[22687]

Does anyone have an NOS or excellent condition used front bumper "bird" emblem they would consider selling? Original GM #481543. Prefer the version with the post under the beak but obviously I'll consider either. Not interested in the modern repops, only original. Thanks for looking.

[srmmmm]

My '70 had a post under each wing. The one on the decklid is a single post.

[22687]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

My '70 had a post under each wing. The one on the decklid is a single post.

Thanks for your reply. Agree that the emblem has a post under each wing. The post (maybe post is wrong term here) I am referring to seems to be a locating pin to position the plastic bird inside metal border. I've attached a photo of the original off my car for clarification. I think there was a later version (1971?) without this. The repops definitely don't have it.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by 22687

Does anyone have an NOS or excellent condition used front bumper "bird" emblem they would consider selling? Original GM #481543. Prefer the version with the post under the beak but obviously I'll consider either. Not interested in the modern repops, only original. Thanks for looking.

there are only two types:

1) original GM parts; easily identified by the "island" under the beak

2) repop; easily identified by the lack of "island" under the beak.

I was nearly estatic when the repop first came out - it made there REALLY hard to find emblems so much more attainable;
When I realized the discernible difference between original and repop, my excitement died off.

I don't know first hand how the colour holds on the repops, but it seems like all the new stuff has very light paint that fades rather quickly in sunlight.

[22687]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

there are only two types:

1) original GM parts; easily identified by the "island" under the beak

2) repop; easily identified by the lack of "island" under the beak.

I was nearly estatic when the repop first came out - it made there REALLY hard to find emblems so much more attainable;
When I realized the discernible difference between original and repop, my excitement died off.

I don't know first hand how the colour holds on the repops, but it seems like all the new stuff has very light paint that fades rather quickly in sunlight.

Jonny Are you 100% on ALL the original GMs having the post or island under the beak? I met a guy once with a very original 71 who was adamant that his emblem was original to the car and it had no island as you call it.

As well there used to be a company named Emblemagic that reconditioned and/or reproduced things like enamel radiator badges, steering wheel centres etc. They listed reproduction plastic inserts only (reuse your original metal base), one for 1970 with spot for the post and another for 1971 without. I decided that, for what they were asking for just the plastic, I would rather wait, spend a little more and try to find a complete NOS piece.

Just had a quick look and the business still exists though now apparently under new ownership. See link below. Though the descriptions are not too clear it appears they still distinguish between 70 & 71 for the nose insert.

https://emblemagic.com/pontiac.htm

Fading was another concern I had with both the replacement inserts above and the licensed repops. Everything I have read about the repops available now is they don’t hold up to sunlight very well. Red has always been hard to keep anyway and the sun seems a lot harsher now than 50 years ago. Undoubtedly there are more restrictions on the types of coloring elements manufacturers can use nowadays too.

[unruhjonny]

I have been looking for these since the day after my Firebird came into my ownership.

I signed up for eBay in 1999 (limited internet access before that);
I only saw the "island" on emblems, and I had never seen the "island" missing till the repops showed up.

I seem to recall reaching out to a party right when they were first offered, and was told that the change was done to aid in manufacturing.

I have passed on many damaged or faded examples;
I have owned two NOS;
In addition to a single very nice used, and a single NOS that I currently own, I have a couple more complete (yet faded) examples.

The day I profess to know it all, is the day you can write me off, but as for your asking for my 100% certainty;
I believe that the only 100% certainty in life is that it will end.