35th Annual MARC Winter Parts Swap

By John Emmering

As the sun rose over Friendly Ford in Roselle Sunday morning March 17,  a group of volunteers were busy preparing the dealership’s shop area for the 35th Annual Illinois Model “A” Club Winter Swap Meet.  Doors opened at 7:00 am sharp and after paying the small $5.00 admission fee visitors were treated to a wonderland of auto parts and accessories.  While an emphasis was placed on items for the 1928-31 Model “A” Fords, a plethora of parts for various years and makes including early Ford V-8s, could be found. 

An ancient jack for a Model “T” Ford was displayed along with many collector tools, stainless steel headlights, wheels, hub caps and many other items.  There was plenty of old automotive literature, miniature cars and novelty items such as metal decorative signs and magnets.  The many tables manned by various venders each offered their specialty items.

Prominently displayed in the front parking lot were a pair of 1929 Model “A” Fords.  V-8s were represented by the presence of the this writer’s 1949 Ford, Jeff Trilling’s 1952 Ford F-1 pickup and a 1934 Ford Fordor parked in the lot. Some of our members came away with a few nice items for  their Ford V-8s. 

Members of our Northern Illinois Regional Group visited in good numbers, supporting the event.  Spotted walking through the aisles of parts were Ken Bounds, Tom Buscaglia, John Emmering, John Judge, Frank Madrigali, Pat Maroney, Joe Novak, Tom O’Donnell, Dan Pudelek, John Scheve, John Slobodnik, Ron Steck, Larry Webb, of course host Randy Yockey and George Zulas.  The event will be one of the last NIRG activities for a while for Jeff Trilling. Jeff and his wife will be heading off to live in California for what looks like 3-5 years.  Jeff’s wife Mondira accepted a professional opportunity that was offered to her in the Golden State and he has been supportive. We will miss seeing Jeff and wish him the best.

Several members got together for breakfast at Mr. A’s Restaurant and others enjoyed lunch at the Bull Dog Ale House.  Coffee and doughnuts were offered for sale also by the host club. All involved were grateful to the Illinois Region of the Model “A” Restorer’s Club for staging the event and also our member Randy Yockey for playing host, lending use of his outstanding Ford Dealership.  The swap meet was a wonderful opportunity to get together and shop for automotive items in a great location close to home.