San Francisco area places to go for 60's stuff

[Carmak]

I am going to on vacation this spring In the San Francisco area (San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, Paso Robles, Modesto, Monterey and San Jose).

I am into 60’s vintage models (built, un-built, promo). Are there any good antique shops, vintage toy shops, antiquate malls that I should go to?

Thanks!!

[1972coronet]

Fresno is pretty far from San Francisco ! 

Seriously, though ; I'd imagine that San Francisco , Paso Robles , and Sacramento would be ripe with those places you've mentioned . And , since you'll be in San Francisco , do yourself a favour and check out Alameda ("East Bay" region) .

 

[RancheroSteve]

You'll probably have better luck in some of the other places you listed besides San Francisco. Real estate has become so expensive there that it's hard for me to imagine any of those old school places that I think you're seeking being able to survive.

[The Junkman]

If you at all have the time, DO NOT miss the Blackhawk Museum.  Especially if you like muscle cars, brass era cars, Italian coach built cars, Italian studio built cars, etc, etc.  If you're traveling with a "shopper" the museum is located in a high end shopping center.  For this kind of venue the tickets are almost laughably cheap @ $15 and less if you qualify for discounts.  Last time I went (10 years ago) the Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 5 and a Shooting Brake done in a solid copper body were both on the floor.  Exhibits rotate, just so you know.

https://blackhawkmuseum.org/cars/

The California Auto Museum is located in Sacramento and although I haven't been there I hear good things.

https://www.calautomuseum.org/

Edited February 18, 2020 by The Junkman

[Greg Myers]

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

[Draggon]

I've lived in the SF Bay Area since the 60's--I don't think you're going to find anything close to vintage models in this area. Most of the older hobby shops have either switched to RC or folded. We don't have antique malls and the antique stores I've visited cater to things for the home or sometimes sports memorabilia. If you do run across anything, let us know!

Off the topic, Hobbies Unlimited is a nice place to visit. They've been around since 1966 at least. Nothing vintage though. 

http://www.hobbiesunlimited.net/

Edited February 18, 2020 by Draggon

[Rodent]

The antique stores that I have visited around Sacramento never seem to have anything. I did see an original AMT C3 'Vette in one (71-72, forget which) but it was over $200 and the "new tool" is a much nicer kit anyway if I wanted to build a C3. You also sometimes see overpriced NASCAR diecasts.

[Casey]

You want the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood for some of that '60s stuff. ? ☮️

[1972coronet]

50 minutes ago, Casey said:

You want the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood for some of that '60s stuff. ? ☮️

 

[tbill]

In reference to those posters pictured, I’ve always wondered if the ‘script’ on them becomes straight if you’re ......, well, you know.......?

[styromaniac]

One of the best poster artists of that era...Wes Wilson...passed away recently. Stanley Mouse...who was into that Freddie Flypogger stuff for Monogram models...morphed into another poster artist....

[styromaniac]

Edited February 19, 2020 by styromaniac

[carrucha]

On 2/18/2020 at 9:45 AM, Draggon said:

I've lived in the SF Bay Area since the 60's--I don't think you're going to find anything close to vintage models in this area. Most of the older hobby shops have either switched to RC or folded. We don't have antique malls and the antique stores I've visited cater to things for the home or sometimes sports memorabilia. If you do run across anything, let us know!

Off the topic, Hobbies Unlimited is a nice place to visit. They've been around since 1966 at least. Nothing vintage though. 

http://www.hobbiesunlimited.net/

I would definitely recommend Hobbies Unlimited in San Leandro.  One of the last good hobby shops in the SF bay area.  If you go to San Francisco, don't leave anything of value in your car.  Thieves are especially targeting tourists.  Be sure to bring a warm coat because SF can get very cold.  The coldest day I experienced last year was at a car show at SF City College in July because I didn't bring a thick enough coat.

Edited February 23, 2020 by carrucha

[1972coronet]

" The coldest winter I've ever spent was summer in San Francisco . "

October seems to be the warmest month in the Bay Area --- fog is at its minimum . July is downright freezing up there !