The art of freehand pinstriping has been in existence for many years. Its origin can be traced back to work that was utilized in a myriad of ways. Painted stripes have appeared on every antique imaginable. Pianos, furniture, sculptures, vases, picture frames, wagons, and the list is endless. Tune in to this art and you will find it evidenced in places you never suspected.


Pinstriping in my family can be traced back as far my great grandfather as he was employed as a "liner" (the term for pinstriper during that era) for Studebaker Carriages. My grandmother related the story that he would carry his rubber boots to work each day as the carriages would set in a paint booth flooded with water awaiting the final touch of the "liner." The lines were a thick single stroke of paint that were used to accentuate the grace of the subject carriage.


Pinstriping found its way on to early automobiles. Henry Ford was one of the original proponents as countless model A's were adorned with striping paint right in the factory itself. These early stripers (automobile decorators) were paid one dollar more per day that the assembly worker.


There were many sign artists who also were very good pinstripers as the two crafts were considered first cousins. The mark of the striper was evidenced in his style of design scrolls and monogramming. The intricate weave of letters by different artists displayed their talents in a way as unique as a person's handwriting.


The 50's and 60's arrived with a renewed interest in the art. It sprouted in California with a myriad of men plying their craft on hot rods. Each had their own style and a following that produced reputations and stories bigger that life itself. Some were known to show up for work under the influence. One that I knew was notorious for insulting the customer, urinating in his flower bed, then sending him to the store for a quart of peach brandy before his first line would hit the car. But when it did it was amazing to witness the talent that came only come from his hand. I wondered why his costumers would put up with this behavior. Come to find out they were actually entertained by it and loved to tell the story as people admired the artist's work on their hot rod!


Today the art has evolved into a very sophisticated form. The stripers are faster utilizing very distinct styles, colors and are more courteous in their service oriented approach. It seems that the big story guys have faded into striper obscurity and the more serious minded business people seem to be the norm.


I found that the new age hot rods, the imports, are the focus of today. Striping has its place there too. However it can be expensive to hire a freehand paint pinstriper to do some custom work on your beloved screamer. Our solution was to develop a line of pinstriping decals that could be applied by the average enthusiast. All one needs is a good shade tree and a couple of beers and the afternoon can become a point of discussion for a long time. The stripes I developed with the help of my son, an excellent striper himself, was targeted for the budget minded person that needs a special touch to accent the grace of his ride. It matters not if it is a car, truck, motorcycle, or some sort of water craft. These designs can be used anywhere to create a unique effect and set yourself apart from the average ride.


So let's say now is the time to go for it and do something a little different for a very reasonable price. A sheet of the decals will only set you back the price of a couple of burgers but will stick with you a lot longer. So get off your soft spot, get busy and have some fun.!