15 ’90s Custom Car Decals That Are No Longer Seen
These are the quirky, bold, and unforgettable custom car decals that once ruled the roads in the ’90s but have mostly disappeared today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
In the ’90s, car decals were a fun way to show off your personality. Drivers used flames, slogans, and cartoon stickers to stand out. These bold styles were everywhere back then but are hardly seen today. This list looks back at the decals that once ruled the road.
1. Chrome Flame Decals Blazing Across the Side
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These metallic flame decals made any car look like it was built for speed, even if it was a minivan. Popular on Mustangs and pickup trucks, the chrome finish caught the sun just right. They were flashy, bold, and hard to ignore.
2. “Baby on Board” Diamond Signs
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While not technically a decal, these suction-cupped signs became so common that they felt like a permanent fixture. Parents stuck them proudly on rear windows during every errand run. Over time, they faded, cracked, and quietly vanished from car windows.
3. Calvin Peeing on… Anything
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This unofficial Calvin and Hobbes sticker popped up everywhere, showing Calvin disrespecting rival brands, sports teams, or random things. It was rebellious, overused, and oddly specific. Most have faded away due to copyright issues and changing tastes.
4. Tribal Graphics That Wrapped Around Doors
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These abstract black-and-white graphics looked like something out of a tattoo parlor. Drivers slapped them on the sides of cars for a tougher edge. By the late 2000s, they felt more dated than daring.
5. Windshield Slogans in Old English Font
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If your windshield didn’t say “No Fear,” “Rebel,” or your last name in gothic font, were you even trying? This trend was everywhere in the tuner scene. Eventually, drivers opted for sleeker, more minimal branding.
6. Rear Window “Family Stick Figures”
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These decals showed stick-figure versions of your family, pets included. At one point, it seemed like every SUV had one. The novelty wore off, and many families decided to keep their crew private.
7. Fast and the Furious Inspired Racing Stripes
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Thanks to early-2000s car movies, everyone wanted to live the street racer life. Giant vinyl stripes and colorful graphics were slapped on even the slowest cars. Most drivers eventually realized performance mattered more than looks.
8. Holographic Butterfly Decals
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These shiny butterflies fluttered across the rear of many ’90s sedans, especially ones with air fresheners hanging inside. They added a personal touch, often seen in pastel or glittery finishes. Over time, they lost their charm and popularity.
9. Punny Bumper Stickers
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Stickers like “My Other Car Is a Broom” or “Powered by Caffeine” were staples at novelty stores. Drivers loved a good pun to make someone laugh at a red light. Now, humor has shifted to custom license plates or social media bios.
10. Chrome Skull Decals
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Whether you were into heavy metal or just liked the look, skulls made cars feel edgier. Some had red jewel eyes or biker-style helmets. Today’s decals lean more digital and less death metal.
11. Graffiti-Style Name Tags
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Custom shops let you tag your car with your name in bold, spray-paint-inspired fonts. It felt urban, creative, and just a little rebellious. The trend faded as car wraps and subtler personalization took over.
12. Sports Team Logo Decals
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Whether it was a giant Dallas Cowboys star or a Chicago Bulls logo, fans proudly repped their teams on car windows. Some even coordinated their car color with team colors. Now, most fans opt for smaller, more subtle nods.
13. Barbed Wire Border Decals
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These intimidating border graphics ran along windows or bumpers, trying to give the car a “don’t mess with me” vibe. They were popular among younger drivers in lifted trucks. The look eventually felt too aggressive and lost traction.
14. Cartoon Eyes on Headlights
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Some car owners added giant vinyl eyes to their headlights, giving their cars a cartoonish personality. It was goofy, playful, and often inspired by movies like Cars. The novelty wore off fast, especially for daily drivers.
15. “If You Can Read This…” Mudflap Decals
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These warning-style decals read things like “If You Can Read This, You’re Too Close.” They were popular on trucks and SUVs for years. Today, rear sensors and backup cams do the talking.