Replicating a window label
Need a little help here. First, let me say upfront:I'm not trying to misrepresent anything. I'm not trying to fool anybody and Idon't want to sell my car. What I am trying to do is "replicate" awindow label...not one that's going to fool an N.C.R.S. judge, but one thatwill look cool with the "car cruise crowd". I have a '72 convertiblethat I know was absolutely original when I bought it in 1985. I'm the 3rdowner. Unfortunately, the broadcast sheet (tank sticker) was lost when I hadthe frame replaced in 1989. (Long story, I still would like to strangle thebody shop manager.) Let's face it... that's like having a good dog with nopapers. Anyway, I've done a lot to the car over the years but it is, what itis...a good, original looking, driver. I bought label blanks. But, when youthrow one into a typewriter, even an old one that kind of looks like it has thesame font...even if you spill coffee on it and crumble it up...still looks likesox on a rooster. Next, I used one of the leading label suppliers. I'm notcomplaining and I definitely got my money's worth. But, it still wasn't quitethere. You know, there's that 6 digit number up in the right hand corner thatseems to be on any label that I thought was legit. I don't know what thatnumber represents...I suspect it might have something to do with either thedealer's order number or a factory assigned control number prior to production.I was with Pontiac Division and I know we assigned a number after we receivedan order. There are 2 other letter/number combinations on the same line as"CHEVROLET' that are usually present, that I suspect have something to dowith the shipment routing...I really don't know. I call these 3 numbers"phantom codes". Even if these numbers aren't right...they still needto be there to look good. So, I thought I'd give it a try myself. I usedMicrosoft Excel and wound up with a "fill in the blank" routine thatwould print out a label. The input sheet's a little on the crude side perhaps. Thedollars and cents have to be put in separately and the calculations have to bedone and entered separately on the input sheet...I couldn't come up withconditional formatting that would end up looking correct on the printed label.As you know, the dollars and cents appear on either side of the line and thereis no decimal point. I don't know that even the newest version of Excel coulddo that. Another problem, a sticker for a December '72 car included verbiageregarding 7% excise tax. While an April car sticker that I ran across, had thatverbiage omitted. Down in the right hand corner, was an indication that thelabel form was revised in January 1972. The production date on my car isJanuary 17, 1972. I'm thinking that may be cars from the SOP thru the Decembershut down had the excise tax verbiage, and that it was probably changedstarting January start up. So there you have it. What I'm looking for: #1 Someopinions as to which version would be correct. And, #2 is some constructiveinput from anyone who's interested, as to how the printed label could beimproved within the capabilities of Excel 2007. Bear in mind, those 3 "phantom codes" are bogus. Idon't even know how I could go about getting those correct numbers.
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Re: Replicating a window label
Dan,
I guess I'm a bit confused. First you say you are simply looking for something that will look cool at cruise-ins. Then say you've got reproductions from the typical suppliers which would certainly seem to me like they would fulfill that simple objective. Then it's implied that you are looking for more and more things to make it look authentic/correct/real. Hmmmmm. What's you objective again?
BTW, I honestly meant no disrespect and wasn't insinuating anything by my comments. It sounds like you are just like many of us who may be a bit of a perfectionist sometimes. I was just trying to remind you of your original objective. I know I can lose sight of mine after I sink my teeth into something. Should have just kept my mouth shut probably.
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Re: Replicating a window label
Jack, Let me un-confuse you. I'm an old retired guy, killing time. When I get involved in something, I sometimes tend to get over involved. Anyway, this all started when I told one of my buddies that I could probably do better fooling around on my computer. Of course, he told me that I was full of crap and being an old Sicilian...the glove is dropped. I took Microsoft Excel, came up with a simple fill in the blank program that spits out, if I say so myself, a pretty good replica. My morals are low, but I have scruples. Believe me, I have no intention to try to pass on anything bogus. Besides, if I was going to "booger" a car, it wouldn't be a very common, small block, no optioned '72. Since it's a very easy to use routine, I intend to share it with my friends, and I want for them not to be able to pick it apart too bad. It's that simple. Have a great day, DanDan,
I guess I'm a bit confused. First you say you are simply looking for something that will look cool at cruise-ins. Then say you've got reproductions from the typical suppliers which would certainly seem to me like they would fulfill that simple objective. Then it's implied that you are looking for more and more things to make it look authentic/correct/real. Hmmmmm. What's you objective again?Comment
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Re: Replicating a window label
Dan-
Strange to say but you might be asking the wrong crowd. NCRS doesn't look at window stickers in judging.Comment
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