Chickasha 2023 thoughts??

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

For those that actually attended the 2023 Chickasha swap meet, what were your thoughts??

[Ron Blissit]

Not much turn out of vendors or buyers. This was once a great swap meet for early cars.Not like Hershey where you walk for miles to look at chrome junk

[mcgarrett]

NONE of the major parts suppliers that usually participate were there. That's not a good sign of things to come for this swap meet.

[AzBob]

All right, sure it's a little smaller this year. Still some great finds and bargains to be had. Enjoy chatting and meeting up with folks.

I saw several Pre-War cars that I would not see anywhere else! Where else are you going to see a '34 DeSoto Airflow 2 door, a 1924 Willys-Knight with the sleeve valve engine or a 1914 Studebaker Touring barn find?

I picked up a set of five 19" Model A wheels complete with white wall tires and nice hubcaps all in decent condition for $400. These were not your typical rusted beat up bent spoke wheels one usually finds.

I will continue to go until it is no more. In addition, it was a 2,000 mile round trip for me. I actually enjoy the drive. Sort of like a yearly pilgrimage.

[cas3]

I agree with Bob ^^, I go every year. 1600 mile round trip. It was down a bit this year, but weather was bad and I think to blame. Also lots of upset folks mad about the new system of keeping the spectators out of the line up pre show. Are they trying to stop sales in the parking lot?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Let me start by saying it was a fantastic swap meet for me, ...however, -the purchases I made that made it a great meet for me were not related to Model-A.

With the above said, many of the people I spoke with (-both vendors and buyers) said they will not be back in 2024. To me, it seemed the North Building's spaces were over 50% unoccupied. The South Building's spaces were close to about 50% occupied, ...and the exterior spaces were likely near 25% occupied (-or 75% vacant!!). I guess I would agree that maybe the weather did have something to do with it, but for the vendors who had spaces inside one of the buildings, I would have thought that wouldn't have mattered.

Interesting thought about trying to stop the presales. Ironically, everyone that was inline also had a space, so not sure what the Ersland's motive is on trying to stop the sales. Sales on Thursday when we arrived were very, very good for us, and we became overwhelmed so we pulled a tarp over things to catch our breath. Things took off again for an hour or so after we were set-up on the space around 3:30 to 4:00 and then sales fizzled. On Friday, from about 8:00 - 9:30AM things were selling well ...and then it just 'died'. Not just for us, but for almost everyone! Around 2:30 that afternoon we decided to start packing things on the trailer to leave, and by 4:00 people around us were pulling out heading home. So in a nutshell, over ½ of the attendees decided not to come, and for the ones that did, halfway thru the event it seemed like over half of them left to go home a day early.

Bob, like you it was about 2,000 miles for us too. My takeaway judging by this year is there was/is some good stuff there, but not enough to fill the needs and to make the trip worthwhile financially. Maybe that is because the east coast has some better options for Model-A swap meets.??.

Bob, you also said above "where else are you going to find those cars?". Last year at Luray, there was 3X that many cars like you are describing there. To be honest, when you look at the brass-era cars that were at Chicksha this year, Mark Freimiller (from Florida) brought that early Cadillac and that Woods, and then the Studebaker you mentioned made-up all of the early cars that were there. What about Model-As?? The Convertible Sedan was not for sale, and I don't recall seeing a single restored or unrestored Model-A there for sale. There were a few 20's-era Model-Ts for sale, but not many cars for sale beside what has been mentioned above. It was never like that in years past from what I remember. There was only one new parts vendor there and that one was selling Model-T parts.

One thing that I did find frustrating is the apparent lack of Model-A hobbyists looking for quality merchandise. I had a restored set of 1930 hubcaps for sale and most who looked at them said they could buy new ones for $10 a piece. I had a NOS 30/31 soybean steering wheel and I cannot tell you how many argued that it was an old reproduction. The same thing with a late '31 distributor body with the Ford script and the USA. Even after I showed one guy and his buddies where it described that in the JS book, he still argued that I didn't know what I was talking about and what I had was an old reproduction. I also had a 1930 shell that Doug Bruce had restored that was show quality on the table for $1400. Guys would look at it and ask what planet was I from because they could buy a new repro for $300 from all of the vendors. Blake & I explained that Snyder's price is $800 now and they don't fit, ...but they still said I was crazy. Guys like that quickly took the fun out of being there as a vendor. I did see some Fordbarn guys that we chatted some and that made those moments very enjoyable however I think the mindset of some Model-A attendees have made this swap meet become a junk fest. Ironically some of the Model-T guys I spoke with said the same thing. And, it appears the older HCCA guys just do not have the energy to participate any longer which does not look good for the future of this meet. Kinda sad.

[Marshall V. Daut]

What was the point of someone trailering an A-400 all the way to the meet if it was not for sale?
Marshall

[trulyvintage]

Lang’s was there.
I talked with Dean Yoder early Thursday afternoon
as he waited for the gates to open.
He had already bought some rods
and transmissions.

If you are just going to auto swap meets
to buy & sell stay home - do your business
on the internet.

Bakersfield Swap Meet died because HCCA
local members got tired of doing the work
and decided to shut it down.

For many years - I have covered swap
meets live - posting on Facebook & YouTube
and public forums.

I wasn’t able to attend Chickasha this year
because I was in the Seattle area dropping
off a car for The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.

But - others did - and they posted about it:

@ https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35415

Wanna see The Hobby Die ?
Don’t go to swap meets.
B*tch & Mo@n on Interweb Forums.


Jim

[mcgarrett]

For many years Chickasha has been the best pre-war swap meet for those of us who live in the DFW area since it is only a 3.5 hour drive from Dallas. Now that it's on the decline, what other good pre-war type swap meets can we set our sights on in the future other than Hershey?

[trulyvintage]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

For many years Chickasha has been the best pre-war swap meet for those of us who live in the DFW area since it is only a 3.5 hour drive from Dallas. Now that it's on the decline, what other good pre-war type swap meets can we set our sights on in the future other than Hershey?

The Chickasha Swap Meet is a barometer of
what is happening to the way folks buy and sell
in the hobby.


Changing the location doesn’t change the trend.

I will repeat what I just posted …
Don’t go to swap meets if you are just
planning to buy and sell.

If you don’t get it by now, then you never will.

Folks have to find value in getting together
and doing business in person for swap meets
to continue to exist.

It is an investment in the present that ensures
the future of the hobby.


Jim

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

What was the point of someone trailering an A-400 all the way to the meet if it was not for sale?
Marshall

Likely because it is a good central meeting point. About 15 years ago I had a 1931 DeLuxe Delivery brought from Albuquerque, NM to the swap meet where I picked it up to save myself 1,000 miles of extra driving.

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

For many years Chickasha has been the best pre-war swap meet for those of us who live in the DFW area since it is only a 3.5 hour drive from Dallas. Now that it's on the decline, what other good pre-war type swap meets can we set our sights on in the future other than Hershey?

I agree, -and that's a great question. I'm kinda in the same situation trying to determine where to go. Ironically about 25 years ago +/-, a person living in the DFW, Houston, San Antonio area could travel in under a 250 mile radius between these towns, and attend swap meets about 30 weeks out of the year. Decatur, Pate, Spring, Conroe, Chickasha, et/al had good swap meets for finding Model-A parts. Not sure if these are even happening any longer.

As for now, if good-quality Model-A parts is what you are after, then I think the Model-A swap meet at Gilmore, -or the swap meets at the national events are probably the best value. I have found Luray to be a decent Model-A meet. There is one in S Carolina the same weekend as Charlotte that I am going to try. If you are mostly looking for brass-era stuff, then likely Tulare for the west coast, Luray for the east coast, and Gilmore's Brass Celebration or Mark Cameron's swap meet in MN for the midwest.

Originally Posted by trulyvintage

If you are just going to auto swap meets
to buy & sell stay home - do your business
on the internet.


Wanna see The Hobby Die ?
Don’t go to swap meets.
B*tch & Mo@n on Interweb Forums.

Jim

Jim, I'm not sure of your logic about not attending a swap meet if my intention is to buy or sell (-as I thought THE reason for a swap meet was to buy and sell!!) but now I guess buying & selling is not what is supposed to happen there. Thank you for letting us/me know that. As far as the hobby dying, I doubt a swap meet has any bearing on whether our hobby will continue or die, ...but then again, what do I know??

[mcgarrett]

trulyvintage,
Please don't misunderstand my question, I think we're on the same page. I enjoy the camaraderie of a swap meet and I look forward to seeing friends and acquaintances that share the same interests as I do as well as meeting new people in the hobby - I'm sure you do too. It's the people that make our hobby what it is and it always has been that way. I also prefer to buy and sell face-to-face; I want to see what I'm buying in person. Swap meets are good for our hobby and I want them to survive and thrive. I plan to attend as many as physically possible, and spend money while I'm there!

[trulyvintage]

Before the Interweb - the traditional swap meet
was the logical choice for a social setting
for folks to meet to do business.

Successful ongoing business relationships are
based on personal interaction.

The swap meet provides the environment
conducive for new relationships to be made
and to strengthen and grow.

It comes down to what a person values
every day when they start their day ….

Some folks seek to help out others
and in the process earn a Living.

Some folks seek to profit from others
and view them as an economic asset
to their own personal financial gain.


Jim

[trulyvintage]

2021 Chickasha Swap Meet Interviews

@ https://youtu.be/5z7qQLpFeKQ

@ https://youtu.be/c6bJs3Fd_-s


Jim

[31a]

I had been a model A parts for over 20 years the weather has always been an issue. After last year there was very few vendors and almost no buyers and bad weather on Friday. for me it was a business decision not to come. twenty five years ago you could not walk it in a day I really miss that swap meet

[mcgarrett]

On a positive note, a good friend who is a Pate Director told me that this year, Pate is hoping to sell close to 10,000 vendor spaces. Pate is certainly not in the same league with Chickasha as far as having a robust amount of pre-war parts, but there is still good stuff out there - like anything else, it's hit & miss. If you don't mind wading through row after row of small block Chevy stuff, pots & pans, and lawn mowers, it's not a bad swap meet. I'll be there myself with a mix of Model T, A, & Early V8 goodies.

[Oldbluoval]

I sorta understand some of the above logic. Sorta….
Swap meets used to be to get rid of excess parts and things unneeded. Or leftover.
Then they became true “swap meets”….I swap my parts for your dollars! Or vice versa..
I make a line of specialty parts and I charge well for them. My interest began, and is, because I have and like the body styles and no one else was making the parts. I truly make them to promote those body styles….but no intention of losing money just to help others
with a restoration.
There are NO Mother Theresa’s in this hobby!! IMHO

[trulyvintage]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

I sorta understand some of the above logic. Sorta….
Swap meets used to be to get rid of excess parts and things unneeded. Or leftover.
Then they became true “swap meets”….I swap my parts for your dollars! Or vice versa..
I make a line of specialty parts and I charge well for them. My interest began, and is, because I have and like the body styles and no one else was making the parts. I truly make them to promote those body styles….but no intention of losing money just to help others
with a restoration.
There are NO Mother Theresa’s in this hobby!! IMHO

The success of any aftermarket part
or service depends - in part - upon
real world personal interaction both
with potential and current customers.

No one should be expecting Mother Theresa
at a swap meet - just like no one should
expect a good or service to be provided
at or below cost.

Because I observe and report what I see
when I attend swap meets - my attention
is focused on human interaction.


@ https://youtu.be/4mpG01uNthE


Jim

[Gary Karr]

I'll be going to the Tulare swap meet on April 14 &15. I hope it's at least in part as good as the Bakersfield swap meets were.

[KR500]

Brent, I had hoped for many years to be able to attend Chickasha, just never made it. I had gone for many years in the 70s, 80s, and 90s to Hershey and have been an attendee to Iola, Wisconsin since 1975. I've seen many things that have in one way or another affected the appearance of good parts at the swap meets. If you are a true hunter and realize any particular part may appear at any on swap meet you'll join the hunt. The people, you will always meet fun and interesting people and make lasting friendships. When I can no longer go to swap meets I will be disappointed. Illinois has been a great hunting ground for me.

[bobbader]

The conversation could be much the same if asked for comments about Hershey this year. After many of us stayed at home for 2 years during the height of COVID, people were clamoring to get back to the car shows, attendance went through the roof. That still pretty much rings true for the buyers. At the same time, there has been a shift in the way vendors do business. During those "stay at home" days, even those who just sell for "pin money" learned to sell online. Some found it as a means to keep cash flow moving. Others found that it takes a lot of the work & angst out of the mix. No more worrying about buyers showing up. no more worrying about the weather and "whether" parts could get damaged from an onslaught of rain ............. or all the expense involved. At the same time, the buyers have changed as well. As a vendor at Hershey, I ca tell you there are a lot more casual hobbyists than there were serious buyers in the past. We (both sides) come for that camaraderie we find so appealing. But, as Old Blue Oval mentioned, as vendors, we're not there to give stuff away either. It's a ton of work just to load the truck and "get there". So, while we all still look forward to these events, things have changed. We've been forced to step back and re-evaluate our priorities. Things have changed. Not easy for any of us to accept.

[ronn]

Because I observe and report what I see
when I attend swap meets - my attention
is focused on human interaction.


thanks for the update Brent. Had always wtd to go to this meet, but never made it. Guess I never will.....
still appreciate to hear whats going on out there.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I am not suggesting that we quit attending swap meets, however my dilemma now is I have a month or so until I decide whether to renew spaces for Chickasha. While attending swap meets can definitely be a social event for some, -speaking only for me, attending socially is not a goal or a need. Personally speaking, being a good steward of my time is also important where attending an event that is not beneficial in obtaining good quality parts is considered a waste. In other words, the odds need to be favorable.

I too remember those days. Below the first 3 pix are of everything I purchased at the 2005 Chickasha. (I arrived with an empty trailer and pickup bed.) The 2nd set of 3 pix is what I purchased in 2019.

The last 2 pix is basically everything I could purchase at the 2022 Chickasha, ...and at 2023 Chickasha this past weekend, I could have loaded everything I purchased into the trunk of an automobile. That just goes to show how sparse good items at Chickasha has become. Since Pate was mentioned, I was 12 years old when the first Pate swap meet was held at Mr. Pate's ranch. It was a blast and my dad sold a lot -and bought a lot in those years. It was just as good as Chickasha was a decade or so ago. It is just my opinion, but I think the dinosaurs such as Hershey, Pate, Charlotte AutoFair, and similar sized meets are losing popularity to the smaller one or two-day meets such as Luray, Gilmore, etc.

Bill is correct on several levels above regarding the intention of a swap meet. And my recollection is there definitely were WAY more 'Mother Theresa's' found in the hobby 3 or 4 decades ago than today.

.

[Seth Swoboda]

The internet has diminshed the swap meet. It's much easier for people to get on the internet and look for parts to buy or parts to sell. It is also much cheaper and faster. Look at all the facebook groups that offer online swap meets. Same for Instagram. The Fordbarn for example. You can find most all the help or parts you need if you're able to network with the people right here.

Young folks these days don't care about the personal interaction. Mostly becuase they have only known a world with internet. They are also looking for self-gratification that comes instantly with the internet. Social media posting enables self promotion easier with these online communities.

I don't like it. It's not good. However, It's not going away. It has destroyed many good qualities of life.

It's the debate that will never stop. Is the hobby dying? People are still collecting cars and always will. There is a shift occuring from pre-war and even away from some post war cars to the cars of the 1970's and 1980's. Especially pickups and utility vehicles. People collect what they have fond memories of. The folks who rememeber Model A's and V8s in their youth are dying. Now it's the folks who remember the first generation Broncos or F150's, square body Chevy trucks and Blazers. There will always be those interested in Model A's and early V8 Fords. However the number of them is sharply decreasing. I guess one way of looking at it for me, I'm 42 years old, is that there should be cars coming up for sale that can be bought for less money. I don't get all wrapped up in what a car is worth as if it's some kind of investment. I enjoy driving and working on them.

[Jordan]

While I could not attend this swap meet this year, I do feel like threads such as this DETER future attendees as it will show up on a simple google search for anyone who googles "Chickasha Swap Meet". This does our hobby no good. There are many events I attend that aren't quite what they previously were-- but I still go and support the hobby where I can.

My two cents-- this type of rhetoric does not actually support the old car hobby. Maybe find two or three positives from the weekend and brag on those moments to encourage participation.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by Jordan

While I could not attend this swap meet this year, I do feel like threads such as this DETER future attendees as it will show up on a simple google search for anyone who googles "Chickasha Swap Meet". This does our hobby no good. There are many events I attend that aren't quite what they previously were-- but I still go and support the hobby where I can.

My two cents-- this type of rhetoric does not actually support the old car hobby. Maybe find two or three positives from the weekend and brag on those moments to encourage participation.

Jordan, thank you for your comment. I believe my post in #6 did point out it was a great swap meet for me, so please count that as a positive. Mike & Susi are definitely trying and their hospitality is top-notch! That too is a positive. Grady County Fairgrounds is a phenomenal place considering what it was 25 years ago when I was attending swap meets there. Count that as a 3rd positive!! With all that said, I have always felt that people who know ALL the facts can generally make good decisions on their own. If I (-or anyone for that matter) were to pick their two or three positives to report and choose to suppress the facts, then maybe that would be bad for the hobby also. Maybe not??


Nonetheless, what I do know (-positive or negative) was I did not see a single restored, -or unrestored Model-A vehicle for sale there in 2023. I believe there was a restored A chassis for sale but not sure if it sold. Additionally there was not a single Model-A gas tank that I saw for sale that I considered restorable. I do not recall seeing a single Model-A body for sale, and while I bought a nice fender, there was very little decent Model-A sheetmetal there for sale. Maybe others were already sold by the time I made my rounds but no one I spoke with had seen any either?? Maybe next year will be different but the last couple of years have not produced much worthy sheetmetal either. None of this is good for the hobby IMO. Ironically, the parts mentioned, ...and along with quality Model-A parts (NOS, NORS, restored, etc.) ARE surfacing at these other swap meets, ...so it really isn't a valid excuse that these parts are not available to be sold. They are for sale at other swap meets, ....unfortunately just not at Chickasha.

Now how this topic directly affects me, is I need to make a decision on whether I am going to purchase spaces again for next year. Fuel for me this year was over $500 round-trip. 3 nights of lodging at $189.00, plus $100 for spaces and another 100 or so for food puts my costs to attend at over $1,200.00 before I bought or sold the first item. Other attendees are spending similar amounts to attend too. That is a lot of money to spend only to go home empty-handed!

So when I and others compare this meet to other meets (i.e.: Gilmore, Luray, AutoFair, Hershey, et/al), I really need to feel like it is going to be a value for me to attend. As I stated above, others told us as we were packing up on Saturday morning that they would not be back. These typically are vendors I also rely on to bring merchandise I can purchase for use. There was not a single Model-A new parts dealers setup. Not even a single Model-A engine rebuilder either. The only Model-A business vendor that I saw setup this year was Mike Francis with Classtique. Unfortunately, it has been this way for the last several years where the Cokers, Wallace Wades, or other professional Model-A parts vendors no longer vend at this meet. If I am wrong, please tell me, but I feel people should at least know the facts.

[Oldbluoval]

Another thought in this….
Anyone considering we’re just running out of decent stuff? !!!

#2 is a lot of us have just run out of energy to load, drive 250-1000 miles, unload,’sit with the stuff for 2-3 days, ya ya, haggle, told your crazy , load, drive 250-1000 miles, unload, collapse from exhaustion. Do your accounting and find out you made expenses!!! I’m worn out from just typing this!
Bout the only time any cache of held parts comes out is when a collector dies!
Maybe the expectation of a yard of nos fenders is just pipe dreaming?
Most of good finds are by word of mouth.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

Another thought in this….
Anyone considering we’re just running out of decent stuff? !!!

#2 is a lot of us have just run out of energy to load, drive 250-1000 miles, unload,’sit with the stuff for 2-3 days, ya ya, haggle, told your crazy , load, drive 250-1000 miles, unload, collapse from exhaustion. Do your accounting and find out you made expenses!!! I’m worn out from just typing this!
Bout the only time any cache of held parts comes out is when a collector dies!
Maybe the expectation of a yard of nos fenders is just pipe dreaming?
Most of good finds are by word of mouth.

The best finds and deals are not advertised.

[trulyvintage]

Originally Posted by Jordan

While I could not attend this swap meet this year, I do feel like threads such as this DETER future attendees as it will show up on a simple google search for anyone who googles "Chickasha Swap Meet". This does our hobby no good. There are many events I attend that aren't quite what they previously were-- but I still go and support the hobby where I can.

My two cents-- this type of rhetoric does not actually support the old car hobby. Maybe find two or three positives from the weekend and brag on those moments to encourage participation.

I agree 100% …

@ https://youtu.be/5z7qQLpFeKQ

@ https://youtu.be/c6bJs3Fd_-s

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

Young folks these days don't care about the personal interaction. Mostly becuase they have only known a world with internet. They are also looking for self-gratification that comes instantly with the internet. Social media posting enables self promotion easier with these online communities.

I don't like it. It's not good. However, It's not going away. It has destroyed many good qualities of life.

I visited with Ed Archer a few years back.
His interest started in high school when
his friend bought a Model T ….


@ https://youtu.be/0QK0kXEuAE8


Either someone is part of the Problem
Or part of the Solution


Jim

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by trulyvintage

I agree 100% …


Either someone is part of the Problem
Or part of the Solution

Jim, you are welcome to voice your opinion in this however I do not believe you have attended the March Chickasha Swap Meet in the past several years. If that is the case, your comments are much akin to armchair quarterbacking where you likely did not know all of the facts. We all come to this forum to share ideas and gather factual information. In the very first post above, I politely asked for opinions from those that actually attended the 2023 Chickasha swap meet. Again, I refer you to reread the first sentence of this thread. I worded it that way simply because I feel I can make a smart decision when I know what the facts are and how other attendees felt about this year's event.

Additionally, I do not not want any controversy here however I also did not grow-up in an era where things needed to be sugarcoated or misrepresented just to keep from offending someone who might use Google for a review on something. IMHO, that is much akin to telling half-truths or intentionally misleading someone. I personally want no part of that.

[trulyvintage]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Jim, you are welcome to voice your opinion in this however I do not believe you have attended the March Chickasha Swap Meet in the past several years. If that is the case, your comments are much akin to armchair quarterbacking where you likely did not know all of the facts.

I don’t need your permission to post comments.

I have attended several automotive swap meets
all around the country over several years
at my expense to observe and share for
those who cannot attend
utilizing photographs & videos.

I have posted videos I took from 2021
Chickasha Swap Meet on this thread.

When I walk swap meets I focus on the
human interaction which often features
examples of kindness - sharing - education.

These - do not have a monetary value.

For Those Who Chase The Dollar.
That is your motivation & your right.

Wanna increase your bottom line ?

Stay Home - Save Money.

Folks selling at swap meets
don’t relish the opportunity to
travel a distance so they can
sell to retail restoration
and parts re-sellers who
operate retail businesses.

What I see at swap meets:

The Thanksgiving Table

Friendships made & renewed
Young & old folks educated
Respect earned & paid
Faith Maintained

I was raised in a family business.
I have been self employed most
of my life by choice.


Jim

[trulyvintage]

Jim

[Oldbluoval]

Last post…then maybe this thread dies!
Jim, to me, seems Brent was acknowledging your RIGHT to post…not giving permission!
You seem to agitate easily.
He did ask for those that attended Chickasha…..therefore I, too, should not be posting. But, as usual, we have huge subject drift
PEACE

[trulyvintage]

On my way to The 2021 Chickasha Swap Meet
I picked a Model T in Bakersfield, California
and conducted an interview with
Mr. Wayne Rich the owner …



The interview is @ https://youtu.be/XXIDsgX2DVs

The Bakersfield Swap Meet had just been
Killed by the HCCA - instead of passing
the torch to others committed to continuing
the tradition - they killed it.

That - came from one of the original organizers
who was there when I was doing the interview.

He was in the bed of his pick up truck
when he told me that they made
the decision to kill it ….

You haven’t seen me “ AGITATED “ ….


Jim

[DickCrabtree]

He bought it on the way to Chickasha which is why it was not for sale.

[SteveB31]

I haven’t been to a swap meet in five years. I likely buy and sell more Model A Parts then anyone on this forum every year. The internet , for the most parts, has replaced swap meets. As Brent noted in one of his comments, he spent $1200 going to the swap meet. Most folks won’t spend $1200 going to a swap meet knowing they might not find anything, when they often can sit at home, and with some work, find what they need and have it shipped to their door. I buy parts every week from folks that have hoarded them for years, then sell them on the internet, rather then spend a lot of cash on gas and motels on the hopes of maybe finding something at a swap meet. I do love seeing folks, and really love the MARC meet swap meets, as they often have good parts for just the types of cars I am,looking for (Model A’s). Just my opinion…..