Recommended Swap Meets and Shows

[bgoguen]

We are new to the "club" and are working on restoring a 1942 WLA. If you could pick the one "do not miss" Swap Meet/Show (where we would have the greatest chance of finding parts, seeing great examples of restored WLA's and other Harleys, and meeting collectors, restorers, etc.) where would it be and why. We live in Alabama but would consider any location ( in the states) if its worth it.

Brian and Carol

[Chris Haynes]

The very first thing you should do is beg, borrow, or steal a copy of How To Restore Your Military Harley-Davidson by Bruce Palmer III. It is out of print and usually expensive.
The 1942 WLA was made throughout the war and there were many different types. You have to read the book and by using the serial number on the bike determine which type you have.
Once you have the type then, by using the photos in the book, determine what parts you need. Once you have done than come back and let us know. There are a lot of parts sources in the group.
PS I think that Bruce may have a couple extra copies of his book left.

[bgoguen]

Thanks for your response

We have the book (bought it new three years ago). Recently I have corresponded with the "Liberator" Johan from Belgium. He has helped me out quite a bit. We have determined that my bike is a type III with early 1943 matching case numbers. Books are great just trying to find a place to "go see and touch" parts and other bikes.

[Chris Haynes]

So far I haven't been able to find a way to predict what will show up at any given swap meet. They are like a box of chocolates, ya never know what yer gonna get.
Post a list of what you are looking for on this forum. You just may get lucky.
You may also want to post your needs on the Message Board at www.g503.com

[junkyarddog]

The 3 largest are Davenport, Iowa - Wauseon Ohio - Oley, Penn.
Eustis, Florida is in Feb. It's a good meet, but small compared to others.
Jim

[sirhrmechanic]

Rhinebeck has another decent swap meet and there are always a few WLA's around and a few WLA owners, who can often be your best source. But for military stuff, that 24-7 all-night swap meet called eBay is an almost endless source and a lot of good stuff for WLA shows up. You do need to be careful and use common sense and sometimes folks get burned... but I have had many, many, many more good experiences than bad.

I did a WLA many years ago and sold it as the down payment on my first house. SOOOOO wish I had it back. I will likely have another one in the next few years. They are great, fun bikes. I wish I had Palmer's Military book back then. Circa 1989, we had virtually nothing that detailed on WLA's.

Cheers, Sirhr

[Ross]

Personally....I never miss Davenport. There will be at least 3 vendors with moocho WLA stuff.

[c.o.]

Brian and Carol, if you've never been to a major AMCA swapmeet then Davenport will blow your mind! If you need parts they will likely be there.

[Chris Haynes]

Davenport is the biggest. But I just love Oley, PA.

[LouieMCman]

You can prabaly find WL parts at any of the meets but Southern National in Denton, NC and Eustis meets or your closest. Everyone has a favorite and Wauseon is mine, great shady fairgrounds and good old parts. Oley is great also and Davenport is just hugh and has vendors from both sides of the country which is one thing that makes it unique.

[kunzog]

Louie, I just clicked on your link to the AMCA Southern National Meet and it does not say anything about the fine camping facilities at Denton Farm Park.

[spajohn]

We generally have over 500 vendors at the Wauseon meet, like Chris says, you never know who will show up with what, but there's as good a chance as anywhere here
http://wauseonnationalmeet.org/
John Prusnek
AMCA#2430

[LouieMCman]

Brian, were right in the middle of updating the web site, I will get some camping info the the person in charge, thanks.