FYI, The 57th Annual Long Beach Model T Club Swap Meet is this Friday and Saturday the 22nd and 23rd at the Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress CA. Gates open 7AM. www.lbmtc.com

Yeah, and they raised the already high admission price to $6. I wish they would go back to Hamilton Bowl! It was free then.

I wish I could buy a brass era T Touring for 1965 Hamilton Bowl prices
Times sure have changed. With Ebay and Craigs List, it sure is nice to have the good old 57 year old Long Beach Parts Exchange still hanging in there. Pomona charges $8 to get in & $9 to park. Long Beach has primarily pre-war parts (not a bunch of Honda & Chevy parts like Pomona) It seems that the specialized content of the Long Beach Swap Meet combined with the free parking is a real value. I know that I had great success last year finding parts for my '13 Speedster.
I'll be there helping Fast Frank & Humble Howard with the rare "Thomas" collection of speed equipment and parts.

Larry,

It was free to enter the swap at Hamilton Bowl and Long Beach State because neither of those venues charged the club for their event.

In those days, the club kept all the money that was made on space sales. The club ran the concession stand and kept the profit. There is no club-run concession stand now because since the swap moved to Vet's Stadium the 1st time, the concession rights belong to a contracted vendor and they are VERY protective of that right. I actually had the concession owner at Cerritos College bitch me out because he saw two kids peddling Cokes from an ice chest in a space for $.50 a can. I just replied "Well go tell them they can't do that, I'm busy".

In addition to this, this was all before ebay, Craig's list, and Pomona which accounted to more than over 500 sold spaces in the late '70's.

Remember, the swap is a club fund raiser. As I used to tell people when I ran the swap at the turn of the 21st century, "It's a fund raiser, not a break evener".

When I took over the meet in '99, It was a mid year change. After the '99 swap was put to bed, we had several people in the club actively looking for another free spot in Long Beach. Not only could they not find another free spot in L.B., they couldn't find ANY spot in L.B. large enough for the event- free or otherwise!

Don't get me wrong, the first Long Beach Model "T" Swap Meet I went to was in '75 at Hamilton Bowl with my dad and I would love nothing more to go back there just one more time. It was the most fun I've ever had but, I don't think the West Side Longos street gang issues event permits (if you know what I mean).

With Respect,

Mike.

Two more days!

Larry Smith, The Long beach Club must rent the grounds, a fence to protect the swappers and their parts at night, toilets, sanitary clean-up equipment, security, and get the members to donate their time. I do not know the exact costs but believe the overhead to be in the neighborhood of $5,000 just to start up the two day event. It takes a lot of six dollar bills to pay for that. As a not for profit organization the Long Beach Club provides a forum for the exchange of parts because the Ford Motor Company no longer supports our historically significant vehicles and the Club does it as a public service. Sorry if you can't understand the reason it costs money and that it takes a lot of dedication as well as money up front. There will be a lot of good and rare Model T stuff for trading and swapping so come early.

I have never been to this event. How does the size compare in relation to the Topping Long Beach Hot Rod events?

I sell vintage license plate frames from the 1960's & 1970's (all makes & models) as well as the 1963-1969 California "black" plates. Would I be a fish out of water at this event? Is everybody buying & selling strictly Model T stuff? Do any of the Chevy guys show up?

Sorry if my questions are stupid.....just would like to know if it would be worth it to drag out a few thousand license plates & frames for this event.

Heck ,I'd pay $10-15 just to get to go. We don't have any good swap meets around here.

Jay, The Long Beach swap meet is mostly T and A stuff however you never know what or who might show up. One of our members is a license plate collector and is always there with some of his plates.

A couple of years ago some guys showed up with a truckload of 52 - 53 Chevy parts and sold the whole lot!

There are still a few spaces available and you can get one at the gate. Hope to see you there.

Jay to answer your question of the size of the swap meet, the number of sellers will most likely be about 130 to 150 or so. There are 180 spaces that are 27 feet wide by 20 feet long. They are three parking spaces each and some folks have purchased two spaces on a pass through style from one lane to the next one. These folks have a space that is 40 feet long and 27 feet wide.

The Long Beach Model T Swapmeet, I haven't been to one of them in 30 years. Looking forward to it this weekend. I am particularly interested in finding a right side front fender mounting bracket for a 22 T, the one that gets riveted to the fender, for some reason I've got two lefthand ones. I hope somebody out there has one of these, otherwise I'm going to have to make one (not looking forward to that :-/).

Martin do you need the larger top one or the small one 2/3 of the way down danuser88@socket.net

I can't go to the swap, but if any of you who are there sees a Sherman Superfire head in useable condition for a reasonable price you don't need yourself, then please take a note of the sellers contact info & send me a private message through my profile page
I haven't found any at ebay after looking semi regularly for years, are they really that rare or are they usually corroded to scrap when pulled off an engine? I'm also considering an old cast iron Haibe, Giant or Simmons head for my speedster.

I will be there Sat, have to work Friday.

The Swap Meet is going strong. Here are a few photos:

Sent you a PM, Roger. Not cheap, but like new.

My pix from this morning:

75 degrees with a refreshing ocean breeze.


Longtime member, Phil Reed of Electronic Chrome and Grinding fame.


Bea and Jim Guinn with their wood bands.

Last batch.

Ever seen axles like this?



The hack is for sale by Larry Stoner.

rdr

I love that garden mini-crawler, Ralph !

Came down for the weekend for the swap meet. I scored two new updraft carb's and a new rajo valve cover and push rods!! Will be back bright and early tomorrow to see if I can find anymore deals. Good to see and meet all of you guy's hope to see and meet more or you guy's tomorrow.

Thanks, Ralph, for posting these photos. It has been thirty years since I made it down to the Long Beach swap. You are likely to talk me into it maybe next year. I didn't realize it still had so much T stuff!
By the way, is that the same parrot?
Drive safe, and enjoy! W2

I drove my '13 Speedster over this afternoon. It will be there tomorrow as well. We had a nice dinner for the club members and will be back for more fun & deals tomorrow morning

Agreed, Steve, that has to be one of the coolest garden tractors ever.

Different year, different parrot, Wayne. As they often do, the African Grey has bonded with my wife and sees me as a competitor. He even talks in my voice.

I lost control of the wife last month and she bought the rose breasted cockatoo, which has earned the name "Chewbaca," as she chews all she can get hold of, especially leather, like in chairs, belts, shoes, etc.

LOL! Thanks, Ralph. I thought that was a different one. Enjoy the swap meet and thanks for the photos.
Drive safe, and enjoy, W2

Ralph,

That is the first time I have heard them called a Rose Breasted Cockatoo, over here in their native land they are known as a Galah. (pronounced GA-LAR)

Peter

Yes, Peter, here they go by both names. Galah is not so easy for most people here to remember, as they have even heard of them, let alone seen one. Are they a pest in your area?

rdr

Is the Gabby Garrison Car for sale?

So? How was it?

While not T related- someone sure went to a great extent to modify that Model A Victoria for suicide doors.

My question would be why.........

I don't know about all you, but I was a might disappointed at the swapmeet today. As I remember the last one I went to (30 years ago) I believe it was a 3 day event held in some college's parking lot. And as I remember there were Model T parts galore, but this weekend those seemed to be in short supply. Oh there was a few here and there (fenders mostly and gaboons of tools), but there seemed to be a extraordinarily larger amount of later model car stuff (and not necessarily Ford either) rather than Model T stuff. I did however, manage to find that fender bracket I was looking for and at quite a decent price t'boot.

I remember the last one I went to I got a Phiney and Walker 8 day rimwind for $15.00, much bigger meet in those days and lots of nice stuff. Well mayhap, the San Fernando Valley Model T Club swapmeet on August 21st will have something I just live without.

Today you can have a choice of Phinney clocks from the convenience of your computer, and not spend hours scouring piles of rust. On tbay, however, you will pay the real value of an item, and not have the pleasure of beating the seller out of the true value of his surplus. The last time I sold at the LB swap, it was items too awkward to sell and ship via tbay.

The few I asked yesterday reported brisk sales on Friday. Some, including me, question the wisdom of the Fri-Sat schedule, which leaves the younger T nuts, who work for a living, to pick up the scraps on Sat.

Riverside T club lost their field for this summer, and will maybe have their swap after Hershey.

Luke,
That's not a Model A Vicky---it's a Model B, and I think that's the way they came, but I'm no expert!
T'
David D.

I enjoyed the swapmeet, found a nice collection of items. Friday was the better day, lots of goodies changing hands. Some pretty rare stuff was out on the tables. Saturday was light, mostly leftovers from the day before. I thought it was much better than last year. Kudos to the Long Beach Club for continuing their yearly tradition.

David,

If you look close at the firewall and reveal lines on the body, that's a Model A.

They added an exterior visor which the Victorias didn't have. Neither the A-bone or '32 Vicky had suicide doors originally.

I still wouldn't mind having it in my garage- it makes you scratch your head for a minute!

Great photos from everyone, too bad there's nothing like this in FL.

I think the license plate on that Vicky said something about 31A. Fooled me, but I've never had much interest in modren Fords, anyhow.

rdr

Just for curiosity sake -did anyone get the price in the Garden Mini Crawler that Ralph posted-Love It
even if Suzanne wouldn't understand -(Its a man thing)
-Don

I was afraid to ask because I had money in my pocket. It even smelled good but he wouldn't let me lick it or kiss it, it was that nice !

To quote Martin from above, "I don't know about all you, but I was a might disappointed at the swapmeet today...."

I felt the same way but I think this is just another sad commentary on our hobby. I remember this swap meet in the 60's and 70's and how we all looked forward to it and the hill climb every year. But sadly, I guess the small size of the meet just reflects the serious lack of T parts worthy to trade. I wish it was the same as when I was in my 20's but hey- I wish I was the same as when I was in my 20's....

Roger B,
The first swap meet I ever went to had 14 sellers (I counted them), and was considered a success. The largest meet in the Bay Area for years was the Santa Clara Model A Club's annual swap in Milpitas. I was never a member of that club, but several friends were. I went to one of their meetings when they talked about what a huge success it was that year, and could it ever possibly get any bigger? It had 35 vendors. Two years later it hit 50 and the club was beside themselves! These days, some good meets may actually have almost as much T stuff as then. It is just you have to walk past a few hundred booths of really modern stuff. Sometimes they may even have more T stuff. Just not nearly as much horseless carriage stuff.
Add to the hassles of handling a meet that large, liability issues, and don't forget the competition of eBay. I am glad to have a few good meets left within about an hours drive from home. Plus a few farther away I do go to if money is not too tight to pay for the gas.
I find parts so much cheaper at swap meets. I often go home with an Expedition load. Just ask David Dewey. eBay buyers tend to pay a premium price for the convenience of not having to drive. Besides, so many of the parts I need are dollar items. I can get dozens of them at swap meets for a hand full of dollars. From eBay? The shipping is five times what the part is worth. Two weeks to Sacto and counting. I gotta do my part to keep these things going.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2

I would like to commend the Long Beach club, of which I am proud to be a member. I showed up late and just tried to assist - but, I was amazed at the amount of effort they put out for the event - all volunter. Family members, young and old assist. All trying to make it go well, main reason I was there was to try to show them some thanks for another thing the club doe's. Which is the model T garage, really great hands on teaching and assisting members learn to work on their T's. Quite a group, thanks Long Beach Chapter !!!

Hi Luke,
Gee, I hadn't noticed that. Looked again, and no visible hinges either! Nice set of Woodlites too--they're scarce! I'm usually not into modifying stuff, but that looks like some really creative period alterations.
T'
David D.

Rick mate, I didn't beat the man out of his surplus, I just asked what he wanted for it and he told me $15.00, and I bought it. I suppose he sold it for that because the bezel was cracked and it didn't work. But that didn't phase me, I fix clocks for fun. Did you know that thing had 8 jewels in it? amazing, on a car clock yet! And it keeps damn good time too.

Also I'm not knocking the Long Beach Model T Club nor the swapmeet, I was just disappointed based on what I remembered from all those years ago. The one thing I was really happy to see while I was there, was that the cars, were driver cars, not trailer queens.

I chatted with a guy in the parking lot (whose name I didna get he was out there directing traffic) who was driving a Model T truck that looked like it was put together with anything someone could scrounge together to keep it running (had a corrugated tin roof). He told me he drives it everywhere, out of all the cars there that one was my favorite!

Martin: That's Jeff Hood's truck. He started this thread

This was my first T swap meet and I enjoyed myself , but not knowing any better of size and volume I really don't have anything to compare it to. All and all I had fun a got some much need extra parts and meet some good people and dome good connections for my continued growth in this hobby. I also got my frist driving lesson "special thanks to bill", so now that I'm home I think I'll take mine out for her frist spin. I hoping to have the time to make it back next.

Wood fit somebody to a T?


The CAUTION is on a drum that rotates. Would be interesting to see a complete one.

rdr

Green flow thru mufflers???
Does anyone know the seller that had the two green (Taylor or Thompson mufflers) at the LB swap?
I would like more information and purchase the pair.
Thanks!!!!!

btt

AFTER AN EXPENSIVE 12 HR FLIGHT FROM AUSTRALIA HOW COULD ANYONE COMPLAIN ABOUT AN ENTRY FEE WHEN YOU GET A GREAT FREE WELCOME FROM MEMBERS LIKE JEFF AND PRESIDENT BOB .

THANK YOU GUYS --I GOT SOME GOODIES AND HAD A GOOD FLIGHT BACK . REGARDS BOB TREVAN

A big welcome to our new member Bob Trevan. It was nice meeting you Bob.

I am not computer savvy enough to make it any bigger than this.

WELCOME!!!!!!

I'll let someone else change their font or do something really fancy.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2

Ya know , Original Smith DOES have something with the memory of the Hamilton Bowl ... Remember waiting outside for the gates to open , running around looking in everyone`s trailers and pickups for a deal on the pieces you needed , early ?? How about the Model TT water truck watering the dust between the swap spaces , and the warm mud squeezing between the toes of your bare feet ?? Running behind the water truck to wash off ?? Or everybody firing up their BBQ`s to cook a little dinner , and the whole bowl going hazy , smelling of charcoal , hamburgers , and hot dogs ?? Or , "HEY , sit down here and have a hamburger , you look hungry and I cooked too many." . Or , maybe , "...and I`ll throw in a hamburger and a coke if you`ll pay $XX for that part ." . How the whole bowl got quiet about 11 P.M. , as everyone hit the sack , and the lights were dimmed ?? Then , in the morning , when you woke up , the air was foggy and your sleeping bag was damp , so you hung it up on your truck cab in the sunshine to dry out ?? Making a coke run to the stores up on PCH , and how SAFE you felt AFTER you got back down inside the bowl with all the T people ?? Leaving Sunday around 4 P.M. , dead tired , but REALLY HAPPY , making plans with all the goodies you just got for your project car , all ready looking foward to next year at the Bowl , and hanging out with all your MODEL T BUDDIES , Talking about next years` Hill Climb , and would Chris finally beat Doc Pruden once and for all ?? YAH , I MISS THE HAMILTON BOWL A BUNCH !!!

I do remember those days! I only went a few times with friends. We split the gas cost and went down in a friend's motor-home. I still have the Paige/Jewett sales and service sign I bought in that line outside the gate. It is hanging on the wall in my shop.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2

Yeah, and before that was Heartwell Park on Carson Street. That was even better than the Hamilton Bowl! Now that was the way the swapmeet should still be. The gates used to open a 4pm on Saturday, and then they moved it up to 12 noon. But it was a big party, and everyone stayed with their stuff all night. We had campstoves out, and Coleman lanterns. We didn't need any fancy fences, because we didn't need them, and we got in for free, and found way better stuff than they bring out today. But times change. The Long Beach T Club is one of them.

Larry, Back in the old days when we went to Hartwell Park I was teaching school. Bad boys chewed gum and talked in class. If they were naughty we gave them swats and the school yard had no fences and didn't need them. Today the boys bring guns and knifes to class and if the teacher corrects them the teacher is fired, the schools have fences and armed guards. Vote often and vote carefully because THEY do too. Today we use the tried and true honor system. The teachers have the honor and the students have the system.

Back when people had manners and were not quick to file a law suite we didn't have to have all the nonsence we must have today. They call it overhead and the cost of doing business. The LBMTC must do public service in order to maintain its tax status and providing a forum for the exchange of parts and information. The do it because FOMOCO no longer supports our vehicles so it is a way of providing public service. If you don't enjoy it simply vote with your feet but don't soil the laundy that other folks have washed and put out to dry.

The swap meet is still a party for those that know how to party and the fence is to keep them safe while they party. The neighborhoods are not full of the grand children of the naughty people who used to chew gum and talk in class, they are full of the children whos father's brought guns to class and made them build fences around the schools. Welcome to America . . . the way it has become by the design of idiots.

Looks like a model A with the door hinges reversed. Only the deluxe coupe was that way in '32. I see a cowl gas tank.
Or it's a 32 with a model A body.
A '32 had a flat firewall that stayed with the frame when the body was lifted. That was a one-year thing.
You can see the '32 frame too, they had no splash aprons.
'33 and later did not have a verticle line where the hood meets the cowl.
Nice car though, and the wheels are period correct.

Larry, I don't mean to overstep my welcome here on the forum but I think you're being a little rough on the Long Beach Club. Since I've been playing with cars, 1975-6 or so, the Long Beach Club has been there with a swap meet. I know from being the son of a friend of a long time member and now a friend of a few. The Long Beach has done their level best to put on a meet that is worthy of attendance. Anytime a change of venue is involved in any public event, attendance is affected. But they soldier on. Times have changed, you men with all the knowledge and passion for these cars of Henry Ford are getting older and I with you. I wasn't able to get the early start you guys did with the T's. I did have a chance in my mid 20's to have possession of my in-laws 23 touring for a few years, a parting I'll always regret, but being a younger married guy with 2 small kids didn't allow it. Now here I sit with number 3 who's 16 and interested in T's trying to piece one together that we can enjoy. The swap meets have enabled me to get involved with this hobby and to get to know you guys with all the knowledge.
Frank, I work with some of the offspring of those you speak of, the gum chewing, talk in class, rules don't apply to them sort. My few conversations with you have always been pleasant and informative.
In my mail today was a card from the Riverside/Corona T club informing me that the Swap they have been hosting since I can remember isn't going to happen this year. They lost their venue and have come to the conclusion that they need more time to find suitable grounds. I think we as T'rs here in southern California need to keep in touch with these folks so we are ready to support whatever decision they come up with.
As far as what shows up to a meet, you just never know what might show up so you just better be there to see.

It's a real shame that the riverside swap is a no go for this year. It's never been I particularly productive meet for me but it's always been in a great venue and I usually come home with something.
I think I joined the lbmtc in about 1981, and made some life long friends there. I learned early on that the lbmtc was different then most T clubs. It seems to me anyway, to be geared mostly toward speedsters and go fast stuff. This is not bad, just different.
I have been interested in early model T cars from about age 15, so I really never had much interest in speedsters. I like authentically restored cars and really admire those who go the extra mile to do the job right. I have been dealing in early T parts for a long time and have done most of my business out of so. Cal. Area. There just doesn't seem to be much interest for that stuff in the local area. I stopped selling at the long beach for that reason years ago. Whether they have a fence or not doesn't make much difference to me, there is just not much early stuff at that meet. I attend Hershey, Chickasha, and Bakersfield every year and find quite a lot of early stuff at those meets. I think the hill climb and the racing stuff has shaped the lbmtc for many years as well as the long beach meet. A lot of the people, I'll call them purists for lack of a better word just don't seem to go to the long beach meet any most for those reasons. Just my 2 cents, I hope no one is offended, that is certainly not my intent.