Portland , Oregon Swapmeet

rspanther · #1 03-17-2009, 02:20 AM

Anyone going to the Always in April swap meet at the Expo center and PIR this year ? Its 2,3,4,5 this year. Hope its better weather then we have been having this year!
David

CamarosRus · #2 03-17-2009, 02:00 PM

I'll be there...........where can I park close by on Thursday or Friday ????????

**Canuck** · #3 03-17-2009, 08:44 PM

There is parking right at PIR for the Thursday and Friday, and you can get a shuttle that takes you to the Expo Grounds.
There is some parking along the river between the Cement plant and going east towards the hotels (under I 5)

Been going since 1983.

**travlnz28** · #4 03-18-2009, 06:07 AM

I'll be there for the 9th year in a row with a bunch of first gen Camaro parts. Bldg. E. Space 4105. Stop by and say hello!

By the way, my opinion is Portland is one of the best swap meets in the country. I've been to Carlisle, Pate, Charlotte and others but none of them beat Portland. Nice buildings with great concessions and restrooms. And the nicest people of any swap meet.

CamarosRus · #5 03-18-2009, 08:10 AM

"I've been to Carlisle, Pate, Charlotte and others but none of them beat Portland. Nice buildings with great concessions and restrooms. And the nicest people of any swap meet."

The venue may be better than most, but before the rest of you get any ideas of traveling, Ive never seen ANY amount of rare, valuble or N.O.S parts.

I have been there on Fridays and that's just been my experience........but as often is the case, I suspect many of the vendors buy the "good stuff" before the public gets a shot.

Yankit · #6 03-18-2009, 08:42 AM

Unfortunately I'd have to agree with Chuck, Portland used to be a premier swap meet but with the internet and ebay close at hand the rare and truly valuable stuff has long dried up at this swap meet. All you can hope for is there's still a rare few stubborn old timers that refuse to either have a computor or sell on ebay and you occassionally find that rare diamond in the rough but like Chuck said you better get there on set up day before the swap meet opens because the buzzard's will be there early looking for the early worm and by the time the swap meet actually opens the really good deals are all long gone! The only reason I still go is living 15min's from it, its just to close not to...

**travlnz28** · #7 03-18-2009, 09:26 AM

I completely agree that the rare and NOS parts are drying up at swap meets in general. You can pretty much forget about buying anything decent at Pomona anymore. The internet has educated a whole new flock of parts collectors.

That doesn't change the fact that Portland is still a wonderful place to spend a day or three. There is more than going to a swap meet than finding your dream stash.

**169indy** · #8 03-18-2009, 11:11 AM

Crud!
Do I bring my SUN glasses or Snow Shoes this year?

The Meet has always been a great time for us NW's

Race track on Fri & Expo on Sat...Bring it on!

Jim

CamarosRus · #9 03-18-2009, 11:31 AM

I may drive down with my "new" 03 DODGE Ram Cummins, just in case I do find something that I would need space to haul back.

I really need to make a contact for getting in "early"

My cell is 206-226-6465, if I can help anybody transport something to or from......

CamarosRus · #10 03-18-2009, 11:37 AM

With this Long-azz truck am I going to be forced into parking at the Racetrack (grass fields) and busing to the EXPO.

About 10-15 years ago, I parked at one of warehouses by EXPO, then under construction and was towed away.

The swap meet must be the biggest towing day of the year in Portland !