EMWRAPS prepared this purple classic Chevrolet bomb for the show circuit at our Seattle shop in SODO. The car got air ride, paint correction, chrome accents and a round of finishing touches before it went to the show. It came home with First Place and Best Bomb Car, and we were glad to be part of the build.
- Vehicle: Classic Chevrolet bomb, purple, with chrome and gold wire wheels
- Work: Air ride, paint correction, chrome accents, finishing touches
- Result: First Place and Best Bomb Car
- Shop: EMWRAPS, Seattle (SODO)
What is a bomb car?
A bomb is a classic American car, usually a Chevrolet, built in the lowrider style around its original body lines. Bombs are judged on stance, paint, chrome and detail, so a show-ready bomb needs every one of those right at the same time.
This one already had the look: deep purple paint and chrome and gold wire wheels. The owner brought it to EMWRAPS to take it from a good-looking classic to a car that could win on the show floor.
What work did EMWRAPS do on this Chevrolet bomb?
The build covered four areas: air ride, paint correction, chrome accents and finishing touches. Each one shows up in how a judge sees the car.
Air ride
Air ride replaces a fixed suspension setup with adjustable air springs, so the car can sit low for display and come up to a usable height for driving and loading. For a bomb, stance is half the look. Being able to lay the car down on the show floor, then raise it to clear a trailer ramp or a driveway, is why so many show builds use it.
Paint correction
Paint correction removes swirl marks, light scratches and haze from the clear coat by machine polishing in stages. On a dark color like this purple, those flaws show up under show lights, so correction is what brings back depth and a clean reflection.
Chrome accents and finishing touches
Chrome is a big part of bomb style, and the accents on this car were chosen to work with the purple paint and the chrome and gold wire wheels. The finishing touches were the last pass of detail work before the show. On a judged car, small things add up.
How do you prep a classic car for a car show?
Start with the parts a judge sees first, then work down to the details. A typical order looks like this:
- Get the stance right, since suspension work can affect fit and clearances elsewhere.
- Correct the paint so the finish is clean before anything is added on top of it.
- Add or refresh chrome and trim so it matches the rest of the car.
- Finish with detail work: glass, trim, wheels and anything the judges will lean in to look at.
Leave enough time before the show so the last week is not a rush.
Can a show car be protected after paint correction?
Yes. Once the paint is corrected, it can be protected so the finish lasts longer between shows. Ceramic coating adds gloss and a slick, easy-wash surface, and on paint it usually goes on after correction. Paint protection film is a clear, self-healing urethane film that stops rock chips and scratches and can be removed later without harming the paint. Ceramic and PPF are options for a car like this; they were not part of this build's list.
Why bring a show build to EMWRAPS?
EMWRAPS has been working on cars in Seattle since 2018 and has finished more than 2,500 projects. Most people know us for wraps, PPF and tint, but our aftermarket and parts work covers builds like this one, where suspension, finish and detail all have to come together. Our showroom inside The Shop Club in SODO has parts and wheels on display, by appointment.
Every trophy starts long before the show floor. Congratulations to the owner, and thank you for letting us be part of the build. See more of this car on our Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
What does air ride do on a bomb car?
Air ride on a bomb car swaps the fixed suspension for adjustable air springs, so the car can sit low on the show floor and lift to a practical height for driving, loading and clearing driveways. Stance is a big part of how a bomb is judged, which is why air ride is common on show-ready classic Chevrolets like this one.
How much does show car prep cost in Seattle?
Show car prep in Seattle is priced per project, because every classic car starts in a different place. Air ride, paint correction and chrome work depend on the car, its condition and the parts chosen. EMWRAPS quotes this kind of custom work after seeing the car; send photos through the quote form or call (206) 383-5328.
Can EMWRAPS protect a classic car's paint after a show build?
EMWRAPS can protect a classic car's paint after a show build with ceramic coating, clear paint protection film, or both. Ceramic adds gloss and makes washing easier; PPF is a self-healing urethane film that stops chips and scratches and comes off later without harming the paint. Ceramic on paint is priced by vehicle size and paint condition.
Building a show car?
Tell us about the car and the show you are aiming for. Get a quote through the quote form or call (206) 383-5328. We are at 1900 Airport Way S #103 in SODO, open Monday to Friday, 11AM to 6PM, with weekends by appointment.
