CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: lakeholme on August 22, 2013, 03:21:02 PM

Title: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on August 22, 2013, 03:21:02 PM
The Fall Charlotte Autofair will be September 19-22.  The fall event is smaller than the one in the spring, but vendor's will fill the infield and part of the green field outside.  The car sales are shaping up, as well.  (Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing how many Camaros will be for sale on the track...)
The HNR show on Saturday actually has a modified class --something you rarely see from an AACA region!
And of course, the Charlotte area Camaro clubs and others will be out on the weekend.
Ya'll come.... ;D
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: Frosty69 on September 02, 2013, 01:24:07 AM
We have our spots lined up with clubs for both the new and the old Camaro. Really looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: sixt9x33rs on September 02, 2013, 01:42:40 AM
Classic Camaros of the Carolina's will be there.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 02, 2013, 04:40:38 PM
Since this is the "smaller" Fall show, I hope to see you guys on Saturday after judging.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: sixt9x33rs on September 02, 2013, 06:14:18 PM
Since this is the "smaller" Fall show, I hope to see you guys on Saturday after judging.
Phil, which club do you belong too?
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 02, 2013, 11:07:31 PM
Since this is the "smaller" Fall show, I hope to see you guys on Saturday after judging.
Phil, which club do you belong too?
Hornets Nest, AACA, the folks in the yellow hats.
Watch for Steve68 from CRG. I sent him tickets.
So, I'll look for a gold 69 Z on Saturday afternoon...
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: sixt9x33rs on September 04, 2013, 02:45:56 AM
Since this is the "smaller" Fall show, I hope to see you guys on Saturday after judging.
Phil, which club do you belong too?
Hornets Nest, AACA, the folks in the yellow hats.
Watch for Steve68 from CRG. I sent him tickets.
So, I'll look for a gold 69 Z on Saturday afternoon...
Sounds good. I hope to bring the Silver car too if I can find someone to drive it up from Southpark.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 07, 2013, 05:24:40 PM
We have our spots lined up with clubs for both the new and the old Camaro. Really looking forward to it!

Which groups?
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 67rs/ss396 on September 08, 2013, 10:07:18 PM
Well the hometown Clayton Harvest Festival car show is the same weekend and I have not missed it in 12 years.
So maybe next year.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 11, 2013, 02:00:10 PM
Vendor space sales are up and vedor set up is actually going to start a day earlier, so maybe there will be more Camaro items for sale.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: sixt9x33rs on September 11, 2013, 10:28:02 PM
Will vendor sales start Thursday?
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 11, 2013, 10:35:50 PM
Will vendor sales start Thursday?
Gates open at 8 am on Thursday...  From the looks of it, the vendors are happy about setting up on Wednesday. In fact, if you are looking for something in particular, i'd suggest you shop on Thursday.  Generally, Thursdays are not as crowded.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 12, 2013, 02:21:19 AM
I began making tentative plans to attend today, so I'm *hoping* it works out.   Any suggestions for where to stay or any other suggestions re  a first timer's attendance at that show?   I've wanted to go for years, but never made it.. thus far..  :)
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 12, 2013, 03:27:57 PM
Gary,
I just sent you a PM...

Helpful hints about Autofair:

I can tell you where not to stay unless you want to spend big bucks... There are motel/hotels near the speedway, but they tend to be expensive and around big events like this are probably already full.  I'm assuming you are coming up 85 from Alabama, and the speedway is right off 85 north of Charlotte in Concord, so go further north to one of the motels off 85 (or find one south of Charlotte off 85).

Get there early in the day!  Traffic can be brutal later in the day, especially on Bruton Smith Boulevard, which takes you from 85 to the speedway.  There is plenty of parking all around the speedway but you have to pay.  The closest is right in front of the main entrance on highway 29.

This is a big event physically.  It covers the whole track, the whole infield (orange and blue fields), much of the speedway buidings (the auction and some of the clubs cars) and the green field back of the speedway.

Make sure you take one of the programs when you come in. (The only thing you will see that is free all day...)  It has maps, a list of vendors and their locations, and a list of events during Autofair.  Unfortunately, all the Camaro vendors and parts are not clustered together.  If you are having trouble finding something, ask one of the HNR people.  We'll all have on a yellow cap or a hat with a yellow band.  If all else fails, find Coker Tire and right across from it is a big yellow and white tent, which is the HNR information booth.  Look HERE (http://www.charlotte-autofair.com/maps.htm) for the online maps of Autofair.

If you are planning on buying large parts or several parts, bring a wagon or a cart.  There are a few golf carts that will help you take your parts to the exit (but not to parking) and there are only a few of them.  There are also carts to give you a ride in the infield, but they have routes they must follow.  In other words, PLAN ON WALKING A LOT...

The car corral changes every day and several times a day as vendors sell cars.  I usually check it twice a day.  The Camaro and other clubs will be there on Saturday and some of them Sunday.  The AACA show is on Saturday.  (It is a local, HNR show in the fall, but this year is the first year for modified cars, so check it out!)

Lakeholme
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 12, 2013, 03:48:36 PM
I really appreciate the information and help Phillip!   I've replied to your PM as well!

I've made a reservation at the Country Inn & Suites near the airport (opposite side of town from the speedway, but just off I-85 and on the side of Charlotte that we will be coming in on.  Hopefully it's nice enough, and right now they are running a 25% discount (next 2 days) which makes the rate much more reasonable.

I'll look you and your fella Camaro club members up when I get there on Friday... :)

PS.  if the show opens at 8 am..  what is considered 'early enough' ?   :)  7?    6?   :)

Gary
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 12, 2013, 04:36:47 PM
I'll look you and your fella Camaro club members up when I get there on Friday... :)

PS.  if the show opens at 8 am..  what is considered 'early enough' ?   :)  7?    6?   :)

Gary

Crowd grows on Thursday afternoon and Friday, until on Saturday it's like Times Square on New Year's Eve.
So I'd say on Friday, by mid-moring and Saturday be at the gate at 8 am.
The point is you'll be less likely to have to fight crowds and find what yoiu want earlier in the week and in the morning.

I just replied to your PM. The "check" is going in the mail today...
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: Frosty69 on September 15, 2013, 06:05:23 AM
We have our spots lined up with clubs for both the new and the old Camaro. Really looking forward to it!

We have our spots lined up with clubs for both the new and the old Camaro. Really looking forward to it!

Which groups?

Phillip, the '69 (Frosty69) will be with South Eastern GM Toyz and the '11 (nsaneblk) will be with the 5th Gen of the Carolina's. Will we get to see your car as well?

Hope there will be opportunities to meet everyone.
Jennifer
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 15, 2013, 10:24:22 AM
We have our spots lined up with clubs for both the new and the old Camaro. Really looking forward to it!

We have our spots lined up with clubs for both the new and the old Camaro. Really looking forward to it!

Which groups?

Phillip, the '69 (Frosty69) will be with South Eastern GM Toyz and the '11 (nsaneblk) will be with the 5th Gen of the Carolina's. Will we get to see your car as well?

Hope there will be opportunities to meet everyone.
Jennifer

Jennifer,

I'm going to try and hunt for CRG folks on Saturday after we've judged the HNR show. I think Steve68 and 69Z28-Rs will be here from out of town, and a handful of us from the greater Charlotte area.
Yes, my 68 will be on the infield grass on Saturday.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: TooManyReels on September 17, 2013, 12:38:20 AM
Phillip, I will be there showing with the Classic Camaro's of the Carolina's, please stop by if you have time. The same goes for anyone else attending this coming weekends event...
TMR

Eddie
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 17, 2013, 02:52:49 AM
It's too bad we don't have our CRG shirts as yet..  *S*  s o we'd all know one another..  :)
Maybe we can put a 'CRG' sign around our neck..     :)
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 18, 2013, 01:54:47 AM
Phillip, I will be there showing with the Classic Camaro's of the Carolina's, please stop by if you have time. The same goes for anyone else attending this coming weekends event...
TMR

Eddie
I hope to after the HNR meet on Saturday afternoon...

It's too bad we don't have our CRG shirts as yet..  *S*  s o we'd all know one another..  :)
Maybe we can put a 'CRG' sign around our neck..     :)

Steve is coming. Maybe he can give us an update on the shirts.

Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 18, 2013, 06:58:49 PM
Beautiful day for vendor set up! Lots of them rolling in.
Too early for car corral pics. They usually arrive on Thursday.
Lots of new vendors signing in...
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 18, 2013, 10:17:55 PM
If you have time, stop by the Autobarn on McGill Ave in Concord and look at the 68 RS/SS that was an AACA Grand National winner a few years ago.
I know the owner.  It's a sweet trailer queen.  Just wish I had $50k...  :'(
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 19, 2013, 02:51:50 AM
Thanks again Phillip!
We're heading out from Alabama at 6:30 am tomorrow morning..   should be there tomorrow afternoon and thru the weekend... 
We're looking forward to seeing the rest of you whom are attending..

(but this weekend we'll be driving a red GMC Sierra crewcab..   AL-47  plates)

Gary W.  / 69Z28-RS
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 19, 2013, 04:14:59 AM
Take some pictures of some original cars for us....
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 19, 2013, 05:17:46 PM
Take some pictures of some original cars for us....
Will do, if there are any...

If you are coming look at the back of the program. That's a reprint of an article on early muscle cars, which I did for AACA last year.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 21, 2013, 12:36:21 AM
So, I'll be the short guy wearing a CRG shirt. Steve will be the tall one!
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 21, 2013, 12:59:19 AM
Phillip,

I looked in several places for you today..  information booths, main HNR tent, and finally the car corral (section 1?) where I wa told you'd be this afternoon, never found you, but made a few new friends looking for you.. :)

Man, that venue (charlotte motor speedway) is HUGE.. and once the sun came out this afternoon, it got bigger and hotter.   I had to get a cart ride out to the truck when we left this afternoon..   thought I was gonna need fluids via IV.. :)

Gary
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 21, 2013, 01:18:24 AM
Whoops, sorry! I was at info 1 in the infield grass.
Yep, CMS can get hot when the sun is out.
You'll have to come next April. It will be 50% bigger.
I'll be at the HNR show in the morning. Yellow hat and CRG shirt.
Probably be the only butternut 68 on the infield grass.
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 21, 2013, 01:33:09 AM
Next year you will both be wearing the shirts! ( and maybe you plan on having each others phone numbers so you can meet up)
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 21, 2013, 01:39:40 PM
Next year you will both be wearing the shirts! ( and maybe you plan on having each others phone numbers so you can meet up)
You can come next April and coordinate!
I'll send you tickets. .
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 21, 2013, 01:48:55 PM
Gary
Space 95 HNR show.
Has Steve found you?
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 21, 2013, 04:23:27 PM
Charlotte is a bit far for me. I probabley could have coordinated it from where I am at though... :D
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 22, 2013, 06:31:03 AM
Phillip, Steve, and I all hooked up this afternoon for a few minutes, finally!    AND..  we were all wearing our CRG shirts...  I guess this could be called the first *assembly* of CRG members all decked out alike..  :)
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 22, 2013, 07:40:22 AM
Wait a minute STEVE  you didn't tell us you could "Will CAll" our shirts at the show ???
And then you brag about it Gary, and don't post a pic, shame on you man.... :-X
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 22, 2013, 10:30:16 PM
Wait a minute STEVE  you didn't tell us you could "Will CAll" our shirts at the show ???
And then you brag about it Gary, and don't post a pic, shame on you man.... :-X

Okay... I take all the blame!  ;)  8)  :-[

Shirts look like the original examples, and they look great! Trust me! They are worth the wait!  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 24, 2013, 02:22:12 AM
Take some pictures of some original cars for us....

Nothing all that original to speak of in the car corral.  A couple of 67 convertibles with cowl hoods, rear spoilers and "Caution Fan" stickers.  Sad part of it there was one with a repo TT screwed onto the firewall.  Steve68 and I discussed that one.  The sad part of it is the seller has the original  TT in the glove box, and I couldn't talk him into displaying that one.  ::) Oh, well....

Maybe one of the Camaro club guys could post some pics of their original first gens....

Rain literally dampened the HNR car show on Saturday.
There was one Z in the Hi-Po class that looked pretty good, see below:
Note the empty spaces...  :'(
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on September 24, 2013, 02:26:10 AM
Had my 68 in 27H.  Steve68 gave it a quick look.  He was kind...  ;D
Title: Re: Charlotte Autofair
Post by: lakeholme on October 02, 2013, 02:04:19 AM
Follow up at board meeting tonight... Maybe the hobby is picking back up, again.
240 new vendors turned up with a considerable increase in profit for vendor spaces over the last few years.