We have skipped this event since the hiccups during covid. There used to be 4 swap meet fields, blue and orange inside the track; and red and green outside (behind) the track. It wasn’t Hershey, but it was equivalent to Carlisle. Then the first issue was the construction of a road course that fractured up the one inside field. Then other areas were taken up to install a drifting track. Now it seems the Spring event retains portions of all 4 fields, and the Fall event only has the back 2 fields. My question, for long term AF vendors and visitors is: Do you think the Spring event is worthwhile as a swap meet? I really don’t care about the drifting, NASCAR displays, and the other crap that detracts from the swap meet. Since it involves 8 hours of travel each way, would you say go, or no go? Thanks.
If your looking for early Ford parts they just don't exist anymore, Mustang,Camaro new and used parts are plentiful. I went every year until about 6 years ago. I gave up both of my spots. HRP
I live 2 miles from the track and wouldn't waste my time or gas. If I did go it will be just for the turkey drum sticks
Ditto on skipping Charlotte. I moved here (four hours from Charlotte) and went for several years, excited about the proximity of such a big meet. I saw the early Ford parts dry up to almost nothing. The cost of travel, room, and meals soon exceeded any hoped for returns. The swap meet July 4th in Asheville yielded much more in the way of Ford stuff, but unfortunately it went away.
I'm skipping Charlotte this year and going to see what Denton, NC has to offer. Carolina Pickers Antique & Auto Festival - Denton Farmpark
I live about 3 hrs from the Charlotte swap meet, went every year spring and fall, for 30 years and wouldn't have missed it. Up until the Covid screwing. It hurt the show badly. Lost a majority of the commercial vendors, and at least a 1/3 of the private sellers. I went twice after covid and then just gave up on it. I've started making the drive up to Carlise and like it better than I ever did Charlotte. Better organized. But it is a 6 hr drive for me now. Just went to Moultrie Ga. this past fall and even though I'm not sure I would drive than far to go to it again, it is a really good swap meet as well. The Denton show is good, but probably only about 1/4 or a little more of it is automotive. The rest is antiques. Which is good with me, I like both. I have thought I might make a day trip to Charlotte this spring just to see if things have improved any, but doubting that they have.
I went to that a couple of years ago. At that time, it was still mostly antiques of other than auto variety. What auto stuff was there was mostly Chevy and heavily pickup truck. It may have changed since then but since I have no interest in general antiques, I never went back.
@HOTRODPRIMER Danny, the last advertisement that I could find is for 2017. Any good news about this meet?
I'll be there in the low rent district as usual. As for early Ford stuff (or really anything HAMB friendly) I've been told that I'm one of the few vendors that has anything of the like by more than a few passersby. Can't really speak to that one way or the other as I don't get a chance to wander around too far.
I’ll say this, I have sold at the last 3 autofairs and have made GOOOOODD money each time. And all I sell is early ford and early hotrod stuff. there’s a fair amount of junk and it’s not what it used to be but it’s absolutely worth going to. the Denton swap meet (pickers fest) is pretty meh. I tried selling one year and literally the only thing I sold was a set of peanut port bbc heads for $40 I brought magnesium wheels, early ford brakes and axles, Flathead speed parts, sbc blower set ups etc no one even looked at the stuff I brought. It was crickets. but like I said I’ve done really well at autofair 3 years in a row
Like I said don’t expect it to be what it was, but it’s still far better than some of these small swap meets and certainly far better than it not existing.
Also I think one of the reasons that @Pass The Torch and I did so well is we were the only ones really selling H.A.M.B. appropriate stuff. I’d love to see some more sellers with traditional parts out here!
Maggie Valley Swap Meet ~ June 19, 2025 gates open at 8AM This one is not as big as it use to be but I have bought and sold here and have had good luck buying early Ford parts in the past but I haven't been in several years. HRP
Don't forget Brads swap meet, it's once a month and has really grown. HRP http://negeorgiaswapmeet.com/ First one is coming up this weekend, January 4, 2025. "Formerly the Commerce/Atlanta Dragway Swap Meet" 2025 Calendar of Events! January 4th February 1, March 1, April 12 (SECOND Saturday), May 3, June: NO SHOW, July 5, August 2, September: NO SHOW, October 4, November 1, December 6.
The Jalopy Journal
