Display

[bobpo1]

I've posted this topic before and got a mixed response, but as a result of another car show yesterday, I'm posting it again out of curiosity.

I use a display with my car at all shows, including an accrylic sign explaining the car, some of it's background etc.. I also display some took from the era, along with before and after photos, and I even hae some hand-outs that explain the car's history in detail. I have gotten a lot of favorable comments about the hand-outs. A younger lady yesterday told me she had no idea that this car sold for less than $500.oo new and that it was a depression-era car sometimes used by Gangsters such as Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, etc.. They also like to know what kind of gas mileage it gets , and how fast it will go. My flyer explains (since it's displayed as a police car) that High Speed chases were often 35-40 mph thru fields and on dirt roads. So it's a history display also.

How many of you guys use displays? I know it gives me an edge...

 

[Mitch//pa]

i just use the tommy gun
it made me famous

 

[1930artdeco]

I need to make one up. They do give and edge and pull people into ask questions.

Mike

 

[1931 flamingo]

I have a poster I put in the front window explaining what it is, where I got it, etc. Most everybody stops and reads.
The last show I had a new poster in the side window, Tells all about the Jack Schitt family. Lots of interest and laughs.
Paul in CT

 

[Elcastor]

I too use a display, but it is limited to 3 paragraphs and 2 photos. I believe that very few people will take the time to read long displays. It does get a lot of interest.

 

[Synchro909]

I've posted this topic before and got a mixed response, but as a result of another car show yesterday, I'm posting it again out of curiosity.

I use a display with my car at all shows, including an accrylic sign explaining the car, some of it's background etc.. I also display some took from the era, along with before and after photos, and I even hae some hand-outs that explain the car's history in detail. I have gotten a lot of favorable comments about the hand-outs. A younger lady yesterday told me she had no idea that this car sold for less than $500.oo new and that it was a depression-era car sometimes used by Gangsters such as Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, etc.. They also like to know what kind of gas mileage it gets , and how fast it will go. My flyer explains (since it's displayed as a police car) that High Speed chases were often 35-40 mph thru fields and on dirt roads. So it's a history display also.

How many of you guys use displays? I know it gives me an edge...

My standard answer to this question is: "I don't know - I've never tried it out." Watch the puzzled look on their faces when they can't imagine someone owning a car and not trying it out. It's true though, I've never run mine to the maximum speed it is capable of - too scary

 

[C26Pinelake]

I've posted this topic before and got a mixed response, but as a result of another car show yesterday, I'm posting it again out of curiosity.

I use a display with my car at all shows, including an accrylic sign explaining the car, some of it's background etc.. I also display some took from the era, along with before and after photos, and I even hae some hand-outs that explain the car's history in detail. I have gotten a lot of favorable comments about the hand-outs. A younger lady yesterday told me she had no idea that this car sold for less than $500.oo new and that it was a depression-era car sometimes used by Gangsters such as Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, etc.. They also like to know what kind of gas mileage it gets , and how fast it will go. My flyer explains (since it's displayed as a police car) that High Speed chases were often 35-40 mph thru fields and on dirt roads. So it's a history display also.

Your edge comes from the red rims and whitewall tires. I give out a business card with a colored photo and description for each of my cars. Wayne

 

[jrelliott]

I have a display of all the tools that came with the car including a brake adjustment tool, water pump tool and antique Acme tire pressure gage my father gave me. Also have a photo album showing the vehicle when purchased and photos along the way.
Like your idea of the original cost. Would be cool to find an original or reprint of an advertisement poster for the vehicle from 1928

 

[bobpo1]

Spectators are really amazed how small the Owners Manual is. I have the original. All dates, mileage and services are written in lead pencil. I don't think Ball Point Pens were around then...

 

[Mike V. Florida]

I too use a display, but it is limited to 3 paragraphs and 2 photos. I believe that very few people will take the time to read long displays. It does get a lot of interest.

I find the opposite thing, I have my tools, a book with original adds; a display with coins,stamps, driver license, and a prescription for whiskey. I also have a tommy gun and a fedora and allow people to wear the hat hold the gun and take pictures. I don't just set up a chair and read the paper.

The tools and book are not in the picture.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Spectators are really amazed how small the Owners Manual is. I have the original. All dates, mileage and services are written in lead pencil. I don't think Ball Point Pens were around then...

The first commercially viable ball point was re-invented in 1943. FYI

 

[bobpo1]

I find the opposite thing, I have my tools, a book with original adds; a display with coins,stamps, driver license, and a prescription for whiskey. I also have a tommy gun and a fedora and allow people to wear the hat hold the gun and take pictures. I don't just set up a chair and read the paper.

The tools and book are not in the picture.

Mike, you know what? I just remembered that my Dad saved us kids' War Ration Books and mine still has stamps in it. Also thanks for the info on the
ball point................

 

[rosenkranswa]

I have an information poster with large type and a complete tool kit for each of my cars. Each has an interesting accessory with it as well. I often find myself talking about the tool kit more than the car, people seem incredulous you could actually work on your own car. For the wartime Jeep I have information posters on the vehicle, the unit it was with, and some "what was happening" info. Also all the typical stuff carried including a Thompson, Garand, and M1 carbine. Got the townships award for best display last year.

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

I dont have a display, as I dont have anything that I show, but I do really enjoy the ones that others take the time and effort to prepare.

 

[bobpo1]

I started showing cars back in 1958 and most of the show participants created a Theme (mine is that of an old time police car), then created a Display complimenting that theme. Even if the car only had a Name, it had a display to go with that name. Back in the day, the judges also gave an award for "Best Display" or "Best Crowd Control Barrier" (the latter often given by the local Fire Department)

The displays to me are Eye Catchers that pull spectators to the car.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

At our Farmers' Market get together,I posted a sign in Minervas' 1/4 window: "YES, YOU CAN TOUCH MY CAR & IF YOU EVER MADE OUT IN A MODEL A, SIT IN IT & SEE IF YOU CAN REMEMBER ?? HER NAME"
I remember one club member, casually saying, "I just LOVE to bring my car & SHARE it with folks"
Often at this gathering, folks would ask me if I would "FIRE 'ER UP" & a crowd would gather.
Most memorable comments were: " Looks GREAT, did you JUST paint her"? & "You did GOOD"!
SIMPLE showings are often the MOST FUN, like the 4th of Juvember "PARADE" through a winding trailer park where a lot of retirees live, the streets are so KROOKEDY, that we almost get LOST & lose track of how many times we went around. Once, the first cars almost caught up with the last cars.
Gregg said it wuz MORE fun than our HUGE Vets' Day Parade.
Bill W.

 

[Mikeinnj]

I gave up on local shows here in the North-East when the organizers began charging the car owners money to display their cars. That on top of the fact that they charge the spectators an admission fee and haul in money from flea market spaces and "for sale" vehicle spaces as well as the profits from the food sales. Why would anyone want to pay money, so others can view his car ? I'm sure some will argue that the organizers have costs such as rent and insurance, etc, but when all is said and done, they still make a fat profit.

I once watched a woman let her kids slide down the front fenders of a Model A on display, leaving deep gouges in a new paint job, from the copper rivets in their blue jeans pockets while the owner had left for a bathroom break. Another time I saw a man accidentally bump into a display stand which fell over and put a dent in the owners hood. ....No more thanks !

 

[Hoogah]

.... Would be cool to find an original or reprint of an advertisement poster for the vehicle from 1928

You can find these and download easily. They make a good point of interest for the public. Here's one I just googled now.

I haven't made up a display for my "A" yet, but had one for its predecessor ('27 Chev) that had an interesting history which many people identified with.

 

[Redbird]

I had one made up at our local sign shop. I sent him a picture and the write-up. He worked his magic and mounted on a realty sign base. $90.