Hi All, I'm looking for some local knowledge on what to do. I will be visiting the LA area from Australia and can get to the swap on the Friday. I've heard a few thing about getting there early and that a near pre swap happens in the line up? I have heard that Friday is trader day only , now I wasn't going to trade but can bring a couple of things if this gets me in the gate. So I was hoping those who have attended can give me a good heads up on how best to approach this. Also anyone willing to lend me some room on their site if I buy some stuff that's too big to cart around all day. Also happy for any suggestions on how to approach getting around it all. This swap has been one of the ones I have always wanted to attend so pretty excited to be able to get to attend. So I don't want to waste any time! So any suggestions are welcome. Hoping I will find a few parts I really need.
You don't need to bring anything to get in on set-up day. You simply bring money and purchase a ticket for the show either for Saturday or both days. The line up offers some deals if you are willing to walk the line and ask questions of the sellers. Saturday is the best day as all swappers are in place with their goods set up for you to see and compare. Bring good walking shoes and a strong pair of legs as it is a huge display of parts.
So no need to go on the Friday? I can probably get there on the Saturday but was told Friday was the day to go?
I went out for the first time in 2014 for Saturday and Sunday, and would like to know what I missed on Friday. I had a great time but wasn't really impressed with the quality of stuff that was out for sale. Too many people looking for the same stuff for all these years, has really caused the good stuff to dry up.
Corey, whatever you do get in on Friday and be early. Check out the line up as well heading into the gate. The swap looks small compared to a ballarat or bendigo but it's jam packed with the good stuff. If you see something you must have do not keep walking because it won't be there when you go back. This swap ruined me for life, nothing compares at home.
Find some sort of visual reference to mark seller spots if you p*** something up and feel compelled to return to that spot. The light poles are marked with a letter/number system. Don't be afraid to ask for a sellers cell# and if that person will hold the part for you while you wander around some more (parts get heavy and awkward in a hurry and most sellers are cool with holding stuff for you). A pad and pen can be helpful as can a small tape measure. Look for some form of cooling towel, they may look goofy, but help immensely, add a cheap straw hat to that too (there will be a few vendors with them there). Last year it was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the asphalt out there and will take it's toll on you in a hurry and make your shopping trip short if you don't prepare for that. Stay hydrated, and if you have a few beers while strolling around alternate with H2O. Make time to go see the actual show too, and visit the vendors as well. Most of all have fun!
Thanks All, I think I will stick with getting there on Friday, any idea on time? Thommo? I might call you to get an idea on what you did if that's ok. the 100 degree's doesn't bother me, I usually carry a pen and paper and yes , it's good to know that sellers will hold stuff as if I do buy anything heavy I don't want to carry it around all day. Any traders reading that might let me use their site as a stop off? I've only got the green light for one day from the wife so I really do want to make the most of it. As for the show, while I LOVE 32 fords. and roadsters especially, I just love swap meets that little bit more... thrill of the hunt.
There's a free shuttle out to the Carpark if you need to deposit something big. Like everyone else said, grab it when you see it or it will be gone. Every time I go lately all the sellers are saying it's only Aussies and Kiwis who are buying. I'd say it lessens the compe***ion for the good stuff but every second person seems to be an Aussie or Kiwi
Definitely Friday,the earlier the better.There will be people ahead of you that have been in line since Tues or weds.
I don't know about most, but the best deals are Thursday night during lineup. all the vendors are cruising the isles looking for the few garage guys with the unusual parts so they can buy and double the price (or more this is Fathers Day Swap). Friday morning as the vendors are let in, its a land rush for spaces as they are first come-first served. Down go the cones. tape, tires, and lawn chairs "I'm saving it for my buddy". Then the walking begins and many swaps spots are just gathering spots for buyers, they are out looking. Deals are Saturday morning for what's left and by Sunday it is a ghost town. And on Thursday night you can drive in and act like a vendor, then Friday morning go get a normal p*** and head into the show.
I wonder if I can pull off two fathers days as we celebrate it in September in Australia. I will go Friday I think, would getting there at5-7am be ok?
Yup, 5am is good, get in touch with Dave wait, see if he's going, we jumped in the back of his van to get in.
I've gotten some smokin deals on Friday. I usually try to be there when they let the vendors in, standing by the gate so I can see whats coming. I've as of late I entered thru the gate behind the NSRA museum. Paid for the 2 day arm band and never been bothered?.
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