Event Coverage The Pomona Swap Meet Is Dying A Slow Death

THANKS! I may try to get there, There used to be so many winter swaps in New Jersey and Pennsylvania 30-40 years ago. Fairfield and Kempton were two of the best.

 

My bro and I have no "want list" of junk to buy but we will probably waste a day wandering around Turlock. Usually see people we know and shoot the shit. And rarely leave empty handed.

 

The Scrap Drive in Belvidere IL is about the only swap meet I still drag some stuff to (not much left at my place worth hauling to a swap meet). I've never failed to make the entry fee back ($10 isn't hard to make back), and I usually pay for lunch as well. Lots of cool cars & trucks to look at as well. Its a good time for what is usually just part of the cost of gas for the day.

My son and I hit the Jefferson swap meet pretty often, but for us, it has turned into a fair weather outing, and that maybe once a year (or not at all) is now weather dependent. We no longer feel the need to deal with cold, rain, or snow. We used to make the Spring one regardless of the weather forecast, and the fall one if the date wasn't in conflict with something on our schedules. We usually go with a short list of wants (a Big Bar one of them) between the two of us, sometimes we do well on the list, sometimes not so well. It is an expensive day to come home empty handed. It is a nice Father/son, and last year grandson outing, but its getting rougher on the old man.

The swap meets are not what they used to be, but I was the only guy, my age, in our area, I knew still building cars, and that pretty much ended a few years ago. I used to have a garage full of stuff to get rid of, that too no longer exists. I no longer have a need to buy or sell at swap meets. My son has an off topic late 60s Mopar that may or may not get build someday, but you don't find many parts for his car at swap meets. He did have wheels for that car on his list for Jefferson last year, but we really didn't expect to find any (we didn't). Found a few Chevy bolt pattern, nothing Dodge/Ford.

 

Best swap meets for me 2010-2019 was Famoso, and then Moultrie Georgia, Turkey Rod Run Daytona.

 

The swap meet at the CHRR and even the smaller March Meet were always good until recently. Last year’s Wally Parks whatever they called it had about 1/4 to 1/3 the sellers that they used to have. I still found a few bargains though.
The wife and I headed to nearby Galt for a car swap meet this morning but I guess the approaching rain storms caused them to cancel it - no one there. Maybe I got the wrong date, idk.

 

Galt was definitely on this weekend according to @Jalopy Joker in Post #2 in this thread

 

My thoughts are very random in this post so I apologize in advance to anyone reading this.

I have never been to the Redlands packing house church, I didn't even know it existed do you got any more information on it?

To anyone reading this that hasn't been. The very HAMB friendly model T and A Swap meet in devore that is put on by The Paradise Valley Ford club is a great swapmeet although a bit small but you can't beat the price for the entry fee or parking since it is free and if I remember correctly it is pretty reasonable to sell at also, it is definitely a recommended swap meet if you're into pre- world war II cars as we all are.
Myself, I have debated on selling there I just haven't yet, the crowd wondering it is a hot rod / restoration crowd, they are our kind of people. In my opinion it is a much better swap meet than Pomona. Generally you don't really see any of the Mustang or "late model" (post 64) stuff there although a bit of it does sneak in. The same can be said with the HAMB friendly T swap meet in long beach, since I discovered it 3 or 4 years ago I haven't missed it.

I think both of those swap meets could benefit from good advertising. I don't think I have ever seen a flyer for either of them and both have been running for literally decades. I don't do a whole lot of car shows generally speaking but I definitely do a fair amount of swap meets you think they would advertise at a different swap meet or have somebody just walking around handing out flyers. In my opinion The Paradise valley Ford Model A club has the worst website I think I have ever looked on on a cell phone. For example this last September they didn't even have the right date on their website they got it wrong by a week... (I know I drove there it was empty lol). I have a friend that is stupid enough to have a Facebook account and they got a hold of somebody in the club and the person told them the swap meet was to happen the next weekend. I would imagine that affected the turnout but it still was a fun although small swap meet but I digress.

I learned about both of those swap meets through word of mouth I think the Model T swap meet at Long Beach I was watching a young guy do a stock preservation (not restoration) on a Model T sedan and he made it his goal to drive it to that swap meet that is how I became aware of it.
Now since the "big 3' is gone, the Model T swap meet in Long Beach is definitely my favorite swap meet here in Southern California, it's a toss-up between it and the roadster show swap meet at the LA fairgrounds although whoever laid out the fairgrounds swap meet doesn't know what they are doing they had some aisles going One direction and other aisles going the other direction absolutely stupid.

I should also mention there is a good small swap meet at the drive-in theater in Santee (in San Diego county for those not familiar with the area), I came across it by accident I think it happens twice a year I've only went once, a lot of the local residents that used to go to the big 3 now go to it, it is definitely smaller but it is a good swap meet nonetheless and it it's very similar in size to a traditional drive-in theater swap meet except it's all car related.

If anyone here in Southern California has any flyers to swap meets please post them I would definitely be interested.

 

Atmoshpere? For 16 years in late 80's-early 2000's I did Jefferson spring and fall. Nothing better than freezing cold with a bitter NW wind or blazing hot with no breeze. Don't forget about those blissful days of poring rain and mud. All endured so my wares could be set out so the "I'll give you a dollar" for a $20 part vultures along with the "I can buy those all day long for half that price" morons.
Do I miss seeing the group of other vendors I was clustered with? Not really. I sold NOS and hi-perf Mopar parts at that time and I'm a firm believer in the 'a fast nickel is better than a slow dime' philosophy which didn't always endear me to the 3 other Mopar vendors I was surrounded by as I undercut their prices. Eventually they all started buying from me and I got to watch as year after year they laid out the same parts they got from me trying to get the huge dollars.
Turning point was when the internet started getting big. I could see the swap going away from hardcore parts and getting clogged with lawn mowers,boat engines and general schlock. I had just bought over 4,000 NOS Mopar parts ranging from the 30's to the 80's Along with rising fuel,food,lodging costs it made no sense to spend 3 days there to net $6-800. Better get on this computer thing. Selling all those parts in the comfort of my home was and is pleasant and way more profitable Have not been back there since and don't really miss it.
I'm a introvert and not into socializing. I'm into selling for profit. Sell me something or buy something or move along. Wasn't then or now interested in hanging out after the swap. I did always enjoy a good meal at Steakfire in Watertown WI...miss the meal but not atmosphere
Sitting here at my computer taking a break from loading parts on various selling sites in my comfortable home office.
Got my coffee, had a good breakfast and enjoying my own personal atmosphere. Happy and content.
Swap meets like everything else in life evolves. Fewer vehicles are being built due to many factors which have been addressed in other threads. It's not the 70's/80's/90's anymore.

 

Still keeping this one going. Started at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway almost 60 years ago. Reasonable admission and swap spaces ($35) keep them coming back.

 

Covid did it?! Say what?

Government regulation?! Say what?

$15 admission and $18 to park (using a card)! Yeah, that'd be a problem for me.

8 or 9 times a year?! Opportunity overload. "Maybe I'll go next time."

Hmmm, Turlock is next weekend. Let's see how much that costs.

The price is right, but, oh my, look at the regulations:



Oh, and the website says that vending spaces are sold out.

 

Nothing personal, but- what? They don't teach about trades in public school anymore?? Isn't @anthony myrick teaching shop? Covid lockdowns?

 

Long Beach Model T swap meet is July 20, 2024
The Paradise Valley Model A club lists 2 swap meets, April 15th and September 30th
The Riverside Corona Model T Club's web site doesn't show a swap meet on its calendar of events but IIRC it's usually in June.
I'll post a flyer for the Packing House meet when I get one.

 

I buy my woodstoves in summer and my airconditioners in winter. I am happy to buy car stuff at a flea market and flea market stuff at a swap meet, and a thrift store is always interesting. Generally if it is not in the general theme of the event or season it sells at a discount. You need to know your prices and have storage which can be a pain. Buy from a person that wants to sell it- as in I have to clean out the garage, and try to sell it to a person that wants it- I have been looking for one of those for years. The hunt continues, viva la swap meet.

 

I’m becoming an anomaly
We lost over 200 collision classes since Covid.
There are zero college level collision classes in our area. Maybe 2 left in the state.
Classes are closed without concerns from the community.
Ive seen shop classes saved because the community spoke up.
We’re supposed to be replacing our 50 year old campus with a very large empty manufacturing facility purchased by community investors.
Fingers crossed

 

Years ago I learned about the Model T swap meet in SoCal and immediately found it to be a great place to buy cheap hot rod parts. It was mostly restorers and they practically gave away hot rod stuff. Great!
For a while, there was a Model A club swap meet right in the parking lot where I worked. TRW Manhattan Beach. That one was always a “must attend”, lots of good stuff.

 

What is described happening at Pomona is pretty typical of many great swap meets all over the country. A huge rebound after covid shutdowns, and then subsequent years a pretty small turnout of people setting up. Crowds still seem to be as large, but vendors selling just aren't what they used to be. I see the vendor turnout about 60% of what it used to be, and it's very disappointing to walk in and see all the empty spaces now.
I'm unsure why there is such a dramatic downturn in vendors selling, but I've decided to skip our big April swap meet at the Expo Center this year. I'll still walk through the PIR half as it had a good turnout, but the Expo was terrible and not worth entry, or time.

 

Have not been to that one yet...

 

Rather than lament what’s gone, I’d like to express gratitude for all the meets we still have. I attend a lot of them, and vend at Portland Expo and Spring Monroe. Yes, there have been changes. Expo had a down year last year due in part to travel-related weather and parking. (I still did OK.) This year they’ve taken steps to control what they can—consolidated to add parking—and we’ll see how it goes.

A swap meet is a treasure hunt, and you have to enjoy the thrill of it. It’s like fishing or hunting—you savor the joy that comes in those intermittent moments of success. If that doesn’t appeal, hell, you can buy a fish in the market any time, just like you can acquire any desperately needed part online, used or reproduction.

I shopped Turlock last year for the first time. It was great; a ton of vendors and T-shirt weather. But I almost ruined it for myself. For the first time ever, I went into a swap meet with a specific buying goal. I wanted a cool set of vintage heads and intake for my flathead. For the first few hours I was so focused on that goal that my brain couldn’t focus on anything else. Even as it was happening, I knew I was walking by all kinds of neat bargains. But I was obsessed with my goal. Finally, I stopped, got a coffee, chatted with my brother and reset my focus. Next thing you know, I was buying all kinds of great stuff.

The key was to focus on what was there, not what I wished was there.

This brings us to the subject of inventory, and the usual comments about non-automotive stuff creeping in. I’ll share some advice I got years ago from a graybeard vendor: “That crap sells!” Think about it: All those shoppers came a long way, paid to get in, and they want to go home with something. But most car parts have a narrow appeal—somebody with that year and make, or a hotrodder who can adapt it. But things like vintage lighting, old advertising, ice boxes, early housewares and militaria have a much broader appeal. Especially for gals. A lot of wives, girlfriends and daughters dutifully tag along at swap meets, and they are delighted when they spot some charming vintage treasure that actually appeals to them.

I’d say 25% of my space is devoted to that non-auto stuff, and it helps cover my basic costs. Thing is, to vend this stuff you need an eye for good pieces. If you can’t tell the difference between an authentic 1930s desk lamp and a cheesy Restoration Hardware knockoff, stay away. You also need to display it properly. I put this ancillary stuff on shelves toward the back. I want the car parts up front where guys can see them, and trust the gals will spot their treasures from afar.

If this is what it takes to keep auto swap meets going, I’m all for it.

Also, if you are a guy lamenting that you only sell a handful of things, you need to examine your prices and/or your inventory. Both have to be right. Over the years I’ve acquired a feel for what a lot of things are worth. But if I don’t know, I check eBay (sold listings) and then set a price that’s significantly less. I’m fine doing that because I don’t pay the sellers premium, I don’t get a 1099, and I don’t have to mess with packaging and shipping. I want stuff to move.

On the other hand, if you are just a casual vendor, you set a high price and hope for that obsessed guy to come along, like me at Turlock. And that’s OK. But just realize you’re not really trying to sell, and hobbies are rarely profitable.

Finally, to all the guys saying that swap meets have changed, I would say yeah, but so have we. Our needs and interests narrow as we age. Our perspective on past meets in the glory years can be clouded. We forget that back in the day we had multiple projects and future potential projects and friends with projects. Critical mass. But maybe not so much now.

So again, the change is also in us personally, not just the swap meets.

 

The Santee Drive in was sold, and the swap there is no more. However, I believe the promoter is starting a new one around the dates of the Big 3 in Chula Vista. About 5 miles from the border...but I will probably get sucked into going.
The Santee show content was like a smaller Long Beach, but you could find a few things.

 

yeah, post covid the swaps have been pretty dismal, Iola isnt doing going, last year i had my worst sales total, local stuff is hit and miss, i used to set up alot more stuff but have been tapering off, it gets hard to put the effort in to not sell much at all, i really think everyones pocket books are just hurting bad, bad politics, lots and lots of taxes, inflation and less interest etc etc, in my eyes the outlook is pretty bleak unless we get some big stuff straitened out in the world, the government really needs to start thinking about the american people again, i know you dont want to get to much into politics but i really believe thats what most of it stems from, population keeps growing, so even if theres less interest theres still plenty of people that are, they just cant afford it, cant afford a house with a garage, cant afford an extra car or two, i know plenty of people that if they had more money theyd have more cars parts and projects, everything just keeps getting more and more expensive and people have less and less money and wages havnt kept up and taxes keep rising.

 

Well said @ClarkH

Another thing and maybe a silver lining... currently there are 2 or 3 threads on the first page of the main board about scammers. They are rampant online. Hitting Facebook and Instagram. I know of one that controls their own page of "model A/early ford parts for sale" just so they can scam more people. I've seen them make their own fake web pages.(which I brought to attention here)

I could go into heavy detail. But I won't. but I will say, that as someone who makes a living selling online. I've seen a significant down turn because of this.

My hope and what I believe will happen and is the current buzz among us younger guys, on these platforms, is that we will being seeing a resurgence in swap meet vending and attendance.

What the next few years bring, will be very telling.

 

@BamaMav has it right...and I think that was the underlying point of my initial post. Hot rodding was born here in SoCal, there are still so many car guys with cool parts squirreled away it's crazy. And here? Of all places the Pomona Swap Meet is dying? There was another post on this thread basically saying..quit yer bitching and get to the swaps you can go to. I'm totally down with that.

I go to the Devore swaps...but talk about aging vendors...some of those swaps are put on by the Paradise Valley Model A club. The average age of those club members is pretty up there. I love buying stuff from them and the pancake breakfast they used to put on. A few years ago I bought a NOS set of McGurk rockers for a 235 in their original box. They literally looked brand new.

I was a regular at the Big 3...that was my 2nd favorite swap behind Turlock. Thankfully Turlock is coming up this weekend and weather looks great so far. Long Beach is pretty good too. I agree with @bchctybob about the Model T show at Long Beach. I've found many hot rod parts there over the years.

I guess my point was...go to swapmeets! All it takes is one vendor to make your day or maybe you can learn something. At the last dismal Pomona I scored a vintage louvered F100 hood. I just love the old louver patterns when they are not in symmetrical rows. I dont have an F100...but I probably will now.

 

For all of you that can remember!!

 

You're lucky you have swap meets. We have one real automotive swap meet/year here and you could walk it in less than 20 minutes.

 

I’ll add to my original statement…you guys who live in the more populated areas that have and had more vehicles in them, it’s not unusual for there to be more parts still around. Out here in the rural areas where people lived farther apart, stuff was used until it was worn out, then parts of it were repurposed into other things. Think frames and axles turned into hay wagons, Model A’s turned into doodlebug tractors, trucks used on farms then in the woods until all that was left were the frames and running gear. Not much left to save!

Now I’m not saying there aren’t any parts, no, there were pockets of folks who raced and hauled corn likkor who saved stuff for spares. Some of this stuff still finds its way to market, but it’s usually private sales. There just wasn’t a large demand for old outdated parts, much less a place dedicated to selling them. In the last 20 years I’ve seen a few efforts at some shows and stuff to have a swap area, but the larger venues either didn’t advertise or only advertised locally, so if you were out of the area you never knew about them. Before the internet it was word of mouth, your buddy heard about something and filled you in. But trips over 100 miles had to planned and couldn’t always take place, at least not for me. I’ve heard of Nashville and North GA and Moultrie for years, but never been able to just take off for two or three days and go look. You guys that live closer to the larger population areas don’t have as much a problem when you can do it all in a days time.

Again, you guys enjoy what you have, even if it’s not as large as it once was. A lot of us don’t get as many chances for the experiences.

 

My point exactly. When swap meets moved away from being a social gathering of like-minded people buying and selling stuff at a hobby based level, and towards a more commercial, income-generating exercise, the whole game changed....... for the worse. I am sorry your perspective and experience regarding swap meets was as awful as you describe. Not surprising that it was more of a job for you than an enjoyable outing, but that was a choice you made. Maybe ostracising yourself and spending your time at home staring at a computer screen in your office does indeed suit you better. Horses for courses. I, for one, will continue to attend the 'right' type of swap meet, and I will soak up the atmosphere.......

 

@Atomic Reverend Alexander @51504bat

@bchctybob



Hey Guys,
If you are planning on going to the Model T Club Swap Meet, it is in a great location. The Veteran's Memorial Stadium parking lot is located near the old Douglas Arcraft sites and the Long Beach Airport. The undiscovered secret for flying anywhere out of So Cal. Not LAX, not Burbank, not OC airport or Ontario. Long Beach is the "secret" place.

Itineraries to most big name places, plenty of parking and simple pickup drive in location. The lack of heavy duty crowds like the other So Cal airports is obvious and a lot easier. Plus, when you take off, you fly over our old Westside of Long Beach house! Ha! But when you land, you see the only Pyramid out side of Egypt! If you sit on the left side of the landing plane.

But the swap meet location is major highway access from any So Cal area. Since it is easily accessible, it gets crowded fast. It was back then and by lunch time, a lot of good stuff is gone and spaces are relatively empty.

Jnaki

These days, the restaurants around the location near the airport have plenty of good food. Across Lakewood Blvd is a huge complex (called LBX)with a lot of good food places. But, a short walk from the stadium back to Carson Street is Dale’s Diner. On the corner of Norse Way and Carson Street. it has the 50s-60 vibe and great food. The atmosphere is one of stepping back in time, but has excellent food and service. YRMV


Note: The current location is much better than the old place off of PCH in central Long Beach, near our old high school. Dusty, dirt access and in a sort of a "pit" that was not the most welcoming place. But, great stuff for sale. Hamilton Bowl...

 

When a swap meet gets to the point of charging entry fee and fees to the sellers. The older crowd doesn't want to pay entry fee to get in only to not find anything but a flea market.

I used to go to my local swap meets every time they were scheduled. Rain or shine. Now I maybe hit it once every few years when I am bored, I normally go to visit some buddies selling and sit around shooting the stuff.

After going to Chickasha pre war and Roundup swap meets, I can find what I am into there and don't have to waste a ton of time and money looking at traders village cast offs.

 

^^ as stated above, charging for buyers & sellers is tough on older swappers. but, don't forget that some Swaps on private or county property that charge for parking too. the upcoming infamous Northern California Turlock Auto Parts Swap at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds does not charge for parking. but, raised walk in entry fee to $20 for Saturday. $10 for Sunday. should be a good turn out with good weather forecast.