Okay, so we are officially planning to make the trek over to Carlisle in July 2020 . . . what are the do's and don't from the more seasons goers for us first timers?
Wear comfortable shoes. There's lots to see and you'll be walking all day.
Are you driving a car into the show grounds? If not, get there early. There is no event parking. You will be parking in peoples yards if you want a close spot. Those prime spots will go quickly.
Drink lots of water...it will be hot. Look through the swap meet on Friday if you need parts. There will be a lot more cars on Saturday to look at.
I am planning to drive a motor-home and trailer my car. :fingerscrossed:
Don't be afraid to extend your stay. The show is Friday-Sunday on paper, but it's much more like Wednesday -Saturday.
If you have a windshield sticker on your show car (or vending spot), you can arrive anytime you like and come and go 24 hours a day...
Most larger vendors are arriving Tuesday and setting up....Thursday (when I get there) is always a flurry of activity in the swap meet, and you hear of all the deals you missed on Wednesday... :headbang: A LOT of vendors are packed up and long gone by Saturday at noon :alan2cents:
As far as show cars...not much in the fields Thursday, but Friday is full, Saturday (weather pending) is over full and Sunday is practically empty...Always check the forecast, because if the weather is going to be bad Saturday, then Friday becomes the big show car day. :)
Yeah, probably different for vendors to get time to setup.
The bad part of Mopar Carlisle is that nothing compares to it and you'll want that experience at every show so it will spoil you. Shop early if you're looking for anything before it gets to hot. You can walk the same isle 10 times and see stuff you didn't see before. I've gone more years then I can remember and have never seen everything there is to see. Plenty of food to eat there, clean bathrooms and good ice cream! And there is a nice little pub there if you need to cool off and have a beer to relax! You'll be in Mopar heaven.
First timer?? that's lol.
wife and I have been going for over twenty five years.
i got a laugh for you,,
we were walking by orig paint 340 4 speed cudas for $7500
and orig paint 340 4 speed dusters for $3500 .
and that was TOO MUCH $$$$
oh how flippers and BJ auction have changed things.
you will have fun. oh ya and it hits almost 100 degrees there ..
Quote from: Rich G. on December 05, 2019, 10:26:54 AM
The bad part of Mopar Carlisle is that nothing compares to it and you'll want that experience at every show so it will spoil you.
Isn't that the truth. Last year was my first and I'm hooked. Nothing compares.
Just make sure you hang around the club and go to the little events that are planned. Nice to have a group of friends when you arrive in a foreign location. I truly enjoyed hanging with the club. I've never been a big club guy so it was very different and unique for me. One of the best events of the year for sure!
I see where when registering they are asking for a club affiliation . . . what little events are usually planned?
Do all of the ebodies.org members get to park together in the show field?
make sure you enter under our club. I believe if I heard correctly, that the more people register to our club will get us a bigger tent. More views, more members, more cars on the site. Better for all of us here.
I'm not sure what is planned aside from a pizza dinner and a restaurant dinner. And I believe lunch at the tent on Saturday.
don't quote me though. I'm sure the plans will be spelled out on here as we get closer.
The club is planning many fun activities for the show this year. Yes we will have a large tent to call home base and a nice spot to get out of the sun so bring a chair. Please do register under the club name of ebodies.org. This year we should have a great turnout of members! If you're bringing an ebody, then yes all the ebodies park together . . And our tent is typically in the middle of them all!
:clapping:
Yes all e-bodies park together but Challengers park separate from Cudas and 70 is separate from 71 which is separate from 72-4. Originals are separate from modified also.
Seeing that your bringing a motor home and if your looking to set up next door to the fairgrounds, call early and reserve your spot. I believe that they are changing around some aspects for trailer parking and that may impact the number of camping spaces that the fairgrounds has available. There is areas adjacent to the grounds for campers, but I have no ideal on how to reserve those spots.
The walk aisles are laid out well and things are for the most part pretty well marked and they put out a free brochure / magazine that you can pickup as you enter the grounds. Make sure to get one of those magazines as they are very informative with vendor listings, profiles of feature cars and attractions and maps of the grounds.
Also, security and staff are very good in enforcing the no golf carts, ATVs or scooters on the grounds during the official show hours. If you should have the need to rent a small scooter, that can be arranged on the grounds.
Everyone should attend Carlisle at least once just to see how well a car show and swap meet can be organized and conducted.
Quote from: 69BFan on December 05, 2019, 06:02:47 PM
....
Everyone should attend Carlisle at least once just to see how well a car show and swap meet can be organized and conducted.
Including Jim Belinda :haha: :haha: :haha:
I will be sure to register under the ebodies.org name. :yes:
I am currently planning to bring my '71 Cuda and officially get to meet some of the great members here! :grouphug:
Just trying to make sure of the do's and do-nots of Carlisle since we have never been!
Do you attend the Nationals in Ohio every year ? If so, you may miss the drag racing portion of the event. Carlisle is much quieter, and more of a family event then the Nats. There is usually enough to keep you busy, like Hellcat thrill rides, new car test drives, women's oasis, "daisy duke" contest and a burn out contest, etc....
The one thing of the Nats you won't miss, is the kayos....Carlisle staff is very organised in comparison. and as mentioned, no golf carts, overfilled garbage and stinky toilets, etc... :D
You'll have a good time for sure.... :slapme5:
I have never been to the Mopar Nationals in Columbus . . . Carlisle will be the first outing for my car!
You made the right choice :alan2cents:
I'll be coming for my second time. I was there in 2017 and enjoyed it immensely, yet I'm not a seasoned pro at it. Lodging is reserved in Mechanicsburg, and I'm driving my Ram truck in case I find any great deals. I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get show field parking like I did in '17. It was like having your truck in a mock show when in actuality it was just for convenience and about 300' from what I termed "e-body bluff". I swear I heard harp music when I approached and looked down across them all. I bought my parking pass at a building as I pulled in. $50 or so for the 3 days. Well worth it. Is there a way to buy a pass and parking decal online prior to arrival? I'm still learning and hate surprises.
@anlauto (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/anlauto_19) , Anyone?
YES...of course, you can enter your truck in the show just like entering any Mopar....It's great because you get your windshield sticker in advance and when you arrive, just drive right in.
I usually enter my truck in the show every year :yes:
...and of course, if you're flying in....make sure you rent a Challenger or any cool Mopar and enter it in the show as well. Much better (cheaper too) then parking on the street and walking in everyday !
I just bought my showfield pass! :banana:
My recommendation would be... wear a HAT! Holy cow the sun is brutal. A wide brimmed safari hat and wear sun block. Especially if you plan on walking around a lot to see all the cars and the swap meet. It's huge and it's always been hot out and there is very little cover from the sun. I will back up what others have said. I don't think I've ever seen everything in one day. It's a lot of walking. And if you're looking for parts, you'll be stopping a lot.
Big thank you to everyone for their input and tips! :twothumbsup:
Unfortunately, with everything that has been going on, we are not sure if we will still go to Carlisle this year or not . . . we may have to wait until next year but we will see how it goes!