Carlisle a dud?
Just an Ole Surfer Boy
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
From: Timing is Everything The Jersey Shore
NCM Ambassador
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'08-'09-'10-'13-'14
I checked VINS previous posts and up until this thread he hasn't posted since Aug 9th.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
Likes: 15
From: Columbia MD
All this and the price of entrance keeps going up, as does the food and beverage prices from what I've read about this year's show. Sign of the times I guess. Went to our local Outback Steakhouse the other night for dinner for this time a while. Steak was la little more than a 1/4-inch thick for the same price as when it was was more than double that size. Oh and if anyone hasn't been to a Burger King lately, the Whopper Junior is about the size of a slider. Maybe they should re-name it the Whopper Microburger.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,248
Likes: 4
From: Lancaster PA
This was not the best Corvettes @ Carlisle. weather did not cooperate . I was there Thursday through Sunday for the 64 anniversary display. made the best of the weather. Had family and friends come up to see the car. Had a great time and made the best of the poor conditions. I love this event and will continue to participate and enjoy.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 153
Likes: 6
From: Long Island
Thanks for being thorough Crusher.
I'm not looking to rip CaC. For years I've gone to Carlisle with friends and had a wonderful time. There just seemed to be more vendors and more of a selection of accessories and custom painted parts. In years past I owned an 88 C4 convertible that I had
Achieved a top flite award. So naturally, I'm not looking to go faster
or jazz it up. I left it bone stock and
sold it for good money. now I have a 2011 Grand Sport Coupe that I want "bling" up. As one vendor said "go through our catalog and make a list.of what you want and we'll ship it to you". That's not what Carlisle is about. You see it, you buy it and, you take it home.
I'm not looking to rip CaC. For years I've gone to Carlisle with friends and had a wonderful time. There just seemed to be more vendors and more of a selection of accessories and custom painted parts. In years past I owned an 88 C4 convertible that I had
Achieved a top flite award. So naturally, I'm not looking to go faster
or jazz it up. I left it bone stock and
sold it for good money. now I have a 2011 Grand Sport Coupe that I want "bling" up. As one vendor said "go through our catalog and make a list.of what you want and we'll ship it to you". That's not what Carlisle is about. You see it, you buy it and, you take it home.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 691
Likes: 1
From: gilboa ny
Was there a good supply of guys cleaning out thier garage of crusty old c3 parts? I wanted to go to look for stuff for my project. Couldnt worm my way out of work though. 
Oh well I can think about maybe driving there in the vette next year.
Oh well I can think about maybe driving there in the vette next year.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,376
Likes: 4
From: Hershey, PA, USA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
This is the exact reason I didn't go back this year. I talked to Chip last year about this and he said that it would be addressed. Not surprised nothing has been done.
A few people I talked to said the vendors were WAY down in size and the car corral was empty.
2013 is most likely the last time I'll be attending. Sounds like CaC is on the same path as GM Nationals.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 2
From: Perkasie Pa
Whats the big deal about spot saving, there were plenty of other spots...
I don't get it....too many bruised corvette egos.
This is my third year in a row....I would think most swap meets have changed over the past 10 years due to the online marketplace. I would much rather have a chin spoiler for my C7 shipped to my door rather then carrying it around 20 acres and stuffing it in my corvette for a 3 hour ride home. The one thing I did get that could not be found on Ebay or the parts section of this forum was upper rocker trim for my 68....35$ at carlisle..
I like the show, I think Lance and the crew do a great job....Its a nice weekend getaway for my wife and I to meet up with some corvette friends. Anytime I can see 4000 corvettes together and talk to some of my most used vendors in person....I'm in.
I don't get it....too many bruised corvette egos. This is my third year in a row....I would think most swap meets have changed over the past 10 years due to the online marketplace. I would much rather have a chin spoiler for my C7 shipped to my door rather then carrying it around 20 acres and stuffing it in my corvette for a 3 hour ride home. The one thing I did get that could not be found on Ebay or the parts section of this forum was upper rocker trim for my 68....35$ at carlisle..
I like the show, I think Lance and the crew do a great job....Its a nice weekend getaway for my wife and I to meet up with some corvette friends. Anytime I can see 4000 corvettes together and talk to some of my most used vendors in person....I'm in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 10
From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
I've always go and stay Friday, Saturday & Sunday - but I think I may scrap Sunday next year. Some of the guys told me that they go Thurs, Fri and Saturday instead.
I've always enjoyed the ride to and from Carlisle and seeing friends and other Corvettes more than the show. I found some items this year, but not as much as in past shows and some of the vendor's prices were unrealistic. I will continue to go and look forward to it every year, just wish they could do something to improve it so it doesn't become a thing of the past.
Last edited by JW3101; Aug 26, 2014 at 09:17 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,702
Likes: 192
From: Northwestern Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '26
I wish they would stop doing Thursday, maybe it would make it more of a Friday-Sunday show instead of a Thursday-Saturday show. The local hotels jacking prices and requiring 2-3 night stays isn't helping either. (let alone the drop in vendor attendance, etc.) I really hope they can turn it around, it had been my favorite summer tradition for a long time.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: ACUSHNET MA
Hmmm.....thought it was only me who felt this way. Crummy weather both Friday & especially Saturday made it a downer & I have to agree that there didn't seem to be much of interest at the various vendor tents. I was especially amazed at the huge tent that Corvette America had down near Installation Alley & all they had there was a catalog order desk....no product inventory at all. I remember last year that same tent was chocked full of merchandise & was busy all day. Next year will have to think twice about going out to CaC. 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
We went on Friday. Did appear to be less people then last year. But we drove in with no problem, parked with no problem and left with no problem. For us it was just the right amount of people, cars and parts. It did appear that some venders thought that they had gold plated parts and wouldn't deal. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but did run across a guy who sells those old Packard wire connectors that look like an "H". He said he was the only one in the US selling just the connectors. Bought a few and some other old nos connectors and updated my 59.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
I think CaC is one of those events that you have to be a Corvette nut (and I don't mean that in a bad way) to want to go and stay the full 3 days. I went for a couple of years and after a couple of hours of looking at masses of stock Corvettes (primarily the newer ones) and the odd crazy custom, I was done.
Not knocking the show, but I think the crowd numbers will go up and down as the owner types change when the car generations change.
Not knocking the show, but I think the crowd numbers will go up and down as the owner types change when the car generations change.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 29
From: Bergen County, New Jersey
We went on Friday. Did appear to be less people then last year. But we drove in with no problem, parked with no problem and left with no problem. For us it was just the right amount of people, cars and parts. It did appear that some venders thought that they had gold plated parts and wouldn't deal. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but did run across a guy who sells those old Packard wire connectors that look like an "H". He said he was the only one in the US selling just the connectors. Bought a few and some other old nos connectors and updated my 59.
Last year was perfect weather and the launch of the C7. Also, Tadge didn't go this year (not sure if that impacted turnout). The cards were not in anyone's favor this year. A friend of mine called our hotel three days before we left and booked a room - there were a tremendous number of late cancellations due to weather.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,185
Likes: 65
From: NJ
Just came back from Carlisle today. My 9th year in a row and, I must say, I was very disappointed. First off, people are still saving spots by leaving folding chairs on the Fun Field. This has been an issue for years. Next, after purchasing a C6 GS last November, I had money burning a hole in my pocket. I was looking for some under hood items such as custom painted fuel rail covers and painted caps. GM parts Wharehouse was the only one that had the caps and, at a very high price.
no one had a variety of f/r covers at all. There was a guy across from Kerbeck last year who had a large selection of custom painted F /R covers. Where were they this year?
Many merchants on the Midway seem to have had smaller tents this year as well. West Coast Corvette's tent was about half the size this year and the selection was terrible as far as C6 parts. RPI seemed to offer every known stick on accessory ever made for a Corvette. When I asked one of their reps about a price on a custom item, he had no idea what I was talking about.
Over at Mid America,they were offering 10% off and free shipping on orders over 250.00 Really? What if I want it now? Guess what! They had nothing there. Empty! Pull up a chair, flip through a catalog and you'll get it in a week or two.
Adams Polish was the only one you had. Large assortment of prouduct and, gave you a nice discount as well.
So in closing, yes the weather was terrible. But overall, Corvettes at Carlisle was a let down. We wait all year for this event and it did not deliver this year. Hanging out at the hotel with the club members was more enjoyable.
See you next year? I'll have to think about it
no one had a variety of f/r covers at all. There was a guy across from Kerbeck last year who had a large selection of custom painted F /R covers. Where were they this year?
Many merchants on the Midway seem to have had smaller tents this year as well. West Coast Corvette's tent was about half the size this year and the selection was terrible as far as C6 parts. RPI seemed to offer every known stick on accessory ever made for a Corvette. When I asked one of their reps about a price on a custom item, he had no idea what I was talking about.
Over at Mid America,they were offering 10% off and free shipping on orders over 250.00 Really? What if I want it now? Guess what! They had nothing there. Empty! Pull up a chair, flip through a catalog and you'll get it in a week or two.
Adams Polish was the only one you had. Large assortment of prouduct and, gave you a nice discount as well.
So in closing, yes the weather was terrible. But overall, Corvettes at Carlisle was a let down. We wait all year for this event and it did not deliver this year. Hanging out at the hotel with the club members was more enjoyable.
See you next year? I'll have to think about it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 71
From: SOUTH SHORE Massachusetts
I think the weather did hurt this year along with the Caravan taking away from attendance. The vendors began to thin out when the State of Pa. came in and did there Tax thing wanting their piece of the pie so to speak. Some vendors just never came back..others just offer mail order and will not sell there. I think the car corral is shrinking because cars are not selling...why you ask?? BIG PRICES. Years ago you could get a deal..not the sellers are not that eager to let the car go cheaper. I have purchased items over the many years of attending and now that my car is done..I go to have fun and meet up with other Corvette friends ..more social for me...I enjoy the talks and demos, I like looking at all the other vettes and how they are done up and the vaious paint jobs etc. That huge Kerbeck tent full of cars you cannot buy to me is a waste of space but what can you do. If you are looking for something for your car do not just look at the MFGs area..check out the little guys back in tent city..you would be surprised what you might find back there....items for old and NEW...you just have to look. I have been going since 96 and will be going next year as well...God willing.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: ACUSHNET MA
I think the weather did hurt this year along with the Caravan taking away from attendance. The vendors began to thin out when the State of Pa. came in and did there Tax thing wanting their piece of the pie so to speak. Some vendors just never came back..others just offer mail order and will not sell there. I think the car corral is shrinking because cars are not selling...why you ask?? BIG PRICES. Years ago you could get a deal..not the sellers are not that eager to let the car go cheaper. I have purchased items over the many years of attending and now that my car is done..I go to have fun and meet up with other Corvette friends ..more social for me...I enjoy the talks and demos, I like looking at all the other vettes and how they are done up and the vaious paint jobs etc. That huge Kerbeck tent full of cars you cannot buy to me is a waste of space but what can you do. If you are looking for something for your car do not just look at the MFGs area..check out the little guys back in tent city..you would be surprised what you might find back there....items for old and NEW...you just have to look. I have been going since 96 and will be going next year as well...God willing.
I had heard alot of people had to choose between CAC or the Caravan, not everyone can take off as much time from work as they want. As far as the venders, it did seem weaker, what was up with Mid America's tent? What a joke ! Is that what their Funfest is like? I still enjoy seeing all the Vettes and meeting new people, my buddy and I met 6 nice guys from "Allentown Area Corvette Club". I guess it's what you make it. Still the parade is FANTASTIC !
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
I was at Carlisle Thursday through Sunday. The weather wasn't perfect, but with the exception of a couple downpours (Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning), I thought it was fine. From 10:00 on, Saturday was cool and overcast with an occasional sprinkle. Much better than 95* with 90% humidity. I thought the crowd Friday was larger than normal and Sunday was larger than normal. Saturday was obviously smaller. I'm guessing some people went on Friday or Sunday when Saturday looked like a wash out.
I have to agree with a lot of people when it comes to the big vendors. It just seemed like there was nothing to buy and their sales weren't any better than you can find other times of the year. It's frustrating, but I'm not sure Carlisle Events can do much about that. You can't force someone to show up and sell products.
Food prices I thought were reasonable if you looked around a little. Most years, all of the prices were the same, but not this year. For example, drink sizes and prices varied a lot from one vendor to the next.
It might not have been as big as past years, but all in all, I think it was a great show. I go to see some amazing cars and meet new people within the hobby. I have no regrets and will be back next year for sure.
I have to agree with a lot of people when it comes to the big vendors. It just seemed like there was nothing to buy and their sales weren't any better than you can find other times of the year. It's frustrating, but I'm not sure Carlisle Events can do much about that. You can't force someone to show up and sell products.
Food prices I thought were reasonable if you looked around a little. Most years, all of the prices were the same, but not this year. For example, drink sizes and prices varied a lot from one vendor to the next.
It might not have been as big as past years, but all in all, I think it was a great show. I go to see some amazing cars and meet new people within the hobby. I have no regrets and will be back next year for sure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
St Jude Donor '14
Thanks for being thorough Crusher.
I'm not looking to rip CaC. For years I've gone to Carlisle with friends and had a wonderful time. There just seemed to be more vendors and more of a selection of accessories and custom painted parts. In years past I owned an 88 C4 convertible that I had
Achieved a top flite award. So naturally, I'm not looking to go faster
or jazz it up. I left it bone stock and
sold it for good money. now I have a 2011 Grand Sport Coupe that I want "bling" up. As one vendor said "go through our catalog and make a list.of what you want and we'll ship it to you". That's not what Carlisle is about. You see it, you buy it and, you take it home.
I'm not looking to rip CaC. For years I've gone to Carlisle with friends and had a wonderful time. There just seemed to be more vendors and more of a selection of accessories and custom painted parts. In years past I owned an 88 C4 convertible that I had
Achieved a top flite award. So naturally, I'm not looking to go faster
or jazz it up. I left it bone stock and
sold it for good money. now I have a 2011 Grand Sport Coupe that I want "bling" up. As one vendor said "go through our catalog and make a list.of what you want and we'll ship it to you". That's not what Carlisle is about. You see it, you buy it and, you take it home.
You don't think they pull that on us??