74 nose emblem
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Louisville Kentucky
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74 nose emblem
Need a new emblem on my 74 and I don't know if this one is the original or a repo. I understand there is a difference between the OEM and the unlicensed(?) reproductions. (I know they are ALL reproductions) Could someone show a pic of their original GM emblem? These things are all over the price scale and I want one that looks as close to the original as I can find.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,668
Likes: 3,123
From: Shamong, NJ
Need a new emblem on my 74 and I don't know if this one is the original or a repo. I understand there is a difference between the OEM and the unlicensed(?) reproductions. (I know they are ALL reproductions) Could someone show a pic of their original GM emblem? These things are all over the price scale and I want one that looks as close to the original as I can find.
The original GM emblem had a red cloisonne circular insert, while the foreign repro has a red plastic insert. The plastic inserts usually fall out, within a year of installing them. The plastic also seems to craze and/or fog up.
The US made one has the cloisonne inserts, like the OEM one, and also like the original, it's made using a chrome plated, brass stamping. Unfortunately, whatever means they are using to attach the mounting studs to the stamping, it's not very strong. The studs tend to break off, when screwing the speed nuts onto them.
I'm guessing that your car has one of the foreign repros, since it's missing the red circular inserts.
By the way, both emblems are officially licensed "GM Restoration" parts. Just because a part is a GM licensed part, doesn't mean the quality's any better. All it means is that in exchange for the right to sell something with a GM trademarked logo on it, GM gets paid 10% of the cost of the part.
There really aren't any repro parts out there, with a GM trademarked logo on them, that aren't licensed as GM Restoration parts. GM's lawyers are very diligent, when it comes to tracking down unlicensed parts, and getting paid for their "fair" share.
Last edited by gbvette62; Jul 27, 2016 at 05:12 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Just buy some paint!
Over the years I've purchased two, one was sold to me as a GM original and the red fell off while I was driving.
I purchased a foreign repo and the red fell off that one too!
Some of the colors in the flags and half of the 'fleur de lis' have also fallen off.
I just bought some paint and will swap it out.
I didn't have any problem with the studs.
I purchased a foreign repo and the red fell off that one too!
Some of the colors in the flags and half of the 'fleur de lis' have also fallen off.
I just bought some paint and will swap it out.
I didn't have any problem with the studs.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 12
From: Bushnell Florida
My 74 has what I think is the original one. It still looks ok but is showing it's 42 years. I have looked at both Ecklers and Corvette Central. Both have one called a "driver" repro and one that is "show" quality. I think the show one is supposed to be GM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I've had a great record with the US version of this emblem. The import has a horrible track record and the manufacturer of it doesn't seem to care that he's making junk.
Here is the link to the US version...
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-nose-73-74-us
Here is the link to the US version...
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-nose-73-74-us
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jul 27, 2016 at 08:35 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
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Mine is original to the car . It's still looks Great. I have maintained the appearance tho. I use a bit of Mothers wheel polish to keep the outer shiney part looking good . Then I occasionally polish the center with Mothers car wax and a very soft rag. Careful not to rub on the black painted inset area . , might loosen the paint.
My car has been garaged for 27 years . Keeping it from damaging weather is key.
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From: Louisville Kentucky
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