Let's see some custom plates on your wagons.

Interesting plates! Being a sign artist/pinstriper I am often asked to repaint old license plates for use on vintage cars. In some states this is illegal to do while others condone it. One of the things I started doing was the creation of "faux" license plates to be used on show cars only and have made literally hundreds of them for people. The one I am currently running on the front of my 55 Safari(Michigan only requires a rear plate)was done to advertise my business. As it was a 1955 plate it was larger than the standard that was adopted in 1957.
My business is called "PAINTCO" and was created when I bought a new set of hood letters for the Safari. I realized I could mount them in any position I wanted and by re-arranging them came up with my business logo.
I originally had a Massachusetts plate on it that said SAFARI that came off my 57 Safari wagon that I had purchased in Massachusetts. After I started using the business name I switched to the faux plate. I am enclosing pics of the two versions and a close up of the plate. It is not stamped but rather uses the technique of light and shadow to make it appear dimensional.

 

I love how you dressed out the hood ornament. Too bad you couldn't have shot some power to the lamp inside to illuminate his head. One of the most satisfying things I have ever done as a mechanic/tech, was to work on a 55 Star Chief Custom Catalina, doing basic mechanical and electrical restoration work, to include restoring the electrical to the hood ornament so it would light up when you switched the lights on.

 

Actually it is illuminated but that particular hood ornament is now located on the roof and I added a hand made hood ornament to symbolize my business:a pinstriping brush made out of optical grade Lexan. I still might run a light to the roof. Here is a picture of the new ornament. BTW the first picture was taken about 17 years ago.Also a picture of a wooden prototype ornament.

 

I feel like the photos don't do this car justice. I'd love to see it in person

 

Well let's make a road trip. I'll take my Polaroid camera.

 

I take the two rug rats to the mall on cold or rainy days to burn off some energy. We always pass this airbrush store that does pretty much whatever you want. Most people get "r.i.p." tshirts made with a picture of someone recently deceased which always seems a bit tacky and an odd way to honor the dead but to each his own. I think it's a neat idea and wanted to do something but didn't know what, and then it hit me. still working on the wheels so I haven't hit the street with it yet, and based on yalls reaction I might just put it back in the garage but for $20 bucks it's worth every penny

 

Thanks for the kind words.Here are some of the plates I've painted over the years.

 

Here's the 59

 

careful! Illinois ain't far from me... yer driving!!!

 

What did you tell the DMV that meant? I'm reasonably sure you pulled a fast one (don't worry, I won't blab).

 

Those look so original and much cheaper than buying state vanity plates.
My favorite was on my 1955 Chevy 2-dr. USA 1955.

 

I didn't know Florida had a CUSTOM VEHICLE tag!
They seem to have a separate tag for everything from schools to animals and more. When I'd pull up behind some Florida cars the only way I knew they lived in Florida was by the right wiper on while driving 100 miles in the left lane. Or Florida Man giving little old blue haired ladies the finger!

 

We could meet halfway, around Salem, Illinois then drive up to Michigan.

 

I would show my plate but can't. Never mind I just looked at it and it was a mug shot.

 

I have been using this place for years. They dont do California plates anymore. Think its illegal

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