Roger Cox of Sign Spree

SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN…

When the Five Man Electrical Band sang about signs in 1970, you could tell they’d never been to the Pomona Swap Meet and seen the cool stuff from Sign Spree. If they had, the song would have had a whole different note (you’re darned right that that pun was intended!).

Sign Spree has all sorts of signs you’ll want to see, from automotive stuff to pin-up girls, train signs, garage signs, reproduction antique signs and much more. While you’ll see all sorts of great signs at the Swap Meet, from intricately-cut signs like the Busted Knuckle Garage V-Twin sign to signs in the shape of beer bottles to cool vintage antique signs, what you may not realize is that you’re just looking at the tip of the iceberg.

Recently, we had a chance to speak with Sign Spree’s co-owner Sharon Cox about signs, the Pomona Swap Meet and more. Sharon sort of “fell” into the sign business when her work life brought her right into the sign world. When she showed husband Roger some of the cool things she was involved with, he lit up like a Christmas tree, as Roger is a true auto aficionado and loves the beautiful garage art that a well made sign represents.

And well made is the key here. Sign Spree brings signs that are printed on 20 gauge steel and have smooth plasma-cut edges. The images are baked right in by using a special powder coating process. “The reason people buy from us is the quality, which is why a venue such as the Pomona Swap Meet is ideal. The Internet is a wonderful thing, but you can’t run your fingers along the edges and feel the quality through your computer,” states Sharon.

But back to that iceberg thing, Sharon and Roger have over 1,000 items in just their automotive catalog. However, it’s not just autos for them, they have aviation, military, foreign-language, home and garden and many other types of signs. Want a Busted Knuckle clock for your garage that notifies visitors that the mechanic’s on duty? No problem. Wanna let folks know that your garage is home to the Kustom Kulture Speed Shop? Can do. Wanna show off Don Prudhomme’s Snake Pit? Done.

You’ll also have a good feeling supporting this local business because all of the signs are made right here in the USA.

Sign Sprees display of Vintage Signs

While you might not find these specific signs at the next Pomona Swap Meet, just ask Sharon or Roger and they can ship it directly to your home or garage. In fact, they can have almost anything you want waiting for you at the next  Pomona Swap Meet. Be sure to stop by Road 14, Space 83 to see Sharon and Roger’s collection of signs or call them at (619)593-9736. Map of Vendor Spaces (PDF)

One of the many nice things about buying right at the Swap Meet is that Sharon makes sure you get the best price anywhere on your signs. She even pays the sales tax for you – isn’t that nice? After two years of being at the Swap Meet, Roger recognizes quite a few of the regulars, so he’s planning to bring over 100 new signs to the next show, April 15, 2012, just to change things up a bit. And the couple is also working on being able to customize signs to your unique specifications. Want your name on your sign? That’s something that will happen in the near future.

So, while the Five Man Electrical Band might sing a different tune if they had only had the good sense to visit the Pomona Swap Meet, you can hum a happy song by visiting Sign Spree and turning the walls of your garage into art.

This article was written by Tony Barthel from the Curbside Auto Column and Car Show Calendar. For auto articles, news and an on-line calendar of automotive events, please visit www.curbside.tv.