Wednesday, April 8, 2009

April 8: Muffler Men


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Muffler Man (or Muffler Men) is a term used to describe large molded fiberglass sculptures that are placed as advertising icons, roadside attractions or for decorative purposes, predominantly in the United States. Standing approximately 20 feet tall, the figures were originally designed to hold full-sized car mufflers at automotive repair shops. Most Muffler Men were constructed by International Fiberglass of Venice, California.


How to Identify a Muffler Man: Avoid the social embarrassment of incorrectly categorizing a muffler man sighting by studying his simple features and variations.
  • Material: Fiberglass. Knock on his leg to see if he's hollow.
  • Height: From bottom of shoe to top of head or hat, between 18-25 ft. tall
  • Head: Well-chiseled facial bones, prominent brow and squarish "lantern" jaw. Crack a beer bottle over this guy's noggin and he wouldn't be fazed. Eyes may appear to stare blankly into the middle distance, or may be painted to leer down at visitors. 
  • Torso: Broad-shoulders, and familiar design of fake shirt folds. Pockets, suspenders, shirt patterns sometimes painted on. 
  • Arms: Short-sleeved shirt, well-articulated veins bulge on forearms. Bent at elbow, left palm faces down, right palm faces up, with an open grasp to hold an ax, muffler, golf club, etc.
  • Shoes and legs: Big, blocky shoes measure about 4-ft. from heel to toe. Pants exhibit familiar pattern of folds and creases.

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