Epping Antique Auto Flea Market

[Joe K]

Epping Antique Auto Flea Market today.

There at 6:45 a.m. to about four rows of cars parked, but an active crowd.

Gentleman entering at the same time I was was smoking my father's cigar - the year about 2000 since I've smelled that. As I said to him "Cigar smoking not too often seen anymore in public - thank you for reminding me of my father."

"My apologies" he said with a smile.

As to the selection, only about four sellers had anything of Model A. Almost more Model T stuff among those.

About half the tables were parts for (what I consider) late model cars (i.e. cars of production during my lifetime) The other half was primarily "ephemera." You know these - the oil cans, 6v, 12v and 120vac "finger cutter" fans. Some grinders, air compressors, drill presses of the Harbor Freight variety. Small Hot-Wheels type cars. Plastic Models.

I didn't see my usual contacts. Honest John Bradley was not there nor the Lexington, MA gentleman (Ken.)

3-1/2 rows of active sales - but a lot of sitting. Not too many parts seen in wagons or two-wheelers. One gentleman and his son had the radiator and cover for a 28-29 car. They were seen asking about other parts from those sellers who had ANY Model A parts.

I ended up buying a plumbers "acetylene tank & torch" for $10. Mostly interested in the tank as a spare for my Oxy-Acetylene setup. The hose and torch are trash. The tank is coded (i.e. no gauge on the bottom) and "modern."

I left about 8 a.m. By this time the parking lot was about half full - perhaps 10 rows - with a lot of gaps close in from the departure of early arrivals (like me.)

I suspect the early and non-standard date for the show is affecting. The Epping show USED to be held always the last Sunday of the month. This year they announced early to "watch their website for upcoming dates." August 10 is the earliest date in a month. Plus summer (heat) tends to cut into the show.

Perhaps September & October will offer better? September 14, October 12, November 9 will be the dates.

I heard Taunton (MA) mentioned as the next "good" show. I'll have to check the Internet.

Joe K
Live Free or Duh

[Richard Knight]

Sounds like nothing like the Amherst flea markets of old!

[Keith True]

Nope,not the same.But,when I started going up there in the early 70's it was a place for antique car parts.Now you could have the antique parts sales on your front lawn.Just not the same market anymore.There was virtually no hot rod stuff being sold there back then.A friend just stopped here with his 30 Fordor on his way home from the dragway meet.He didn't really find anything there,but he bought a few things from me today.I had an early 30 popout switch that Mr.Crabtree had done a few years ago,he had been looking for a core to send out,so he was happy to find a nice plug and play switch.He also bought a pair of early 30 forged front fender braces,and I gave him a timing gear cover and a valve chest cover.For some reason I have those stacked up like a row of sliced bread.

[Richard Knight]

Your place sounds like a much better stop than the race track!

[Flathead]

I really need to go there and sell, have lots of stuff I will never use. Getting up real early is not as much fun as it once was.

[Keith True]

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For close to 40 years I would get up,drive the 39 miles to Amherst,and be there before six.Now with the dragway less than 3 miles from me,I don't even bother to go.I just don't need anything.I'm really thinking about gathering up everything,and selling it all off.I have three A's on the road.but I only drive one at a time.I'll keep my pickup,as I've had it since 1968,when I was 12.I'm going to sell the Phaeton and the Coupe.I just went out for ice cream,and put just over 40 miles on the Coupe.Hurts my shoulders to drive it.The Phaeton doesn't bother my shoulders,but there is no room for my left leg because of the left hand parking brake.I have to fight that thing just to put my foot on the clutch.

[Joe K]

I heard Taunton (MA) mentioned as the next "good" show. I'll have to check the Internet.

A quick check of the Internet reveals that the "Taunton" show is no more. The show grounds are listed but "no longer in business" attached.

For seacoast NH/Southern Maine, Todd Farm in Rowley, MA seems the best next option. August 29 - 3pm to 7:30pm.

https://thetoddfarm.com/auto/

Joe K

[Russell Reay]

I have been to the swap meet at Fitchburg MA airport a couple times. It is only once a year in May, and there is more muscle car stuff than pre-war. Definitely worth the trip

[Richard Knight]

We did Amherst for quite a few years driving up from Rockport. Loading truck on Saturday driving up there with two kids so four of us in the pickup, doing the flea market, I had two spaces if I remember correctly and driving back home took a lot of effort. Kids would sleep on the way back home so they would be raring to go but I would be comatose. It was a lot of fun wandering around with Fred Page, and educational. As far as Todd farm I was not aware there was any car flea market going on.

[Keith True]

I never knew the Todd farm did old car stuff either.But,a friend sitting here said sure,they do a show a couple of times a year.He goes to it,and said there is one this month.

[Joe K]

It looks like the Todd "big show" is in October.

August 29 will be limited to post 3:30 pm, which I imagine might hold it back. While Saturday October 18 will be from 10am onward.

Its a short drive from here.

Joe K

[Boston Bruce]

John Bradley was at the Waterbury, VT meet this past weekend. He brought a Deluxe Phaeton for sale that needed a full restoration.

[Keith True]

My friend was looking for John at the dragway this weekend.He bought a used engine from John months ago,and put it in his 30 Fordor.He wanted to show John how nice it ran.