I thought this was a great article:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...607150309/1026
I know that most of us think this is common knowledge, but for the novice looky-lous - great advice!
Ask questions. People who take cars to events aren't standoffish. They're there to show off. You can tell, because all it takes is one question to get them started.
"Ask the owner what they find interesting about the car," suggests Paul Zarb, 47, of Milford, who was there with his green '69 Corvette. "They'll tell you everything."
"Specific cars will have specific problems, and these guys know what everything is," agreed Tom Elwood of New Hudson, who was hanging out in front of his family's lineup of classic Mustangs.
Leave the belt buckles at home. Nothing gets the owner of a shiny automobile more nervous than the sight of someone bending over to take a look, a giant metal buckle hovering inches over their prized paint jobs. Metal watches, bracelets and even large rings also put them on alert.
"Touching's not a big deal," said Jerry Carrico, 47, of Highland, there with his '69 Plymouth RoadRunner. "It's the watches, the belt buckles."
Still, ask before you touch -- and never sit in someone's car without permission. Not all owners feel the same way.
"Never touch somebody's car with your hands," says Richard Hubanks, 49, of Commerce Township, who was there with his 2006 Mustang GT convertible.
Keep the kids off the cars. It's tempting to let children roam at car shows -- they're friendly events, with lots of families. But that leads to stories that car owners relate with horror about kids piling into their prized possessions without permission or a backward glance. Strollers aren't welcome anywhere near the cars, either.
Keep pets away from cars. If you've got the dog along, either hand it off to your companion when you see a vehicle you'd like to examine up close, or keep that leash cinched so tight that nary a nose print is possible (or heaven forbid, a claw mark) as they, too, take a look inside.
Pack right for the occasion. If you're at an event that sells concessions, consider buying them to support the cause. If not, pack your own water and snacks. Toss in light-colored clothing, a camera and possibly a folding chair or two to rest on while you chat about the sleek cars.
Heather Newman
How to do a car show 
