Over Accessorized Cars

[1957Birdman]

[color:"#666666"] After spending another great day at Hershey 2006, I have once again observed the number of cars on the show fields that most likely don't look like they did when they left the factory. I'm not talking about colors or things like that, I am talking about add-on accessories. Since I grew up in the 1950's I am most familiar with the cars from the decade and the 1960's. Somehow, I don't remember many mid 50's Ford Sunliners or Skyliners sporting continental kits and fender skirts. Those are just two of the most obvious examples. I saw a 1940 Ford convertible that was in great original condition, but had a number of extra add on items. I know because of pictures I have of my dad with his new 40 Ford convertible and it didn't have the extra "stuff" on it. Also, I have been to other shows where a person would have thought that a 1930 or 31 Model A came with the gravel shield in front of the radiator standard. Of course it was an option, one that few people purchased during the depression.

My point about bringing this up is that a casual observer might get the impression that all cars came from the factory decked out with these accessories. Obviously, since we each own our own cars what we do with them is our own business. I do, however, think it is worth considering as we restore our cars at what point do we say "enough already" with all the extra accessories. Are we trying to create a past that never was or preserve for future generations our road going heritage?

[ex98thdrill]

If the item was a factory accessory, it is authorized in AACA. Of course with many of us, if we're going to spend the money to do a full restoration on a vehicle, most of us like to have the accessories. It doesn't add to the price of the vehicle that much, yet makes the vehicle nicer. Many of us own vehicles that we either once owned, or once wanted and couldn't afford back in the day.

When our current project is done, it'll have every accessory that was available on it when it was new.

[K8096]

I know a guy who has a mid 20's 6 cylinder Packard sedan with tons of accessories on it. If someone had spent that much money on accessories when the car was new, they could have bought an eight cylinder Packard instead!

Which would you rather have, an over accessorized Packard six, or a "normal looking" Packard eight?

[novaman]

That's what is nice about a 100 series Chevy II. They were plain jane cars, normaly not maxed out with options, they didn't even come with all the standard trim of a 300 or 400 Nova series. No side mouldings to worry about having points taken away for something. Along with all those accessories, the owners are chancing they might not get their award becuase of points deducted for problems with an accessory that didn't need to be there.

But most people like the add-ons. There was I believe a '57 Chevy the other year at Hershey that had every option available on it. Think it was something like 65 of them. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> That is definately the extreme.

[MCHinson]

I like my 1929 Model A Phaeton. It has only the original single tail/brake light, and the single accessory is one windwing rear view mirror for a little bit more safety. Nothing extra other than the one mirror. It is about as close to how it came from Ford in 1929 as it can be. (I really like that there is nothing else to lose points on) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Randy Berger]

I have a 56 Packard 400. I added twin spotlights w/mirrors and wire wheels. The wire wheels were an option on any 55-56 Packard including Caribbeans. It came with dual rear antennas as did many 56s. I think (my own humble opinion) that these accessories enhance the look of the car and cause some comments and questions, which I am always glad to answer. If it generates a little more interest in the car, then I think that's good.

[MCHinson]

Even though we may feel differently about this subject, I really like your quote of: <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

In Theory there is no difference between practice and theory.

In Practice, there is.

This is just the first time I figured I had a semi-legitimate opportunity to comment on it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Hal Davis (MODEL A HAL)]

Gee, I can see both sides of this one. No, I don't care for cars that are really decked out with every accessory known to man, but it wouldn't bother me if a few period accesories were better tolerated. At Hershey, I noticed a 20's or 30's car with a mechanical turn signal mounted on the driver's door. That is truly a rare item that many people will never see or know ever existed. I'm sure this was not a factory or even a dealer option. More like a JC Whitney or Sears & Roebuck add-on, but correct for the period nonetheless. Now this guy was probably going for his umpteenth preservation award and didn't care if he lost the points, but I'm glad he had this on his car for others to see.

[West Peterson]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 1929 Model A Phaeton has only the original single tail/brake light, and the single accessory is one windwing rear view mirror for a little bit more safety. Nothing extra other than the one mirror. It is about as close to how it came from Ford in 1929 as it can be. </div></div>

That's the way I like to see them. But I agree with Hall, as well, in that a rare item or two is interesting to see. Too many, though, looks wierd. No offense intended, Pat.

[Ron Green]

One of my vehicles would be considered "over accessorized" since it has 51 out of a possible 62 documented factory accessories for the model year. It did come with many as I have old pictures of the car after it was removed from its long term storage before I restored it.

I happened to run into a old timer that had some of the extremely rare NOS accessories that were missing. Some are considered as only a few remaining like a purse holder, Thermaster refrigerator, Thermaster hot / cold jug, authentic shaver, etc. Most can easily be removed from the car to strip it down however I elected to leave them. Most people seem to enjoy them as they are very rare and generally never seen, and all are factory. Businessmen used these vehicles thus all the do dads.

I know of two other loaded vehicles like mine and both were dealer cars that were ordered for their wives. So to each there own as some like them and some don't however I can easily remove most of them from the car. I also consider it as saving part of history since they are 100% correct and not Joe the Motorist add ons.

[Guest De Soto Frank]

It does seem like a lot of show cars are bristling with tack-on accessories, factory or aftermarket...

It is my usual nature to eschew the "popular" and the "commonplace", so I guess that's beginning to apply to my feeling about accessories...

I'm somewhat on the fence about the issue... on the one hand, it's neat to see all the wacky gadgets that were offered over the years, like electric shavers, hi-way hi-fi record players, remote control electric gas caps (MoPars), "vacuum ashtrays", etc.

But, it's also kind of nice to see a "stripper", pretty-much restored to its spartan originality.

Thinking about my own 1941 De Soto De Luxe, which was the lower-priced of the two series De Soto offered in those days, the only "optional equipment" that came on the car were front bumper over-riders, the basic MoPar Deluxe heater/defroster, and postive cranckase ventilation ( yes, really !).

The car did not have a radio or a clock, and I think I will keep it that way... forutnately the "never-added" plates for those devices are intact.

I am resisting the temptation to load the car up with fog lites, spotlight, etc.

I think that some of that kind of stuff clutters-up a pretty nice-looking design...

One or two other items I might add would be a period "wig-wag" stoplight ( if I find one), and possibly "rear wheel shields" ( fender skirts), as the factory called them.

I think that things like "Continental Kits" are best left on Lincolns and Metropolitans, and "dummy spots" just totally baffle me...

But, that's just my personal taste.

Sometimes how are car was optioned tells us something about the car's history... it's nice not to cloud that but loading the vehicle down with gee-jaws ?

( I know of more than a few motorcyclists to refer to over-accessorized touring bikes as "garbage-wagons".... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> )

[Dave@Moon]

Sometimes <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> accessorizing makes a car more distinctive. My 1960 Buick is one of the first cars to have a designed-in "picture of a clock" type filler when you <span style="text-decoration: underline">didn't</span> buy a dashboard clock. Having attended 4 Buick Nationals and having seen dozens of other 60's at shows I've only seen one or two other cars with the filler piece mine has (which is actually quite attractive, unlike some of the horrors inflicted on dashboards a decade later).

On the other hand I'm at 9 accessories (5 dealer items) and counting <span style="font-style: italic">on my Prius!</span> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[Guest rbl2]

I found a wig wag light on Ebay just last night.

The number is 180042448393

[jrbartlett]

My own personal dislikes are the over-use of continental kits on cars that just never had them in the 50s and 60s. I remember those days, and we rarely saw continental kits back then other than on '55 T-birds (where they looked good). Now they are being added to cars that are simply too long for them, and are out of character for the concept of a continental kit. These things look pasted on.

[Guest Hal Davis (MODEL A HAL)]

Let me play Devil's Advocate here. I've been reading up on Ford TT trucks lately. Ford came out with the TT in late 1917, but it was only a chassis. I don't mean it didn't have a bed. It didn't even have a cab! This continued until 1924. I told my son it would be pretty easy to win a trophy with one of those if it were truly "The way it left the factory." What's there to deduct points from? Interior? Well, I guess they could judge the instrument panel and steering wheel. Exterior? Pretty well limited to the hood and front fenders. It would sure make things easy on the chassis and engine judges, though! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Does anyone know if this has ever been attempted?

[Ron Green]

Quote; "But, it's also kind of nice to see a "stripper", pretty-much restored to its spartan originality."

Totally agree with most of your comments and strippers typically didn't have much add ons however the top of the product line vehicles did, which my car was. As you stated it is neat to see all the gadgets on occasion. If you have them most can be removed rather quickly, however if you don't have them to display chances are the rare stuff is gone or to expensive.

And I vote for the "wig-wag" as I have only seen a few.

[mrpushbutton]

Novaman-here is a picture of my stripper 1963 Chevy II 100. It did not have a radio when I bought it (for $100--in 1980) I added the original Delco radio, no pre-set buttons, manual tuning. other than that, the only accessory I left in the car, as I found it, is a little refrigerator magnet that says "blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God" it just fits.

[Guest De Soto Frank]

RE: Wig-Wags...

Found two on the 'Bay... I'm really kicking myself that I didn't buy the one I saw in a local antique shop the other year for $35...

Oh well...

[K8096]

When I was a kid I used to mow the lawn of an old guy in my neighborhood named Mr. Bauer. He had a 15 year old Ford LTD that had something like 10K miles on it & was in mint condition, but it had NO accessories. No radio, cheap hubcaps, bottom of the line interior, car painted an awful bronze color, no padded top like so many of them had. The guy bought the car new & didn't want to pay for anything extra. To this day when I see a 70's car like that I call it a "Bauer special." Old man Bauer died about 10 years ago & I always wondered what happened to the car.

[ex98thdrill]

No you didn't offend me at all West. I'm not one to get bent about things anyways. Actually the accessories that I'm talking about was on the "Denver" Bronco that we bought out when we were at the AGNM last year. I have located the factory wide rims, roll-bar, glove compartment lock, underhood light, cb radio, sliding side windows, ventshades, and all of the molding to two-tone the truck. The truck already had the XLT Ranger package with air, tilt, cruise, map light, stereo, brush guard, bucket seats, center console and outside spare tire rack. The truck was fully loaded to begin with, but I've now maxed out the options (except the 8 track). Basically the truck will be set up the way that I would've wanted it if I had the money to buy the truck back when it was new, but either way, it wasn't a "plain jane" to begin with, and it'll still be the original colors from what it was new, but with a slight variation from what it originally was.

Now on the woodie we added a second tail light to include turn signals (for safety), whitewall tires, a radio, and we're recently located a factory original clock. On the pickup we added a second tail light, whitewall tires, and a stainless steel grill. The King Cobra there are no changes, and on the fire truck we added the step plated on the fenders, an axe on the driver's side, and the additional tail light for turn signals (safety).

[rocketraider]

Many younger members on here have commented that 60's-early 70's cars with few or no options are strange. Not so- even fully loaded luxury models were the exception rather than the rule up until around the mid-80s, when manufacturers started piling on high-profit options and people began to take them for granted.

My objection to highly optioned cars is when the options that have been added are TOTALLY out of character for the car in question, as in a low-line car slathered with accessories. Or worse, a musclecar with the hottest drivetrain and then tons of weight-adding options added during car's megabux "restoration" (with no build sheet documentation)- just plain stupid IMHO. Owners will say "That's the way <span style="font-weight: bold">I'd</span> have ordered the car." They don't realise what they are saying about themselves, but it's pretty obvious they are clueless as to what a musclecar was about.

Oldsmobile outside thermometers have become the hot ticket for Hurst/442 owners, who pay stupid money for the things. They don't understand that the reason there are so many available now is because dealers couldn't move them off the shelf at $14.03 plus 1/2 hour installation 35 years ago. 64-66 Flarestats are even worse- I know a GTO guy who actually lost sleep obsessing because his car didn't have one. And then there's the guy on ebay who has parted out a perfectly good 1964 Olds Starfire just to get its power windows for his 65 GTO- guess nobody told the dumbazz 64 GM B-body PW don't interchange with 64-67 A-bodies.

Bottom line- if the accessories are made and designed for the car and fit its character, apply them if you wish. Many owners had dealers do just that. But if the accessory doesn't fit the car, leave it off.

[West Peterson]

Glenn

Your thread reminds me of a car I'm getting ready to do a feature on in the magazine. It's a one-owner 1970 Chevelle SS 454 El Camino with 4-speed gearbox, one of about 100 Big Blocks with the 4-speed. It was ordered from the factory with power windows, power steering and air conditioning. I've often wondered why some cars are the way they are, so I asked this AACA enthusiast why he would order a muscle car with the power-robbing equipment. He purchased a new Eldorado six months before, but didn't like the way it drove, so he bought a muscle car. However, he had gotten used to the convenience items of the Eldo in that short period of time, so ordered his El Camino that way.

[John_S_in_Penna]

Here is one way to look at this "accessory" issue: We antique car collectors are preserving history. Whether your car was heavily accessorized or bought by a budget-minded buyer, think that you are maintaining the history of that decade and that car as you keep or restore it.

Maybe your 1958 Ford, for example, has an after-market under-dash air conditioner that the original owners had installed soon after they bought the car. That may not be factory-original or AACA-approved, but it's a part of history which I would keep for posterity. Lots of owners in that era installed such things, and in keeping it, you are helping tell the story of that decade. The same would go for the after-market turn-signals on 1930's or -40's cars which someone mentioned earlier.

Your 1930's car likely didn't come with white-sidewall tires. That's not a detraction in my opinion; it's just the way it was. It's nice to see cars at shows which are truly representative of their era.

Is the paint of your 1971-model car metallic avocado green? Don't regret it--it's the history of the decade. In our current decade that color is out of favor, but the color tells the story of the 1970's. Why get rid of it just because it isn't popular in 2006? It may be well-regarded a decade or more hence when those 1970's memories are long past and people are looking to what really went on in the automotive scene during that decade.

So feel proud to keep your car as the original ownwers had it, whether deluxe or not! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Shop Rat]

The only problem with after market add-ons is you are just giving points away at an AACA show. You risk losing points with factory authorized ones if they are not perfect, but you are really shooting yourself in the foot to leave items on the car that aren't supposed to be there.

If someone just wants to enjoy the car the way the orginial owners used it then that is okay. Just don't expect to get awards at an AACA show.

[rocketraider]

West, a car that was originally ordered with the stuff and has proof is one thing. It's when the stuff is piled on by the current owner during the "restoration" (term used loosely) that things get squirrelly.

If build sheet indicates it came that way, then that's a plus. If build sheet or docs indicate otherwise, and the added stuff was not available dealer-installed, then you've got a car that borders on being a fake. I'd be real wary of a W30, LS6, SCJ Torino etc that was loaded with no documentation. That would be a dead giveaway that someone who wasn't around when car was manufactured and who hasn't done proper research has had their way with the car.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">purchased a new Eldorado six months before, but didn't like the way it drove</div></div> Ha. It's just that he wasn't USED to the way it drove. My Toronado did the same thing to me when I first got it, but after some seat time, it became a favorite. With them big front-drivers, you stay on the throttle thru turns. The car will pull itself right thru them. You let off in the middle and the tail will wag like a happy puppy- Tom McCahill hisself said that about Eldo/Toro, and I've found it to be true.

But... I also agree with John S about period accessories. They add character to a car. Esp like the comment about avocado green- seems like every 67-69 Pontiac and 69-73 Plymouth around was painted that color, along with me 1971 Whirlpool refrigerator that finally quit last year.

I guess what really bugs me about over-accessorized cars is that with the money certain cars command, I think they should be "as built" or "as delivered" rather than "as desired by an owner who has no real idea what driving an old car is all about"

I've always enjoyed <span style="font-style: italic">Cars and Parts</span> magazine. However, I've lost some respect for them with their current tech series on installing aftermarket power windows in Tri-five Chevys. Why can't people appreciate the cars on their own merits and era? I mean, how much effort does it take to roll up a window?! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

[mrpushbutton]

famed fashion diva Coco Channel used to advise women dressing for an elegant evening to "accessorise your outfit, then look in the mirror, remove two accessories, and you will be perfect" The same could be said for cars. We had a guy in the local Packard club that owned a very nice 1955 "400" two-door hardtop. He got hold of the original factory accessory booklet, then sought out every one of those items. Curb feelers, stainless drip rails (on a hardtop), traffic light viewer, gad--the car was a rolling accessory. He called them "niffy-naffes". I have not seen the car since--I would hope that it is with someone now who owns a screwdriver and a sense of taste.

[Restorer32]

I once helped judge a mid-'30s Mopar pickup that had way too many accessories for my taste including lighted "stalks" protruding vertically from the front fenders. Our team Captain questioned the owner and he had factory documentation for every one of the darned things. Surpeisingly, many of the Classics had a relatively short list of available accessories.

[1957Birdman]

I agree with your view, mrpushbutton. An extra accessory or two doesn't detract from the overall visual impact of a car. When they are spread like lard all over the car that is a different story. I have felt little reason to do that with my current car, a 1957 T-Bird. The design of those cars isn't enhanced by adding a lot of accessories. I wouldn't think of adding a continental kit to it because of the extra overhang and the affect it has on handling. I also think it detracts from the looks of one of the better styled cars of the 1950's. I also agree that just because something is in the factory accessory booklet doesn't mean it is right for the car. I have seen some 1957 Fords with the '57 T-Bird style wheel covers installed. The owners justify this by saying they were available as a factory accessory. That may be true, but when they were new I don't remember seeing one so equipped. Also, I see a lot of mid-fifties Fords with chrome molding on the rocker panels. I hardly ever remember seeing one like that when the were new. They had plenty of chrome already and adding that additional chrome didn't add to the looks of the car, in my opinion.

As I said in my original post, it is your car to do with however you please. It is worth considering that often times less really is more.

[mrpushbutton]

we used to call continetal kits "swim platforms".

[K8096]

I think all '55 & '56 Packard 400's had stainless trim on the drip rail, I've never seen one without it.

[Guest quadfins]

To me, a car evokes the era that it is from. Too many accessories give a false impression of that era. Remember that these cars sold for only a few thousand dollars, so a $15.00 accessory was quite an addition. Add many more, and you might as well have bought the next model up the food chain. My dad bought his Mustang in 1965, and I have had mine for 27 years. Going to the local cruise-in or even MCA show, one would think that styled steel wheels, deluxe interior, and chrome engine kit were standard items - How many of us dare to have standard hubcaps anymore??? I find the excessive accessorizing to be both offensive and fraudulent. When cars have too many accessories, it misrepresents the era. On some vehicles, add-ons amy be fitting, others- simply tacky. Now, for example, the Mustang suppliers are pitching "reproduction" light-up grille ornaments. How many among us has ever seen an original one? Why not? They were an eyesore then, and they are an eyesore now. In my opinion, fender skirts just don't blend in well with the body lines of most cars, and they look like cheap tacked-on sheet metal. Most cars did not have them for this very reason. Continental kit on my Coupe de Ville? Yechh! It would destroy the artistic purity that GM designers spent so much time and effort on. Too many cheap add-on accessories just seem to serve as a distraction, just like too much makeup on a beautiful woman. Let the car speak for itself. What are you trying to hide, or distract viewers from?????

[rocketraider]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...780371&rd=1,1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">64-66 Flarestats are even worse</div></div>

Heehee. Look at 'em go.

[Dick380185]

Remember those stainless headlight covers that covered the top-half of the headlights? I've always hated the sight of those for some reason...What was the real purpose of those? (Besides looking "cool"?)

[ex98thdrill]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How many of us dare to have standard hubcaps anymore??? </div></div>

I'm guilty of that one!! Almost every vehicle that I've ever owned (except our really old stuff and my high mileage, gas sipping Escort) has NEVER had the original rims left on it. If I bought the vehicle new, I either ordered it with the rims that I wanted, or I took it the way it was, bought the rims (sometimes factory, sometimes mag wheels) that I wanted, and mounted snow tires on the original rims. If I liked the rims that was on the vehicle, then I bought steel wheels to mount snow tires on. In the case of the Bronco, the truck has the factory wagon wheels on it, but I have located a factory set rims that are wider (the widest rims that you could get on the Bronco). I've always felt that a 4-wheel drive truck with narrow small rims never looked right, where this truck will have the taller, wider rims on it.

Generally speaking, if you ever saw a vehicle of mine with hubcaps on it, it's either been on a vehicle as it was being driven in inclement weather, or it's been something that has been point judged that didn't have rims available. If we have a vehicle in the collection that had either wheels with a hubcap or an optional rim (like the Mustangs, Bronco, MG, etc.), then you will find the car with the optional rims and not the hubcaps.

[Guest imported_Packards1]

He is talking about the genuine Packard accessory additional 3" chrome moulding that was about 6 feet long and did one complete side of the car. I have several of these kits and cannot bring myself to put one on my 56 400.

[Dynaflash8]

It seems to me if you're talking about "Factory Authorized Accessories" there is nothing wrong with that. It even serves to display all of the stuff that the factories had to offer, which is historically significant. If you are talking about "After Market" accessories, well except in a few rare instances they serve to be deductions. Although I think they are also a part of our automotive history, the rules are the rules and they need to be adhered to until or unless they are changed.

[ex98thdrill]

Ron, you must be talking about your amphicar <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You and Earl are both right, I enjoy seeing all that stuff with your car as well, and it serves as a good reference point as well. The one time I judged your car, I learned a more about '55 Pontiacs than what I had ever known. Your car and the accessories are great learning tools for car owners, spectators and judges.

So when are you going to add the 11 extra accessories to the car <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Randy Berger]

Joel, are you two talking about the "vent-shades" that can be attached and are seen mostly on four-door models? And I have to admit I have the traffic-light viewer,

the manual control of the T/L system, and the brake-fluid jar, also.

[Ron Green]

Quote; "So when are you going to add the 11 extra accessories to the car"

Probably never as I don't want to over do it <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />, plus it originally had a lot of do dads when new. True 50's NOS accessories are now rare and expensive.

Believe it or not I like the middle of the road hubcaps better then the wire-wheel caps as I have passed a few sets up along with electric windows which my door panels are original and have no interest in cutting.

Quote; "you must be talking about your amphicar"

Had it out in upper PA at a lake this past weekend for it's final swim and I could have easily converted it to a sail boat!

[ex98thdrill]

Yeah I don't blame you. That Pontiac is a nice car, and you've gone as far as you can go through the AACA awards system. No matter what you add or don't add to that car, it's still a Senior AGNM winner, and as long as you own it, it always will be.

....So what's next?? Are you going to try to catch Marshall VanWinkle in collecting those Preservation Awards??