charlier

I was registered for the meet at Cumberland this year but had to back out at the last minute due to an illness in the family. That leaves Hershey for me this year. Looking forward to Gettysburg and Hershey in 2009. Would like to go to the Grand National next year but I am afraid the distance and timing might not work out for me. Might have to save vacation time and money for the 2010 Grand National and the 75th Anniversary Events.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: simplyconnected</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With all due respect Dave, our 'new world' can't afford to trade good paying jobs for wind powered generators and a thousand solar powered satellites, (probably manufactured in Indonesia). </div></div> Might want to check out the following list of companies located in the >>>USA<<< that maunufacture & sell wind power components. http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/US/byP/wRP/lwindturbine/byB/mfg/mfg.shtml

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Matt Harwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What about soccer moms using cell phones and putting on makeup? What about the douchebag I saw the other day reading the newspaper on his steering wheel at 60MPH? What about the kid in the SUV with 20 television sets inside watching "The Price is Right" on his way to lunch? Nope, they're OK because they get their cars inspected. What about their brains?</div></div> What about commercial trucks that come from states without safety inspections??? This "journalist" ought to be more concerned about 80,000 lb tractor trailer trucks on the roads with bald tires, bad brakes and a host of other mechanical problems. Vehicles like these can do a LOT more damage and kill a LOT more people every year than antique cars EVER could. The township I live in conducts periodic (ie monthly) truck inspections. It is fairly common for them to cite 70-100+ trucks for mechanical & safety violations EVERY time they do these inspections. Sometimess they run out of space to park the rigs that fail so badly they cannot be driven away from the inspection.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bhigdog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've switched to the Reading Eagle newspaper for my morning fix of murders, rapes, corruption, and crime. And so it goes..........Bob </div></div> Bob, I cannot comment about the Morning Call. I can however caution you that when reading the Reading Eagle do not believe everything you read. The Eagle has been my daily paper for 40+ years. Some things they report correctly while other things are not nearly as accurate as they could/should be. I have read some reports in the Eagle and wondered if the so-called "reporter" was even at the same event that I was. The lack of accuracy and facts simply blew my mind away. Don't get me wrong, the Eagle does have some good reporters. I have dealt with the good and not-so-good ones over the years. That is why, when reading the Eagle, I tend to take it with a grain or two of salt. Unfortunately, others in Berks County take it as Gospel which makes for interesting discussions around town.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dave@Moon</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> #3 Speaking of volume, the retail grocery industry operates on a good deal less than 1% profit. Again <span style="font-style: italic">volume/volume/volume!</span> </div></div> Yes, it is true that the retail grocery industry makes very little on the proudcts they sell. They do however make VAST AMOUNTS of money selling real estate (ie shelf space). One way or another, manufacturers of food and food products pay HUGE amounts of money for this real estate. When the grocery chain decides to reduce (or eliminate) the space for a vendor, the other vendors scramble to get that space. If the vendor who was booted out wants back in, it usually takes time and a LOT of MONEY (in one form or another) to get shelf space once again. If you think oil companies are bad, the retail grocery industy is not far behind with some of their business practices. BTW, when I purchased my last new vehicle I looked at offerings from the Big Three as well as German and Japanese automakers. Unfortunately, the offerings from the Big Three did not fill my needs and did not offer the value for my hard earned money. The German offering had quality/reliability issues so that left the Japanese offerings, one of which I purchased. Once the Big Three have offerings that fill my needs, then maybe they have a shot at my future business.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ex98thdrill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If an individual has a bunch of spaces and sublets or sells the spaces, how does he deal with the PA department of revenue?</div></div> I don't know. All I know is that the guy who was selling the spaces wanted several hundred dollars per space. </div></div> Since I have not looked into spaces in the past I have to ask the question: When a person buys a space directly from Hershey Region, what is the cost?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shop Rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So that means bring my shorts, long sleeve turtleneck sweater, flip-flops, water-proof parka and wide brimmed sun hat. Won't I be the "fashion statement"? </div></div> What about a knit hat or ear muffs, gloves, suntan lotion and T-Shirt? I think it is time for me to recoat my boots with waterproofing material. Chances are, I will need that waterproofing sometime during my Hershey stay.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shop Rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charlie, the breakfast meeting is not three hours long. It does vary depending on how much information they have to tell us and how many people get recognition awards but it sure isn't three hours long. Hope you have a great time at Hershey. </div></div> Thanks for setting me straight regarding the length of the Judges Breakfast.

Susan & Matthew thank your feedback to my questions. I have been judging and showing cars for a number of years at manufacturer specific events. No question that both showing and judging makes for a LONG day. Add to that a 2-3 hour commute both to and from the event and it gets even longer. Compared to events I have been involved with, the three hour judges breakfast at Fall Hershey is fairly long. I suspect that the recognition awards take up a fairly large portion of the Breakfast compared to the last minute changes. Most events I attend have judges meetings that run from as little as 15-20 minutes to as long as 60-90 minutes (a total of three meetings lasting this long). The big difference between these events and Hershey is the number of judges involved. The number of Judges at Hershey is probably in the 100s while the events I judge at are done with, at most, 50-60 judges (usually less). The much larger number of judges, eating breakfast, recognitions, etc. easily adds to the Hershey meeting time. Anyway, thanks again...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rendrag</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will I create any kind of problem by hooking uo a battery saver to my 1990 Reatta while it is stored over the winter? </div></div> I use the "Battery Tender" brand of charger on my antique/classic vehicles as well as my trailer batteries and tow vehicle. The Battery Tender is an intelligent charger that keeps a battery charged at a much higher level than a conventional auto battery charger and many trickle chargers. I have been using this charger for about 8 years now and not one of my vehicles has yet to have a battery problem and/or not start. These charger are more expensive than other chargers on the market but they simply work very well for me. BTW, they also make a water-proof model that can be used outdoors. They also make 20 foot extension cords that I use for my tow vehicle and trailer. That allows me to keep the charger in the garage (it is not a water proof model) while keeping the batteries charged in the tow vehicle & trailer outside in the driveway. FYI, I do not work for the company that makes this product nor do I sell it. I am just a very satisfied, long time, customer.

Have some questions for those people that have a car on the show field at Hershey and Judge. - When do you put your show car on the field? Before 7am then you go to the Judge's Breakfast or after the Breakfast? If before 7am, do you have time to return to the vehicle before the judging begins to give it a once over, open the hood, etc.? - Must all Judges be at the Breakfast at 7am until 10am or is it more laid back and Judges can come/go anytime during the 7-10am timeframe? Just wondering how all this works when one has a car in the event and judges. This is especially important to those of us who do not have a spouse or friend with us at an event since we cannot be in two places at the same time. BTW, if one's plans change, can a person attend the Judging classes at Hershey at the last minute? (ie just show up) Thanks for your input.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shop Rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tom, Welcome to the insane world of going to Fall Hershey. This is just general advice for going there. Bring clothes for all kinds of weather. It can be snowing, raining (it usually does), hot as the hinges of you know where or pleasant. Be prepared for anything. With the weather on the internet it is not as much of a challenge to bring the right stuff. Bring shoes or boots that are comfortable for walking for hours. Most of the flea market is now paved. But the thing you want to bring is <span style="font-weight: bold">lots</span> of socks so that you can change them at least once during the day. Wet socks, no matter how good they are, will give you blisters and then you will be miserable. And the "loft" packs down and you have very little cushion to walk on. Cool dry socks are wonderful and your feet will thank you. Hope you have a great time and find lots of brass era stuff. </div></div> Just a few more thoughts to add to Susan's. I have found that waterproof boots (not the kind that make your feet sweat) along with Dr. Schols gel pads are the ticket for me. When it rains at Hershey the blacktop lots can become rivers of water when they drain. Regardless of the forecast I just ware the boots. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a good hat, and a rain poncho are good to bring along also. I have found that a good backpack is essential. It helps to carry some of the essentials (especially those extra pairs of dry socks) and is great for carrying small sized, flea market purchases. A backpack also keeps your hands free to really examine those flea market items with both hands. Two other keys to a great Hershey experience is to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Most of all, just have FUN.

I do not have any Swap Meet Spaces. My friends and I get together and do our annual walk through the swap meet on Friday. After nine or ten hours and 15-20 miles of walking we then call it a day. Some of us gather for dinner, relax and get some sleep since we are up early the next morning for the car show on Saturday. I have yet to find any parts for my vehicles after 5+ years. I have found a number of printed materials that I collect. When it comes to the Swap Meet at Fall Hershey the fun is in the hunting....

Interesting timing on this thread. The local Retirement Commmunity where my mother resides just had their annual "Peach Festival". Part of that festival includes a car show with Antique & Classic cars and Street Rods. They also serve a picnic lunch under tents for the residents, visitors and show car owners. I went to the event this year and there were about 10-20 cars in attendance most of which were from a local car club. The residents, visitors, guests and staff all seemed to enjoy the cars on display. For those interested in this sort of thing, I recommend you contact the activities director or manager of your local retirement community and see if something like this would be of interest.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steve Moskowitz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 2.Hershey: doom and gloom was forecast by some. I was somewhat in that group and now need to spend the afternoon with an emergency order for trophies. Flea market spaces are all sold out and car corral is oversold! The club is searching for more space! The car show: despite some problems last year, the economy and gas prices, the show will be bigger this year! Yes larger, they are still entering the data but it could end up with around 125 more cars than last year!</div></div> This is good news for the event but it is also a BIG challenge for Hershey Region to find more space for the Car Corral and ~125 more show cars. IIRC, wasn't the show field pretty full last year space wise? If so, finding space for 125 more cars could be a big challenge. Lets hope Hershey Region can find enough space to accomodate the the increase in the car corral and the show cars. Last thing anyone wants is this Postitive to turn into a Negative come October.

West, are you a SHO..Off?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mika Jaakkola</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When are we going to have AACA -logo overalls?!!? (and gloves of course!) </div></div> What kinds of gloves are you referring to??? Do you mean work gloves, winter gloves or racing gloves????

After about three months, I finally had the time to get the roof of my trailer painted with the Elastomeric Paint. I took advantage of a sale on Behr Brand paints Home Depot had a few months ago. The Behr paint recommended that the roof be cleaned well, then primered, rinsed and dried. The instructions specified that a roller with 1 1/4 inch nap be used to apply the paint. The first coat went on somewhat thin. After waiting 24 hours, the second coat was applied which when combined with the first made a good, thick, coat. Since the paint was applied I have noticed that the temperature inside my trailer now seems to run 9-10 degrees higher than the outside air temperature on a hot, sunny, day. This would seem to be an improvement over the 20-30 degree difference in temperature when the trailer did not have the roof painted with Elastomeric Paint.

Bob, Thanks for posting the photos. Interesting that your group stopped at that Fire Company. That particular company is a few blocks from my brother's house. I can understand that Macungie might be a secret among some clubs. It just seems strange that Ontelanauee Region is so involved in this event yet there is hardly a peep about the event here on the AACA Forums.

75 Torino Lover, You might want to print out the following brochure for Fall Hershey. http://local.aaca.org/hershey/2008brochure.pdf This brochure covers some of the basics as far far times, etc. I am not means an expert on Showing a vehicle at Fall Hershey but I will try to answer some of your questions. From my own personal experience I recommend you consider doing the following: - If your trailer is an enclosed one, do ALL the cleaning you can possibly do to your car at home in your garage. When you pack your trailer, be sure to bring all your cleaning supplies and a chamois to dry your car in case it rains. Even if it does not rain you may need your chamois to wipe the dew off of your vehicle. - See the brochure for information about trailer parking. The trailer parking area is probably a mile or so from the show field. - You can pick up your folder with your registration materials at the Hershey Region Tent on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or at the show field on Saturday. See the brochure for locations and times. If you can get to Hershey early Friday afternoon it might be worth your while to pickup your folder Friday afternoon. - The time it takes to get onto the show field varies with the time of day. Earlier is usually better than later in the morning if you do not like waiting in line. Probably best not to go right when the gates open as there will probably be a backlog of vehicles at that time. Definitely not a good idea to get to the show to close to when the gates close. - I STRONGLY recommend that you download and print a copy of the 2008 Judging Guidelines. This explains in great detail how things are done and can help you avoid making costly mistakes. http://www.aaca.org/publications/2008_Judging_Guidelines.pdf Reading the event brochure and the Official Judging Guidelines will answer a lot of your questions. Also make sure you have a fire extingusiher that meets the requirements as set forth in the Official Judging Guidelines. If you do not have the proper fire extinguisher you will be disqualified. I am sure others here will chime in as well as there are other things to consider.

Steve, also wanted to thank you for the contact information you posted. I mailed my registration on July 31st so I too was wondering about not receiving my SASE confirmation. I called the number you posted and the nice people at Hershey Region confirmed they had received and processed my registration this week. Should be receiving my SASE confirmation soon.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron Green</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charlie; There were a lot of fields that were empty or semi empty. I do believe that the weather predictions had something to do it. I did hear several commenting they didn't bring their car because of the forecast. It did rain. The food and french fry lines were busy all day. </div></div> Ron; Thanks for the additional input about Macungie. I do find it somewhat strange that this event, in general, has had little to no buzz here on the forums (unless I missed it). Given it's size, I would have thought there would have been a thread to two about it (ie how the swap meet was, the car show, car corral, etc.) BTW, I was at a brand specific car event on the Saturday of Macungie near York, PA. That event had two heavy downpours and some T-Storms that afternoon. The second storm had hail along with it but the show area was spared (it hailed outside of town). Should be interesting to see what attendance is like for Fall Hershey this year (swap meet, car corral, car show). Those who have not registered had better snap to it with only two more days left.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stonefish</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm glad to see that judging is so open to the discretion of each judge...I would here and I wouldn't there when you are dealing with a 10 point rule...EVERY point counts! </div></div> When you are dealing with a 5 point rule...Every Point Counts even MORE! This situation and some other vehicles mentioned in this thread have the potential to create more and more controversy down the road. IMHO, this very discussion points to the need for a clear policy in the judges manual. Please, add this to the list of topics to be discussed when the 2009 Judges Manual is put together.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron Green</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Macungie was way down this year in car counts and from personally speaking to many of the flea market vendors, they too stated that attendance was off big time. It was still a great meet but the show field was easily 30% less vehicles then previous years. </div></div> OUCH, 30% decrease in the number of cars on the show field is not small potatoes. Then again one does have to wonder if the predicted Thunderstorms and Hail on that Saturday had more to do with the decrease in attendance than gas prices. Guess we will never know for sure. BTW, doesn't Macungie usually attract 1,000 - 1,500 cars for the Antique day of the event? If so 30% translates to 300-500 cars less than prior years.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dave@Moon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Watch for things to get worse in this area. Road repairs are almost exclusively paid for with fuel taxes. With the massive reduction in fuel consumption lately due to fuel prices, those taxes are reportedly down 5-10% this year from last. If a "tax holiday" somehow gets approval (very unlikely now), either state or Federal, it'll be even worse. </div></div> BTW, some states are worse than others. Some politicians are "redirecting" money allocated to road/bridge construction & repairs to other things. A few years ago the governor of my state "redirected" 700 million dollars out of the PENNDOT budget to fund Mass Transit. Funny how the vast majority of the money went to Mass Transit systems in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The timing of this was even more interesting since this money was redireted while the Governor was campaigning for re-election. Also interesting to note that in order to win the Governors race in Pennsylvania a candidate has to do well in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Hmmmmmm. Still trying to find out if the 700 million dollars was ever put back in PENNDOT's budget. This is just one example of why the bridges and roads in Pennsylvania are in the condition they are in and how reductions in fuel consumption (and gas taxes) are not necessarily to blame for road repairs not being done. Many states have not been keeping up with road repairs and construction for decades. Heck one road project just completed a couple of years ago in my area took 30-40 YEARS to get done. Yet road projects in other areas of the state are done in a lot less time (ie under 10 years). I guess the state representatives for my area need to start taking lessons from their peers who can get roads built in the middle of the state much faster.