MTFCA Forum

Hi all,
I'm going to Hershey this fall for the first time and would like to know if there's one section to look for model T parts. I have slight mobility issues (bad back) and would like to try to limit my walking all over the place. I don't need to be in a sea of 40's hot rods. Just send me to the place where I can pick up a few thing like wheel rims, horn, lights, etc.
Also, does anybody know if a person can camp in a van for only one night? I saw that the camping area says you must stay until the 9th and pay $60 per night. I only need 2 nights.
Thanks.
John

The stuff is all over... If I HAD to pick one I'd probably say the Chocolate field, although Lang's is in the Red field. Your best bet would to buy a program when you get there, the vendors list what their specialty is and plan your attack from there. Do you have or have access to a 3 wheel scooter? They are allowed with a doctors note. My best buys have been in a pile of misc. parts. The place is amazing!

OK, After I said the Chocolate field I remembered all the parts behind the stadium (is that part of the red field?) I know 2 years ago they got moved, is that open again this year? Also on the very west side, maybe the orange field? in the area where you cross for the Saturday car show.

The best place at Hershey for Model T parts is where you find them. They are all over and I have had great finds in every field.

There is indeed a lot of walking involved. I and many others drag around a light shopping cart to hold my purchases. I have a water bottle and a small folding chair in the cart so that I can stop, sit down, and rest as desired.

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Set up day, Tuesday, riding a bike is allowed, so I have brought one to cruise the place and buy from venders as they set up. Even if they are not selling right then, knowing where to go the next morning helps. The claim was that there are almost thirty miles of venders if you walk both sides of every aisle. No bikes or golf carts after set up day, but handicap scooters are allowed with proof of need if they ask. Very crowded most of the time. You will see porta potties scattered all over but they are rented by the venders and are NOT for public use! My wife didn't know that and got screamed at for using one! Public toilets are in the Hershey building as well as food. Plus public outside porta potties that may be pay, or expect a tip! Plan to eat early to avoid long lines. If you plan to buy much, or bulky items, a small shopping basket on wheels really helps, or an old coaster wagon is allowed as well. Bring sunscreen, a floppy hat, and rain gear.

John : Not to change subject from Hershey but I will.
Since you are in NY you should look into Luray next year. No where near the size of Hershey but it is ALL prewar. The parts for sale this year we’re as good as Hershey quality wise. Plus unlike the vendors near me at Hershey, no baby clothes, beanie babies or other BS!
I saw Nice 7 rivit pan, first one at swap meet in years. Enough good gas tanks to sink a battleship. I believe it was better than last Chickasha I went to as far as class of parts. There was very little of when you ask about a part were you told “I am just delivering it to someone.”
Am I going to Hershey, most likely. But I am also going back to Luray, good Lord willing and the Creek don’t rise up.

Glad you are going to Hershey. I posted on Hershey a few days ago and provided a link to both the AACA website and the Hershey Region. Strongly recommend you look there for accurate info about the world's largest antique car swap meet. All the info about scooters, handicap vehicles and even field layout maps will be available there. Look carefully at the rules on bicycles. You'll always see folks breaking the rules, but they risk getting toseed out and loosing their spaces.
Have a great time, and stop by and say hi. I'm over in front of the Giant Center almost across from the crab cake vendor.
Terry

I know the crab cake vendor well!!

Ed is correct on where to find parts, and a lot of mobility impaired visitors make the flea market circuit using electric carts and scooters.

There is a directory available for a nominal fee that lists all the vendor locations and a broad category of what they are offering. As others have noted, few are exclusive Model T vendors but you will recognize many who post on the forum. Unfortunately, that directory is not available in advance of the event, at least is wasn't during the past years.

Hershey is a great event, I'm sure you will enjoy it. jb

I've only been to Hershey once - I bought a vendors pass from someone who couldn't go and parked my camper van in Green Field. I brought a few parts to sell and did sell most (though not more than I bought). I also brought my "garage sale" amigo scooter with me and used it to get around the grounds. Without the scooter I'm afraid I never would have had a chance to see much as it is so spread out.

They sell a program that lists where registered vendors are located. Using it I was able to track down some known sellers of Model T parts. Other than that, I just wandered and took it all in. I did find a few goodies but no great finds..... Personally, I would think a smaller, pre-war only show would have more to offer a Model T guy.

Hershey is one of those big events that all car-guys need to visit at least once....just like Aviators have to visit the big show in Oshkosh, WI. Speaking of the latter, I leave tomorrow for my 45th trip to Oshkosh, this time with my Model T in tow to give rides under the auspices of the Ford Motor Co. Hershey, like Oshkosh, is an annual "must do" event for some folks. If nothing else, you come away inspired to pursue your hobby even harder....

Thanks for all the suggestions.
John

I only went there once, however it was very large and would have liked to look some more, but since I flew in on a plane I really couldn't take anything I could either ship home or fit in my luggage. I saw a lot of ignition coils but thought maybe the inspectors might thing it was a bomb, so didn't buy anything. However I did get to meet Bruce McCauly while there. Be sure to take along a raincoat, just in case. When we got there they were having a drought but before the day was over it rained so hard the bridges were like waterfalls and the picnic tables along the river bank were underwater!
Norm

Personally, I would think a smaller, pre-war only show would have more to offer a Model T guy.

Maybe, but I've found some good stuff at Hershey. The best was probably a Ford oil can. I saw one in the Chocolate Field priced at $60. That was too dear to suit me, and I passed it up. Later that day I saw another one in the Green Field. It had no price marked on it. I held it up and the guy said, "Oil can, two bucks." I couldn't get that $2 out fast enough.

And don't miss the MTFCA place where I believe there is a paw waw going on on wednesday (if memory serves me well). If lucky you can get real faces on some of the "voices" from the forum.

It is surprising how Mortimer resembles Steve Jelf!
Norm

Hershey is the best swap meet by far. One would have to visit multiple swap meets all over North America to see as many items as there are at Hershey!