Should I drive my Model T to the Long Beach Swap Meet?

[JNH Classics]

Do many people drive their Ts to this event?

Is there a car show aspect to it, or would I just be parking in a lot next to a bunch of SUVs?

This will be my first time going.

Seems like a good excuse to drive the T.

Thanks
Jerod

[speedytinc]

I am not currently affiliated, but attend every year. T display area in the shade of the stadium. Primest real estate.
Huge meet, you should come.

[Norman Kling]

When I have been there there was an area right near the entrance and near the restrooms where most people pass by. That was where the Model T's have been parked.
Norm

[JNH Classics]

Thanks guys. I'll plan on driving the T

[TLeroux]

bring your t driver will get in for free
tom leroux president

[Steve Jelf]

Is this meet still at Veterans' Stadium?

[Jeff Hood]

Yes, Veteran's Stadium, Long Beach City College

[YellowTRacer]

Absolutely drive the T there!!!

Ed aka #4

[John bevardos]

Jerod ,
where is Los Angeles are you at ?

thanks , John

[JNH Classics]

Palos Verdes

[John bevardos]

Nice area . My mom grew up in PV Estates.....via campesina.

[John kuehn]

Try to drive on less busy routes. Make sure you watch the other guy and ALWAYS remember that modern vehicles come up pretty fast when you driving along at around 30-35 mph and they are running 65-75! And they have better brakes than you do! I’m in Texas and live in a rural area and lucky to have good blacktop roads with not a lot traffic. Would I get out on the highways that folks drive fast near me even on the service roads? Not to often! And maybe on the service roads!
Good luck!

[Jeff Hood]

WOWOWOAH. You guys just dropped a nut in my transmission! Since it's out there now, I'll set aside some spaces just inside the vendor gate for Model T parking, but you will NOT be parking up front by the snack bar. I offer the front spaces to any car club to set up a membership booth and display their cars, and the LBMTC members also display some cars up front. These are cars that will be in place all day. In order to get to the front you must drive all the way through and around the swap meet. For safety reasons, I can not, and will not have shoppers coming and going and driving through the meet. I'll make some space near the vendor gate inside the meet, but no further driving inside.

[JNH Classics]

Thanks Jeff

[jiminbartow]

Unless you are driving in a caravan, it would be safer to haul it on a trailer to a nearby parking lot, then offload it and drive it to the event on slower back streets. Modern highways are just too dangerous for cars with poor brakes, one tail light, no turn signals and that cannot exceed 35 mph. Also I believe California has very strict laws regarding cars that do not have all of the modern traffic safety devices and you may get stopped and not allowed to continue. Jim Patrick

[Ron Mac]

Drive your car there. The Long Beach Model T Swap Meet is one of the hobby's legendary events. You'll have a lot more fun if you drive the car there. Don't be afraid of the car or driving it. There are plenty of secondary roads you can take from Palos Verdes to Long Beach. Plan on staying all day, it will be a lot of fun.
Look forward to seeing you-and your car-at the swap meet!

[SurfCityGene]

Jim, I see your in Florida on the opposite coast as we are out here in SoCal. Our clubs do a lot of touring and most members start out in local areas with crowded traffic and freeways. Our cars are legal by California standards for Model T's. Many of our cars are capable of cruising all day in excess of freeway speeds.

Guess by now you might have guessed I humbly take exception to the advice you posted.

YES Definitely Drive your T to the meet. Choose the route you are most comfortable and you'll meet a bunch of guys happy to help you out if you ask or need anything.

Gene Carrothers
at Spokane National tour

[Jeff Hood]

The Long Beach and Orange County Model T Clubs are two very active driving clubs. We do a lot of driving in SoCal city traffic. I drive one of my T's nearly every weekend. You do have to be careful and watchful of your surrounding traffic, but here in SoCal you have to drive at least 30 miles in traffic in order to get someplace where there is less traffic, and we don't trailer! I tell people that it is as safe as a motorcycle. You must pay attention and drive defensively!

[JNH Classics]

I’ve picked a route on side streets that I’m comfortable with. My car also has brake lights, turns signals and flashers. Plus it has a new radiator and motometer. It runs nice and cool.

[TRDxB2]

Just an idea. I GOOGLE'ed some routs to avoid highways and general starting location. I would drive my daily driver on these routs ahead of time to decide which fits the T and my driving skills. Consider speed limits, stops (traffic lights and stop signs), construction zones and drive them on the day/time you would to get to & from the Swap meet. The light blue routs looked less traveled from a street level view. Drive with headlights on so others can see you coming and put a flasher on the back so distracted drivers might notice you. LOL

[RustyFords]

I drive my T to my local swap meet and get a swap meet space.

I always bring a small folding table and some misc bits to sell.

This lets me drive right into the interior of the meet and the T attracts folks who want to talk about it....which is as fun as anything else. I always bring a couple extra chairs and a cooler of drinks. Anyone who wants to sit and chat a while is welcome and drinks are on the house.

[Jeff Hood]

I look forward to meeting you Jerod. Stop by the club booth at the entrance or look for the guys in the yellow shirts. I'll be there in my old truck, loaded with parts, that I'm driving on the street to the meet.

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We open at 7:00AM for buyers, so no need to worry about headlights or beacons. You've probably already figured out how to get here, but Anaheim, PCH, or Sepulveda/Willow will all get you to Long Beach, All three are rough especially where the refineries are. Willow will get you closest to the meet with PCH a close second.