Stripe kit install?? Help!

Q

qwkpony

New Member

Oct 20, 2007

3

0

0

Nov 13, 2007

#1

• Nov 13, 2007

• #1

We tried to have a local graphics shop install 10" stipes on my wifes new vapor silver GT. First they claimed they didn't need a kit since they cut their own graphics. They tried that and couldn't get the the front or rear bumper kits to line up due to the contour so they told me to go ahead and get the kit from Baltimore Street Mods which I wanted to get in the first place. I got the kit and they tried it. They obviously didn't know what they were doing! uneven spaces on the stripes, bubbles, etc. We made them take them off. It looks like I will have to do it myself. I have installed graphics on several of my boats but never on a car with several panels. For those who have installed their own stripes....How hard was it? What tips can you give? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

tom281

New Member

Jun 25, 2005

253

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0

NE Indiana

Nov 13, 2007

#2

• Nov 13, 2007

• #2

Did my own, first time vinyl virgin, last year.......

1) Patience. Plan on parking the car for a couple of days, not hours. If you rush, you'll either mess up or end up ruining some of the material.

2) Use the right tools..... get a soft sqeegee, application fluid, etc.

3) Have an extra set of hands available........

4) Patience.

5) Patience.

 

onebad95

Sherriff of Bling King County

Jul 22, 2002

1,237

0

37

At the end of the track waiting for you !!

Nov 13, 2007

#3

• Nov 13, 2007

• #3

I helped do mine. I agree, it takes patience. Also, when you are done park it in the sun. You might get a few bubbles, but mine laid down after a day or 2 in the sun. Good Luck.

 

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LuckyFlyinROUSH

New Member

Aug 23, 2007

12

0

0

Kansas City

Nov 13, 2007

#4

• Nov 13, 2007

• #4

The guy that did mine was in my garage for 13 hours straight, and he has done these things alot, so plan on standing over your car in the garage for a while.

 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount

Aug 31, 2006

1,679

2

38

Central VA

Nov 13, 2007

#5

• Nov 13, 2007

• #5

tom281 said:

Did my own, first time vinyl virgin, last year.......

1) Patience. Plan on parking the car for a couple of days, not hours. If you rush, you'll either mess up or end up ruining some of the material.

2) Use the right tools..... get a soft sqeegee, application fluid, etc.

3) Have an extra set of hands available........

4) Patience.

5) Patience.

Click to expand...

+100%!!!!!
I did my own rocker stripes this spring...by myself. I used some masking tape since I didn't have the extra set of hands. This was also my first time applying vinyl. I read numerous sites on the net for pointers. I took about 3 hours start to finish and I only had 1 mishap. On the passenger door, the top stripe somehow got kinked so I had to slit it. The other 2 stripes were fine. I know it's there, but from 10 feet it's barely noticeable. Good luck and post of the picswhen done

 

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ranger04

New Member

Jul 28, 2007

245

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0

Nov 13, 2007

#6

• Nov 13, 2007

• #6

I think painting them on would be the easiest and longest lasting.

 

beecha91

Founding Member

Sep 18, 2001

751

1

17

Bartlett, IL (Near Chicago)

Nov 13, 2007

#7

• Nov 13, 2007

• #7

Mine were installed at the ford dealer, and had mad bubbles and gaps when I first was looking at the car. After I bought it, I had to bring it back and they fixed about 99% of the errors in the stripes. Still have a few slight bubbles on the back most bumper. It was a 100% when I picked it up the second time, but the day during the summer when I had to it was storming BAD, and real humid. Took me over an hour to get home too which didnt help. So after I got home it mad the bubbles reappear. Doh

 

Q

qwkpony

New Member

Oct 20, 2007

3

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0

Nov 13, 2007

#8

• Nov 13, 2007

• #8

Thanks for the input. I recognize that this is going to take a while. I just don't think the shops really care about the level of perfection in laying the stripes out. They just want to get them on. Anyway, I plan on putting a 2" strip of painters tape from the front to the rear along the centerline to give a guide to assure even placement of the stripes. I know the front and rear bumpers are the real challenge due to the contours. I have been given advise to carefully use a hair dryer to get the contours to fit just right. I sure hope this works! Any other real world experience and tips are greatly appreciated!

 

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ranger04

New Member

Jul 28, 2007

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Nov 16, 2007

#9

• Nov 16, 2007

• #9

I've found that sticking the air bubles with a needle helps get them out.