I'm reading about all this stuff right now actually in an extremely boring Art Law book. Ever have trouble sleeping? Read this little gem!
The bottom line is that if you commission the artist, you own the art. The client can do whatever you want with it. The artist has no right to royalties for tshirts or prints produced by the client unless it is laid out and agreed upon in writing.
From what I understand, our signature doesn't have to stay on the piece but I also don't know too many people that were so disappointed in the art that they feel it's necessary to remove it as long as it's tastefully and subtly placed. Beyond that, as the artist, I reserve the right to use the art as a portfolio piece and I always ask permission from the client before I post it on my website. I also give credit to the builder and/or owner if applicable.
This is a completely separate issue from credit for a design. Manufacturers get the credit for the design of the vehicle they produced. There is nothing I can do as a designer or artist to protect my design of modifications to a manufacturer's vehicle. I can protect the original "likeness" or artwork though. "Credit" for a modified vehicle has less of a legal meaning and more of an understood recognition of the work.
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