Portland Swap Meet April 5

dennisonk1957

dennisonk1957

Senior Member
Can anyone tell me/other Barners about the show...times, where to go, how to get there, I will be looking for AA and A pick up parts for me and my friend...bringing more friends from Yakima Washington along just for Friday...a first swap meet for me so I am thrilled, bringing my trailer!
 
Most parking is away from the site with shuttle busses running constantly. Items you buy can be taken to a staging area at a back gate and you can pick them up by driving in after you retrieve your car or truck. You will spend a whole day or two walking so be in shape!
 
It starts Thursday at Portland Raceway and Friday at the Multnomah Expo Center. Both are along I-5 just south of the WA border. I would have to be determined to buy a vehicle if I planned on bringing a trailer, because as mentioned, parking is off site and can be a challenge with a trailer. Bring your best walking shoes.
 
I find it helps me get an idea of the layout by looking at one of the online maps that show an actual overhead view of the area. The streets in the area will be clogged with traffic. Parking for the swap meet is in a field over by the race track, and anywhere else you can squeeze a rig into.

Mel
 
Thursday is a totally seperate swap meet at the Portland Int. Raceway.
As of last year you could still ride bicycles or motor scooters around the huge track which is a real bonus. It's a full day if you're hoofin it and wanna check out every vendor. You might consider dragging a granny cart, extra water and umbrella or poncho as you can never tell what April throws at you.

The Expo centre is Fri, Sat, Sun
Foot traffic only...is strictly enforced.
I've been for over 20 yrs and kinda know which booths to walk-on-by...yet I never cover it all in a day.
Parking is on the grass at the PIR and the free bus service is most excellent, running all day in a big loop across to the Expo...them drivers are busy as a bee, constantly on the radios while fighting traffic, rescuing lost bozo's and stopping for "nearly deads" packing transmissions and stuff that felt "so light" at 10 Am.
Be sure to tip the drivers!
If you wait till closing time for the return bus you'll be in line for awhile so consider pulling out a little early....I'll stay till last minute and git all the stuff you missed :D
 
Thanks to you all! Great advise...I'll bring the trailer just in case I find a truck cab, fenders and other parts I need....should bring a wagon.....

Are there concessions for lunch etc....we are planning on making. It a day full of relaxation, exploration and hopefully buying some Model A stuff....it'd be cool to have a fordbarn button to wear!
 
I was going to ride my Harley up there and spend a couple of days, But the weather? Hum, not sure.
 
Don't know how relaxation it will be because it does take more than a day to see it all. And like mentioned, bring good walking shoes

Date: April 5,6,7 2013
Fri: 7 AM - 7 PM
Sat: 7 AM - 5 PM (I will be working the Orange gate from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM)
Sun: 8 AM - 1 PM
 

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Looking at the weather report, you might consider bringing wading boots and a clam gun. Remember, the best parts are found at low tide. Bring some herring for the sea lions - they can help pack out the heavy stuff.
 
dennisonk1957 said:
Are there concessions for lunch etc....we are planning on making. It a day full of relaxation, exploration and hopefully buying some Model A stuff....it'd be cool to have a fordbarn button to wear!
Click to expand...


Yes, you will find the track scattered with roach coaches serving everything from hot dogs, burgers, pizza donuts and more. You can buy sodas, coffee and beer to drink. ;)You will probably find it cooler to have boots and rain gear instead of the button, but a button might be a nice addition. :D You can usually get a bit of rain between the sun showers. :rolleyes:
 
Steve Plucker said:
Now how are or were you going to haul all those Model A parts back to California on a Harley?

Hmmmmmm?

Pluck
Click to expand...

Very Carefully Steve.
No the main reason i was going is to check out a new Bonneville Streamliner that will be on display there. Plus if i find some model A or T trinkets, i have a friend going there with his trailer that can haul things for me. Right now the weather is my concern. I am needing to make a road trip soon. Its been a while since i have made a decent ride. Mark.:cool:
 
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