NOBOBY with any smarts is going to buy a 54 Strat or a 52 Goldtop at a guitar show.
If you're investing big bucks on anything, you research the item and have it apraised by an independent 3rd party.
Its a guitar SHOW. And showing involves looking not buying. You only get ripped off if you let yourself get ripped off.
Most all of the dealers I know and or do trading/buying with are extremley honest and upfront about any guitar/amp they have and what has been changed refinished or fucked up. Thaey very careful about making sure guitars and amps are what they appear to be Before they purchase them thierselves.
You go to these thing to have fun, hang out with your buddies and see , touch and play stuff that you won't find at you local shops or Sam Ash.
If you want to get ripped off, buy your vintage gear from E-BAY.