Joe K
Well-known member
Got to the flea market (what it is really) and found it much improved over two years ago when I went.
Instead of a bunch of guys with stuff on a single N-S row, there was about 10 E-W rows with most of the available spaces taken. Only a couple of empty spots in the last (northernmost) row - and even those had been equaled in sellers "doubling up" to avoid an obvious wet spot in the flats adjacent to the drainage ditch.
I would say seller wise, the show had sold out.
Buyer wise similarly. Parking is routed off of Route 101 across Route 27 (Exeter Road) into a parking lot adjacent to Route 27 and south of the Vendors, but that parking lot was FULL. People touring up and down the rows waiting for someone to leave.
A small road parallels the drag way (more or less) on the west and people were parking along this road and walking in. In fact, if one follows this road he can park "beyond" the vendor section and walk in from the north direction.
So parking was congested, but more because the sponsors had not thought to provide any signs or direction (or parking attendants) and had simply left the visiting crowd to make their way in as best they can. This may be how it is done on "race days?"
As to the goods for sale, about 75 percent of the vendors were "motorheads" mostly of the lead-sled variety. Not too much available post 1966 and not a lot before 1948.
The usual commercial vendor trailers were there. Tam was in present (as promised) and he is looking his usual self (one thinks of Arlo Guthrie when you meet Tam.) And doing a good business.
The crowd was at best "mixed." Some motorheads, a lot of ZZ Top beards seen, and a couple of skinheads. And yet another vendor, wearing Edwardian (Harry Potter) glasses selling Model T sheet metal. Some had brought stuff from their barn to "clean out." Others bought & sold high powered blueprinted motors. And others couldn't resist throwing in some household "junque" just to capitalize on an opportunity.
I even saw "Honest John" Bradley there in front of Tam's Trailer. I have not seen John for at least 5 years and then over at Amherst where he could be found selling in his usual spot. John is now "retired" from Model A Ford restoration, but from what I overheard (I didn't get to talk to him) he continues to "dabble." True to form for John. John's appearance at the swap is a good omen.
So in a way I think this one has a good chance to be a successor to Amherst?
Be advised though that if you're critical of "rodding" Model As then you best stay away from Epping Swap. The swap meet has ancestry from the hot car crowd and the hot crowd isn't about to give ground (or sales space - or parking space) to preservation interest.
Still, if you're of open mind - and open wallet, you may find something you NEED at Epping. Buyer Admission is FREE, of course.
I passed with regret on a $10 Model A Wishbone as what would I do with a FOURTH complete Model A front axle. The loose I-Beam I have no need for will just have to wait.
Joe K
Instead of a bunch of guys with stuff on a single N-S row, there was about 10 E-W rows with most of the available spaces taken. Only a couple of empty spots in the last (northernmost) row - and even those had been equaled in sellers "doubling up" to avoid an obvious wet spot in the flats adjacent to the drainage ditch.
I would say seller wise, the show had sold out.
Buyer wise similarly. Parking is routed off of Route 101 across Route 27 (Exeter Road) into a parking lot adjacent to Route 27 and south of the Vendors, but that parking lot was FULL. People touring up and down the rows waiting for someone to leave.
A small road parallels the drag way (more or less) on the west and people were parking along this road and walking in. In fact, if one follows this road he can park "beyond" the vendor section and walk in from the north direction.
So parking was congested, but more because the sponsors had not thought to provide any signs or direction (or parking attendants) and had simply left the visiting crowd to make their way in as best they can. This may be how it is done on "race days?"
As to the goods for sale, about 75 percent of the vendors were "motorheads" mostly of the lead-sled variety. Not too much available post 1966 and not a lot before 1948.
The usual commercial vendor trailers were there. Tam was in present (as promised) and he is looking his usual self (one thinks of Arlo Guthrie when you meet Tam.) And doing a good business.
The crowd was at best "mixed." Some motorheads, a lot of ZZ Top beards seen, and a couple of skinheads. And yet another vendor, wearing Edwardian (Harry Potter) glasses selling Model T sheet metal. Some had brought stuff from their barn to "clean out." Others bought & sold high powered blueprinted motors. And others couldn't resist throwing in some household "junque" just to capitalize on an opportunity.
I even saw "Honest John" Bradley there in front of Tam's Trailer. I have not seen John for at least 5 years and then over at Amherst where he could be found selling in his usual spot. John is now "retired" from Model A Ford restoration, but from what I overheard (I didn't get to talk to him) he continues to "dabble." True to form for John. John's appearance at the swap is a good omen.
So in a way I think this one has a good chance to be a successor to Amherst?
Be advised though that if you're critical of "rodding" Model As then you best stay away from Epping Swap. The swap meet has ancestry from the hot car crowd and the hot crowd isn't about to give ground (or sales space - or parking space) to preservation interest.
Still, if you're of open mind - and open wallet, you may find something you NEED at Epping. Buyer Admission is FREE, of course.
I passed with regret on a $10 Model A Wishbone as what would I do with a FOURTH complete Model A front axle. The loose I-Beam I have no need for will just have to wait.
Joe K
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