I am thinking of putting my grandfathers old carburetor / tune up shop name on the side of my Falcon. My question is what is the typical cost for something like this? and is there any local guys in metro Detroit area that any of you would recommend? Thanks, Jon
research it - (Not WHO does it, but HOW to do it), try the net, the library, etc. Then get some paint and practice on some scrap. You can do it, and it will mean a lot more to you AND your Grandpa if you do it yourself... By the way, most old shop trucks that have vintage lettering on them weren't done by artists or pros, they were done by the shops themselves. (some exceptions!)
I picked up a book at an estate sale that was printed in 1940, and it is titled: How to paint signs and show cards, by E.C. Matthews. I'm sure it's pretty rare, but it has EVERYTHING in there that you would need to know. Try a local antique/book dealer. You'll be glad you did. Adios, Scott
If you don't do it yourself, try: 11 Mile Truck Frame and Axle. 248-399-7536 Ask for Rick He has guys that come in and paint company names on box trucks and big rigs. They're into old cars as well. in Madison Hgts. MI. / Detroit Area
Hey fellas, Scope this site out: www.letterheadfonts.com You could always brush your signage onto brown paper,"correct" it,pounce it onto your vehicle and brush away?! Some examples are on the site.
This guy might be able to help you out. Pinstriping by Psychoarts, 330.321.2110, WWW.PSYCHOARTS.COM . I've seen his at some local Hot Rod shows and he has worked on a couple of my friends cars.
You can also go to a vinyl shop and have your signage done as a stencil. Just apply the stencil and use one shot to fill it in. Then peel the stencil and do a little shading by hand if you want a more hand lettered finish.
Print out the font you like as close to the size you want to paint as possible. Use a tape measure, pencil or crayon to make LIGHT top and bottom lines for the letters. Buy some One-Shot lettering enamel from a sign or hardware store. Pencil it in first so you dont end up trying to squeeze letters in at the end. Fill in with color and then outline with black or whatever darker color matches. And dont forget, round letters like "O", "S" and "C" are slightly taller than the others and should extend above and below the lines or they'll look small. The painting is the easy part. Getting the letters symmetrical is the hardest.
I second that;Dennis has been lettering forever and does great work AND is reasonably priced.Tell him I said hello.
I third the Gibby reccomendation. Gibb is awesome, I learned alot from him. He has lettered a ton of big rigs and trucks over the years
The hell with doing it yourself and all these other well meaning ideas. Patronize a local handlettering signpainter in your area. Spread the wealth and get it done right. These two gentleman can definately get it done right for you! Dennis Gibb - 734-453-GIBB Ray Smith - 517-404-4898 Two of Detroits finest.... Joel
I have to guess this Falcon is either a station wagon, a sedan delivery or an Econoline van or pickup.
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