I finally made over to Lebanon Tn. for 'The Redneck Rumble" show and swap meet after hearing for years what an interesting event it was but never being able to go due to scheduling conflicts. Man what a circus, not very many HAMB qualified rides but they certainly had everything else. The event is held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds , a huge facility with several large exhibition buildings, plenty of real restrooms, not a porta john in sight, and paved roads crisscrossing the grounds and numerous shaded areas along with the normal acres of asphalt needed for a fairground. For me the swap meet was the star of the show. Instead of being confined to one area the vendors were allowed to set up anywhere they wanted dispersed among the displayed cars. This allowed you to view the cars and peruse the swap meet at the same time. The quantity and quality of the swap meet was the best I have seen anywhere in several years. I even saw one vendor who had nothing but Y block and small block Ford parts, what a surprise. Another very interesting aspect of the Rumble is the methods of personal transport for those unable or too lazy to walk, I did not see a single electric scooter all day the prefered conveyance seemed to be a riding lawn mower with the mowing deck removed and unmuffled exhaust, and all sorts of motorized trikes, mini bikes, coaster wagons, bar stools , and anything else you could imagine. I did manage to find and photograph a few cars and trucks, I thought worthy of being posted on the HAMB.
One of the more eye catching cars displayed was this Roth inspired bubble top, and also this dilapidated Crosley powered midget track car.
Good report, I have been thinking about going for years. I hadn't made it a priority because it looks "too rat rod". Your post has made me re-think. How was the weather? I would rather it actually be in the spring?
Good description of the event. Most of the cars are ratrods or worse but you will see a few decent ones. The swap meet reflects the quality of the cars. It seems to be more a social event. I have friends that camp.cook,and drink.I think that is the best part of the event. See you at Bowling Green for the reunion
Thank's Gary, I looks like you were able to find cars & trucks that appeal to taste of the majority of the Hamb membership, I have always heard this show mainly consist of rodent rods, you have proved that there were some gems mixed in and the idea of a swap meet that was not being confined to just one area sounds like a great idea. Your coverage just might be enough to convince someone sitting on the fence to attend this show in the future. HRP
Thanks for the pics, Gary. Yes, there is something to satisfy everyone’s taste, or lack of. I’ve found some great deals at the swap meet there in previous years. Just couldn’t make it again this year.
Looks like there were some pretty decent rides there from your photos.. The big problem with rat rods at shows here is that most of them are not licensed nor do they have insurance on them. Trailered in and hopefully parked for the duration and not moved while other rides are close by.
The weather was hot I think in the 80's, but as I said there were shaded areas and several large open buildings you could use to cool down. A method I have been using to keep cool is wearing a light weight long sleeve white fishing shirt an extra wide brim straw hat and carrying a small bottle of water with a misting spray attached and giving myself a squirt every now and then it really cools you quickly. I think its worth attending just for the swap meet.
Thanks for posting the under construction photo, looks like a good bit of the sheet metal and the tail lights came from a mid 60's T Bird.
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