OBSERVATIONS FROM DECATUR, TX SWAP MEET

[Rat Rod]

Decided to head out to the big swap meet in Decatur, Texas today to have a look around.

This swap meet averages about 3000 vendors and it's the first swap meet of the year. Fortunately the weather was nice today.

Here are some shots I took of things that interested me...maybe you'll find them interesting too.

http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m130 ... =slideshow

[mikesbikes36]

awsome pics ....so did u buy anyhing ?

[Rat Rod]

I was tempted on a few things, but everyone there must have the History Channel because the prices were high.


This one was cool, but the kid wanted $50 for it...and the last thing I need is another bike without wheels.




Then there was this one....loved the twin top tubes, but the owner was nowhere to be found...




And then there were these...the guy said $450 each for the ones with wheels and $350 for the frame and fork.




And then I asked this guy how much for the Ghost and he said $1000 and I kept on walkin'.




And I really wanted to drive home in this, but he was asking $15,000....and I left my cowboy hat, mustache and red satin shirt at home.

[yoothgeye]

Man, even not buying anything that would've been a great trip. While watching the slideshow I was thinking "I bet I could get one of those beehive springers there!" then I read your follow up... nope.

Loved the rat rod with the front license plate "CHEAP" on it... I bet it wasn't.

Loved the variety.

Why didn't you get the Specialized racing BMX?

[Rat Rod]

I think by that point I was starting to get junk drunk and was just hoping I could still make it to the car...ha ha.

That was about 15th row of stuff and my 6 year old kept saying..."When are we going home?...When are we going home?"

I think we were there for about 4 hours total.

[Rat Rod]

Some of the prices on the cars was hurting my brain a little.

I was trying to imagine spending $35,000 on this...

[HotRodRob]

Some of the prices on the cars was hurting my brain a little.

I was trying to imagine spending $35,000 on this...

I think I better get mine re-appraised. That is just crazy!

[Rat Rod]

Another observation....half the population apparently purchased an OCC Sting-Ray chopper at some point.

I felt like I was tripping over them ever 20 feet.

The other thing that was funny was that there were TONS of people there in those off road golf carts driving around looking at stuff. Kind of reminded me of the Pixar movie WALL-E.

[yoothgeye]

Another observation....half the population apparently purchased an OCC Sting-Ray chopper at some point.

I felt like I was tripping over them ever 20 feet.

I'm interested in the price range on them there, since all mine (rideable, but just for cutting up) were for chump change, 3 of them free.

[Rat Rod]

They seem to be all over the place...some show up for $25 and some as much as $150.

Not sure what anyone actually pays for the things.

[dragnusa]

Its surprising what people think any of the factory chopper bikes are worth

[B607]

Higher prices...no deals. That's what you get when everyone in your state is working! I'll bet prices are still reasonable here in the rust belt this spring. Gary

[outskirtscustoms]

Yeah here in the rust belt there are some deals to be had. Luckily I got a two friends who have bicycle honey holes just waiting for me to get some cash. One is great prices and pretty average tank bikes, Columbias, few Sears, JC Higgins, exc. A garage and one room of his house FULL. The other is the high roller's area and prices are "If you have to ask you can't afford it" But REALLY NICE stuff. Way too nice for Rat Rodding. This guy has more quantity but much more quality too. A 3 car garage packed to the rafters, 2- 20'x20' mini-barns full with lofts, bikes in the side yard, bikes in the back yard, Haven't been in the house or basement yet but I am told they are full too. And he also rents another storage space I have yet to see but he says his garage is only the tip of the iceberg. And just one of his sheds would give Mike and Frank a heart attack. Colson, Elgin, Ben Hur, Batwing lights and sirens as far as the eye can see. I try not to drool every time I visit him.

[Fahrrad]

Some of the prices on the cars was hurting my brain a little.

I was trying to imagine spending $35,000 on this...

Darn, that was the going price for a decent restoration at Pate this last year. 25-30k for good, 10-15k for what is in the pic.

[jerrykr]

looks like swap meet prices are sky high!

still wish I could have gone over there tho....

did you check out that '57 Chevy Smoker?