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Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Rusty bucket of bolts or treasure?
by Fred Jennings, published on October 12, 2010 at 10:35 PM
Storyline: As seen through "1 Camera 1 Lens"
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Automotive treasure hunters find gems and long sought items at California Automobile Museum's Fall Swap Meet.
6am and already they are setting up the tables. The vehicles were lined up for over an hour and now it’s time to get to work. Trunks are opened, tailgates lowered and pop-up canopies appear to shade goods. A few polish up the goods, but most leave them alone. The older, the dirtier, the more rust, the better. They have found these in their backyards, attics, the neighborhood garage sale and maybe even here last year.
Two men haggle over a black old toy truck trailer with one missing door. A young lady waits eagerly in the back ground. Finally the man returns and hands her the prize. The smile on her face is unmistakable. To her she has just won the lottery.
An elderly gentleman spoke of a ten year search for just the right antique fire extinguisher for his Willies Jeep. He had found the elusive item at long last. As he showed his treasure he beemed with pride. He did a little haggling himself to get it for only fifteen dollars but there was no way he would part with it now. Not even for fifty dollars.
This is the California Auto Museum's Full Swap Meet. Car enthusiasts abound as well as those looking for a diamond in the rough. Items long lost and forgotten by most can be found here. From a hood ornament off a 32 Ford to hula doll for the dash. Looking for those old signs of the Marlboro Man riding across the plains. Look no farther, they have it here. Bed springs and car shocks, table lamp made from a fuel nozzle and headlamps for a 64 Judge muscle car.
You can also find a little of the new polishes to bring out that shine hidden by years of accumulated dust and grime. Tables and tables of tools. Custom hammers, screwdrivers, air impact tools, metal working tools to remove the dents and dings. And of course some of the old is still new. Never used parts for your overly used motorcycle or car or a radiator and hose for your Corvette. It is a place of wonder and amazement if you only look close enough. It’s not exactly the State Fair but still a place to gather and enjoy the company of young and old with a commonality. Restoring things past their prime.
Photos by CAM PHOTO powered by MaverickPhotography.us-Fred Jennings
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