Weekend find - Chevy auto show sign

**scuncio** · #1 10-05-2020, 05:30 AM

Hey folks,

Ran across this cool sign and had to have it. It’s about 98” by 22” and I was told it was from the Chevrolet display in the Detroit auto show sometime in the late 1970s. Based on the graphic, does that sound right to you guys?

Thanks!

**AnthonyS** · #2 10-05-2020, 05:52 AM

Nice!

**MosportGreen66** · #3 10-05-2020, 12:22 PM

Cool find! Would love to have it

70 copo · #4 10-05-2020, 06:32 PM

IMO...

It looks very much like one of the batch of reproductions that were being sold at Fall Carlisle buy a guy who said he bought out the MFG after he went out of business.

Reason: The case it is in is the same case used on the Repops that were for sale.

Selling for $200.00 per sign at Carlisle this past weekend.

**scuncio** · #5 10-05-2020, 07:06 PM

Thanks, interesting! I would be amazed if this were a repop - it weighs about 80-90lb and was covered in filth when I got it, and definitely has its share of 'shelf wear.' There was a complementary 'TRUCKS' sign that was offered to me but I passed on it. The 'TRUCKS' sign had an inlet plug and outlet plug and was designed to gang together with the other three 'CHEVROLET' and 'TRUCKS' signs to create a four-sided display.

**HuggerSS** · #6 10-05-2020, 10:11 PM

Defiantly original... I would guess very early 70’s

**HuggerSS** · #7 10-05-2020, 10:12 PM

By the way, very cool!

**Mr. Chevy** · #8 10-05-2020, 11:34 PM

Yeah that's NO RE POP.. Cool Piece... Nice Find..

Rich

70 copo · #9 10-06-2020, 01:11 PM

One sure way to find out what you have there. Unscrew the case and look inside. I collect vintage lighted signs and they are graded by value based upon originality. Many originals being sold have refurbished light bulbs starters, cords, and on some light units the entire display fascia is replaced.

Originals will typically have a UL (underwriters laboratory) tag inside.

Without taking it apart, If it is all original and vintage it should have a slow non electronic starter inside. One way to check without disassembly is to closely observe when you light it. When voltage is applied there will be a slight delay followed by a flash or two and you will hear a "dink-dink" noise from inside the unit.

**scuncio** · #10 10-06-2020, 01:36 PM

Sure, I'll pull the cover off and see.

I know it's tough to convey in pictures, but there's no doubt in my mind that this sign is at least a few decades old. It does have the old-time ballast that takes a few seconds to energize all the bulbs. There are a couple maker's labels on the case but they are too hard to read due to wear.

I'm not really concerned about value - for what I paid for it, I felt it was worth it regardless of its origin.

The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to scuncio For This Useful Post:
72heavychevy (10-12-2020), dykstra (10-06-2020), John (10-05-2020), L78M22Rag (10-05-2020), Mr. Chevy (10-05-2020), PeteLeathersac (10-05-2020), Xplantdad (10-05-2020)

The Following User Says Thank You to 70 copo For This Useful Post:
markinnaples (10-06-2020)

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to scuncio For This Useful Post:
Too Many Projects (11-10-2020), Xplantdad (10-10-2020)