First time to the Pileup what to expect ?

What time should we get there to get in line ? will there be a line to get in?
anything else should we plan for first thing in morning?

 

At the old location you would want to get there as early as possible. Two years ago I sat in line for almost two hours after the gates opened. Last year I got there about two hours before the gates opened. Still took a lil time to get up to the gate, but at least I got in the gates before some people were heading back home.

Hopefully the new location will eliminate most of the old problems.

 

Do like I do and get there Thursday afternoon...Really, the earlier you can get to the grounds on Saturday the better, and be prepared for Hot Rod Overload.

 

A couple of club members have been going for awhile as spectators and to show, they suggested to be there at daylight and plan to stay till dark because of all there is to see..

 

I plan to get to the gates as early as I can. It is my first attempt at getting something into the HCPU, but I have went to the past 2. Hopefully my old beast gets in!

I would want to get to the gate as early as I could no matter what. There is always lots to see, many vendors, bands, more cars...good times!

 

According to their website, the criteria for entries will be a lot stricter this year. The definition of "traditional" will be the name of the game for vehicles coming in the gate.

 

Indeed. However, the trip with my pops will be the fun leading up to the show. If I get rejected at the gate, it just means I have to park in a different parking space. Between you and I, I doubt my '49 makes it in...but it wont stop me from parking in line and awaiting the final word.

There is also a pre-party, the city of Decatur has blocked of the town square for cl***ic cars only, there is a post party....to much to miss.

 

Actually the pre and post parties are in Clinton - that's where they have blocked off the town square. It's about 15 minutes from Decatur, where the show is.

As far as what time to get there - that's a personal choice. We open the gates at 9 AM, not before. So if you want to get up at O dark thirty and wait in line for a few hours that's up to you. I personally would not opt for that. If I wasn't working the show I would actually head over at 10 AM when the lines are down a little bit and enjoy a few extra hours of zzzzs. There is definitely a ton to see, but an hour isn't going to make that much of a difference.

I am sure Hellfish or one of the boys will chime in here as well.

 

Thanks so much for the clarification DW! I would have been lost. I need to update my notes so I dont forget again!

 

pre party in Clinton sounds like a good time ,,

 

the gates open at 9:00 but people start lining up way earlier. it's a chance to get out, walk the lines of cars, see old friends and sort of preview the cars you want to look over closer once inside.
it's always been said that friday night is better than saturday night at the bar. why? it's because people are amped up for the show on saturday. that excitement continues to grow all the way up to when the gates finally swing open.
so i'd suggest you get there by 8:00. it'll only be an hour wait, it goes by fast. get out and mingle and stop by the hamb meet and greet to put a face to a name. i've been to every pileup including the first two at andy's. meeting every one is what made me decide to join the hamb.

 

What to expect........ a good time, some of the coolest cars in the country, and great people, Thats it. Gary

 

Yes, the gates open at 9. Some people get in line at 4am. No point really unless you like freezing in the dark hoping the coffee doesn't kick your bladder into overdrive.

I posted a traffic flow map in another thread. We've made a slight revision (but I haven't posted it yet - so stay tuned). Basically all show cars will drive past the show area, around the college, and line up in rows in one of the college's parking lots, then snake along another road to the gate where each car will be inspected, approved or rejected. There will be cops directing traffic.

Because Progress City is a big flat area and we won't have to stuff cars into every nook and cranny trying to get them all in, show car parking should go a LOT faster than in Morris.

Definitely go to the Pre AND Post Show parties in Clinton. I don't care what Google and MapQuest says, it's only 15 minutes from the hotels. Easy to get to... but watch the speed trap in Maroa. We've put a lot of work into setting up the event including a great bar, buffet, and working with the town to block off an old time square for old car parking. We also have great bands BOTH nights and we got Snappers to import PBR and Lone Star. Unlike in the past, Snappers is large and entirely indoors.

 

The 9 oclock thing is great, but I like to get there early and ******** with all the guys in line. Looking forward to it.
Later,
****

 

What Hellfish said...

8:00 is a good time to get in line if you want to hang out beforehand. The new staging area should alleviate some of the chaos, especially since specator parking comes in an entirely different area.

 

I will add that if you want to get an event shirt get in line and get it early. The times that I attended they seem to go quickly.

 

i am hoping to go this year, will be first timer. hoping i can get it with my henry j g***er.

 

Just my 2cents but I like to get there early. To look over the precar show. The earlier you get there the sooner you get in or denied entree. Than you can watch everybody else that gets denied.
Oh and there's always women and alcohol. And there is a lot of them. The large viariety of alcohol is cool moonshine to jack to woodford and pbr to lonestar to this year yuengling.
The bands are way cool exspecially the chick bands
Well just my 2 cents
Oh 9 days left SWEET

 

Yeah, shirts are sold out before 1:00 usually. We have kid's shirts this year too, but they will go fast.

 

Is it 9:00 to get into the swap meet also ?

 

yes

 

Gates open at 9. Not any earlier. Not for pedestrians. Not for cars... but the Red Shirt Army members get in early, so I suppose that's another perk.

 

it is always a good time about 1 hour before the show to hang out........
there will be a lot of cars just waiting - and this way you can usually talk to the owners - they are usually not too far away from thier rides.

I would say - expect a great time and know that the show is as good as we can make it -

in the past this has been the best single day car show around

I think the move south will only strengthen the event.

Be sure to stop by and buy something!

I need a new pair of tennis shoes.

 

Here's a map of the show. Please note where show cars will be sent in the morning!

 

I can't believe the weather forecast...

 

So what's the forecast? We had frost this morning....

 

last I looked I think it said sunny and 75!!

 

First time to the Pileup what to expect ? ....................



breeder, beer, ******...not in any order mind you!!!!

yeah glenn..75 and sunny! tooo hot for the pileup! i like it cold! but hey, i dont have a roadster either!!!LOL

 

I think ya got the order right...Breeder+Beer=******...Yep, too warm for the Pileup. We need a little morning frost for those guys with no heaters or tops.

 

Damn, I wanna go! I will have to try to pull this one off. Last year's show was great! Is there camping availible on site? Some of us cheap *******s need to pitch a tent if we want to go!