How too prep for Rouge Class "do and don't)

[30ccpickup]

Let's say you came across a car that is a good candidate for the Rouge Class of judging.

Step by step how would you clean and preserve…

Exterior finish: (mostly original paint with some buff throughs)
1.
2.
Etc.

Fender wells: (slight surface rust and tar)
1.
2.
Etc.

Undercarriage: (rust and years of hardened grease and dirt. Paint evident in some locations.)
1.
2.
Etc.

Thanks, and please include, "Definitely Don't"

[Seth Swoboda]

You don't need to do much. Give it a light cleaning. Do not replace anything with reproduction parts. If it's crusty, it's fine. You won't get deducted points for worn or stained upholstery. If the paint is faded and worn out, that is fine. If you want to clean off some hardened grease and dirt from the chassis that is okay. Just do not start repainting it.

In Rouge class, you can have the interior only judged, exterior or chassis. Or you can have the entire car judged.

We would love to see the car at a national meet. Rouge cars get as much or more attention than the restored Dearborn class cars.

[rockfla]

Its the beauty of a Rouge Class car, some dusting off, maybe a light wash, vacuum the dirt off the floor, clean the glass, make sure its running good and driving safe and show it!!!! The car will speak and show itself

[ford38v8]

If your seats are worn and ripped, leave them in place and cover with an Indian blanket or a DIY seat cover that you can pull up a corner to reveal the factory upholstery. Never remove the original. Pitted windshield can be polished out clear again. Window glass should be original if at all possible. Consumables such as tires, fan belt, motor mounts, spark plugs may be replaced with as close to original as possible. Wire harness may sometimes be salvaged with electrical tape, but use it sparingly. Items that personalize a man's car such as a rubber bladed fan or a suction cup ash tray or original window stickers that are part of the car's history may be retained, but don't trick it out with new junk.

[30ccpickup]

Thank you for the replies!

I sought this car because it was largely undisturbed. I believe I have a good handle on the rules, but I do not have a good way to clean the undercarriage and fender wells. When cleaning, I feel like I am scrubbing with sand. Is there a good way to clean the cake on: grease, oil, sand and tar without damaging the finish? And how do you treat the bare metal spots that show up once the caked on grease is removed?

With that being said, a second option would be leaving it undisturb and let nature do its thing; clean just what needs repaired. (I would still need to know what to do with the bare metal spots: wax, oil, let rust?)

I do drive my cars and it will be in the rain from time to time.

[nelsb01]

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Use this as you guidanace:

CONDITION DOESN'T COUNT.

The first time I took my 10 time winning Rouge vehicle to a EFV-8C National Meet, I was cleaning it like crazy. But I didn't have to, because it only has to preserve the way it is.

[rockfla]

As an example, here is my 3 time Rouge 39 Mercury. Other than a brake job, new water pumps and new head gaskets about 2-1/2 years ago....Just have kept it clean and oil changed.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by rockfla

As an example, here is my 3 time Rouge 39 Mercury. Other than a brake job, new water pumps and new head gaskets about 2-1/2 years ago....Just have kept it clean and oil changed.

Nice!

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Would like to learn a little more too. Maybe I will bring this up in the ragged ol truck thread. Could it be a candidate for that class? I have changed several things, but much remains as original too.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by sugarmaker

Folks,
Would like to learn a little more too. Maybe I will bring this up in the ragged ol truck thread. Could it be a candidate for that class? I have changed several things, but much remains as original too.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

Chris
I would think absolutely you could show in the “Rouge Class”. You can be judged in one, two or in all three areas SO you aren’t completely locked out of the class.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by rockfla

As an example, here is my 3 time Rouge 39 Mercury. Other than a brake job, new water pumps and new head gaskets about 2-1/2 years ago....Just have kept it clean and oil changed.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by sugarmaker

Folks,
Would like to learn a little more too. Maybe I will bring this up in the ragged ol truck thread. Could it be a candidate for that class? I have changed several things, but much remains as original too.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

Looking forward to seeing your truck in the Rouge class.

[FlatheadTed]

Heres one that could come under that class ,

[FlatheadTed]

More

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by FlatheadTed

Heres one that could come under that class ,

[ford38v8]

Pure gold!