After attending two FTE truck meets, Truckstock in KY and Truckfest in IL. my wife seemed to really enjoy them and the people she met. She even seems interested in hosting one next Spring here in SE WI. There have also been a couple of mentions by other members who might want to do the same in their part of the country.

My thoughts are that there could be numerous meets held either at stangering times or simultaneously. The two meets held so far drew people from 200-300 miles away, some of the crazier members drove 800 miles in their stock trucks but I think most would put a 300 mile limit on their travel. With the price of fuel and limited time it's hard to attend a meet in GA if you live in CA.

My question for the group is would you attend a meet if it was within 500 miles of your home? 350? 200?

Also, I know the people really are the most important part of these meets but it should would be nice if a large number of our '48-56 vintage trucks would show up so that also limits the distance one is able to attend.

For me my big question is directed toward the guys in my general area, IA, MN, MI, IL and of course WI. How many would be interested in driving to SE WI, just north of Milwaukee, to attend a meet next Spring? I want to hear from serious people who would really want to come. I'm lucky because I've talked and emailed with both Doc and Rob about their experiences hosting their events. I got the good and the not so good experiences and hopefully can avoid most of the not so good. Before each of the meets I read posts from fellow FTErs who live too far north to attend. I'm about 225 miles north of Rob's place and 800 miles NW of Doc's so if I do a meet I could save a lot of drive time for some of my brother upper Midwesterners.

 

I'd be there Brother Bob! How about the Dairyland Drive-In?

 

Rob, I like that!!

 

Another part of the USA I have not been to . I would think about it. I can see it now one of the wife's cows ,on a big spit. chicken on the grill,and all the cheese you can eat .

 

Count me in....depending on timing. As occurred with me missing Truckstock, I'd just gotten home from out west and didn't think I could up and leave again right away. Distance is only a secondary concern to me since there's no way in heck I'll ever drive my buck board to a get together (when it's done). But it handled the trailer well this past weekend, so no concerns. Stu

 

Our stock 52 made it 5 miles across town for a club meeting tonight AND back! A 200 mile trip would be nothing short of a miracle but an event such as you describe would be a worthy goal to have the truck in that good of condition. WI is a little far but if more events spring up closer to our area we may have to figure out a way to get there.

 

If I can find a medical breakthru I'll be there - I've even shared a stall with cows before (County Fair)

 

We really enjoyed last weekend and giving almost a years warning maybe I could drive my F4.

 

The good Lord willing, I'm there Bob. This is a great idea. I would consider anything ~300 miles.
Will there be trophies?

 

Having had to miss the last two FTe meets (time and money) I'd love to attend one. For shear expenses 500 miles would probably be pushing the limits.

I've driven my morphodite on several short trips (approx 150 miles one way) and I feel pretty comfortable hitting the road in it. Now getting the little woman to ride along.......that might be stretching it. Although she did show a bit of interest in accompanying me on a cross state trip later this summer to an out of town show (she has friends in that town so she might go)

We'll have to see how things play out I guess
Bobby

 

If Chell is going to be there and if the timing is right Homade and me will do our best, as for Linda that would be a streach.

 

Having done 650 miles (roundtrip) last weekend in a restored 54 F250, stock suspension, 223 motor, 1 1/4 speed transmission (see other posts for clarification on that one) and no a/c I can say I would do it again! I look at it this way - what is the sense of restoring a truck only to have it sit in the garage or be driven 3-4 times per season down to a local car show. I realize money, time, obligations and vehicle can be limiting. I would encourage any member to experience it if possible. If I may I would like to throw out some knowledge nuggets I learned along the way -

Have a good tool kit in the truck and carry fluids for the truck.
Have roadside assistance in place through your collector insurance or other source.
Put together a list of FTE members along your route that may be of assistance in your travels.
Driving a 60+ year old vehicle, no matter the upgrades, etc. can wear you out. Take your time, pace yourself and expect problems may occur.
Your vehicle doesn't have to be perfect to attend. My truck was far from perfect for the Truckfest, the recent paint job wasn't even sanded out and smoothed due to time constraint. I am more interested in meeting others and seeing all stages of trucks instead of seeing all pristine builds.
If you have the means/equipment you can always flat tow/tow your vintage truck to a meet if long-distance reliability is an issue.
These meets should always be about fun times and good experiences.
Lastly, Never let Jeff from JeffandNicolle pose on Rt. 66.

 

Everything Teardropty said.

We don't have any abandoned highways around here so I think Jeff and Nichole could keep from pawing each.

One worry I'd have is keeping Chris away from the fire late at night but I could assign someone to watch him.

 

Hey Bob, you could count me in. Might even have the 52 running by that point, if not, its not a bad ride just on my own (or could even hop the ferry across the lake depending on the exact time of year).

Also would be good if I can convince Havi that he wants my utility bed, perfect time for parts swapping =)

 

Awe c'mon! You and Katie? Splinters from the BEDwood????

And don't forget those garage door protectors

edit: oh maybe add some bungie cords to the list!