Gates Chev or Bud Gates Indiana dealer

**enio45** · #1 04-23-2009, 04:18 AM

Looking to buy orig Bud Gates or Gates tailpan emblem, license plate holder and / or sticker. Pics of these items would help as well.

Any help would be appreciated

**Donnie** · #2 04-23-2009, 05:22 AM

do you mean Van Gates dont know of a Bud.
L.O. Gates started the dealership in the 1920's then his son Van took it over. then it went to Van's kids Larry and Bill now Vans grandkids are in there.

**enio45** · #3 04-23-2009, 06:40 AM

According to my shippers documentation - it shows a 69 yenko camaro was shipped on 4/23 from Yenko Chev to Gates Chevrolet, 666 W. McKinley, Mishawake, Indiana.

So, having this info - is this the same dealership or another one? Appreciate the info.

**John Brown** · #4 04-23-2009, 08:35 AM

Gates Chevrolet had two locations, South Bend Gates Chevrolet was at 333 Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana and Town & Country (Mishawaka) Gates Chevrolet was at 666 W McKinley, Mishawaka, Indiana. Van Gates owned both of them, and they both sold Yenko conversion cars. South Bend and Mishawaka touch at their borders and the two dealerships were only about five miles apart. There was a third Gates dealership, Ned Gates Chevrolet in Benton Harbor, Michigan, owned I believe by Van's brother.

**enio45** · #5 04-23-2009, 08:57 AM

Thanks John for that info - looks like my data sheet is right on for 666 W McKinley!!

Does anyone have an idea of what they used for dealer emblems, stickers, license plates holders on their cars when the sold them back then?

**John Brown** · #6 04-23-2009, 10:14 AM

I'm thinking they had a black and white decal, about 4-5 inches long, round on both ends and flat on top and bottom, about 1 1/2 inches high top to bottom. As I recall, there is a yellow Yenko Chevelle from South Bend that still has the original sticker on the rear bumper. It's been to the SYC reunions too, so you might find some pictures of that car and the S.B. decal to give you an idea what you are looking for.

rockn69 · #7 04-23-2009, 03:32 PM

Ed, I believe Mr70 has a couple of Gates unused NOS dealership ash trays available. I bought one and it's a nice piece of nostalga. Good luck.........Pat

**enio45** · #8 04-23-2009, 05:58 PM

John, thanks ill look around for the sticker

Pat - yes i talked to Rick yesterday - nice memorbilia!

396L35 · #9 04-23-2009, 06:34 PM

I have a picture of the gates dealer sticker but I cant post it until I get home. I also have a rear bumper with the same sticker on it, its worn down but I can get you the measurements if you want to repop one for your car. Mark

**enio45** · #10 04-23-2009, 07:13 PM

Thank you mark, that would be great - i can get the sticker remade. Do you know if they used any emblems or license plate holders with their name on it?

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