A question on decal and meatball protocol
 

---the other day, I saw a beyootiful ERA (that light-blue/silver color wh/ was the Cobra livery for a while, if I'm correct). I noticed it had bolt-on wheels and a back- and fore-braced r/bar. This would make it race-legal nowadays (I think). NOW here's my question: the car was bedecked with a huge number of decals, including meatballs on the doors and oil, gas, brakes, ignition manufacturers, etc. I finally saw the owner come out of the store. There was quite a crowd around the car, so I didn't want to embarass him.

I told him that I had a Butler but hadn't raced it yet. He then felt no compunction about stating that he'd never raced either. I closed the conversation by complimenting him on the condition and the appearence of his car. When the crowd thinned, I asked him about the decals. He stated that he'd bought them and applied them himself. I asked if he caught any grief for "wearing" them when he wasn't an active racer. He said "no" but he also said he sorta "expected" it if he ever went to a large cobra-only show (like DVSF III).

What is the protocol or proper procedure for this? Is it bad karma to sport racing decals when you're NOT racing? Is it realistic to expect crap? OR is it okay? I noticced Rick Long's yellow Contemporary was covered with decals, numbers, etc., BUTT he won Run 'n Gun...

SO-O-O-o-o-o-o-o-o what is the sense of the membership on this issue? I'd appreciate a heads up on this, as my neice wants to put the stuff on the car.....:D

Geez, I didn't know it was an issue... I thought it was nice for a change of pace to dress up the car... Never gave it a thought that someone would be upset... Christ!!!

I dunno, that's why I started this thread! I've seen some events where the "purists" are tough on a newbie who has "strayed from the path". Maybe I should just put them on ONE side (ar-ar-ar). I am still interested in a few more inputs---not that yours wasn't appreciated, Casa. More guys pitch in, please, this will help! Thanks in advance. And thanks, Casa,

I would guess that the only people who might take issue with decals and such would be actual racers. But it is YOUR car, and you may do whatever you please tp your hearts content. If you like the decals, sport them with pride!

If someone (a non-racer even) wants to give a brand free advertising for no "sponsorship" money or "advertising" fees, fine with me. Heck, my race car came with some decals from the prior owner's sponsorships I have been too lazy to remove. %/

Thanks, guys...I like your attitude....
 

My whole interest started with the nifty picture of Jamo's (now my) car on the Gasholes website. It looked truly great---as did the Fairlaane Blue ERA in MAine (mentioned above). I think I'll do it for DVSF III (and state your philosophy if challenged). I just suspect that Club Cranky members (being racers) might lay some lumber on me...but maybe NOT---I've manned the ramparts with them on some "transcontinental" warfare....:LOL:

Oh, and by the way: GO DUCKS, GO! Whoda thunkit?:JEKYLHYDE

Keep polling or throwing in comments, the more the merrier.

Fred,

I agree with Edley, what the heck, it's YOUR car!

A thought: get those static cling type decals (FinishLine??). If anybody asks why you have racing decals on a non-racing Cobra just tell them that they are REPLICA decals!!!

I know where your coming from Fred, a desire to "get it right" and sensitive to the cars place in history and modern times.

It's OK in my book to "sport" the decals! I use decals and meatballs on my car, I do actually race, but I would use them anyway! It's consistent with car and it's history, they fit well in that regard as it was after all a "race car". I prefer "period correct" decals, but WOULD run a "sponsors" decal if there was something in it for me!

A more complex question is: Is it OK to sport a 427 badge on the side fenders when your packing something else under the hood? I asked that question on a thread a long time ago and got some interesting repsonses to it.

Conclusion? Yeah, it's OK 'cause that IS what the cars had after all. As for me, I chose to go with a "Powered by Ford" badge on my 427 body style (which is NOT correct). I just didn't want to "deal with" the inevitable questions.

Ernie

You guys are great! That type (static cling) is exactly what my neice wants to buy. Finish I may add a few of my own design (hint: "enemy kill" stickers with skate-boarders)---I can make up any amount you want. Since I'm going to TRY and video a lot of DVSF III, a ride in your car (plus interview) gets you 4 skate-board kills. Deal?

Oh Yeah, Skateboard decals! Along with Chevy emblems, Viper insignia, Porsche crests, BMW roundels, handicapped wheelchairs,(that might be a little too far!) the mind boggles! People ask me what the two red hash marks on my front right fender mean, and I tell them, "For every 100 Corvettes I beat, I get a stripe!"

Put the stuff on the car? It's your car. This year I'm taking off the chrome bumpers and putting on quick jacks. Next year who knows. Tom

Yeah,,,,I think I'll pull off my bumpers too, see how that looks for a change. It's fun playing with the car.

Ernie

As long as he doesnt lie about racing the car who cares. Most Every picture Ive seen of the original were on the track with racing stickers, he just wants to represent the look of the era.

Dane

How about this for a "kill" decal,

Little bags of rice :LOL:

Blue Rooster is spot on. The meatballs and decals were correct for the period. So were stripes, some people have them and some people dont. Life would be pretty boring if everyones cars all looked the same!

Andy.

ac andy,

Tell me about it.... I've got a BLUE Cobra....

Traveller,

Or little red circles above the Ford emblem...

I am putting the whole vintage kit on my car as soon as the paint cures,,,screw em if they dont like it,,hahah,,whats a 390 cleveland ? Tk

Heck yeah,,,,car show this Sunday. Today I will be applying ALL the Stickers and Meat Balls I got. It'ssssss show time!

Ernie

That's encouraging input, guys.
 

Tk,
That's the way it was advertised. I reckoned it's probably a misquote. My bet is that it's a 351 (still) and has just enuf trick stuff to yield 390 horsepower!**) In any case, it'll soon be a 406 ci. I think I'll change my intro, to avoid confusion.:D
Everyone,
As to the propriety of "wearing" the decals/racing livery---I'll do it temporarily for DVSF III (if the car's done in time)...then go out to the driving clinic at Lime Rock or Lauden....:D