Chickasha disappointment.

[Chris Haynes]

After hearing all the hype about the Chickasha meet I decided to travel over halfway across the country to go to it. I was underwhelmed. I found it to be slim pickings. Lots and lots of Model T front axles, frame parts, rear ends, steering boxes, and a few fenders. Very little Model A anything. Many, many vacant vendor spaces. Hopefully the Bakersfield/Tulare meet will be much better as it always has been.

[J Franklin]

Covid disrupted many things, did you go visit the cowboy hall of fame while close by?

[McMimmcs]

My comment earlier was looked disorganized and very Mickey Mouse. Glad I didn’t travel 1000 miles thanks to Truly Vintage videos.

[700rpm]

The latest word on the Portland Swap Meet is that it is also cancelled for 2021.

[Oldbluoval]

This disease has done this to most events. Couple that with the fact this early stuff is/has dwindled greatly. About the only time any volume of parts gets out is when one of the old timers gives up, retires or passes. It’s sits in the hands of hoarders (I may be guilty) until one of the “events” eluded to occurs.
We need to be aware that if our estates sells these parts they may bring a dime on the dollar. Best to have a plan!

[Steve Plucker]

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Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

This disease has done this to most events. Couple that with the fact this early stuff is/has dwindled greatly. About the only time any volume of parts gets out is when one of the old timers gives up, retires or passes. It’s sits in the hands of hoarders (I may be guilty) until one of the “events” eluded to occurs.
We need to be aware that if our estates sells these parts they may bring a dime on the dollar. Best to have a plan!

You can say that again...I am currently downsizing myself.

Going to sell my 50's and and 60's early 70's Rock and Roll collection of vinal music records today...over 1600 45's and 800 LP's...probably will not get much for them but they have been sitting dormant for to long now plus a few other things.

Model A parts...Still hoarding...but there will come a day I am sure!

Pluck

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I had planned to attend again however another commitment (-racing at Bristol) kept me from attending this year. Instead, I sent a wants list with a friend from Knoxville who was able to source many items for me. Chris, I am not sure when you arrived, but half of the swap meet is held in the adjacent parking area the day prior to the event officially opening the gates. This may have been why you did not see many good items for sale.

As far as it being disorganized, you need to understand this swap meet started as a small (-still is) meet where where a group of people who (only) share an interest in early cars have chosen to have a meet. It is in a primitive setting in a very small rural town, -and with that may come the perception of being disorganized. Brass-era has always been the main attraction for this meet. What most people do not realize is if you attend a large swap meet with 500-600 vendors, maybe only 100 of them will have early pre-war parts, ...and maybe only 50 of them will be selling Model-A parts. At this meet, you have 150+ vendors all selling early stuff, so you don't have to walk past 20 spaces filled with Camaro & Mustang stuff, -or Trinkets & Trash vendors just to get to the next space that has some Model-A parts.

These pictures were taken from the meet in 2019 a couple years ago, but I went to the meet with an empty SUV, and an empty barrel & trailer, -and this came home with me. The back of the SUV was filled with more delicate items (headlight buckets, hubcaps, speedo cores, etc.) The barrel was about ½ full of core items to rebuild (steering arms, distributor housings, carburetors, and smaller items to difficult to strap down). I hate it that you were unable to find what you needed, but as Bill said, the Covid has affected many things in our world including this meet.

.
.

[Jack Shaft]

The quality and quantity of the stuff in the west outweighs the stuff east. The estate action is hot right now, and prices are down, I saw 25 core A engines go for 500 bucks.. I see the swap meets as social events, though I did buy some of Glenn Johnsons stuff at the Auburn model T club swap last year,not the typical junk you see. Most of the time at the end of the day I had wished I stayed home and worked on the car..

[ronn]

I HIT cARLISLE IN THE FALL WITH LITTLE EXPECTATION.


HAD A GREAT TIME, CAME HOME WITH A GOOD BIT OF a STUFF AND WISHED i HAD MORE ROOM ON MY TRUCK..............


sorry bout the caps- im not screaming.........

[Wick]

If your in the East,then Luray Va. Is the place. The Mid Atlantic pre war swap meet is held in May. Lot's of T stuff, but the A parts were right heavy also last year. Good place to find nos parts.

[700rpm]

I’ve been trying to sell my Model A detritus for three months on this site as well as local club newsletters and Craig’s List, with very little success. The more desirable items (but not rare) went early, (horn, generator, speedos, ign. switch), but there has been no action on the rest (headlight lenses, nice front bumper, splash apron, tail light parts, water pumps, ‘29 steering wheel and light rod, air filter, and so on.) I priced these items fairly, I thought, but apparently not. I suspect season and covid have been a factor, and maybe my pricing, but maybe also there is a waning need for these less difficult to find small parts? Or maybe, as was mentioned here a couple weeks ago, guys are more inclined to buy new reproduction parts than engage in the actual restoration of original pieces? I’m not ready yet to throw stuff away or give it away. I’m thinking as the weather gets nicer I’ll hold a garage sale of Model A parts only and see what happens.

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

After hearing all the hype about the Chickasha meet I decided to travel over halfway across the country to go to it. I was underwhelmed. I found it to be slim pickings. Lots and lots of Model T front axles, frame parts, rear ends, steering boxes, and a few fenders. Very little Model A anything. Many, many vacant vendor spaces. Hopefully the Bakersfield/Tulare meet will be much better as it always has been.

Looking forward to the Tulare meet on May 1st. Not half way across the country, only about a 3 1/2 hour drive. I'm having swap meet withdraw so hopefully this will be the fix I need.

[J Franklin]

I find that items do sell if they have a price that forces a sale.

[Jordan]

Our Fort Worth Model A Ford Club helps puts on the Pate Swap Meet in Fort Worth, TX. We already have sold more spaces than ever before (9,000+) and we are closing in at our max space of 10,000 spaces. It was the 3rd largest swap meet in the country, however we are well on our way to being the 2nd or 1st largest. Our swap meet is growing every year. It might not be only pre-war, but there's a lot of goodies.

We have our approval to host the event this year. It will be at the Texas Motor Speedway on the east side (normally on the west side). This is so they can still have the largest vaccine hub in the nation operating at the same time.

The dates are April 22-25, 2021

[Oldbluoval]

“detritus”
You have to use words us dumb southerners know!
Looked it up and basically means junk!
Got plenty of that .....might consider selling by the pound!

[ldreeg]

For me it was a 3 1/2 hour drive and I arrived there before 8:00 am the day of the meet. Lot's of empty spaces and again, mostly T stuff. I bought a couple things I didn't need but still good to get to a swap meet after all this time. Going to Pate next month, about an hour away. Normally not much A stuff but hopeful for this year.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

“detritus”
You have to use words us dumb southerners know!
Looked it up and basically means junk!
Got plenty of that .....might consider selling by the pound!

you can add on 10% if you don’t call it junk. Hahaha

[dean from bozeman]

MARC meets and Model A Days at the Model A Museum in Gilmore are as good as it gets for Model A swaps. I'm really looking forward to Hershey this year also.

[Brubaker]

"I’m thinking as the weather gets nicer I’ll hold a garage sale of Model A parts only and see what happens."[/QUOTE]

Ray,
Not that I need another reason to head up to Portland, but if you end up having a garage sale, keep us posted.
Thanks, Bruce

[MickyD]

Don't let them go for less than$1 each. I sold mine for that in NC where this is the low price. I probably still have a couple 100 left which are mostly country. Vinyl is doing better right now. It should do real good in CA..

[Mr48]

It's been hit or miss at any swapmeet for me for several years. Either there is nothing that I am looking for, there are a bunch of what I am looking for or the price is out of line from what I want to pay.

A lot of the old regulars are getting up in age and those that go seem to drag the same stuff they have had for years. I've had pretty good luck with rodders selling off their left over items though.

Word is that along with being cancled this year 2022 for Portland as from what I understand control of the Expo center where it and the Portland Roadster show are held is changing and no one knows what the people taking over have planned.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Brubaker

"I’m thinking as the weather gets nicer I’ll hold a garage sale of Model A parts only and see what happens."

Ray,
Not that I need another reason to head up to Portland, but if you end up having a garage sale, keep us posted.
Thanks, Bruce[/QUOTE]

Will do.

[Cpuckett]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

You can say that again...I am currently downsizing myself.

Going to sell my 50's and and 60's early 70's Rock and Roll collection of vinal music records today...over 1600 45's and 800 LP's...probably will not get much for them but they have been sitting dormant for to long now plus a few other things.

Model A parts...Still hoarding...but there will come a day I am sure!

Pluck

I’m VERY interested in your LP,S if you have a list or pics

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Cpuckett

I’m VERY interested in your LP,S if you have a list or pics

Just sold the lot.

Pluck

[trulyvintage]

If your only goal in going to Chickasha Swap Meet
is to buy & sell - stay home - buy & sell on
The Interweb.

Chickasha Swap Meet is - was - will continue
to be - a family gathering.

This year - more than most - that was needed.

I will be at Tulare in May to observe & report.

And To Visit With Family.


Jim

[California Travieso]

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Originally Posted by 51504bat

Looking forward to the Tulare meet on May 1st. Not half way across the country, only about a 3 1/2 hour drive. I'm having swap meet withdraw so hopefully this will be the fix I need.

Did you mean the Selma Meet? It was last weekend March 20. I’m hoping the Bakersfield Swap meet will be held.

I couldn’t go because I had to get my 2nd COVID shoot that day. Glad that’s over with. My wife will feel better about me attending some swap meets this spring.

David Serrano

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by California Travieso

Did you mean the Selma Meet? It was last weekend March 20. I’m hoping the Bakersfield Swap meet will be held.

I couldn’t go because I had to get my 2nd COVID shoot that day. Glad that’s over with. My wife will feel better about me attending some swap meets this spring.

David Serrano

No. This one on May 1st at the AG Center.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-2021.1211075/

[SteveB31]

I make a living buying and selling Model A parts for the last 38 years. 20 years ago we acquired our original parts primarily at swap meets and farm auctions. Now, we acquire them on the internet and estates. I haven’t bought any Model A parts at a swap meet in 5 years. The internet is full of places to buy great stuff and no driving or hotels needed.

I will say this, the single best swap meets I have bought many good Modal A parts is at the MARC meets. They are along drive for you, but they have the best swap meets.

[wwirz]

Originally Posted by dean from bozeman

MARC meets and Model A Days at the Model A Museum in Gilmore are as good as it gets for Model A swaps. I'm really looking forward to Hershey this year also.

I am planning on going to Hershey this year as well. I have not been there since 1974.

[Ranchero50]

Originally Posted by wwirz

I am planning on going to Hershey this year as well. I have not been there since 1974.

I thought Hershey gave up already... I love swap meets for the experience and talking to other folks.

Luray is on my list for this year and I always find things I didn't think I'd need at Carlisle.

[dean from bozeman]

From the Hershey AAC website:

What are the dates for Fall Meet 2021?
Fall Meet 2021 dates are October 6-9

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by dean from bozeman

From the Hershey AAC website:

What are the dates for Fall Meet 2021?
Fall Meet 2021 dates are October 6-9

In my opinion nothing compares to Hershey. If it’s safe I’ll be there. If it’s not safe I’ll be watching videos of it.

[77Birdman]

Im one of those that goes just because. My cars are 70's vintage although not one of the more popular brand to find lots of spares for. There are a couple of guys that specialize in the make that set up at Carlisle. I dont always go looking, but usually do find something. Sometimes it may just be some shop equipment. I very much look forward to Hershey, moreso than Carlisle and there is even less stuff for my car there. I like going through the car corral, and just seeing whats out there in general. I try to hit Carlisle in the spring, Hershey in the fall. My wife doesnt care about cars and she even likes to go to Hershey with me to look around.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by Wick

If your in the East,then Luray Va. Is the place. The Mid Atlantic pre war swap meet is held in May. Lot's of T stuff, but the A parts were right heavy also last year. Good place to find nos parts.

https://www.mapwsm.com


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by trulyvintage

If your only goal in going to Chickasha Swap Meet
is to buy & sell - stay home - buy & sell on
The Interweb.

Chickasha Swap Meet is - was - will continue
to be - a family gathering.

This year - more than most - that was needed.

I will be at Tulare in May to observe & report.

And To Visit With Family.


Jim

Being as I have no family there my only reason to travel 1,360 miles is to shop. Friday morning was slim pickings. Mostly vacant spaces in both buildings with lots of open land outside. As stated elsewhere most of the good stuff was sold from vendor to vendor on Thursday.

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

. . . As stated elsewhere most of the good stuff was sold from vendor to vendor on Thursday.

Unfortunately, that seems to be prevalent at most swap meets. Even during the regulars hours for the meet, I have come across sites where the wife is left to sell the stuff while the guy is out looking for more stuff. They never seem to know prices and don’t dare negotiate.

David Serrano

[trulyvintage]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

Being as I have no family there my only reason to travel 1,360 miles is to shop. Friday morning was slim pickings. Mostly vacant spaces in both buildings with lots of open land outside. As stated elsewhere most of the good stuff was sold from vendor to vendor on Thursday.

If you aren’t going to visit folks in the hobby.

Stay Home.

You will save time & money shopping on the internet.

It isn’t just “ vendor to vendor “ sales that
take place on Thursday - it is full blown
retailers that are NOT primarily vending
at Chickasha - they are buying wholesale from
folks that came to set up for the public on Friday.

As long as that keeps happening - it will be
slim pickins on Friday & Saturday.


Jim

[mrraford]

I was able to attend on Friday. Yes it was small as expected due to covid but I was able to find several A related gems at reasonable prices.
Those of us that have attended that meet through the years observe trends. One year it will be lots of T stuff, the next will be lots of A stuff. People being people you can't predict. I was able to visit with old friends and spend a cool sunny day looking for the diamond in the rough.
Perhaps as covid fades away (unless the government concocts another way to control the population) swapmeets will return in size and variety.

[iron mountain 1]

I was very happy with Chickasha. I found several model A part I wanted/needed at prices that were fair to both parties. I paid $75 for a fiberglass top for a late 1931 p/u. Real steel one are like hens teeth to find. I found model A bed, and saw several workable fenders. This one is good quality an will fill the space until I find a real one. It was found on Friday morning. However we were at the lot on Thursday morning for the feeding frenzy. It is tradition and part of the trip to be at the pre swap meet, before the real swap meet If you are there for the pre swap meet on Thursday, not all parts get displayed and Friday is like a whole new swap meet!!!��

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by iron mountain 1

It is tradition and part of the trip to be at the pre swap meet, before the real swap meet If you are there for the pre swap meet on Thursday, not all parts get displayed and Friday is like a whole new swap meet!!!��

Is that just a Chickasha tradition or does it happen at other places? I'm planning to go to Luray for my first swap meet experience, and if there's a prior swap meet I'd like to know about it.

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by 51504bat

No. This one on May 1st at the AG Center.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-2021.1211075/

Thanks. If I go we’ll stay in Visalia.

David Serrano

[Gene F]

Hey 700, I never have any luck selling even hard to find parts. Heck some of the guys in my local club have needed parts, and I just gave em to em with the provision that they 1) use the part, 2) go on at least one short club event with us.

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by California Travieso

Thanks. If I go we’ll stay in Visalia.

David Serrano

I plan on leaving at O dark thirty. No issues getting through traffic in LA. It will make for a long day but its only 3 1/2 hours each way. Easy peasey.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by 51504bat

I plan on leaving at O dark thirty..

Man I haven't heard THAT term in many years!!