Thursday, July 20, 2017

Letterer Johnny Watts, at age 81, still plies his trade the old-fashioned way: freehand, since age 13.


Using pictures Allen acquired, Watts lettered the car just as it would have been done back in the day—freehand. Watts has been lettering automobiles for 68 years, starting his craft at the age of 13. He’s one of only a handful who still applies the paint freehand with a trusted brush he’s had for many years. Over a two-day period, Watts gave the Bonner Thunderbolt character.


Watts uses a Coca-Cola crate as a stool and workbench. He adjusts the position of the crate from vertical to horizontal and flat as he starts high and works down low


http://www.hotrod.com/articles/see-how-this-historic-1964-ford-thunderbolt-is-transformed-from-a-neglected-barn-find-to-show-quality-drag-car/

6 comments:

  1. Fantastic work ! Great guy !

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  2. I like the three way Coke crate system. Neat.

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    1. that's a sign of wisdom, keep it simple, use something that will do the job, and is cheap, but long lasting

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  3. Thanks for the connection! Saw this car at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, while passing through Dawsonville in 2016. My favorite car of their collection.

    https://timvacula.com/2017/07/21/thunderbolt/

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    1. the connection? I don't understand what that means, but, still... you're sure welcome. Obviously we are like minded car enthusiasts, and Thunderbolt fans... and dig a hand painted lettering job. My compliments to you!

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    2. Just connecting that 'letter-er' to that car, that's all.

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