View Poll Results: Shave emblem or not to shave?
Shave!
102
31.97%
Dont Shave!
217
68.03%
Voters: 319. You may not vote on this poll
to take off emblems or not to?
06-06-07, 11:59 AM
#91
To keep the discussion going a bit longer and with a little self-indulgence, my old ’51 Pontiac as previously discussed was, of course, perfectly stock including the old-style license plates which California law permits if the number is otherwise unused.
At a CHVA show in 1991 I was approached by a classic car “agent” regarding using the car in movies. She would get 10% of what I was paid. To make this story short, the car was eventually used in one movie, Guilty By Suspicion, starring Robert Di Niro. There were about 30 of us owners on the lot that day. As a period film (circa 1951), they want stock automobiles only (no debadging of course). Before filming a person came over to all the cars to put on 1951 paper plates for accuracy, but they just bypassed mine because the plates were already appropriate for the period.
If you ever see the film on TV, there’s one scene near the beginning where various autos are coming down a street and you can see my Pontiac for at least ten seconds. I was behind the wheel but you can’t see me. We filmed that scene over and over again for two hours for those 10 seconds that made the final cut. There is another scene where it is just parked with others in the background.
That was the end of my film career. Although the car was “auditioned” a few times afterward, I was never asked to use it again. Sadly, I sold the car in 2001. The guy who bought it also planned to use it in films.
At a CHVA show in 1991 I was approached by a classic car “agent” regarding using the car in movies. She would get 10% of what I was paid. To make this story short, the car was eventually used in one movie, Guilty By Suspicion, starring Robert Di Niro. There were about 30 of us owners on the lot that day. As a period film (circa 1951), they want stock automobiles only (no debadging of course). Before filming a person came over to all the cars to put on 1951 paper plates for accuracy, but they just bypassed mine because the plates were already appropriate for the period.
If you ever see the film on TV, there’s one scene near the beginning where various autos are coming down a street and you can see my Pontiac for at least ten seconds. I was behind the wheel but you can’t see me. We filmed that scene over and over again for two hours for those 10 seconds that made the final cut. There is another scene where it is just parked with others in the background.
That was the end of my film career. Although the car was “auditioned” a few times afterward, I was never asked to use it again. Sadly, I sold the car in 2001. The guy who bought it also planned to use it in films.
Last edited by Magellan; 06-07-07 at 08:33 AM.
06-07-07, 02:09 AM
#92
Magellan, That is a really cool story and a pro to keeping everything 100% stock. At least you have a legitimate reason to back up your opinion unlike some other's who just think because they don't like it you shouldn't do it.
If one is concern about the potential value if the IS one day becomes a "Classic" car all they need to do is keep the badges, or buy new replacement ones right now and put them in storage. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think the value of a classic car would go down because the badges are not held on by the original adhesive. Unlike modding the sheet metal, removing a badge that is held on by tape is pretty easy to return to stock if one wanted to. I personally keep all my stock parts for that very reason.
If one is concern about the potential value if the IS one day becomes a "Classic" car all they need to do is keep the badges, or buy new replacement ones right now and put them in storage. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think the value of a classic car would go down because the badges are not held on by the original adhesive. Unlike modding the sheet metal, removing a badge that is held on by tape is pretty easy to return to stock if one wanted to. I personally keep all my stock parts for that very reason.
08-27-07, 12:04 PM
#93
I still say take them off ONLY if you plan to mod your car. Im not talking about intake and exhaust. Almost all out or all out show. It just gives the car a nice smooth look. Im doing it, and Im also doing other things people dont like but I dont care LOL. This whole thing will end up upon a persons choice/style.
08-27-07, 05:41 PM
#95
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That is a real tough analogy
If I bought a Mona Lisa it would be because it was a Mona Lisa and for its value. To me, the painting itself is kind of ugly. I mean Mona Lisa isn't the prettiest girl around. Now, when I buy a car, I buy that particular car because I like what that car offers, and not because of the brand. I'm personally a car fan and not a manufacturer fan. Usually I don't want people to identify my car as a Lexus, or a Honda. I just want them to see a nice car. The only exception is I swapped the Acura badges off my NSX and put Honda badges on it simply as a testimonial to Soichiro Honda and his dream and because Ayrton Senna drove for Honda and helped develop the car. Other than that, I could care less who makes the car as long as it is a good car and offers me what I want. I love it when people come up to me and say "Wow, that is a beautiful car, what kind of car is that?" For me, that removes the brand snob appeal that many have. But like you said, to each their own.
If I bought a Mona Lisa it would be because it was a Mona Lisa and for its value. To me, the painting itself is kind of ugly. I mean Mona Lisa isn't the prettiest girl around. Now, when I buy a car, I buy that particular car because I like what that car offers, and not because of the brand. I'm personally a car fan and not a manufacturer fan. Usually I don't want people to identify my car as a Lexus, or a Honda. I just want them to see a nice car. The only exception is I swapped the Acura badges off my NSX and put Honda badges on it simply as a testimonial to Soichiro Honda and his dream and because Ayrton Senna drove for Honda and helped develop the car. Other than that, I could care less who makes the car as long as it is a good car and offers me what I want. I love it when people come up to me and say "Wow, that is a beautiful car, what kind of car is that?" For me, that removes the brand snob appeal that many have. But like you said, to each their own.This was excellently stated. I looked at the 3 series bmw, infiniti G35, and Mercedes C-class and decided that Lexus offered the best (for my needs). Some people might buy cars on name basis but that's not everybodys intent.
As far as debadging goes, I like the look of some cars that have been debadged. Sometimes manufacturers clutter the car with badges. Debadging offers and a clean look. Some cars need badging or they look bland. I've seen some of our cars debadged and they looked good.......especially the black ones.
08-28-07, 12:09 AM
#96
I want to debadge mine but those darn holes are such a hassle to get fixed. I just want to remove the "LEXUS" and "IS250" logos and leave the "L" logo in the front and rear.
09-10-07, 02:50 AM
#101
And to the owner of that G35>
Love the clean look!
09-20-07, 09:02 PM
#102
Lead Lap
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
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I personally think that on the IS the badges are very symetrical and nice looking. Its not like they are just on one side. For some reason i feel that the debadged IS has too much space below the tail lights, but that is just my opinion.
10-02-07, 06:37 AM
#104
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Aug 2007
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????
Why does everyone care so much about what other people think of their car? Do what makes you happy. Shave if you personally think it makes your car look better, & don't if you have some sort of problem w/ it. Who cares if some stranger driving by on the freeway thinks you drive an IS250 vs IS350 b/c its pretty sad if you bought your car because you wanted the approval of others. Just be happy that you are fortunate enough to be able to afford a nice car -- most people cannot.
