your first swap meet? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

roj2323 · 01-19-2005, 11:35 PM

hey all,
well i'm headed off to my first swap meet this sunday and i'm curious as to what i should expect and or look out for. i'm also curious about to your first swap meet. did you enjoy it, spend too much money or find something special?

thanks guys and gals,
ondrew

mrein3 · 01-19-2005, 11:47 PM

At the first swap meet I went to after I bought my truck I thought the guy selling tach dashes for $75 was crazy.

The VERY FIRST swap meet I went to was right after I got out of high school. I was a first year student at the U of M. A guy on the infield of the MN State Fair Grounds race track was trying to sell a driver's side 1/4 panel for a 1970-1972 Chevelle. This was before they were reproduced so it was the real deal. All the money I had in the whole world added up to $200. He had a price tag of $250 on it. He wouldn't come down. I drove home, bummed $25 off my dad, went back, and still didn't get him to come down.

Now the re-pros are $500!

Sigh.

bagged91 · 01-20-2005, 12:44 AM

I'm 32. The FIRST swap meet I went to was Carlilse, Pa in 1976. Dad & I went up in his 64 GTO convertible and bought a set of seats for his 31' Model A. Haven't missed a year since. One year I picked up an SS hood for my 69 Camaro for $100 and a "400" hood(ram air) for my 69 Bird rag for $135 at the same show. Car parts just get too heavy to carry around so I usually end up buying stuff other than car parts(I collect old toys/trains too). Picked up a 1964 Hess toy truck for $25 in the box. Bought a 1965 Hess "Voyager" ship for $10. Bought some Flyer S guage & HO trains & some Tonka & Smith Miller trucks for a good price too.

**tnblazerk5** · 01-20-2005, 12:45 AM

the first one i went to i was about 6 or 7 and i got a great deal on a chevy emblem for 10cents!!!! my dad like to have craped his pants because his a ford man all the way and i was a chevy kid then and now a chevy man for life

ChrisK10 · 01-20-2005, 12:57 AM

I went to my first swap meet last year. I was looking for a few things but didn't find anyone that I really needed so I decided not to spend my money. Oooooh but I could have!

One thing that surprised me was how many people were there selling stuff! It was packed to say the least.

72gord · 01-20-2005, 10:39 AM

Swaps are a blast....soo much stuff at all different prices, some guys want a fortune and some you happen on to for a steal. BTW...where are you headed?
Was looking for a steering wheel at one swap...the guy had it and wouldn't budge on price ( I like to try on everything I get) so I told him I'd pass, he says its the last one like that he has....walked through the rest of the swap, went back to his booth and he has two of them laying there!! Wouldn't have bought from him then at any price....just stubborn I guess!

Purs · 01-20-2005, 01:31 PM

going to one this weekend. I'm loading up alot of my hot rod stuff I've been collecting. Gonna try to generate some cash for my current project. I'll probably end up spending more than I make....

busterwivell · 01-20-2005, 02:59 PM

Can't remember my first swap meet. I'm 58. Just went to the Pomona (CA) swap meet last weekend. Had a ball. Always do. Picked up a book of 400 and 1500 sandpaper, a new distributor wrench (so now I'll probably find the lost one Saturday), a catalog for El Camino parts, for a friend, dickered on a grill and lost out, got pi$$ed off at the arrogant slugs at the Truck Shop (again), ordered an electric fan set up for my Chevelle (stock fan is too noisy), and geherally had a ball.
The best advice I can give is........never ask if a part is for a........or will fit a.......instead, ask what is off of. You are much more likely to get an honest answer that way.

meathead95 · 01-20-2005, 05:34 PM

[QUOTE=
The best advice I can give is........never ask if a part is for a........or will fit a.......instead, ask what is off of. You are much more likely to get an honest answer that way.[/QUOTE]

I second this

**'70_402** · 01-20-2005, 06:07 PM

i have two sugestions....take alot of cash. and don't flash it.. act like you are broke and on your last penny!!!!

weasel29gm · 01-20-2005, 06:14 PM

If you plan on buyin' alot,get a cheap wagon to pull your stuff in. Better than makin trips back to your ride. I built one strong enough to haul a motor, tranny, rear end etc. For a 1st timer a kids wagon or lawn cart would work. Good luck and have fun!!!!

67ChevyRedneck · 01-20-2005, 06:23 PM

I've been going to swap meets with my dad since I could walk. The first swap meet I went to that I intended buying parts from was Carlisle, PA. I purchased a perfect set of stripped, rust free, doors for my '58 Apache for $90 and I got a rust free '58 grill for $75....only cheap grill I could find. I also bought tinted glass all the way around and weather stripping. I have actually never driven the truck. Bought it when I was 14 and I bought my 67 when I was 15...I ended up fixin up and drivin the '67. In the pic below you can see my new grill, doors, mirrors, and tinted glass. The only thing not installed was the windshield which had a tragic accident with a ratchet before it could be installed.....

Huck · 01-20-2005, 06:28 PM

Never take your wife or kids. Always ask "what's the least you'll take" and start dickering there. Cash talks, bs walks. Double check everything before you buy it. Take along a very knowledgeable friend. If's is a great buy, buy it or it will be gone. Don't go crazy but enjoy as swap meets are really fun if you don't take it too serious.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-20-2005, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

Never take your wife or kids. Always ask "what's the least you'll take" and start dickering there. Cash talks, bs walks. Double check everything before you buy it. Take along a very knowledgeable friend. If's is a great buy, buy it or it will be gone. Don't go crazy but enjoy as swap meets are really fun if you don't take it too serious.

WELL SAID

JayDubBlazer · 01-20-2005, 08:07 PM

never really been to one, would like to go though. I like parts

roj2323 · 01-20-2005, 09:19 PM

hey guys,
thanks for the info and stories. it sounds like i'm going to have a ball. anyone else want to chime in on there first time or pointers?
ondrew
p.s. i'm going to the lake co. fairgrounds swap run by skipsusa.com on sunday for those who asked.

drink2mny · 01-21-2005, 01:52 AM

Went to my first one in Portland Oregon about 5-6 years ago. Had a blast. That place was huge and has gotten bigger, took 3 days to almost finish going through it.
I brought about 800 and spent 400 for alot of Olds and el camino parts for myself and a friend. Plus got a lot a stuff to resell on ebay or message boards.

The guys are right if its something you need and haven't seen one on anyone elses table, and you can get a good deal.BUY IT, because when you come back around it'll be gone. Remember your not the only one needing that part...

Went there a couple years then started my own 20x20 booth here in Spokane Wa. Been doin it for the past 4 years and have a ball every year. see some past customers and alot of new ones..

Don't flash cash
know what you need 1st.
what you want 2nd
take a little wagon with you to carry stuff or have small cash for kids that haul with there wagons for you..
always say hi to the sell if they say hi to you.
I hate sitting or standing there for 3 days and having people just walk through and not say a dam word.

I like to leave some items over priced so folks can haggle.
try to find booths that have multiple items for you. you can usually make a better deal.

Thats just some hints to use....

Good Luck and have fun

72 CustomCamper · 01-21-2005, 02:39 AM

My first swap meet was at Carlisle 4 years ago. I actually made out pretty good. I picked up a set of quarters for a chevelle I had at the time. I saved almost half the catalog price on a new repo set. It is a 3 hour drive up there for me though...

Chuck

Huck · 01-21-2005, 10:45 AM

Some more secrets from a swap meet fanatic!!--been doing it for 30+ years. Sometimes you can find a chevy part in a booth that is all FORD---that can be a real deal. If the first few items you see are priced over market in a booth, don't bother to look any further as the message is there. Many sellers are semi professional with printed price lists, banners, etc. They are fine but some of the best deal are the one-time seller who is cleaning out their garage. If you see yellow post-it's, look careful. If you see something you want, grab it and hold it while you look for more stuff to make a packaged deal. Never hurts to chat with the dealer as friendships are built that way and they tend to become a two way street for deals in the future. IF you have a buddy who is set up, use his spot for a holding area to store the heavy stuff--remember every trip back to the truck is waisted time. Get guys names/phone numbers when appropriate for future finds, needs, etc. If you like and buy some stuff from a seller, don't hesitate to ask for stuff you are looking for--sometimes the dude lives nearby and has a barn full --like me!! Also don't hesitate to ask opinions on things like prices, rarity, useability, etc. EXAMPLE "No point in paying $50. for an in-cab gas tank or hood, when most guys who part out trucks throw them away!!"
Maybe I should write a book?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Huckmister!!!

Huck · 01-21-2005, 10:50 AM

[b]and Finally The Biggest Secret Of All----the Sweetest Deals At A Swap Meet Happen Before It Opens To The Public--between Sellers Or Those Who Sneak In-----------and The Second Sweetest Deals Happen In The Final Hours Of A Meet When Sellers Want To Get Rid Of The Stuff And Will Take .20 On The Dollar!!

drink2mny · 01-21-2005, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

[b]and Finally The Biggest Secret Of All----the Sweetest Deals At A Swap Meet Happen Before It Opens To The Public--between Sellers Or Those Who Sneak In-----------and The Second Sweetest Deals Happen In The Final Hours Of A Meet When Sellers Want To Get Rid Of The Stuff And Will Take .20 On The Dollar!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOO.. You have now ruined the biggest secret for us....

01-19-2005, 11:35 PM	#1
roj2323 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Somewhere Posts: 985	your first swap meet? hey all, well i'm headed off to my first swap meet this sunday and i'm curious as to what i should expect and or look out for. i'm also curious about to your first swap meet. did you enjoy it, spend too much money or find something special? thanks guys and gals, ondrew

01-19-2005, 11:47 PM	#2
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	At the first swap meet I went to after I bought my truck I thought the guy selling tach dashes for $75 was crazy. The VERY FIRST swap meet I went to was right after I got out of high school. I was a first year student at the U of M. A guy on the infield of the MN State Fair Grounds race track was trying to sell a driver's side 1/4 panel for a 1970-1972 Chevelle. This was before they were reproduced so it was the real deal. All the money I had in the whole world added up to $200. He had a price tag of $250 on it. He wouldn't come down. I drove home, bummed $25 off my dad, went back, and still didn't get him to come down. Now the re-pros are $500! Sigh. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

01-20-2005, 12:44 AM	#3
bagged91 Out draggin' Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pitman,NJ Posts: 1,574	I'm 32. The FIRST swap meet I went to was Carlilse, Pa in 1976. Dad & I went up in his 64 GTO convertible and bought a set of seats for his 31' Model A. Haven't missed a year since. One year I picked up an SS hood for my 69 Camaro for $100 and a "400" hood(ram air) for my 69 Bird rag for $135 at the same show. Car parts just get too heavy to carry around so I usually end up buying stuff other than car parts(I collect old toys/trains too). Picked up a 1964 Hess toy truck for $25 in the box. Bought a 1965 Hess "Voyager" ship for $10. Bought some Flyer S guage & HO trains & some Tonka & Smith Miller trucks for a good price too. __________________ 91 GMC Xcab LB-Bags/bd/caddy clip SOLD 72 C10 Cheyenne Super LWB SOLD 92 GMC K1500 Burb 72 C10 Burb (ex. Cheesewagon)SOLD 72 C20 Burb parts truck 71 C10 Burb "project"

01-20-2005, 12:57 AM	#5
ChrisK10 1971 C20 Custom Camper Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ames/Shenandoah, IA Posts: 1,435	I went to my first swap meet last year. I was looking for a few things but didn't find anyone that I really needed so I decided not to spend my money. Oooooh but I could have! One thing that surprised me was how many people were there selling stuff! It was packed to say the least. __________________ '71 Chevy C20 Custom Camper, 454, TH400 '97 GMC K1500 5.7L

01-20-2005, 01:31 PM	#7
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	going to one this weekend. I'm loading up alot of my hot rod stuff I've been collecting. Gonna try to generate some cash for my current project. I'll probably end up spending more than I make.... __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

01-20-2005, 12:45 AM	#4
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	the first one i went to i was about 6 or 7 and i got a great deal on a chevy emblem for 10cents!!!! my dad like to have craped his pants because his a ford man all the way and i was a chevy kid then and now a chevy man for life

01-20-2005, 10:39 AM	#6
72gord Never enough time!! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: sw Wisconsin Posts: 602	Swaps are a blast....soo much stuff at all different prices, some guys want a fortune and some you happen on to for a steal. BTW...where are you headed? Was looking for a steering wheel at one swap...the guy had it and wouldn't budge on price ( I like to try on everything I get) so I told him I'd pass, he says its the last one like that he has....walked through the rest of the swap, went back to his booth and he has two of them laying there!! Wouldn't have bought from him then at any price....just stubborn I guess!

01-20-2005, 02:59 PM	#8
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	Can't remember my first swap meet. I'm 58. Just went to the Pomona (CA) swap meet last weekend. Had a ball. Always do. Picked up a book of 400 and 1500 sandpaper, a new distributor wrench (so now I'll probably find the lost one Saturday), a catalog for El Camino parts, for a friend, dickered on a grill and lost out, got pi$$ed off at the arrogant slugs at the Truck Shop (again), ordered an electric fan set up for my Chevelle (stock fan is too noisy), and geherally had a ball. The best advice I can give is........never ask if a part is for a........or will fit a.......instead, ask what is off of. You are much more likely to get an honest answer that way. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

01-20-2005, 05:34 PM	#9
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	[QUOTE= The best advice I can give is........never ask if a part is for a........or will fit a.......instead, ask what is off of. You are much more likely to get an honest answer that way.[/QUOTE] I second this __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

01-20-2005, 06:07 PM	#10
'70_402 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pampa, Texas Posts: 1,554	i have two sugestions....take alot of cash. and don't flash it.. act like you are broke and on your last penny!!!! __________________ https://www.ebay.com/itm/295742064443

01-20-2005, 06:14 PM	#11
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	If you plan on buyin' alot,get a cheap wagon to pull your stuff in. Better than makin trips back to your ride. I built one strong enough to haul a motor, tranny, rear end etc. For a 1st timer a kids wagon or lawn cart would work. Good luck and have fun!!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

01-20-2005, 06:23 PM	#12
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	I've been going to swap meets with my dad since I could walk. The first swap meet I went to that I intended buying parts from was Carlisle, PA. I purchased a perfect set of stripped, rust free, doors for my '58 Apache for $90 and I got a rust free '58 grill for $75....only cheap grill I could find. I also bought tinted glass all the way around and weather stripping. I have actually never driven the truck. Bought it when I was 14 and I bought my 67 when I was 15...I ended up fixin up and drivin the '67. In the pic below you can see my new grill, doors, mirrors, and tinted glass. The only thing not installed was the windshield which had a tragic accident with a ratchet before it could be installed..... Attached Images __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

01-20-2005, 06:28 PM	#13
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Never take your wife or kids. Always ask "what's the least you'll take" and start dickering there. Cash talks, bs walks. Double check everything before you buy it. Take along a very knowledgeable friend. If's is a great buy, buy it or it will be gone. Don't go crazy but enjoy as swap meets are really fun if you don't take it too serious.

01-20-2005, 08:07 PM	#15
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,885	never really been to one, would like to go though. I like parts __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

01-20-2005, 09:19 PM	#16
roj2323 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Somewhere Posts: 985	hey guys, thanks for the info and stories. it sounds like i'm going to have a ball. anyone else want to chime in on there first time or pointers? ondrew p.s. i'm going to the lake co. fairgrounds swap run by skipsusa.com on sunday for those who asked.



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01-21-2005, 01:52 AM	#17
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Went to my first one in Portland Oregon about 5-6 years ago. Had a blast. That place was huge and has gotten bigger, took 3 days to almost finish going through it. I brought about 800 and spent 400 for alot of Olds and el camino parts for myself and a friend. Plus got a lot a stuff to resell on ebay or message boards. The guys are right if its something you need and haven't seen one on anyone elses table, and you can get a good deal.BUY IT, because when you come back around it'll be gone. Remember your not the only one needing that part... Went there a couple years then started my own 20x20 booth here in Spokane Wa. Been doin it for the past 4 years and have a ball every year. see some past customers and alot of new ones.. Don't flash cash know what you need 1st. what you want 2nd take a little wagon with you to carry stuff or have small cash for kids that haul with there wagons for you.. always say hi to the sell if they say hi to you. I hate sitting or standing there for 3 days and having people just walk through and not say a dam word. I like to leave some items over priced so folks can haggle. try to find booths that have multiple items for you. you can usually make a better deal. Thats just some hints to use.... Good Luck and have fun __________________ Support The Board

01-21-2005, 02:39 AM	#18
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	My first swap meet was at Carlisle 4 years ago. I actually made out pretty good. I picked up a set of quarters for a chevelle I had at the time. I saved almost half the catalog price on a new repo set. It is a 3 hour drive up there for me though... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

01-21-2005, 10:45 AM	#19
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Some more secrets from a swap meet fanatic!!--been doing it for 30+ years. Sometimes you can find a chevy part in a booth that is all FORD---that can be a real deal. If the first few items you see are priced over market in a booth, don't bother to look any further as the message is there. Many sellers are semi professional with printed price lists, banners, etc. They are fine but some of the best deal are the one-time seller who is cleaning out their garage. If you see yellow post-it's, look careful. If you see something you want, grab it and hold it while you look for more stuff to make a packaged deal. Never hurts to chat with the dealer as friendships are built that way and they tend to become a two way street for deals in the future. IF you have a buddy who is set up, use his spot for a holding area to store the heavy stuff--remember every trip back to the truck is waisted time. Get guys names/phone numbers when appropriate for future finds, needs, etc. If you like and buy some stuff from a seller, don't hesitate to ask for stuff you are looking for--sometimes the dude lives nearby and has a barn full --like me!! Also don't hesitate to ask opinions on things like prices, rarity, useability, etc. EXAMPLE "No point in paying $50. for an in-cab gas tank or hood, when most guys who part out trucks throw them away!!" Maybe I should write a book?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Huckmister!!!

01-21-2005, 10:50 AM	#20
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	[b]and Finally The Biggest Secret Of All----the Sweetest Deals At A Swap Meet Happen Before It Opens To The Public--between Sellers Or Those Who Sneak In-----------and The Second Sweetest Deals Happen In The Final Hours Of A Meet When Sellers Want To Get Rid Of The Stuff And Will Take .20 On The Dollar!!

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