New Haven plate topper: "Everyone Knows Pete"

[stock_steve]

Good evening,

I was curious if anyone knows the significance/background on a cast plate topper relating to New Haven, CT, as shown in some photos I recently posted at the AACA Photos Forum:

http://photos.aaca.org/showphoto.php?photo=9429

http://photos.aaca.org/showphoto.php?photo=9430

and

http://photos.aaca.org/showphoto.php?photo=9431

The photos were takend at an event where antique car owners were not required to register, and windshield cards were optional (so no car owner info). The car was a beautiful '39 Ford, and the event was the Antique Auto Parade & Display, Sunday, July 30th, 2006, at the Sunrise Resort in Moodus, CT.

An overall Jazz Festival '06 event report is viewable at: http://members.aol.com/saacregion/JazzFestAntiqueAutos2006.html

Thanks.

[1937hd45]

Looks like something that was custom made for the owner IMO. Nice car, the '39 Deluxe nose is one of the nicest Ford ever produced.

[MCHinson]

Steve, I sent you an email. If you can contact me, I know how you can get the information that you want.

[stock_steve]

Interesting thought--I wonder if it was even cast metal at this point Bob (they do wonders these days with some new-fangled stuff called "plastic"). And I share your appreciation for the looks of those '39 Fords.

Thanks MC--I appreciate your offer.

[1937hd45]

You might forward that photo to Dennis and ask if he made it. Bob http://www.obrientruckers.com/

[stock_steve]

Thanks Bob--I'll drop O.B.T. a note about it.

[nearchoclatetown]

I can also vouch for Dennis, good guy to deal with.

[stock_steve]

I've already heard back from Dennis @ OBT--he suspects it's an old original, but is not specifically familiar with it. Thanks again guys for the references.

[stock_steve]

Here's an interesting explanation from a local old car friend:

<<...My guess is that the "Pete" referred to may be something like "Pete's Auto Supply." In the 60's when we first moved back to CT. there was a store by something like that name on College St. just south of rt 34. They sold auto parts and bicycles, whick would tie in with the plate topper.

I seem to recall that they got into wood stoves, gas grille, etc. and moved to Guilford. They were on the Post Road, east end of the commercial strip, just west of Wal Mart. There's also an Ashleys Ice Cream in the strip. I can't find a phone listing for it though...>>

[stock_steve]

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Incidentally, over Thanksgiving leftovers yesterday evening I asked my father-in-law, who grew up in New Haven, if he had ever heard of "Pete's" auto supply in New Haven, and he said, sure, he had bought tires for his old Model A Ford there!