The dirt mounds constructed...
The dirt mounds constructed by the PA Jeep club were at first fairly easy to traverse, but many a Jeep needed assistance after the course was broken in. Many of the snazzy street Jeeps had fun as they hopped over the mounds, while the old trail beaters enjoyed the chance to go 'wheeling.
The York Expo Center in York, Pennsylvania, was the site of the 4th Annual PA Jeeps All-Breeds Jeep Show this past July, and judging by the turnout, all breeds were indeed represented. From early flatties to the latest high-tech TJ, over 200 vehicles turned out for the only all-Jeep event of its kind. No trail riding here, but a genuine Jeep show with judging and trophies for the different categories.
Unlike the standard humdrum car showtype of event, the PA Jeep club constructed a mini-Rubicon and an obstacle-type course for participants to play on, which gave the spectators a thrill. Some of the vehicles were driven by first-timers who got a chance to experience more than a dirt-road adventure, and others crept over the boulders with their eyes closed. A slow-speed crawl race, winch-off tests, and an articulation ramp were also available to keep participants busy. At the end of the show, trophies were awarded to participants in all classes.
A fairlike atmosphere was created by the constant motion of attendees wandering through rows of Jeeps, checking out the different breeds. A manufacturers midway and seminars gave relief from the heat for some people, and the used-parts swap meet was a magnet to Jeep junkies. Next year promises to be bigger and better, which means the event organizers might have to find a bigger location.
For information on this years event, contact PA Jeeps, Dept. Jp, P.O. Box 3326, York, PA 17402-0326, 717/846-9295, www .pajeeps.org.
Proper tire placement on top...
Proper tire placement on top of the rocks kept the underside of the Jeeps out of the rocks and was a great learning experience for some. There's not a lot of rocks or boulders in this area, so the PA Jeep Show gave many drivers their first taste of rockcrawling.
The boulder trail was one...
The boulder trail was one of the most popular of the driving events, and this Magnum V-8-powered Wrangler did the rocks more than once. A few of the rigs needed a strap once or twice, but careful spotting by club members kept damage to a minimum.
Parked on logs or ramps, trail-modified...
Parked on logs or ramps, trail-modified Jeeps had all their wares on display, which the crowd really enjoyed. Bob Behler won the CJ-5 Modified category in last year's show in his highly modified CJ-5, and he put on a good showing this year as well with a Second Place win; he also won the Ultimate Beater Award and the Most Trail Ready Award.
Used parts were in abundance...
Used parts were in abundance at the swap meet, including a pristine dash from a '71 CJ-5. Unlike local participants who were swapping and carrying cool Jeep stuff, we couldn't fit the dash in a suitcase, so we had to pass.
As billed, it was an all-breeds...
As billed, it was an all-breeds Jeep show, and the XJ contingent was out in force. The mini-Rubicon featured granite boulders that were large enough to be a real challenge, especially to unlocked or small-tired vehicles.
The young'uns were kept busy...
The young'uns were kept busy honing their driving skills on the junior obstacle course. This free event was so popular there was a waiting line for rides. Even some of the adults were overheard saying they wanted to try the little Jeeps too.
A Jeep show wouldn't be complete...
A Jeep show wouldn't be complete without a lot of shine and street-type mods. This beautiful M-38 had an awesome Buick V-6 color-coordinated to the max. Even the street Jeeps were done to perfection, which was a welcome change from all of the standard trail rigs.
On Saturday, a Cruise Night...
On Saturday, a Cruise Night was held, and it wound through town from the Expo Center to the Golden Corral Restaurant. The Golden Corral served up food and drinks for the participants under a big tent. A raffle was held after dinner, and it featured prizes from many major companies.
All the awards were presented...
All the awards were presented as Jeeps drove single file to the announcement booth. There were more than 60 trophies to give away, and the "reception" line wound around for quite a while. This zebra-striped TJ owned by Dwayne Hare won Second Place in the TJ Modified category.