applying grand sport stripes

[Black98Fivespeed]

Anyone have any tips? I really don't want to mess up these stripes. I'm thinking warming the vinyl with a hair dryer or removing the backing so I can stretch it and avoid bubbles and such on the curve of the fenders. I already facked up one set and ordered a replacement, but from what I saw, I think it's gonna look really good once I get the stripes done right.

[Bonemaro]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

I don't know about the warming it up part. When I do vinyl, I make sure the surface is cool, I'm not in direct sun and I apply a ton of soapy water to all surfaces. After careful placement, I squeegee the water off and smooth it all out. Then... I let it sit in the sun.

[Black98Fivespeed]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

Alright, I think I'll skip the hair dryer part then. I'll see if I can get the remaining stripes on right tomorrow and shoot some pics. Might do the front inserts as well (waiting to paint the berger panel before I do rear inserts)

[Bonemaro]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

Yeah... I would just keep the vinyl at room temp. I know it's probably pretty cold in Michigan right now. Ice cold vinyl can sometimes be problematic too.

[solocamaro95]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

the best way i have found to do stripes is to get them warm and the surface cool and take your time that is the best advice i can give you i did some stripes at our shop on an new Cummins Diesel. all i got to say is wow that sux one side way a bad shot but the passenger side was alot better when i slowed down. so take your time, do it in a controled place and get plenty of soappy water! good luck

[Shirl]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

You have to wet both surfaces with soapy water, apply, and then squeegee out!

[Black98Fivespeed]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

... how effective will soapy water be in 30 degree weather? I don't want it to freeze on contact like my QD spray was.

[Shirl]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

Probably not so good. You're not suppose to apply vinyl in such cold temps. You should wait til it's like in the 50's or warmer so that the heat from the sun can set the glue. Only other option, would be to apply them in a heated garage and let them set or use a heat gun.

[Sean_99_3.8]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

I would just wait for the spring or do it in a heated garage.
Also you will need to remove the wax and clean the surface.

[Black98Fivespeed]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

Ugh, not what I wanted to hear... so heat after all? I think I'll go for it again tomorrow, learn from my mistakes, and work over the stripes with a hair dryer after I get them set. Do you think that would be good enough? It will just kill me if I have to wait real long to get these things on now that I've seen how it looks.

[Blizzard242]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

Patience is a virtue. And it pays off. But do what you wish, heh its not my wallet.

[SilverRS96]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

its not that hard to do...takes all of 5 mins...its not brain surgery...put it where u want them and then stick em on

[Smoke Panther]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

its not that hard to do...takes all of 5 mins...its not brain surgery...put it where u want them and then stick em on

actually, the compound angles on the fender DO make it hard to do. If you just "put it where u want them and stick em on," I promise that you'll have a dozen seams and bubbles.

Do what the others said..wait till it's warmer, or find a warm place, and use soapy water and a squeegee

[SilverRS96]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

well then i must b god cuz i dont have any seams or bubbles on mine...if u put it on and b careful yes it will come out right...if ur careless it will come out like ****...

[Black98Fivespeed]

Re: applying grand sport stripes

I got the driver side on and it looks awesome! I'm so glad I went flat black, it looks like a phantom stripe, very subtle, but sets it apart from the rest. I'll try to get some pictures up pretty quick, but I'm not sure if you can really see them in any lol.