Swap meet co-chair Clayton Rector described the scene at the Clark County Fairgrounds as “a home run with the bases loaded. I think it’s a combination of the economy improving, the weather warming up and a serious case of cabin fever for these folks. Most everyone is leaving with a box or bag of stuff so I guess it’s pretty good,” he added.
Troutwine indicated that all 213-vendor spaces in the three buildings at the fairgrounds were sold and they also had a number of outdoor vendors during the second weekend in February event.
“We’ve been doing this a long time, and we have vendors from six or seven states show up. And while this a Chevy club event, there are parts and pieces for every kind of car here,” Troutwine added.
Merl Cummins of Waynesville was set up for the first time at a swap meet. “This is fantastic, I had no idea there would be this many people here,” he said. “I’ve been working on cars for 20 years or more, and I’m just kind of cleaning out parts that I don’t need. Mostly GM and muscle car stuff, plus I’m working on a ’62 Impala and this will raise some cash.”
“I never threw anything away, so this is a great deal. I’ve already given them my deposit for next year’s show so I can have this same space,” Cummins said.
Mike Wiggins from Amelia was standing behind a table full of steering wheels.
“You know how people took off the original wheel and put on some aftermarket job in the ’60’s and ’70s? Well, now they want the original wheel again. That’s where I come in, I have lots of them, all makes and models,” he said.
Ken Koontz of Beavercreek was selling 40s-era Chevy parts, next to his father’s table with 1930s-period Chevy parts.
“I’ve been to every one of these swap meets, I came the first year with my Dad, but I was only six months old,” Koontz said. “We get pretty good traffic because people know our parts are originals and in good condition. We buy a box of parts at an auction because we want one thing in the box, then we pick through it and bring the good stuff we don’t need out here to sell,” he said.
The VCCA has booked the next two swaps meets; the 2012 swap meet will be held on Feb. 12 and the 2013 even will be Feb. 10, at the Clark County Fairgrounds. To learn more about the Miami Valley Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, go online to: www.miamivalleyvcca.org.
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