Ark-La-Tex members on the move, March 2011.
The Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha, OK (pronounced Chick-a-saw per the Chickasha Indian Nation public relations representative), annually holds one of the larger swap meets devoted to pre-war cars/parts. For this reason, magnetic forces drew several Ark-la-tex members there March 17-19th. Of course, where parts are concerned, getting there early is a priority. Former President Bates and the Flackmaster arrived first, followed by David Stewart and Alex McCommas later in the day. As is typical, the sun was shining and the cold dry wind was blowing. The good news is over half the swap meet is indoors, which really adds to the comfort of the event. Comfort aside, its parts we after...and parts we found. Nothing important was on the must-have or must find list, however, with Nelson stocking up on pistles and jack-me-quicks and the Flackmaster ever watchful for the rare bit, the day was not lost. And with only one wrong turn, neither were we. Will we return next year to see the same guys with the same parts? Of course...lest we might miss out on something. ((note to Todd – your Dad had the camera...)
Salado – end of the month....
Just a few of my comments to add to the whole writeup...
Bluebonnets in bloom represent a welcome sight on the way to Salado. Annual Bluebonnets, Annual Salado. Not always the same cars and the same people, but the majority are, and it is a real comfort to enjoy being with this group every spring. Ember and I arrived Friday afternoon at exactly the same time as Johnny and Eric Toce, and we were met by Todd Bates directing traffic on the north side of the parking lot. Over in the shade, David Stewart was attending to a balky fuel pump on the ‘25 while many of the rest of the folks were dusting off their cars after the 99 mile tour. All reports were that the Friday tour was one of the best ever. Final Friday registrations were being handled over in the Conference center just as Happy Hour was getting underway. In my observation, the premium seating was behind the hotel office with rocking chairs, shade and just a few worldly Packard problems to be resolved before dinner.
Saturday morning began with Eric unloading my minivan full of Packard parts in the shade behind the front row of showcars. Thank you, Eric. This was the first time, ever, I have imitated a vendor of parts. Ember assisted my endeavor, complete with sun umbrella hat and gift wrapping services. “Even dirty old parts gotta look good”, said Ember. I will admit to only moderate success as Salado, to my experience, has never been much of a swap meet. By noon, with my swap meet adventure winding down, it was time to pack up, have a snack, and get ready to moderate the tech sessions. This year, Terry Weiss discussed starters and carburetors and Russell Chandler discussed driveline maintenance and fielded questions on everything from the proper gear lube to engine oil pathways. Russell was (finally) awarded his Packard Master Mechanic certification by Nelson Bates, “...complete with all the rights, honors and responsibilities such certification entails.” Or something like that, Nelson pontificated. Amen to that.
After the tech sessions, Ember and I departed without saying good-bye to anyone as we were behind schedule, needing to get back to Dallas for an evening obligation. On the way back to Dallas, I specifically noted to Ember that I enjoyed every minute we were at Salado. As did she.
April – headed for California next week...report to follow....DAF
No comments:
Post a Comment