Inspired by the airmen of World War II, whom personalized their aircraft with nose art as they were separated from their homes and loved ones; we've set out to create a series of decals that maintain this American Tradition by bringing Pin-Up Girls to the Nose of Semi Trucks with Custom Decals.

 

The history of decorating equipment with images and symbols can be traced throughout history.  Ancient warriors decorated their shields and chariots as a means of distinguishing themselves within their own legions and ranks, ships carried uniquely carved figureheads on their bows, and pilots adorned their aircraft with cleverly coined terms and beautiful images of women.  While these adornments are seen throughout history, World War II will always be known as the Golden Age of Nose Art.

  

Nose Art was not officially sanctioned by the military during World War II, but it was credited with increasing morale in the most difficult of times so it became prevalent on bombers and fighters.  As pilots and crews faced insurmountable odds, they placed their hope and faith in their aircraft.  The unique naming and decorating of their plane with nose art gave air crews an attachment and a sense of ownership of their plane.  It was a signifier of their optimism and their courage in the face of difficult missions and uncertain death.

 

As a psychological fortification from the stresses these servicemen endured, the imagery and titles frequently evoked memories of home and a more peaceful life.  As men were separated from their homes and loved ones, their nose art frequently depicted images of their wives, a sweetheart girlfriend, or simply an all American fantasy girl.  Women were the most popular subjects of nose art, and the contemporary magazines of Esquire gave inspiration and reference as the magazines featured the works of famous pin-up artists such as Alberto Vargas, George Petty, and Gil Elvgren, or popular Hollywood film stars like Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable.

  

The tradition of nose art in the American Military has faced scrutiny from feminist groups, and in 1982 the art form was banned.  What’s missed by the protestors of nose art is the meaning of these images.  Nose art was not rooted in perversion or degradation, but rather hope and comfort.  As these men stood up to free the world from tyranny, these images symbolized their stand for freedom and their commitment to duty and honor.

The Semi Truck is a Powerful American Icon that embodies the spirit of freedom and pride.  Today we see American truckers serving our county by ensuring the safe delivery of the goods which we depend on.  Truck drivers endure long hauls, hard work and difficult times away from their homes and loved ones; and so it is that we stand to maintain this American Tradition by bringing Pin-Up style Nose Art to the front of Semi Trucks.  As truckers take pride in their equipment and care for their rigs, we want to help give them the opportunity to stand apart and customize their truck with an American Crafted Tradition.

  

  

Our Duty is to Deliver

We're excited to announce that our custom decals are being offered for sale at Paso Robles Truck Center in Paso Robles, California.

 

Established for nearly 30 years, Paso Robles Truck Center is focused on providing quality service and support.  Located near the junction of U.S. Route 101 and State Route 46 at 2348 Golden Hill Road in Paso Robles, they're a great shop for Parts, Towing, or Pin-Up style Decals!

Each Big Truck Pin-Up Decal is accompanied by an Application Instruction sheet and custom felt edge squeegee for simple and perfect application.  We have recently uploaded the Application Instructions onto our website for our customers to easily view or download.  The Application Instructions are available for viewing on each of the Decal Product pages.

We're excited to announce that our custom decals are being offered for sale at Specialized Automotive Systems in San Leandro, California.

Specialized Automotive Systems has been serving the East Bay area since 1969.  The long-standing integrity of Specialized Automotive Systems is rooted in it's owner George Menchini.  Having served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, George was a part of the Navy's Construction Battalions (CBs) or better known as the SEABEES!

With a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadways and airstrips, the SEABEES motto says it all "We Build, We Fight!"  George Menchini was stationed on Kwajalein Island for the development and building of infrastructure in preparation for the testing of the H-Bomb.  As one of the largest coral atolls in the world, George tells us that much of the cement used in the construction of military facilities on Kwajalein was made from the islands surrounding natural resources of coral and seawater.  Although George Menchini was discharged from active duty in 1957, the SEABEES are clearly a part of Specialized Automotive Systems, and prominently displayed in his shop is a large SEABEES logo.

We're excited to be partnered with George and his shop Specialized Automotive Systems as we know that they stand for quality and commitment.  Specialized Automotive Systems is located at 1366 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, California 94577  and they can be reached at (510) 569-9870