Charlie Decker

I finally had the time to sit and talk to Charlie Decker .. AKA: “One Arm Bandit” today while he made a House Call to do some work on my 40 Ford!!! .. Charlie was born without his right hand and wears a prosthetic arm when he stripes. I have to say that thing looks real.

Charlie first picked up the brush at age 15 while growing up in NJ. While in high school, he practiced on everything around the house and then started doing things for friends like their furniture, cars, etc.

After high school Charlie attended Butera School of Art in Boston to brush up on his lettering skills. After school he went into business for himself doing signs and pinstriping.

Around 2005 when he started striping, he took the name “One Arm Bandit”. Boy, was I impressed with his work. It was a pleasure to spend the day with him and watch a master at work pinstriping.

Yes, he does make house calls and lives in CT….Charlie’s number is 973-670-5238 … You don’t have to be from NJ ..he travels Coast to Coast …… Check out his work.

Photos and story from Al Liebmann.