Thoughts on Hershey

[Wick]

Very enjoyable this year,except for the heat at night. I found everything on my list. Met Brad from Germany. Alot of young folks buying A and T parts this year. Only two vendors disappointed me. The spring guys were not in front of the Giant center and Woodward Fab only had 2 items in 1 space. Said goodbye to A&L. I did get hooked up with a good supplier for buffing wheels.
My best haul was the guy who unloaded a truck load of good A parts starting at $5 each
At 5pm Tuesday. 5 gal bucket of zenith bodies!!! Rocky Mountain brake drums 4 pair.
Thursday I did some wet shopping, well worth it.

[Oldbluoval]

Wick, check your PM

[brum1]

picked up a high compression head from Schwalms, model a tools, and a spare tire lock, Good year, lot of fun hunting for the stuff.

Did not find the elusive shock adjusting tool, maybe next year

[leo]

Yeah, what is the story with A & L? I was in proximity of the guy saying this was his last day (Friday) and his last Hershey. He looked to young to be considering retirement....

[Don Turley]

Originally Posted by leo

Yeah, what is the story with A & L? I was in proximity of the guy saying this was his last day (Friday) and his last Hershey. He looked to young to be considering retirement....

Allen is not retiring. He has noted that the effort and expense of coming to Hershey is not an efficient use of his time. He does better staying at home, manufacturing quality parts, and selling by mail order.

[WTSHNN]

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Other noticeable vendor absences were Don Roberts and BJ.

-Tim

[nhusa]

I hate to bust your bubble but some of us don’t care about Hershey.

We either can’t afford to go or don’t have time to attend and get tired of people that think is the only thing of importance to the hobby.

There is a lot more things more important than spendings days slogging thru mud, beating off heat, finding a place to park, getting a reasonable room for a few nights and seeing crap on endless tables than spending time with family or taking a few days off work.

Hershey seems to be an over rated scam that has is a waste of time.
Just m6 opinion of what is being said.

[Roadster62]

Well, Next year is my 50th Hershey in a row, can't wait to be back there again. Bob

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Don Turley

Allen is not retiring. He has noted that the effort and expense of coming to Hershey is not an efficient use of his time. He does better staying at home, manufacturing quality parts, and selling by mail order.

I too have not been to Hershey in several years. I do think that swap meets as a whole are not profitable in a business man's eyes. To most hobbyists, it is another peripheral item that makes up the Model-A hobby.

[Oldbluoval]

I haven't been in two years now and so miss the "event"!
I wouldn't call it a "scam" but to each his own. It has gotten expensive because,
like all big events, prices for food, lodging , etc have gotten pumped for the dates
Like Allen at A&L one has to determine best use of time and resources.
Also expectations....Early Ford stuff is just getting rare. It's in the hands of collectors or
accumulators and you have to know who and where they are.
You just don't stumble across much any more.
Big cache of stuff doesn't get out there until one of us croaks!!

[prpmmp]

Originally Posted by nhusa

I hate to bust your bubble but some of us don’t care about Hershey.

We either can’t afford to go or don’t have time to attend and get tired of people that think is the only thing of importance to the hobby.

There is a lot more things more important than spendings days slogging thru mud, beating off heat, finding a place to park, getting a reasonable room for a few nights and seeing crap on endless tables than spending time with family or taking a few days off work.

Hershey seems to be an over rated scam that has is a waste of time.
Just m6 opinion of what is being said.

Thank you!! I did not realize how bad Hershey is!! I,m never going again!! Pete

[ronn]

mixed reviews are understandable.............


most of us, are getting older


Hershey is shrinking a little each year


and so it goes.


if looking for profits, Hershey most def is not the place to be, unless youre a food vendor!


if you enjoy meeting people, then it will always be a good time.


unfortunately, I most likely wont go anymore, because of arthritis in my feet. just how it goes............

[emf]

There is a lot more things more important than spendings days slogging thru mud, beating off heat, finding a place to park, getting a reasonable room for a few nights and seeing crap on endless tables than spending time with family or taking a few days off work.


I, for one, would not miss it. I get a chance to meet my old friends like Bob above, and I buy a little, sell a little. There has not been mud in the flea market for many years, since the black top was installed. Did something crawl up a canal that shouldn't have???


Frank

[leo]

In a previous post I said this years show was a disappointment but in retrospect I should have gone on Wednesday instead of waiting till Friday. The Thursday rain caused many vendors to bag it. That aside, Hershey is still fascinating to me even if I wander the whole flea market and buy nothing. Yeah, ebay and other venues have taken their toll on it but I don't feel it's anywhere near giving up the ghost. Maybe some of us are just getting old and fuddy-duddy. Just remember the walking will do you good.

[tribouboys]

Hershey is an interesting experience for sure and changed a lot over the years. My father went in the 60's with friends and brought me in the mid 80's. I was not able to go again till 2007 and have been 6 times since then. The experience and meeting people you have never met that enjoy the hobby and specific car you enjoy is invaluable. I happen to meet some guys this year that have been attending for years and was able to purchase a Model A part I was looking for and that in itself was worth the trip. (IMO) I went with a buddy and split expenses so motel,gas & food was slightly under 425.00 each. In the grand scheme of things not much compared to the experience and the new friendships. Hershey is not for everyone but Thanks to those that work hard to put the event on because Hershey does not disappoint.

[Grier]

This was my first Hershey experience. I enjoyed it. Went with someone who has been going for 44 years. Enjoyed all the stories told etc. I also was able to acquire an OD-O3 Model A ford windshield wiper. An item I have been looking for over a year, an original 29 gas cap in almost perfect condition and a few other things. If I were to take the approach that it is expensive and time consuming, then I would have missed out in a fun experience and acquiring long sought after parts. There are lots of ways to enjoy our hobby, this is just one.

[Dodge]

Plus, some people go to Hawaii and just sit on a beach, some go to Europe, some travel the U.S. and some go to Hershey. It’s the whole experience not just buying or selling a few parts.

[marty in Ohio]

Several years ago I went to Hershey with a friend. Had a great time and only bought a radiator cap gasket for my model A. (I think I paid .85 for it) When I got home I showed my purchase to my wife, and she asked me how much it cost. I sat and figured it up and I think it came to about $450.00. She said it was worth every penny as long as I had a good time. She's priceless!
Marty

[mhsprecher]

I wouldn't miss it. I was only there for Friday afternoon and the show on Saturday. I bought two items from guys in my Model A club, so didn't need to go there for that and a radiator cap for my Model T, something I could have gotten elsewhere, but you see stuff there you would not see anywhere else. It is a slog, but everyone needs the exercise, as long as you don't eat too much pizza or funnel cakes.

I have said before how much I love the car show. It is very crowded, but there are always cars there you won't see anywhere else. It is always a thrill. I am amazed at how many foreigners are there, too. The Greatest Show on Earth, IMO.

[Birchwood]

I can see both sides, I have only been to hershey a few times but I was hooked after the first time. I would meet up with a couple of guys from here and we would search the fields. Dave was a guy that had been into model a's since a very young age and had a knowledge that was unbelievable, and he educated me as we walked around. We lost him to cancer a few years back and honestly that's what I looked forward to the most , spending time and learning from a master.
This year my wife and I made reservations and was going for the week and a couple of weeks before we were to leave we had an illness in the family and could not go. I am already looking forward to going next year. Its a little over 600 miles from here but to me its worth it. I seen things I never seen before and things I will probably never see again. I met a lot of fine folks and even seen Wick a couple of times and wanted to introduce myself but he was busy, next year Wick.
I guess what I am trying to convey is there is a wealth of knowledge and experience at Hershey each year and to newcomers like me it is well worth the time and money. The most important thing I learned is buy what you need when you see it, look for bargains on Friday.

[brum1]

a few more pictures

[Jeff/Illinois]

Neat but don't go too much on those big signs in the one photo, like the Gulf signs, they aren't worth near as much as a smaller sign.

The old saying used to be the bigger the sign the smaller the price. Just a head's up here. The reason being, where in the world are you going to display a sign 8 feet in diameter unless you have a big old honkin' barn and then even then they don't display all that well.

Nice Coupe in the background I like that.

[redmodelt]

This was posted over on the Model T Ford Club of America forum. It is some info about the 2019 swap;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1539815866

[ronn]

Well Jeff,
I want one of those big gulf signs and missed one 2 yrs ago for 600.
I see them now everywhere for 3000. and of course, I aint payin dat!

[TerryO]

Well Jeff,
I want one of those big gulf signs and missed one 2 yrs ago for 600.
I see them now everywhere for 3000. and of course, I aint payin dat!

I was lucky to buy one a couple of years ago. I had been looking for a reasonable priced one for a quite a while.


TerryO

[Brendan]

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it would be a big expense just to get there From Santa Rosa ca.
i see allot of you guys lice close by

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by prpmmp

thank you!! I did not realize how bad hershey is!! I,m never going again!! Pete

lol!

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

This was posted over on the Model T Ford Club of America forum. It is some info about the 2019 swap;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1539815866

I just read this link and it's encouraging. Maybe more car parts and less parked $70.000 diesel pickups.


I hope the RED field vendors actually improve their lot.

[Ted Duke]

Just a couple of thoughts. I'm getting old, but love walking Hershey. This year was not much good to me. Thursday afternoon everything was covered (it poured) and Friday the wind sucked. Ordered a 1929 Roadster PU top and went home.



1-Last few years too much time and energy walking past nothing.
2-Just because I don't buy anything from a vendor doesn't mean they wasted their time.

(After 2016 show I placed a $700 order from a vendor in 2018 BECAUSE he knew his product and was willing to WASTE time with me when I told him I wsn;t read to order yet.)
3-Yes, I know if I don't want to go I can stay home. But I got wet and windblown so I feel free to offer my 6 cents worth.
4-Looking forward to next year at Hershey. Maybe I will camp out at a motel some miles away and wait for the NON-rainy NON-windy day. Or I could go early to find the hard to find stuff and Friday afternoon for the bargains.
Don't you love Hershey AACA?

Ted

[Wick]

Lots of good comments. When I attend Hershey it starts on Saturday for me now. Antique shops and a auction and two museums. Just putting Model A parts out for sale doesn't cut it anymore. Small signs move quick along with old bicycles. Anything oil related moves good, this keeps people stopping by.
I keep a journal of how sales go each day every year. I try to shop before 10 am then sell till 4pm then shop some more. Friday is sell all day long. Tuesday I try to visit Clem and Benny,Flop,Bob Powell and other friends.
On places to stay Air b&bs are very popular around Hershey now.

[divcoone]

Wick, after throughly examining the tank, I think I owe you more money

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by ronn

Well Jeff,
I want one of those big gulf signs and missed one 2 yrs ago for 600.
I see them now everywhere for 3000. and of course, I aint payin dat!

Wow, now that's big bucks I haven't bought any signs for at least 10-12 years, back then a hundred bucks was top top dollar for those big banjo signs and they had to be mint to get that.

I guess times have changed. The smaller ones were always more money I'm sure they went up too. I'm sure then that gas pumps and globes have gone way up also.

I don't think there is any hobby anymore you can get into that doesn't get real pricey real quick, the more you get into it

I'm glad I bought my neon Ford sign many years ago, probably couldn't afford it today. It came out of an old Ford dealership in NW Missouri. It's the one in my avatar. Mint condition almost flawless! New neon tubing and transformer.

[TerryO]

I'm glad I bought my neon Ford sign many years ago, probably couldn't afford it today. It came out of an old Ford dealership in NW Missouri. It's the one in my avatar. Mint condition almost flawless! New neon tubing and transformer.

I'd probably double your $$$ on that sign.


TOB

[brum1]

more pics

[brum1]

more pics

[oliverguy]

This is my third year vending. I sell Model A and Model T parts. If I break even I'm happy. My stuff is priced to sell and I want it to change over every year. The show has changed a bit over the years and now is a smaller show - but the internet has changed everything so why not car swap meets too? Without vendors there would be no Hershey. That's why I decided to start vending. It's a fun week of swapping stories and catching up with friends. I could deal with less hobby doomsday negativity and grumpiness from the older guys but I guess that's to be expected. You can't take it with you so you might as well have fun now.

[Dave Castle]

Swap meets as a whole are done, easier to get product off of the internet. Not as much fun, but easier.

[Wick]

Originally Posted by divcoone

Wick, after throughly examining the tank, I think I owe you more money

No you don't. I'll make it up on the next one I find.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Met a nice guy named Wick who sold us a nice set of shock links and a set of bolts for shocks. Should have grabbed the steering column arm.. also found wheels, fenders and a few other items. In the rain Thursday we ordered seats for our 30 Standard Roadster. Enjoyed the show Saturday. A great week all in all. Looking forward to next year!

[updraught]

How much are the snow mobile kits going for now?

[Slotblog]

Originally Posted by oliverguy

This is my third year vending. I sell Model A and Model T parts. If I break even I'm happy.

I was shanghaied into penning the Hershey story for the 'Antique Automobile' this year and as part of my research, I 'interviewed' numerous vendors about their thoughts concerning the event.

Those of you who are AACA members might find my thoughts in the next issue of the club magazine of some interest.

I'll say this: for the vast majority of the vendors, it isn't about the money.

[ronn]

it isn't about the money.


true- most lose money at this event.

[Slotblog]

Probably accurate, but for most who have space at the swap meet it isn't about the money.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

While not a vendor, seen some changes over the years since attending my first Hershey in 78 at the age of 14! Pretty regular since 2001. Agree with comments about the negativity, change is inevitable and i guess you cant please everyone.

Thanks to Oliver, Wick, and others who put the considerable energy into vending. As has been said, for most its not about the money. A friend sets up every year with his dad, selling likely less than enough to cover expenses, but its a destination for annual socializing with a group that covers an early Ford guy like me to well known big timers like Randy Ema. These meetings are everywhere at Hershey. Thats the best part!!

This year, I was lucky enough to follow up with a local meet that is a joint AACA and HCCA effort. Around 30% minimum age 45 or under, so yes some young people are interested in these cars.

As fall draws to a close I really think we will be seeing more involvement not less, by that age group in the next few years.

Anyway, happy motoring and thanks again Wick, roadster is getting a little better all the time!

[brum1]

more pics

[31 RPU]

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Sorry I missed you at Hershey.
I need to talk to you about that Police Head.
Check your email and private messages.

[31 RPU]

Originally Posted by tribouboys

Hershey is an interesting experience for sure and changed a lot over the years. My father went in the 60's with friends and brought me in the mid 80's. I was not able to go again till 2007 and have been 6 times since then. The experience and meeting people you have never met that enjoy the hobby and specific car you enjoy is invaluable. I happen to meet some guys this year that have been attending for years and was able to purchase a Model A part I was looking for and that in itself was worth the trip. (IMO) I went with a buddy and split expenses so motel,gas & food was slightly under 425.00 each. In the grand scheme of things not much compared to the experience and the new friendships. Hershey is not for everyone but Thanks to those that work hard to put the event on because Hershey does not disappoint.

Tribouboys,

Sorry I missed you at Hershey.
I need to talk to you about that Police Head.
Check your email and private messages.

[rocket1]

I have been attending Hershey since the 60's and selling "junk" since the 80's,lately I have been telling myself going to quit attending but it's addictive and I keep going back.

[77Birdman]

Interesting to see the different perspectives. I love to go and am disappointed when I miss an event. I have a modern car (by model a standards) and there usually isn't much there for me to look for, other than maybe tools and supplies. I go by myself and wander the fields talking to people I meet along the way. I enjoy looking at all of the old stuff that is being offered and learning about it. I usually gravitate towards A and T parts and cars. Im about an 1-1/2 hrs away so its an easy drive and doesn't cost me more than a few gallons of gas and lunch. Got busy and missed this past event but looking forward to the next. I feel the same about going to Carlisle.