soddruntlestuntle
I live for the CABE
His Facebook page says Ceres.
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Turlock Swap Meet
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Tim the Skid
Skidding on my '41 Schwinn Autocycle
We got home last night from the Turlock Swap Meet in California. I have been going there for three decades and will continue to go as long as I am physically able. I am always amused at the negative comments that are posted about this meet by people who didn't attend the swap or didn't find the deal of a lifetime. I laugh at the comment "it's a 4 hour drive". (we drove 15 hours each way). "Everything is overpriced" (while the internet and shows like "American Pickers" have spawned a new wave of wannabe flippers, there are bargains to be had if you dig and negotiate. First of all this is an AUTOMOTIVE swap meet. This is not Memory Lane or Monroe or Copake.If you think that $500 B-6's and $800 Autocycles are abundant, don't bother coming. It would be like me going to Memory Lane looking for rare Hot Rod parts or Hemi valve covers. Yes there are ridiculous prices on piles of junk, (re: the Schwinn Green Panther) but these are car guys that don't know the true worth of their items. There are several CABE members attending that are vendors and sell nice pieces at reasonable prices. (Jon Olson always has great deals) I admit I have varied interests, (hot rods, advertising, vintage musical instruments, collectibles.) and find something to take home every time. But the main reason I drive from my home to central California every January (1700 miles round trip) is to see my friends from Central and Northern California. Chris, Mary, Rudy, John K., John D., Gary, Eddie, Mercedes, Ted R., Pam, Marco from In 'N Out, Ken S.. Jon. You guys are the best and I treasure your friendship. I have found some great things at this meet every year. An original Panther straight bar tank for $75, a Schwinn diamond frame Excelsior badged bike for $150, A1939 Hawthorne tanker for $250, a box of Stewart Warner Cadet speedos for $50, etc.etc. This year a 1968 5 speed Fastback Ram's Horn was offered to me for the price of the shifter and handlebars. Hey everyone is entitled to their opinions and I'm OK with that. Thanks for letting me rant and express mine. Here's the bike I brought home.
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blakekennedy
Finally riding a big boys bike
Great find Tim! My father was at the swap and was bummed he didn’t beat you to that ramshorn haha! This year he came up empty handed, last year he bought a ton. You never know what you’re gonna get. I used to go and sell there for couple years. Only reason why I haven’t attended recently is that I’ve been away in college, otherwise I would’ve gone. Hopefully I can go to the next one and get to meet some of the Cabers out there!
kenny_hungus
Wore out three sets of tires already!
kenny_hungus
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Been going since I was 14 years old in 1980, I live in Turlock. It is the best swap meet in California hands down. Like you said it is an automotive swap meet with all other stuff sprinkled in including bikes. I cannot tell you how many great automotive parts and bike parts I have bought over the years. Five minutes after I got in, I find this little jewel from Oakdale Ca for 15 bucks, I sold it a few hours later to a collector I know that collects license plates........................THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST THE MODESTO MODEL A CLUB SWAP MEET HELD IN TURLOCK SINCE 1966!!!!
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Tim the Skid
Skidding on my '41 Schwinn Autocycle
Blake, I talked to your Dad and he said you were at school. I have sold your Uncle and your Dad bikes and car parts over the years and look forward to seeing them whenever I come down to this swap as we have a common interest in "32 Fords. (I was building a 5 window coupe when I first met your Dad) Your Uncle Joe didn't attend this year but I always enjoy talking with your father. Hope to see you there next year! Tim
Jon Olson
Finally riding a big boys bike
I’ve been going to Turlock, Ca. for 30 years and have found the missing parts for my 68 Camero convertible and 4-door 37 Chevy sports. I found the frame for my 38 Roadmaster Supreme and this year the glass and badge reflector to finish it off. My best find this year was a 1904 Racycle catalog!
Still in the game,
Jon
Still in the game,
Jon
Tim the Skid
Skidding on my '41 Schwinn Autocycle
Great finds Jon! And the 1939 Hawthorne you sold to that gentleman was an exceptional buy for him. The seat, tank, and rear drop stand were worth more than you were asking for the bike. I met him in the lobby of the hotel we were staying at and he was thrilled with the purchase.
RUDY CONTRATTI
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Well Spoken T Skid,,and Good Lookin Out for havin us Cabers gather at M 27,,year after year,,,always a pleasure. The Ramshorn fits Ya perfect,,but why did you take the training wheels off???Did Ya give Sue her gifts,,or are they still cramed under the front seat of your truck??Oh yeah I didnt no Ya had a Zilotone Player in your Band,,,well always enjoy these chats,,All Da Best my Friend
Rudy
Rudy
Tim the Skid
Skidding on my '41 Schwinn Autocycle
Mr. Contratti! You Sir, (and the others like you) are one of the main reasons we travel south every January. I look forward to Turlock and the Stockton bike swaps at Jim's even though they are 800+ miles south of here. The friendships we have formed with you Central Cali folks are the best. Hey, Thanks for the CD! You know what music we like. 
Tim
Tim
