Owning a vintage truck is more than just possessing a piece of automotive history—it's an entry point into a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share your passion for classic pickups. Whether you've just purchased your first 1967 Chevy C10 or you've been restoring a Ford F-100 for years, connecting with local clubs and events can transform your ownership experience. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to find and engage with the vintage truck community in your area.
Why Join a Vintage Truck Club or Attend Events?
Before diving into the how-to, it's important to understand the significant benefits that come with joining the vintage truck community. These organizations offer much more than casual meetups—they provide invaluable resources for collectors and enthusiasts at every level.
Knowledge and Expertise
Veteran members possess decades of combined experience with restoration techniques, maintenance tips, and sourcing hard-to-find parts. When you're struggling with a carburetor issue or trying to identify the correct shade of blue for your truck's original paint, club members become your most valuable resource. This collective wisdom can save you countless hours of frustration and potentially thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.
Social Connections and Camaraderie
The friendships formed through vintage truck clubs often extend far beyond vehicles. Members share a common passion that creates unique bonds and lasting relationships. These connections make the hobby more enjoyable and provide a support network of people who truly understand your enthusiasm for classic trucks.
Access to Exclusive Events
Club membership typically grants access to special events, private tours, early registration for popular shows, and exclusive cruise-ins. Many clubs also organize road trips, charity events, and social gatherings that would be difficult to find or attend as an individual enthusiast.
Parts and Tool Sharing
Many clubs maintain lending libraries of specialty tools, share bulk-purchase discounts on parts, and facilitate member-to-member sales of vintage truck components. This practical benefit can significantly reduce the cost and difficulty of maintaining your classic truck.
National Organizations: Starting Your Search
The best place to begin your search for local vintage truck clubs and events is with major national organizations that have chapters throughout the country.
American Truck Historical Society (ATHS)
The American Truck Historical Society serves a global community of enthusiasts, collectors and historians, with 90 chapters across the US, Canada, and online. Founded in 1971, ATHS is the leading organization dedicated to preserving trucking history. Your local chapter hosts meetings, truck shows, and industry events where you can connect with like-minded enthusiasts—and you don't even need to own an old truck to join.
ATHS hosts an annual convention that educates the public on the profound impact trucking has had on American production and consumerism. The organization also maintains the world's largest historic trucking repository through the Zoe James Memorial Library, making it an invaluable resource for research and restoration projects.
To find your local ATHS chapter, visit their website at ATHS.org and use their chapter locator tool. Membership includes access to their magazine, webinars covering topics from manufacturer history to technical troubleshooting, and invitations to national and regional events.
Antique Truck Club of America (ATCA)
Founded in 1971 and based in Boyertown, PA, ATCA is the premier organization for collectors and lovers of antique trucks, vintage trucks, and classic trucks. The organization hosts the annual Macungie Antique Truck Show, one of the largest vintage truck gatherings in the country, and publishes Double Clutch Magazine for members.
ATCA's Macungie event attracts enthusiasts regardless of weather conditions, demonstrating the dedication of the vintage truck community. The organization emphasizes being "the place where family, friends and antique trucks come together," making it an ideal starting point for newcomers to the hobby.
Check ATCA's website at AntiquetruckClub.org to explore their calendar of events and find information about regional chapters near you.
Online Search Strategies for Local Clubs
Finding local vintage truck clubs requires a multi-pronged approach using modern online tools and traditional networking methods.
Search Engine Techniques
Start with targeted search queries that include your location and specific interests. Type phrases like "lifted truck clubs near me" or "classic truck clubs [your city]" into your search engine and peruse the results for club websites, local event listings, and social media pages.
Try variations such as "vintage truck club [your state]," "classic Chevy C10 club [your city]," or "antique Ford truck enthusiasts [your region]." Be specific about your truck's make and model if you're looking for marque-specific clubs.
Social Media Platforms
Many clubs maintain social media profiles that announce meet-ups, share photos, and engage with the community, with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter being good starting points. Facebook Groups in particular have become hubs for vintage truck enthusiasts, with communities ranging from a few dozen local members to thousands of participants nationwide.
Search Facebook for groups related to your specific truck model. For example, "1967-72 Chevy C10 Owners" or "Classic Ford F-100 Enthusiasts" will reveal active communities. Join several groups and monitor their discussions to identify members in your geographic area.
Instagram is excellent for visual inspiration and connecting with builders and restorers. Use hashtags like #classictrucks, #vintagechevy, #fordF100, or #squarebodynation to discover enthusiasts. Many local clubs promote their events through Instagram stories and posts.
Online Forums and Reddit
Websites like Reddit have various subreddits dedicated to vintage trucks, which can be excellent resources for finding local clubs. Subreddits such as r/classictrucks, r/projectcar, and make-specific communities like r/ChevyTrucks provide platforms to ask about local clubs and events.
Traditional automotive forums remain valuable resources. Sites like The 1947-Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network, Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums, and model-specific websites host regional subforums where members organize local meetups and share club information.
Club Directories
Some websites offer directories of local clubs where you can simply input your location to find clubs near you. Websites like OldRide.com maintain comprehensive club directories organized by state and vehicle type, making it easy to identify organizations in your area.
Classic vehicle insurance companies often maintain club directories as well. Companies like Hagerty, Grundy, and American Collectors Insurance provide resources to help enthusiasts connect with local organizations.
Attending Local Car Shows and Cruise-Ins
One of the most effective ways to discover vintage truck clubs is by attending local automotive events and talking to fellow enthusiasts.
Finding Local Events
Search for collector vehicle events in your community and start attending car shows and cruises to meet fellow enthusiasts, as many organizations sponsor these gatherings and it's an excellent way to meet members.
Check local newspapers, community calendars, and city websites for listings of upcoming car shows. Many communities host weekly cruise-ins during summer months where classic vehicle owners gather at restaurants, parks, or retail locations.
Social media event pages and Eventbrite are excellent resources for finding pop-up events and regular gatherings. Join local automotive groups on Facebook and enable notifications to stay informed about upcoming events.
Networking at Events
Talk to owners showing classic trucks like yours, as they are a great resource for identifying local groups. Don't be shy about approaching other vintage truck owners and asking about their club memberships. Most enthusiasts are eager to share information and invite newcomers to join their organizations.
If there are representatives from parts vendors or restoration shops on site, speak to them, as they love to talk shop and are often classic truck and car lovers too. These professionals often know about multiple clubs and can provide recommendations based on your interests and location.
Take business cards or have a way to exchange contact information with people you meet. Follow up after events to maintain connections and learn more about clubs that interest you.
Leveraging Local Automotive Businesses
Local businesses that cater to classic vehicle owners are goldmines of information about clubs and events in your area.
Auto Repair and Restoration Shops
Local auto repair and restoration shops frequently collaborate with classic car clubs, and by asking the owners or staff about any clubs they know, you may gain insights into the best local groups to join.
Visit shops that specialize in classic vehicle restoration or maintenance. These businesses often sponsor club events, host tech sessions, or have bulletin boards with club flyers and event announcements. The mechanics and shop owners are typically enthusiasts themselves and can provide valuable recommendations.
Parts Suppliers
Local speed shops, vintage parts retailers, and even some general auto parts stores maintain connections with the collector community. Ask employees about clubs that shop there or whether the store hosts any enthusiast gatherings.
Many parts suppliers sponsor local clubs or offer discounts to club members, creating natural partnerships between businesses and organizations. These relationships make parts stores excellent resources for club information.
Classic Vehicle Dealerships
Dealerships that specialize in classic vehicle sales often have deep connections to the local enthusiast community. Even if you're not in the market to buy or sell, stopping by to chat with staff about local clubs can yield valuable information.
Brand-Specific and Model-Specific Clubs
While general vintage truck clubs welcome all makes and models, you might prefer joining an organization focused specifically on your truck's brand or model.
Chevrolet and GMC Truck Clubs
Chevrolet and GMC trucks enjoy the largest enthusiast following, resulting in numerous clubs dedicated to specific models and generations. Square Body trucks (1973-1987) have particularly active communities with regional chapters across the country.
Popular online communities include GMTruckClub.com, which features regional forums including location-specific sections where members organize local meetups. The 1947-Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network is another massive online community with regional subforums.
For classic C10 trucks specifically, numerous Facebook groups and regional clubs focus exclusively on these iconic pickups from 1960-1987. Search for "C10 Club [your state]" to find local organizations.
Ford Truck Clubs
Ford truck enthusiasts benefit from robust club networks, including the Ford Truck Enthusiasts organization and numerous F-Series specific clubs. Early Ford trucks (1948-1956) have dedicated clubs in most regions, while F-100 specific groups cater to 1953-1979 models.
The FTE (Ford Truck Enthusiasts) forums include regional sections where members organize events and share information about local clubs. Many states have multiple Ford truck clubs serving different regions.
Dodge and International Clubs
While smaller than Ford and Chevy clubs, Dodge truck enthusiasts maintain active communities focused on D-Series and Ram models. The Dodge Truck Resource forums and various Facebook groups connect owners and help them find local clubs.
International Harvester truck clubs exist in most states, serving owners of Scout, Travelall, and Light Line pickup models. These tend to be tighter-knit communities due to the relative rarity of International trucks.
Major Vintage Truck Events in 2025
Understanding the major national and regional events on the vintage truck calendar helps you plan your year and connect with the broader enthusiast community.
ATHS National Convention and Truck Show
The ATHS National Convention is scheduled for June 5-7 at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI, and fans of historic trucks won't want to miss this massive gathering. This event represents one of the largest gatherings of vintage trucks in the country, with hundreds of vehicles on display and thousands of attendees.
Regional Vintage Truck Shows
Vintage Trucks of Florida Winter Nationals takes place January 24-25 at Sumter County Fairgrounds in Bushnell, FL, kicking off the year with a nostalgic event dedicated to vintage rigs and trucking history.
Other notable regional events include the Ohio Vintage Truck Reunion, which draws participants from multiple states, and the Southern California ATHS Antique Truck Show, which features hundreds of restored vintage trucks from semis to pickups.
LMC Truck-Sponsored Events
The 15th Annual LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals, presented by Old Air Products, is held at Texas Motor Speedway and is a must-attend event for truck and automotive enthusiasts, featuring an impressive display of classic trucks, hot rods, and muscle cars.
LMC Truck, a major parts supplier, sponsors multiple events throughout the year across the country. These events combine traditional car shows with vendor areas, swap meets, and activities for families, making them accessible entry points for newcomers to the hobby.
Evaluating Clubs Before Joining
Not all clubs will be the right fit for your interests and lifestyle. Before committing to membership, consider several important factors.
Membership Expectations
Some clubs have sizable fees to cover large events while other groups are free and offer mostly online chat sessions, so decide if the dues are worth what you will get back in return.
Some organizations meet regularly and require members to attend a specific number of times to remain active, so determine if you can fulfill this obligation. If you travel frequently for work or have limited free time, a club with strict attendance requirements might not be suitable.
Time Commitments
As part of your membership, you can be asked to join committees, work charity events or travel to out of town car shows, so before joining, make sure you have the time to do this and still work on your restoration.
Understanding the club's expectations upfront prevents future conflicts and ensures you can meaningfully participate without overwhelming your schedule.
Club Culture and Compatibility
The whole point of joining a club is to find people who are as enthusiastic about classic trucks as you, so look for a group you would want to stay with for the long run.
Attend several meetings as a guest before joining to gauge whether the club's culture aligns with your interests. Some clubs focus heavily on show-quality restorations, while others embrace driver-quality trucks and modifications. Some are highly social with frequent events, while others are more technical and restoration-focused.
Researching Clubs
Once you find an organization you are interested in, do a thorough knowledge check by attending open meetings and asking questions, and following them on social media and reviewing forums to gauge if the club is active in events you want to attend.
Look for clubs with active communication channels, regular events, and engaged members. A club with a dormant website and infrequent meetings might not provide the experience you're seeking.
Online Communities and Virtual Clubs
Not everyone can commit to regular in-person meetings, and geographic isolation might make local clubs inaccessible. Virtual communities offer valuable alternatives for connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Facebook Groups
Facebook hosts thousands of vintage truck groups serving every imaginable niche. Some are general classic truck groups with tens of thousands of members, while others focus on specific models, years, or geographic regions. These groups provide platforms for asking technical questions, sharing restoration progress, and arranging informal meetups.
Look for groups with active moderation, helpful members, and regular engagement. The best groups maintain respectful atmospheres and quickly address spam or inappropriate content.
Forums and Message Boards
Traditional forums remain popular in the vintage truck community. These platforms offer better organization of technical information compared to social media, with searchable archives of past discussions and dedicated sections for different topics.
Active forums typically have sections for introductions, technical help, restoration projects, parts for sale, and regional discussions. Regular participation in these communities can lead to valuable connections and friendships even without in-person meetings.
YouTube and Content Creators
Following vintage truck-focused YouTube channels creates connections with like-minded enthusiasts through comments sections and community posts. Many successful content creators organize meetups, cruises, and events for their subscribers, providing opportunities to connect in person.
Popular channels often have associated Discord servers or Patreon communities where supporters interact more directly, creating tight-knit groups of enthusiasts who share specific interests.
Creating Your Own Club
If you've searched extensively and can't find a local club that meets your needs, consider starting your own organization.
Assessing Local Interest
Before committing to starting a club, gauge interest among local enthusiasts. Post on regional Facebook groups, forums, and community boards to see if others share your desire for a local organization. You might be surprised to discover enthusiasts who feel the same way.
Starting Small
Begin with informal gatherings at local restaurants, parks, or parking lots. Monthly "trucks and coffee" style meetups require minimal organization but allow potential members to connect and determine if there's sufficient interest for a formal club.
Use free tools like Facebook Groups, Google Groups, or Discord servers to facilitate communication between meetups. These platforms handle scheduling, discussions, and photo sharing without requiring investment in website hosting or custom software.
Growing and Formalizing
As your group grows, consider formalizing with bylaws, elected officers, and membership structures. Establishing nonprofit status provides benefits like group insurance policies and the ability to organize charity events.
Partner with local businesses for sponsorships and meeting spaces. Many restaurants welcome car clubs on slow nights, and some businesses provide meeting rooms free of charge in exchange for the publicity and goodwill.
Maximizing Your Club Experience
Once you've found and joined clubs that interest you, several strategies help you get the most from your membership.
Active Participation
Attend meetings regularly, volunteer for committees, and participate in club events. The members who derive the most value from clubs are those who actively engage rather than remaining on the periphery.
Share your knowledge and expertise with newer members. Even if you're not an expert restorer, you likely have experiences and insights that can help others avoid mistakes or solve problems.
Building Relationships
Focus on building genuine friendships rather than simply networking for parts and information. The strongest clubs are built on authentic relationships between members who care about each other beyond their shared hobby.
Offer help to members working on projects, attend social events beyond just truck-related activities, and stay in touch between official club functions. These efforts strengthen the community and make membership more rewarding.
Supporting Club Activities
Participate in fundraising events, charity drives, and community outreach activities. These efforts help clubs maintain positive relationships with local communities and can provide personally fulfilling experiences beyond the automotive focus.
Promote club events on social media, bring guests to meetings, and help recruit new members. Growing the club benefits everyone by expanding the network of knowledge, resources, and friendship.
Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Now
Finding local clubs and events for vintage truck enthusiasts has never been easier, thanks to online resources, social media platforms, and well-established national organizations. Whether you start with major groups like ATHS and ATCA, search for brand-specific clubs, or discover local organizations through car shows and automotive businesses, numerous pathways exist to connect with the vintage truck community.
The friendships you'll form, knowledge you'll gain, and experiences you'll share make club membership one of the most rewarding aspects of vintage truck ownership. Don't wait for the perfect club to find you—take proactive steps today to discover and engage with your local enthusiast community.
Start by attending a local car show this weekend, joining relevant Facebook groups tonight, or reaching out to your nearest ATHS or ATCA chapter tomorrow. Your vintage truck journey will be immeasurably enriched by the connections you make and the community you join. The vintage truck community is welcoming, passionate, and eager to share their knowledge with newcomers at every level of experience.
Your classic truck is more than just a vehicle—it's your ticket into a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share your passion. Take that first step today, and discover why so many vintage truck owners consider their club memberships among the most valuable aspects of the hobby.