How can you tell if an emblem is a reproduction or an original? The reason I'm asking is, I took the SS emblems off my '66 and would like to fairly and accurately represent them when it comes time to sell/trade them. Also, I'm going to be down at the huge Turkey Run show and swap meet in Daytona over Thanksgiving and want to know what I'm looking at if I buy any Malibu stuff.

I've heard the quality of the repros is poor, but without holding one of each in my hands, I just have no idea what I'm looking for.

One more question, should I just bring my SS emblems down there and 'swap' them for the ones I want? I know they call them swap meets, but do people actually swap stuff? Never seen anything other than a cash transaction.

Thanks.
Ed.

I think Most GM parts will have part numbers cast somewhere (not sure though if all emblems have them). Most repros probably will not reproduce these numbers, and some repros will include their own markings. I think Trim Parts/ Custom Mold Dynamics (?) has a CMD stamped/cast into the back of many of their parts...

Sure you can "swap" emblems at a swap meet, but you have to find someone that wants/thinks yours are worth the same as the ones they have and you want... Thats were it will be hard... Most guys will probably sell at a much higher price than they would buy at, asuming the same quality...

Also it would depend on what you have and what you want... If you want malibu stuff, and are willing to trade SS emblems, then maybe the seller would rather have the SS stuff (maybe a more saleable part?)...

More likely to do a partial trade plus cash for the stuff you want...

Actually, I have found some repop Trim Parts brand emblems to be better quality than the originals. The trim parts emblems are cast solid not hallow like OEM. Cant say anything about another brand because i wont buy any other brand

Hope that helps

The paint is worn off of the originals graemlins/clonk.gif
Well at least the quality and hue will be slightly different from one another. Albeit, 1966_L78 said it best, ..."part numbers"

the way i have noticed is that repro emblems are flat in the back, original have a lip and are indented or recessed or hollowed out in the back.

Originally posted by EddieF:
Also, I'm going to be down at the huge Turkey Run show and swap meet in Daytona over Thanksgiving and want to know what I'm looking at if I buy any Malibu stuff.
Ed. Eddie Be sure and look me up while you are in town graemlins/waving.gif
I'll start a thread in the Cruise-in forum next week.

I'll keep an eye out for that thread. We go down and stay in Palm Coast with my in-laws and usually have a pretty full schedule (rough stuff like boating and golf), but we will spend one entire day at the Turkey Run, probably Saturday. It's quite an impressive event!
Ed.