All winter long my grandpa and I talk about what we bought at last year's swap meet and what we're going to buy the coming year. When we leave the meet each year, there's a certain sadness and the routine conversation about, "Can you believe it has been a year since we've been here? Time sure goes to quickly." I started going with him about 6 years ago for just tools. I didn't even own a hammer when I got married 8 years ago. However, in the for the last two meets at Springfield I've have been looking for parts to build my hotrod. Nevertheless, grandpa LOVES to throw in my face a stupid remark I made a few years back. The first year we went, I asked him how many times he had went- since he ALWAYS talks about Sprinfield and Lancaster. He told me that he'd guess to about 30. I niavely said, "Is that all?" In my mind, it was like the local flea-market- twice a week. As usual, grandpa calls the night before with great anticipation. He's like at little kid at 80! He's nervous, he's excited and he can't sleep! I try to calm him all the while I'm chomping at the bit also! My alarm clock goes off at about 4:45am and I usually don't have any problems getting up. Grandpa has usually called me 2-3 times already!! I have everthing laid out the night before, so I can just GO! I can't get everything ready in the morning because grandpa is VERY particular about our trip. "Do you have an umbrella? Is your gas tank full? Hey, now, did you check that oil? I know you say you did, bud did you? Is that spare tire up?" and he goes on and on, but I love it! It only takes us about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to get there, but many it seems like an eternity! We get there as early as possible to get "that" parking spot and to beat the crowd. Grandpa has it down to an absolute science. He is like a robot. That is, until he gets out of the car. I like to go up and down the isles in a methodical method- so I don't miss ANYTHING. Not him, he is over here and then over there, and that usually results in a debate in attack plan. This year, I got some pretty good stuff. I didn't get as much stuff as I usually do, but, then again, I have a fair amount now. You know, it's amazing what you'll turn down after you have 2 or 3. The best thing I bought was a used (nice) Walker radiator for a 32. That was worth the trip! I was preparing myself for the 5-600 smackers for a new one....I loaded it up for $175!!!!! Also, for the first time, we actually took time out to look at the cars. Every year we say we're going to, but we are stuck in the parts ALL day. Below I have put some pics from the show. I will comment on some in the next post....
First, I want to start with the best. This is NOT photochopped. When I got home and looked at the pic, it looks like it is. I don't know how to PC! This is for all the HAMBrs!!!!!!!
I met some of the Road Devils. This is Benny's (sp?) ride. I wish now that I had taken some close-ups of this. He has some really cool little details. I wish I had time to talk to them a bit more but I was on a mission. Pretty good ole' guys!!! "Rat rod, rat rod, daddy look at the rat rod!!!" "Boy, that's pretty cool. I used to have one just like it but it was an 85 mustang." I'm poking fun, but there was A LOT of buzz aound his car. He was standing there in that position talking to the folks every time I p***ed by.
I walked up to this 32 RPU and WOW!!!! It was VERY clean and neat. I was really impressed. While I was taking pics, the owner walked up and we talked for about an hour (said he wants to sell it). He built the bed by hand out of some time of stuff he said he uses for making commercial display, signs or something. Anyway, it was some real craftsmanship. Very nice fella. Old flathead hotrodder and loved to talk it! She sure sounded sweet when he left. I just know he got caught in the bad storm that hit about 15 min. later......I guess I talked to long Nice, nice RPU! Especially in a sea of street rods! Man, we had a great time! I can't believe it's over for another year (well, Springfield is actually twice a year for the good shows)...
Forgot this one... Yamaha 650.....XS I ***ume Anyway $350. The truck was full and the owner wasn't around......I was outta cash too!
Thanks! I don't know much about them, obviously..... I think he had welded the rear solid, already. Pretty good buy....are the rims the same as the 650?
The rear sure doesn't look hardtailed in that pic. And thanks for the tip, but a 400 might be a bit on the small side. I wonder if the frame's the same as the 650...
Hey Youngin, Man the swap meet gods were smiling on you to score that rad that cheap. Even got the electric fan, which I presume you'll loose before it goes on your roadster. And thanks for posting the pics.........some really neat cars there!! Good Job!!
You snuck up on us to get that photo I didnt even see you with the camara. It was nice meeting you face to face...
The Jalopy Journal
