The Bellefonte Cruise and car show is next weekend. I am thinking of taking my 54 F100.

I'm not sure what class to enter. Here are the classes my truck would be eligible for:
Antique car/truck: 1900-1955,
Ford stock: 1949-2024
Truck/Van/SUV stock: 1949-1986

I have been to the show once as a spectator but never as a participant. It's a big show.

I thought they'd have an antique stock truck class. I don't fancy going up against beautiful stock cars from the 40's and 50's or competing with model A's if I enter the car-truck 1900-1955 class.

I don't think my truck would do well against new cars in the Ford Stock '49-2024 class.

Maybe the truck-van-SUV class would be best but then I'd be up against "modern" trucks and 70's vans...

I know we don't enter shows to win. But it would be nice to compete or have a chance to be near the top. My truck is neat because I've owned since 1977 and my grandfather bought it new. But that family history is not taken into account by the judges....

So which class is best for my truck?

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I would think truck/van/suv-- 49-86. Probably less entrants in that class ?

 

Choosing a class is a total crap shoot if you don't know what the competition is, and what you're up against. Knowing the judges is the next variable. I'm assuming this is a "professional" (and I use that term very loosely) judging rather than a people's choice. Who are they? Are they part of a club or the organizers? Do they have any biases? Are they a bunch of chevy guys and won't give your truck a second look? (been there, done that) Some things you just can't help. Those are some very broad and generalized classes. Pre 55 antique car/truck could easily cover about half the entrants. How crazy do they get judging what 'stock' is? How much modification or upgrading will they allow and still be stock? I've seen some shows allow aftermarket wheels and others that will ding you for the wrong valve cover bolts. Will they freak out over your rear turn signals? With the popularity of the newer trucks, 70's and 80's, the fear in your latter class is being overlooked because you're too old and un-interesting, although I'd guess the truck van suv class would be the best fit for you.

Tips and tricks for having people linger and appreciate your truck better:
Make sure everything is clean and detailed to the best of your ability. Have copies of your original paperwork in a picture frame and leaning up on the seat. (never display your originals for theft, yes, it happens) Give people something to look at and ohh and ahh over as they're looking in. Have out front a "show card", the information board you'll see at shows, describing the truck and documenting it's history and what it means to you. Include some of your historical photos you've shared with us over the years. One of your pre-resto shots, the college guys hanging all over it, a couple of your early and late Christmas pics with the family both young and grown, and the history of how you got it from your Grandpa. That brief story will endear your truck to the crowd, and hopefully, the judges, too. Good luck with your show.

 

I wouldn't overthink this - stock trucks of our vintage rarely get much attention from the 'judges' at these events. Close your eyes, pick a class, and just enjoy the day. You at least have choices, an upcoming event - that I'm absolutely not taking a vehicle to - has 10 class categories. Exactly one is for trucks.

 

I also dont go to shows to win anything it is to be with like minded people and to see what others have done to their rides.
But mostly I belong to a club and we go to shows that help others. Most are for scholarships and what our club money goes to.
We also volunteer for a St. Jude Hospital show and go to shows that help the sick.
If we know the money is going into someones pocket we bypass the show.

Them are some large years with in the classes and if it is a large show like you said you will be over looked by most.
I have a photo book I put out on the radiator support showing start to finish, even paint, of the rebuild "I DID" and not a shop.
I had to do this because the first few outings no one believed I did the work in my garage.
Right off you can pick out the after market period correct wheels but unless you know the truck you can not pick out the custom work I did as they look factory.
Dual tank flare side mot an option. Shaved bumper bolts F/R and driving / fog lights in the front bumper no one makes a bumper after market like that.

Like you Abe I also use / drive the truck and have over 28K in the 5 years its been back on the road.
I get more enjoyment in driving it than showing it.
I say just pick a class and enjoy the day, bring a chair and a cooler and when not walking around sit at the truck and talk to the people that do stop by.

Good luck and enjoy the day.
Dave ----

ps In 2 hours the club has a cruse in at a Better Care Facility a few towns over.
It gives the older people a reason to get out of the building and remember back in the younger years when they see the older cars & trucks.

 

I have been an old car guy all my adult life. I now own 7 vintage vehicles dating from a 1931 AA truck to a 1957 Ford Skyliner. I used to be heavily involved in a club for the early Thunderbirds. I went to the shows and entered my car as a driver. I was disenchanted with the show routine when I saw big arguments between owners as to who's car was better and that the judges did not properly evaluate their car etc. I quit going to the shows because I was not interested in fighting about such things and the trophy's are not my reason for enjoying vehicles. That being said, I now go to shows just to be there and look at other people's cars and trucks. A trophy is just a dust collector and having one does not improve my enjoyment of the hobby.

 

I so agree with this as well. And I don't need anything else that collects dust. Truck parts, well that is a whole other story.

 

Just saw My Classic Car TV with Dennis Gage did a video on this show. Put on you tube 12 days ago. Looks like a great show.

 

Thanks for posting that Ken.

The light blue 56 you briefly see at 57 seconds is Morry Richner's truck. Those that have been to his place during Truckstock have seen. His son Scott brought it to Bellefonte.