Charlotte Autofair feedback

Hey -

I've never been to Hershey or Carlisle, but I've gone on a regular basis to the Charlotte Autofair in Spring and Fall (entered my Mustang a couple of times in the Spring show).

So I have no real basis of comparison other than to say: If either Hershey or Carlisle has *two* or more Zephyr parts for sale, then they have more than I found at the entire Charlotte show! I know that Zephyrs are pretty rare, but good grief, how much money can you pour into Chevelles and mid-70s Ford trucks? Apparently, ALOT, if the vendors are any indication.

I wouldn't be so bothered if there was a decent representation of pre-war cars there, but there were only a handful of A's, no Lincolns of any sort, and a couple 39/49 Fords. Of course, no full Classics, with the exception of a 46 Lincoln convertible for sale (in terrible condition with what looked to be a 350 shoved unceremoniously into the engine bay <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />). My local AACA chapter has more pre-war cars in a field of 80.

I did meet Earle Browne there, with a table pitching the LZOC and his services. A very nice guy, but except for Earle and a couple of other contacts, it's not much of a show for folks interested in pre-war cars or earlier Lincolns. Too bad. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hi Cecil,

I'm not sure about Carlisle, but I know that Hershey has a number of Lincoln parts vendors. When I was there in 2002, the swap meet was pretty much rained out, so I didn't get to see much. I did however, see Bob Boos from Arizona, Earle Brown from Pittsburgh, Bob Anderson from Houtzdale (PA) and I know there were several other Lincoln vendors there. My main purpose at Hershey was to see the 1939 Continental prototype that Bob Anderson has so meticulously restored. The local AACA chapter has the "500 pound gorilla" attitude that they're doing you a favor by letting you come to their swap meet, but it is the world's largest swap meet. I know that Bob Boos is planning to be there this year and he has a LOT of Lincoln stuff. I'd like to go again, but can't make it this year - too bad.

Good luck!

I have been going to Hershey for the last thirty some years and Carlisle off and on for the last 20 years. Some years you see what you are looking for and some years you don't. The LZOC sponsers a swap meet in Harrisburg,PA in mid winter. It was the last weekend of January, now it is sometime in Febuary. As a rule there are more parts at this small meet than you will find at Hershey and Carlisle combined. If you can get away for the week end, it is worthwhile.

Bill

I spoke with Bob Boos on the phone today. He's leaving for Hershey on October 2. If he has anything you need, he'll probably be able to bring it to Hershey with him. His phone number is 480 837-0978.