LA Roadster show coming up in 2 weeks. Haven't seen much comment about it. Been going for over 30 years. Long drive from Nebraska. Let's hope for good weather but also a large turnout of lookers and buyers. Last year was pathetic. I'll be in my usual swap spot. T10.
Man, I'd love to go again. It's been a while. It was a tradition for me and dad to go throughout my childhood and high school. I can't remember the last time I attended, maybe 1998?
Here is the site for all the info. http://www.laroadsters.com/shownews.html I went to a couple with my dad. I now actually have an unfinished roadster, but it would be a big spend to tow out and attend. 400 miles.
I live in southern Nevada. I went as a spectator in 1979. Every year after that I had a swap space. The swap meet was the main reason I went. Sold a lot of stuff and bought even more. The last time it was good was 2019. Then covid hit. No LARS in 1920 and 1921. Went back in 1922 and 1923. Slept in the bed of my truck at my swap space. Sold a little in 1922 but lost money in 1923. Most of the southern California guys I have gotten to know over the years were not there. That's got to tell you something. Iv'e been to every LARS since 1979, except 1920/1921 and one other 2017? LARS was the highlite of the year for me and I would start getting ready 6 weeks ahead of time. I didn't go in 2024 and won't go this year. Hope to hear good things from those of you who do go. Post lots of pictures of the swap meet area and the turnout. Most of all, have fun!
We've been selling there for 20+ years. I agree that it will never be the same as the "golden days", but we still go and enjoy it. All swap meets are dwindling, but if everyone stops going they will stop happening all together. We will be making a quick trip for Thursday/Friday as we have a family wedding to attend on Saturday. So just taking a small pick up load to sell, rather than the usual trailer load. See you there!
It is not what it was...but live only 85 miles of unpleasant traffic away. Still, at $125 for a swap space I would only use for one day, has me hesitant.
I attended the 50th, in 2014. When I pulled in the first day, I was prepared to pay the entry fee. The L.A. Roadster guy at the entry point saw my Illinois plate, put the sticker on my left headlight and waived me in. He said, I had driven far enough to get there, I didn't need to pay. I still, proudly, have the sticker on my light. No, I won't be able to make it this year.
Best wishes to organizers and fans going this year. Plan for me was to go this year, but now it’s moved to next year. Might be a better idea as it will be the 60th. Hopefully the show rebounds this year and gets back to its former glory next year. The roadster for the trip has been sitting in limbo for some time now as I’ve been working on other projects, but I keep promising myself I’ll get back on it soon.
It's been on my one of these days list for years but it involves a 1050 mile road trip or a flight and a rental car. As for parts in the swap meet either buying or selling. When I built the 48 to drive to Tulsa from McGregor Tx in 1973 because there was no way my T bucket would be ready it was 25 years old and my daily driver work truck. My daily driver truck now is 48 years old and gets as much attention as the 48 from guys who like old trucks. It's just a beater, dump runner parts hauler with faded paint. These young guys are hunting for parts for those 50 year old rigs rather than 80 year old rigs.
I won’t be going. I drove out a dozen times in the 32 in the late 90’s and 2000’s. Last time I went it was an all different. Cars were all over the place and it was hot as hell. The cars used to be all together in a group. I would wave down any golf cart going by to get a ride. I didn’t care where it was going. I bought a huge Mexican sombrero to get some shade. It was $5. I wore it home on the airplane. I have good memories driving out with buddy’s and seeing the cars and going to the shops. I got tremendous items in the swap. I always went by to see Isky. I am too old now and I think it is too dangerous.
There are at least 10 of us coming in a group from Western Australia. For those who are waiting for next year consider this,...... Will you still be here and able to walk next year, and if there is a poor turnout this year then will the show even make 50 years. I am pretty sure that every year we get the same old comments on its not as good as the old days.
Had been coming over for years and always look forward to the trip, meeting all our hot rod heroes 2019 was our last year due to covid closing down our flying (we lost a lot of money when Virgin Airlines went bankrupt ) and we could not fly for 2 years. we now come over and tour USA for 2 months in Sept/Oct to avoid the June heat and travel over 6000 miles. so nice to experience very cold weather and snow which we do not see in Aussie Noel and Lil32
This show is the best of the year for me to attend. There have been changes through the years and there will continue to be more, not everyone will be happy about them including the club. The Fairplex has made it more challenging for the club to operate the show with increased rental cost and constantly changing rules and regulations and we have to adapt too. Times are always changing and without our support this must attend event could be history so please support and not let that happen.
I've gone every year since I was a kid. Look for the ACEScc banner, or my 666 Coupe. I'll be there saturday.
Just learned from the LAR website that it's been opened up to the VW guys. Don't shoot this messenger. I presume that's in the specialty cars, but could be separate? Lots of VW clubs tagged into the message I gather. Chris
After retirement......I need a shop........and quiet. Not sure where, but I still will be going to swaps/shows maybe even some way out of state.
There's been good presence of VW's for many years. Nothing wrong with that. Show needs all the support it can get.
The Jalopy Journal
