Raleigh, North Carolina -
Muffler Man

Muffler Man

Two hours! That's how long it took us to find this guy -- unless we're both blind, it cannot be seen from the two highways mentioned, at least in summer. And, although the directions of "off of highway" are true, it's finding an exit that takes you there that's the problem. We were not familiar with the area, and maybe that was the dilemma, but honestly, it is tucked away among giant piles of mulch and behind acres of dense foliage. The road is teeny in an industrial park.

Still, seeing his almost smiling puss made up for our direction deficiencies. (And no, we don't have GPS!) [Diane Plumley, 08/30/2011]

Muffler Man

The Bradsher Farms muffler man is up at his new digs. Great spot, too. He overlooks Gresham Lake and is visible from both I-540 and Capital Boulevard/Route 1. And he's been repainted back to the blue overalls and red shirt look from years ago.

He's on Overlook Road, off of Gresham Lake Road, just north of the intersection of I-540 and Capital Boulevard. [Dean Jeffrey, 01/24/2008]

Muffler Man - Moving

The muffler man north of Raleigh is slated to be moved to make way for development of the farm land he stands on. The "Giant Decorator," as he's been known in careers past, has stood in a regularly cultivated field for a number of years, promoting Bradsher Farms sand and soil business .

Now that the property -- some 260 acres -- has been sold out from under the big guy for housing and business development, he will move elsewhere with the owner... [Roadsideamerica.com Team, 06/29/2006]

Muffler Man another makeover!

It must be the "Queer Eye" makeover fad taking over. This muffler man, on 401 in Raleigh, is once again redone with a new spring look. All earth tone clothing with a classic blue cap. It's great to see he has a family looking out for him. [Dave, 06/23/2004]

Raleigh Muffler Man-The Definitive History

There seems to be a little confusion about the history of the Raleigh Muffler Man. While he currently stands in a sod field at Bradsher Farms, some folks say he used to stand out in front of Giant Decorator on Downtown (now Capital) Boulevard. Some, according to the tracking chart, say he was the muffler man on the roof at Giant Builders. Still others say he was both. So when I was out at the turf farm recently, I decided to get the real story straight from Mr. and Mrs. Bradsher. Turns out the Big Man IS the same guy that was out in front of Giant Decorator, but he's never done duty anywhere else. Mr. Bradsher said that he bought the big guy from Giant Decorator in the early 80's and that Giant Decorator had bought him directly from the manufacturer. In fact, Mr. Bradsher said he remembered watching the statue being uncrated and assembled (he was shipped in pieces) at Giant Decorator.

When the Big Man was first put up in Bradsher's field, he held a sign advertising what produce was currently for sale at the farm. That practice ran afoul of a sign ordinance, and now, according to Mr. Bradsher, "he's just art." (And contrary to a previous tip, the Big Man has never been in any danger of being moved for I-540 construction. He's not even remotely close to the path of the new highway.) [Dean Jeffrey, 08/10/2003]