pros & cons is it worth the trip

 

Can't hurt,I suppose...are your hose clamps correct ??

 

Yes all original and documented

 

I think the experience would be worth it....I've had my 78 thru a couple of judged events out here,but not the Boomington level...these guys checked mainly for authenticity...took two them over an hour...one did engine/chasis,another interior/paint...mine is more a survivor...sort of..

 

How about your antifreeze and tire air? All kidding aside, I think it's a great thing to aspire to. My car is too far from original to consider. I have no first hand experience to base my opinion on though.

 

...went 17 straight years before last year and quit going. Over the years, had my '74 judged for "Survivor" in '94 and again in '04, had my Yellow '80 4spd car(that I owned then)judged for Survivor in '01 and for current Silver '68 again for Survivor in '03.

...it's a fun, great show. I have had enough for now. Great experience for someone that has never been there before.

...it's moved around to a couple different places over the years. I enjoyed it best in Springfield, IL when it was there from I think '94-'99.

 

I drove out there once in 2000. Long drive from Mass or New York. I was disappointed. Not as large as Carlisle and, in my opinion, not as much fun. It's more about the cars than the vendors. It is also held during the height of tornado season in the MidWest and there were many the year I went. If I lived closer I would go again but it's too far and a bit disappointing. The new location at Pheasant Run looks nice though.

 

...the place is SUPERB and excellent for this show. The drive through all the frickin' construction and traffic on Interstates 80/90/94 the last couple of years tied in with the rip-off hotel prices was enough to make me quit for now.

 

If it's not a big deal for you I would bring it. If it is as nice as you say, I'm sure you''ll get more documentation on how original it is. It will help the value of the car. Why not!!!

Not the best show but 1 of the top 5

 

1/2 hour away for us and enjoy the cruise night the most. Never seen so many vette's on the street at one time! GREAT time.

Marty

 

I would pick Carlisle if I had to pick one or the other. Hopefully I will go to Carlisle this year.

 

If you have been to other major national events then prolly not.

if you have never been to carlisle or other bigger meets, then maybe

there is plenty to see and do here, I would devote about 4 hours to BG and see other stuff on the way here and back to NY

make it 1 of the things to see but not the purpose of your trip and you will fare better IMO

It's hard not to find stuff to see and do if you have never been to Chicago

 

Disclaimer: I taught for B/G for many years, so I could be a little biased. Anyway-

If you listen to old-timers who complain B/G "isn't what it used to be," you will probably get a negative impression. No it's not the Grandaddy of Corvette Shows it was in the 80's, but I don't think it's productive to compare it 25 years later.

The show is smaller now, more intimate, and in my opinion, the Pheasant Run is a superb venue. Very nice, kinda Pebble Beach-like.

The vendors are down from the glory years, but there are still plenty of rows of swaps to play in. As in other years, vendors tend to come and go throughout the weekend, so if you pick just one 3 hour period, you will miss stuff. I spent over $2000 on parts last year.

The cars and certification and auctions are all worth going for. They have been messing with moving different events to different days for strategic reasons, but just plan to get there early and stay... don't be in a hurry to leave. Never fall into the trap of waiting until late Saturday or Sunday, because unfortunately several vendors insist on leaving early. This is very annoying.

Yes, Carlisle is a bigger and more swap-oriented show. I think the post complaining about B/G being held in tornado season is pretty funny given what happened at Carlisle this past August... and Carlisle always gets at least on day full of rain. June in Illinois is usually pretty hot.

Its a big trip from NY, but if you are a Corvette guy you need to go. If you do, call for a room today.

 

Great time for the most part. I go just for the experience, not to show my car or anything. I've gone every year since about '00 or so.

Swap prices are a good deal cheaper than Carlisle in my opinion, but there are a lot fewer vendors. The cars for sale are expensive. I really wonder if half really change hands like they advertise.

It's compact space wise. You can buy a heavy part and walk back to the car without dying.

Free parking, and it's close! The grounds are absolutely beautiful. Definitely feels "high class." The swap meet and car corral are on pavement, and it gets HOT if the sun is out, which has been the case the last few years. Bring a water bottle.

Admission isn't too bad. $17/day I believe or $40/weekend. Sounds expensive, but compare it to a baseball game.

Sunday is only worth a last trip to the auction (they run cars that didn't sell previously and some others) or special collection. The vendors are usually mostly gone after Saturday. Sunday at noon it's dead. They should make Sunday 1/2 price. Friday and Saturday are the money days.

The food is EXPENSIVE and not very good. Think state fair.

The auction is a good time and fairly interesting. You have to register to bid if you want to go "inside the fence" (which is where the chairs are) to watch the auction or look at the premiere cars, which I think really sucks. I can see protecting the cars and maybe reserving a few rows of seats for the bidders, but otherwise I think it discourages people. The solution is to register to bid and not buy anything.