Future of Hershey

Clem Clement

Clem Clement

Well-known member
I'm studying the signs of what is happening and what our future is:

What do you guys think a out the trends for Hershey?

I saw the huge effect of eBay both on prices and lowering amount of goods

the crowd was strong, but down some

I sold Model A parts well, but many were AR and therefore interest.

I saw lots of gray hair and not so many of the next generation

Many say the next generation is of a turn Key mentality and doesn't want to fix up old cars just for the fun of it.

There was about 15% vacant booths. One of the AACA tent guys said they had sold 9000 spaces and had 8000 available. I don't believe those numbers.

Folks were certainly friendly as always.

I learned so much:
1) early Model A doors had flat inside structural steel. Later the strength grooves were added.

2) I have a Script head. I was told that is was later Ford manufacture and that it was for the industrial engines. A fellow said that was a diamond head". he showed me the diamond(I has not seen it as the diamond was buried in goo. It is near the water pump mount.)

Folks are so willing to share info. this is a great part of this hobby.

Other comments, please!
 
Yes.
There was a lot more empties on Wednesday & Thursday than I expected. Especially with such beautiful weather.
The crowd, including me, was definately gray.
Still the best that there is!!
Bruce/CT
 
Yes, the asiles aren't as "full" as I remember --but I also was thinking as I was walking --it was only one field then, now there are at least 4 times the spaces so more people can be there and it can look like less

One of the guys brings his 7 year old son, the kid takes pictures of almost every car in the car corral, and even though they came on tuesday the kid was very upset that they couldn't stay for friday.

There are cycles to what is at the show ---on a smaller scale I used to sell at import Carlisle, one year 4 different people went to every booth and asked for triumph GT6 parts, the next year there were many signs saying "triumph GT6 parts" for sale

Many of the big parts companys used to set up with near every part they sold ---then PA decided that they wanted to not only collect sales tax ---they wanted corporate tax too like the company was located in PA ---this led to those companys just having a one or 2 booth display with NO sales --some have kept their booth to use for parking---or just empty spaces--just in case the rules change
 
I went on Friday this year and the forecast was not great. I noticed on the way in through Cambelltown that traffic was light. I like to park near the Hershey Museum because it is close to the Chocolate Field. This year the grass parking had been converted to part of the Chocolate Field and the othr half of the grass parking was paved, so the $30. parking was all that there was in that area. I noticed a lot of empty spaces that I had never seen before. Englishtown, NJ had a LOT of empty spaces and Macungie, PA had a lot of empty spaces. I can shop on the internet, but I like to talk to the people and touch the parts. Maybe the hey day of Swap Meets is drawing to a close.
 
I did not get to go this year. I sold my Motor Home and though I had another one lined up but did not happen. I do enjoy going each year but I am slowing up as many do when we get older. When I was young I sleep in a tent or under my truck. Wife once sleep in a tent with me and it snowed that year. She almost divorce me about that. No more of that. Then I got a old beat up truck camper. She did not like that either. Motor Home or we don't go she says. Well now she thinks that I don't need to go anymore. What got in her anyway. She don't have a heart anymore.:confused: Maybe next year she will go with me to Hershey.;)
 
Not sure. I'm 43 and my buddy's son is in his '30's. We both have Model A hot rods and love flatheads. This was my 35th year. My dad brought for the first time when I was 8.

One of my favorite things to do at Hershey is talk to like minded folks. I hang signs that said HAMB, Fordbarn and Flathead friendly. That sign starts lots of conversations.

My next favorite thing is watching and listening to the race cars run on Friday.

Did anyone hear the 1914 Mercedes Grand Prix car run? Awesome!

Even though traffic was light, we sold a lot of parts. My buddy had Sportsman and Woodie parts. He sold almost all of them. As we know, Sportsmans are rare as they come.

I am noticing a lot of cheap skates. Two examples. I had a brand new dragster 2.5 gal fuel tank. I was asking $200. That thing drew a ton of interest. The best offer I got on it was $125.

I had a complete '47 LZ OD trans. Six different old coots in golf carts stopped to look at it. We talked, we both agreed that new LZ gear sets are $750 and don't fit right.

My price was $800. One of the guys, who went on and on about the new repop sets, made me such a low ball offer that if he was my age or younger, I would have told him off.

Funny thing is I sold so many $5 & $10 dollar items, it made up for the lack of big ticket sales.

Oh well, not a biggie. Had a ton of fun, ate and drank too much. Had way too many cigars and enjoyed Hershey for what it is.

Sometimes you win on parts, sometimes you lose. All part of the old car hobby.

Clem, I never made it to your spot. Next year.

Tom: My buddy said you stopped by, sorry I missed you.

See you all next year.
 
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I used to buy cans of spray paint from a particular guy, but I haven't seen him at Hershey last couple of years. I figured that maybe it's so big that I just don't get to where he is and the directory isn't much help. So, last year I saw him at another show and bought some paint. I asked him where he would be located at Hershey that year. He went off like a firecracker cursing out the "old Dutchmen" who are screwing it all up and killing it. I guess that unless you're an AACA member and in your assigned space, you don't get into the directory. That counts for anyone who "buys" (I understand that's against the AACA rules.) a more desirable location. So, I wandered around (Tuesday only) and didn't see one person selling spray paint. So, I didn't buy any. And, I wonder if it's worth the trip to see less and less.

Several years ago, I went to Macungie for the first time. I found some good stuff and went back the next year, looking for the guys I had bought from. They weren't there. Other guys in the area were complaining that nobody was buying, so they weren't going to be bringing a lot of stuff the following year. I don't go at all now...

But then again, I wound up talking with an older guy (at Hershey) with a '36 Chevy stock car that he campaigned for 25 years. It was a wonderful experience and he gave me a free tee shirt to boot! Maybe I'll go back...
 
I'm also thinking Hershey and other car show like build a "Hershey Family" Folks come as much or more to see their "like-kind friends and sit and talk." "Feathers of the same kind. A peaceful place to get way from it all and play, dream and reminisce.
Nothing like a 2 hour discussion a bout when wing wings came in!!
 
Here is one real problem. We get to Hershey on Tuesday and stay in Hershey. Now I'm not a cheapskate and share the room with a buddy BUT... the room is $ 139 Tuesday night and $ 219 thereafter. My math skills tells me that the same bed went up $ 80 per night. Plus they have a 3 night minimum policy during special events. Yes, we could go further out of town. I know they need to make money but really. This stuff has got to discourange people.
I can't really say that I feel better now that I got this off of my chest
 
Bruce/CT said:
Here is one real problem. We get to Hershey on Tuesday and stay in Hershey. Now I'm not a cheapskate and share the room with a buddy BUT... the room is $ 139 Tuesday night and $ 219 thereafter. My math skills tells me that the same bed went up $ 80 per night. Plus they have a 3 night minimum policy during special events. Yes, we could go further out of town. I know they need to make money but really. This stuff has got to discourange people.
I can't really say that I feel better now that I got this off of my chest
Click to expand...


Many years ago, there use to a lot (across from the rollercoaster) where you could camp. I think it was like $20 night. I did that many times and was good fun. The hotel thing is certainly a rip. I don't blame you for getting ticked about that.
 
Alice and I just got in from Hershey and had a great time from Tuesday at 10 AM till Sat when we left.
I saw Tims LZ trans but no Tim....we're only about 20 rows from each other.
Our 1st Hershey was '72 and this event ebbs and flows....this I think was an ebb year.
A lot of gray beards but some serious blond and red haired guys too....right Zack !
Lots of 30 to 50 guys from Europe, South America and Australia stopped by again
this year as well the same age group from the States.
Certainly their attention is biased towards hot rods but with an overwhelming
emphasis on period correct. I'm stoked for the future of Flatheads
at least in my lifetime thanks to dudes I've mentioned.
My personal highlights were all the Ford Barn crew that stopped to visit us!
Good Lord willing....same time same place next year.
Charlie ny
 
The first time I went to Hershey, I was in my 20's I am now in my 70's - have slept in my car, my truck, my motorhome, and Hershey hotels. From 1973, my first year, until last year, { I did not go this year } there have not been many changes. Now before everyone jumps, What I mean, is that the parts that went to Hershey, via vendors back then, are the same parts that go now. More pricey, but you know the saying " If it's not at Hershey, you probably won't find it." The conversations are the same. And the food is the same ! The cars at Hershey are really neat. Do I like everything that those AACA people do ....not exactly, but, they have kept a lot of us coming back for 40 or more years, and in my case, 950 miles one way. They must be doing somthing right !
 
Just got home from Hershey today, been going since '73. Seemed pretty busy to me. I bought a few goodies met some "Barners ", cut some keys for folks and had a great time . Got two major blisters, but ....I walked the whole thing. Made reservations at the same Hotel for next year. Gonna keep goin' till I can't walk any more ....then I'm gonna get a scooter.......then my kids are gonna spread some of my ashes there...See ya next year !!!
 
The crowd, including me, was definately gray.
Still the best that there is!!
Bruce/CT

You have to keep in mind that there is always a fresh group of gray haired men replacing the ones that no longer can make it...
 
I can't recall the year of my first trip to Hershey but private airplanes were landing on the strip across the road. We camped right on the field so it was nice and handy. It seems like it always rained at least once during that week. Everyone waded mud to get to the flea market. On Saturday they drove the cars on to the field for judging. It was all some of those old machines could do to make the grade to the field.

The prices then would certainly be a bargain today. I have read that new Model A fenders were selling for $2.50 in the early years. I have never seen any that cheap.

I hope Hershey continues to grow and prosper for the next generations to enjoy. If you have never been there, put it on your bucket list.
 
agree lots of empty spaces,I sold a ton of flathead parts,the buyers were definitly there.I had a great time and found nearly everything on my shopping list.
 
Time is a funny thing / aka I have been going to Hershey longer then
My Grand daughter Has been alive.:)
For her ~ YES a long time / for others only a mere moment in time. :eek:
 
I'm 32 years old...been to Hershey since before I was born (figure that one out!)
I don't have much money to blow most years... but this year I ended up finding a ton of good stuff and came home with money in my pocket!

We took our new recreation of a family race car over and parked it in our spot on display, in hopes of stirring some interest with anyone who may remember such racing. Great responses from everyone who passed by!

I set some parts out to sell but knew what I had was too valuable to likely sell... nothing did.

I came home happy!
 
Hershey has become more of a social event than the worlds largest Antique Car Show and Swap meet. Having said that I am glad to report that this year was one of the best in my 30 plus years of buying and selling at Hershey. Eight of us, from all over
Connecticut and even Delaware set up and enjoy our friends and neighbors that have come into and out of our Hershey experience. Bought some parts and even sold a few, made some new friends and reaquainted with others. At its worst Hershey is still worth the expense and work. Can't wait for next year. Pete/Ct.
 
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