Event Coverage The Good, the Bad & the Ugly, L.A. Roadster 2017 swap meet

OK, I have been reading the comments about the 2017 L. A. Roadster Show. How do you determine a successful event? First is what was there. If you are into traditional Hot Rod, Custom, vintage speed equipment there is no other swap that comes close. The rare and cherished parts were in abundance. Early Ford stuff of all kinds were everywhere. Many A, T, Deuce, 33-40 Ford projects, cars, and bodies were up for sale. What was not there were vendors with flea market crap, shrink wrap Chinese shit, worn out 4X4 debris etc.
Second is who was there. This meet brings together enthusiasts from all over the world. Vendors from far away make the trek to LARS. From my spot I could see two loads of really good parts from Colorado, and one load from Tennessee. Plenty of sellers from Nor Cal, Arizona, Nevada etc. were there. The people vending and shopping are among the most dedicated and enthusiastic members of our community. The collective knowledge and experience of all things hot rod is incredible. If the stuff for sale is not enough just rubbing shoulders with the guys there is worth the trip. I always meet people new to me who add to my enjoyment of the hobby.
Third is how successful was the buying/selling. I bought some great stuff at great prices. I did not set up to sell until after noon on Saturday. By then the crowd had thinned and some sellers were packing up to leave. I quit selling around 3:00. In that short time I sold more than I have at the last four LARS swaps. Money wise I sold more than I did at the four day Portland Oregon swap.
Was it hot? Yes, it always is at this meet. Was it spread out? Yes, it always is at this meet. Was it a pain to get in and out? Yes, it always is at this meet. Did it cost to get in? Yes, it always does at this meet. These difficulties are not exclusive to the LARS.
I have made the effort to post pictures of some of what was there. It should be obvious that at your local meets there is nothing that can be compared. Keep crying and not participating. Be envious of a club or individual trying to make some money by promoting an event that we all can enjoy. We seem to enjoy bashing our events and not supporting them. They are all fragile in nature and can easily go away. I do not understand why this is not obvious. What the Hell are you going to do with your car to enjoy it when things like the LARS, GNRS. TROG, HotRod Hillclimb, etc. go away because you do not embrace them?

 

more pictures

 

still more pictures

 

more, more, more

 

more

 

Very well put, and thanks for taking the time to post the pics.

 

some more

 

Thanks @V8RPU for your perspective on the event and your well chosen series of offerings and rides. Some really awesome stuff to be had and/or enjoyed.

 

drool...

 

Neat stuff....thanks!

 

Holy cow batman it was better than looking at pictures of naked girls! Did you see all those three windows??!!??!!


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Pierce Arrow dash .... bitchin' !

 

Thanks for sharing the photos, looks like there was a lot more interesting stuff than some guys let us believe. I saw several items in those photos that are on the "list" for my 31 Vic.

 

Excellent report and photos. Your thread gave a completely different perspective of the event compared to what I have read elsewhere. It appears that lots of good stuff was present in the swap meet area along with lots and lots of cool and interesting cars to admire. Thanks for taking and posting your pics of an event which I will never be able to attend.

 

Hot rod heaven! In 10 years I haven't seen that much vintage tin in the Southeast...let alone in one place at one time. Y'all are blessed, enjoy!
Thanks for the pix!


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This deal will have to go on the bucket list for my son and I!!

 

It looks like an awesome time and a lot of very cool stuff.


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You are right on with your perspective as stated. I went to this show a couple of years ago and my knees are still shaking after seeing all the quality & quantity of GOODIES for sale. Our big automotive swap meets have almost turned into FLEA MARKETS. Thanks for taking me back to the L A Roadster Show Swap Meet with your wonderful photos. Larry

 

Yowza,...that's heaven on earth,...you should write for magazines, great post.

 

Thanks for write up & pics

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Great write-up. Thanks for "keepin' it real"...

 

I'll keep this short;

Holy shit...

 

AMEN!!!

Thanks V8RPU. Have made the trip a couple of times - where else can U get a license Tag Frame with your name on it in good condition??

 

Does anyone have any other pictures of this cabriolet (thanks Chris) I'm curious what town from L.I. is painted on the door.

 

I like you attitude,

For me I have been going since 79, I'm a local but I have driven everything from my 29 sedan, 27 rpu, 29 hiboy, 67 El Camino, 54 Lincoln, even my parents 67 Cougar XR-7.

A few LA Roadster members I know have expressed in the past the time and effort it takes to coordinate the show, hopefully this move with our feedback will keep it going for years to come. A few of my friends boycotted the show for several reasons: a few are pro builders and parts suppliers, but everyone has an opinion.

I saw that attendance seemed down, the swap was good, a little spread out as always, vendors seemed like they were doing well. I got to see a few friends and met one of my hero's a founding member of the Early Times CC who introduced me to Roy Brizio.

Overall I will be there next year.

One note I heard, remember I heard this second hand the the non profit guide dog booth may not be allowed back due to it being a non profit organization, if this is true, I hope they will be welcomed, back, I know non profit arenas can be tricky, but if it takes a little effort to bring them back, I hope Mr. Buck sees fit to do so.

This is my opinion only !!

Thanks for reading

 

Well Said! And this is the type of perspective that will keep things moving forward in a positive manner. Not all the childish whining from folks who just seem to look for the bad and relish in being negative.

And I think going forward John and the Rod Shows folks will listen to the suggestions and even the criticisms to improve things and make it better - after all it's in their best interests to do so isn't it? If you think it is just about making a dollar, you don't know John. Yes it's his livelihood, but he is also a passionate car guy, maybe not to the extent of some of us, but he IS one of us. I am already looking forward to next year.

One last thing - I liked what V8RPU had to say, but must admit I found it interesting that it was almost purely from the Swap meet perspective. The Swap Meet used to a side deal, not the Main deal. The Roadsters were The Show. Look at this poster from #6 in 1964. Notice the Swap Meet (Sponsored by Rod & Custom Magazine) was a Bonus ! not the main attraction. Also the show was One Day Only back then - Father's Day!

 

That is a Cabriolet

 

its tingeezer on the hamb

 

Cool stuff, thanks!

 

Dammmmmmm , a front mounted scot blower for a Flathead!
I wish i would have been there.
Anybody knows who sell it?