The first Long Beach Swap Meet of the spring of 2010 came with real “chamber of commerce” type weather. The sun was out and promised warm temps from the moment it peeked over the San Gabriel Mountains. Sunny days bring out the people and, oh my, did the crowds come to Long Beach.

We arrived late, just after 7 am, an hour after the gates opened, thanks to mis-remembering when daylight savings started. We were met with a packed car coral lot and nearly every vendor space filled with automotive baubles. We spent more time walking in side step and said “excuse me” more times than we could count, but it was worth the extra effort.

With so many gadgets, parts, project cars, and fully restored classics offered up for the taking and a limited amount of cash in our pockets; we really had to focus and prioritize our parts list. With a cruise and drag race coming up in the near future; spending money on window felts and trunk seals for another project car wasn’t going to get us to the track. Focus, BangShifter, focus. We would’ve been better served bringing along the naysayers instead of the enablers. The latter are always great help for spending your money.

Check out the gallery below to see the cars we wanted, dreamed about, and drooled over, but really had to control ourselves not to buy. Besides, our spouses threatened us with death and dismemberment if we dragged home another rusted out wreck.

Gallery: The March 2010 Long Beach Swap Meet