Adding Black Vinyl Stripes

[SilverSH0]

After having my car sitting all winter I've decided it needs some customization to make it stand out. One of the first cars I found as I was searching was bpd1151's white SHO. I've always liked the black accents so one of the first things I did was copy him and paint the fender vents black/silver and they look great.

Looking for something a little more to make it stand out I started looking for vinyl stripes. No one seems to make what I want so I decided to jump into vinyl for the first time. I went online and ordered some black 3M vinyl. Then I borrowed my buddies vinyl cutter and started cutting.

I got them cut and when to the store to buy some vinyl transfer paper. Applied that to the front and was left with the following.

Then I washed the car, clay bared it, and then cleaned with IPA to make sure I was down to good clean paint. Using my laser level and some tape I applied a straight line where I wanted the bottom of the stripes.

After that I had some learning experience on vinyl application. The first was that the vinyl and the transfer paper didn't play well together. This vinyl wasn't like window tint where you apply water, move it around, and then squeegee it into place. It has an adhesive that apparently allows you to move it slightly until you press it firmly. However, the transfer paper is very sticky and would instantly stick to anything. Bottom line, I screwed up beyond repair the vinyl for the driver's door. So now new vinyl is on order and hopefully I'll have it by this weekend.

On the passenger side I did things a bit different. The transfer paper was there to hold everything in place and keep the stripes evenly spaced. But due to how sticky the paper is that wasn't working. So cut the stripes into 3 separate pieces and did them individually. Stopped for lunch after finishing the front door and starting just in front. I'm hoping to get the passenger side done today and get the driver's side done this weekend.

Overall it hasn't been too bad at all. I originally liked the lettering but as I look at the picture I'm not so sure. It almost looks to small/thin. I might pull that off and cut something more bold when the new vinyl comes in.

*EDIT*
Completed the passenger side. Here's the final product.

 

[SHOdded]

A lot of work, and nicely executed!

Agreed, thicker lettering would look better. Maybe even just letters cut out on the black vinyl?

 

[TDS-MN]

I too like the stripe to break up the expanse of the door, but think your font choice was a little thin. And maybe a little rake to the font?

 

[SilverSH0]

I too like the stripe to break up the expanse of the door, but think your font choice was a little thin. And maybe a little rake to the font?

Yeah, I'm cutting new letters this week, something thicker.

As for the rake, I'm positive there's none. From the black piece on the bottom up to the first stripe is 3 1/4". That was measured multiple times at each transition when setting up the laser. Then I cut some spacers to make sure the distance between the stripes stayed the same. It does look a bit off in the picture but I'm positive it's flat.

 

[mval]

i'd seen someone else do what you & liked it as well & thicker SHO letters would look better. & got a guy in town who could do them. but have had SHO on back quarters since a week after i got her & thought would be a little too much. but almost makes me want to take the back quarter off, but since there for almost 6 years hard to think of it without them. but anyway well done.

 

[SilverSH0]

Got around to changing the lettering today. I like the thicker lettering much better.

 

[365SHO]

that looks bad ass. I have the pearl white non PP and those would look killer on my 14. excellent job. Let us know how the hold up in the weather & elements.Maybe some sales in the near future? Keep us in mind I would be interested in buying a set from you.

 

[SilverSH0]

that looks bad ass. I have the pearl white non PP and those would look killer on my 14. excellent job. Let us know how the hold up in the weather & elements.Maybe some sales in the near future? Keep us in mind I would be interested in buying a set from you.

I'm not sure how much weather and elements I'll get as I pretty much only drive my car in nice weather so it never sees rain/snow/wet roads. But I have confidence it will hold up to washing.

I used 3M 1080 series vinyl. For this type of vinyl it's supposed to be applied dry (so no spraying with soap/water and squeegee dry). For this reason I found it easier to apply each stripe individually as opposed to all 3 stripes at once because the transfer paper would stick to the car and make it nearly impossible to make everything square and level. I have no issues cutting vinyl for whoever wants. You can choose the type of vinyl you want and I'll be happy to cut it for you. I just want it known that I didn't use transfer paper as is normally used on muli-piece vinyl decals.