the Rivertree Community Church Car Show Sunday afternoon, 2-5pm. Last year it was a blast with 100 to 150 cars showing up. 1951 64th St SW Byron Center, MI. 531-3500 for info.