I have been asked to drive my 41 in Monday's parade. It is a 3 mile stop and go drive as we slowly progress around a route lined with a good sized crowd with a lot of children running after candy (this has always made me nervous). I am expected to have some signs on the car so need advice on not scratching my 3 year old paint job (base coat - clear coat). Some of the signs maybe magnetic. I have not driven my car since last fall so will get it out today for a test run. Am I crazy?
Mike you are very likely crazy but that is no excuse. Nearly all of us are crazy. We wouldn't have all these old Chevys if were were 100% sane.
I have never had a problem with cured paint and magnetic signs. Have also used masking tape without problems. I wouldn't use duct tape or double sided tape unless it is listed as paint friendly.
Just a thought but why don't you explore the idea of making it into a staff car. It doesn't have to be Olive Drab. Some "official use ", star on the door, general stars above the front bumper, wear a period correct uniform, get a Andrew Sister look-a-like to ride with you, and a siren to wail as you come down the avenue. A boom box with "don't sit under the apple tree, Chattanooga Choo-Choo,bugle boy,from company B: etc would be a hit as well. Ask friends to help you out with stuff.
Chedk the car out beforehand so there may be no surprises as you creep along.
Have fun.
Charlie
BTW: I wouldn't say you're crazy for taking on this assignment but time will tell. I loaned my new 56 Chevrolet Convertible out to some guys to drive in a parade avout 40 miles away. Only thing was I forgot to reinstall the fan before they took off in it. they never said they had any problem but I'm sure it boiled over. The fan was taken off to help increase the overall speed when racing my buddies. Nothing could beat my buddys 55 Chevrolet Convertible with O/D (Overdrive being disengaged whilst drag racing) and power pack. So go ahead now and put the fan back on your 41.
All my reservations about driving my car in the Memorial Day Parade were for naught. The children were well behaved (good supervision from their moms, dads, grandparents, etc.), and I enjoyed a lot of clapping and appreciation for my 1941 by those lining the route, especially from our older vets. I gave out a lot of horn beeps and no candy, so it was easy to concentrate on just driving and enjoying the experience. It was 90 degrees, a lot of riding the clutch, and low idling. I don't think the temp gauge got much over 190, and settled back to 180 on my drive home. So proud of the 4 school bands, and the community fife and bugle corps. Nice to know that future generations get the significance of the DAY that our SERVICE MEN & WOMEN have sacrificed so much to make possible. The parade route winds through our city of 40,000 and took over an hour. Just like me, the 41 was glad to be home for a peaceful nap
I'm glad to see you made the parade and enjoyed it. I'm sure those spectators who witnessed you chugging past appreciated seeing your 1941 and the throphy class beauty sitting in the passenger seat. I supposed it was hard to tell if they were waving at you and the car or at her. I wourld guess her.
I assume the lady riding and standing with you in the pictures is the missus. Sure seems to me that she looks much younger and better than you. She could have done much better. Oh, well.
Thanks for posting and best to your and the missus,
The fan was taken off to help increase the overall speed when racing my buddies. Nothing could beat my buddys 55 Chevrolet Convertible with O/D (Overdrive being disengaged whilst drag racing) and power pack. So go ahead now and put the fan back on your 41. 
Sure seems to me that she looks much younger and better than you. She could have done much better. Oh, well. 