Hood ornaments
Hood Ornaments Your vehicle can draw a lot of attention to its exterior via its unusual paint color or a design (such as a dragon spewing flames) on the sides. It will draw even more attention if there is a unique hood ornament atop the radiator, just above the grill. This beautifully designed hood ornament gives the vehicle its own identity, differentiating it from others. What are Hood Ornaments made of A vast majority of hood ornaments are molded from brass, nickel, bronze or zinc. These are then given a loving touch of chrome finishing . For those with a larger budget, there are charming hood ornaments plated in silver. There are also delicate pieces one can select from hood ornaments made from glass.
A Touch of Color in Hood Ornaments You can find out if the hood ornament that you select can be enameled in a paint color of your choice. Some examples: the clothes of a horse rider (blue), the wings of an angel (gold), the feathers of a rooster (red), the eyes of a panther (red)you will probably have to choose from a limited selection of colors, but do select some color . A touch of color does give a hood ornament an enchanting look . Interesting Trivia of some well-known Hood Ornaments Most automobile companies have a particular symbol that acts as its mascot and gives it its own individual identity. It is this symbol that is represented in the hood ornament of the company s vehicles. Lets have a look at some of these well-known hood ornaments The Lion on a Peugeot Vehicle: For its saw blades, the company, to represent the qualities of toughness, flexibility and speed, first used the symbol of the lion. It was in the early 1900s that the lion symbol on an arrow was displayed on the Lion Peugeot cars.
The image of the lion on its hind legs that adorns the Peugeot vehicles today first made its appearance in 1948. It was in 1988 that the hind paws of the lion were leveled, to represent balance. It is this symbol, with a blue eye and a black shadow that is now seen on Peugeot vehicle grills. The lion with its
raised front paws also adorns many a Peugeot vehicle as a Hood Ornaments. The Three-Pointed Star on a Mercedes-Benz: One of the most famous symbols, known globally, is the three-pointed star within a circle that is the mascot of the Daimler Chrysler Company. The engines of this German company were utilized not only in road vehicles, but also in aircraft and boats. The three points of the star thus represented land, air and sea. This symbol, designed by Gottlieb Daimler, first appeared on their vehicles in 1909 . It continues to be one of the most easily identifiable symbols the minute you see it on a cars hood, you know it is a Mercedes-Benz. The Spirit of Ecstasy on a Rolls Royce: An equally well-known hood ornament is the Spirit of Ecstasy (also known as the Flying Lady). This tiny statuette was designed by Charles Sykes and first stood atop the radiators of Rolls Royce cars in 1911. There are plenty more examples of hood ornaments that represent automobile companies leaping jaguars (Jaguar cars), a majestic archer (Pierce-Arrow cars), three shields (Buick cars), the head of a ram (Dodge cars), and so on. [Note: This article is not endorsing any of the companies mentioned or their vehicles . It is merely mentioning them as examples] Important Tips when installing a Hood Ornament SAFETY FIRST! You absolutely must ensure that the hood ornament of your vehicle does not block the driver s vision of what lies ahead. The hood ornament could have sharp edges. In the possibility of an accident, the sharp edged ornament could seriously injure somebody. A nifty gadget that makes the hood ornament vanish below, the moment it faces a collision, can avoid this scenario. If you are taking your wheels abroad, check the safety regulations of that country. It is quite possible that the hood ornament is totally banned in that country for safety reasons. Check that the hood ornament is firmly installed atop the radiator. It should not come loose easily and fall off. Hood ornaments are often victims of theft. So install a good safety alarm system in your vehicle the minute somebody touches the hood ornament, the alarm will warn you of an impeding theft.
Some Types of Hood Ornaments Sporty Mascots: A polo rider atop his galloping horse, a golf player swinging his club, a tennis player poised to serve an ace, a sailor standing in the bow of his ship, a discus thrower whatever sporting activity you love, you are bound to find a suitable hood ornament for your vehicle. Friendly Pets: Amongst one of the most popular hood ornaments amongst vehicle owners who love animals is the little Terrier. This cute four-legged friend looks simply adorable atop your vehicles radiator. You actually think it is waving its tiny tail to welcome you as you approach. A sharp-eyed kitten, looking as though it is about to pounce from your vehicle on an unsuspecting rat, is also a favorite hood ornament. Farmyard / Ranch Residents: A crowing rooster, an American saddle horse, a cowboy with a lasso, two bulls locking horns, a grazing lamb, even a pig these are some of the hood ornaments that can be firmly perched on the hood of your vehicle . Due to their fine details, many Hood Ornaments could cost quite a few dollars, the ones in sterling silver having starting prices well over $100. Some vehicle owners also make their own hood ornaments, fashioning them form various objects. Miniature in size, but majestic in appearance, hood ornaments can add a great style statement to all types of vehicles. Of course, dont forget the safety aspect!
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