2nd Gen R55 Clubman Attempting a DIY Vinyl Stripe Install

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by HurricaneDave, Oct 24, 2012.

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  1. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #1 HurricaneDave, Oct 24, 2012
    Vinyl is in the mail and should be in my hands by Friday! Ordered some 3M 1080 Matte Black Vinyl Car Wrap 4ft X 5ft. Going to attempt to cut my own "Sport Stripes" from bumper to bumper including top and sunroof glass as well as a pair of side stripes. I will be using the Dry Install method for this in an enclosed warehouse.

    Any tips or tricks from those of you with experience would be greatly appreciated!

    Will update this thread with pictures of progress as they come!

    Hurricane Dave
     
  2. Boxman

    Boxman New Member

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    #2 Boxman, Oct 24, 2012
    Good luck. I'll stay posted on this thread because I think I have some similar plans lol
     
  3. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    #3 Justa Jim, Oct 24, 2012
    If you are cutting the stripes individually and applying each one as a separate piece, I would recommend you use the wet method. Easy to get the bubbles out and you can move them around to be sure you have the proper spacing. I know many will disagree, but the work I just finished on my car went nicely wet. Just my 2 cents.

    Jim
     
  4. Mini562

    Mini562 New Member

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    #4 Mini562, Oct 24, 2012
    +1 on the wet method. Squeegee the water out once you have it in position and use hair dryer to help set it. I use an old credit card wrapped with self adhesive Velcro. I folded and stuck the fuzzy side to the card and use it to squeegee but you can also use a clean rag folded tightly also.
     
  5. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #5 HurricaneDave, Oct 24, 2012
    Thanks a lot for the info Jim! I have worked vinyl wet and always had issues with dust and dirt getting under the vinyl. Being out in the Nevada desert doesn't help that issue at all so I decided to go with the dry application this time. Not to mention 3M recommends a dry application with their 1080 series vinyl. We'll see how it goes and compare notes!
     
  6. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    #6 Justa Jim, Oct 24, 2012
    Just one question. If you have a problem with dust and getting dirt under the vinyl, then how will doing it "dry" change that? Just asking.

    Jim
     
  7. Mini562

    Mini562 New Member

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    #7 Mini562, Oct 25, 2012
    I just wrapped parts of my car with 3m carbon and I live 1 block from the beach .. Lots of sand blows here.. I had no problems with wet method and I did it in the alley.. You can always sweep or rinse down a large area in and around your work area to combat dust. Wetting the floor down can also help when painting or plasti dip spraying.
     
  8. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

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    #8 N2MINI, Oct 25, 2012
    Most of the dirt is trapped under all the trim work. Once you start getting it wet under there it just keeps coming out. Granted if you are cutting your stripes short of the trim it shouldn't matter, but I usually tuck it under there so you don't get any peeling of the corners in the years to come..
     
  9. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #9 HurricaneDave, Oct 25, 2012
    I have had the same issues as N2MINI. The problem with the wet application is spraying around the trim seams the fine dust and dirt tends to come back out with the soapy water. No matter how well I cleaned the vehicle I always had some particles big enough to show through the vinyl. My hope is by doing it dry I will be able to get the surface completely clean before laying the vinyl on and the only dust/dirt should be under the seams themselves and not visible.

    Hope this makes sense to you guys, it does in my head lol!
     
  10. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    #10 Jason Montague, Oct 25, 2012
    :cornut: All the luck to you. I REALLY hope that all goes well!:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  11. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    #11 oldvet53, Oct 26, 2012
    I plan to do a pair of racing stripes on the Bonnet and Boot as the top is Black and White Checker Board but will have a company localy here that does body wraps and will do Black and White Checker Board to match the top.
     
  12. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #12 HurricaneDave, Oct 26, 2012
    That sounds awesome OldVet53! Would love to see pictures when it gets done!

    Update: All materials came in today! I have a parade with Sierra Nevada MINIS tomorrow morning... Should I stay up all night and attempt to get this done before the parade...? Tempting... We'll see what time I get off and how cold it get's tonight. Still need to strip the wax off of the MINI, prep the paint, cut all of the vinyl out of my 4'x5' sheet. Might wait until Sunday to actually lay the vinyl down. Updates and pictures of process to come!
     
  13. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #13 HurricaneDave, Oct 26, 2012
    Opinions please! This is a 4 1/2" pair of matte black stripes with a 3" spacing. What do you guys think? Just trying to get my design and cut-sheet all drawn up before I break out the knife! :Thumbsup:
     

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  14. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

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    #14 N2MINI, Oct 27, 2012
    For me I like them wider. but that is a personal preference. Up to you. If you like it, that is all that matters...
     
  15. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    #15 Jason Montague, Oct 27, 2012
    :cornut: Looks good to me.:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  16. ClASSI COVE

    ClASSI COVE New Member

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    #16 ClASSI COVE, Oct 27, 2012
    3M 1080 series vinyl

    We use this vinyl for all our graphic kits. it is a dry application and the carbon fibers are easier to apply than the gloss. They both have the air release technology. A squeegee with a felt edge works best. Hold slight tension on the vinyl and work any trapped air to the edge. You can re-lift the vinyl also and try again. If you ever get tired of the stripes take a look at ClassiCove Decal. We offer our graphic kits in 30 colors and 3 carbon fibers.
     

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  17. 05r50

    05r50 Well-Known Member

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    #17 05r50, Oct 27, 2012
    I am more accustomed to wider spacing, but it is unique.
     
  18. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #18 HurricaneDave, Oct 28, 2012
    Update: Here is where I am before I lost too much sunlight. Warehouse fell through at the last minute, of course, lol. Still have the back doors and side stripes to install. Having major issues getting the rear wipers to come off. The plastic cap will not budge. Any ideas?

    Time invested:
    2 hours cutting
    3 hours applying (including learning curve for dry install)

    5 hours invested so far!

    And yes I do know that one of the pieces is a little crooked. That will be fixed once the rest of the vehicle is done. :Thumbsup:
     

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  19. HurricaneDave

    HurricaneDave New Member

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    #19 HurricaneDave, Oct 31, 2012
    Update:
    Side Stripes and Grill Surrounds done. Still have the barn doors but cannot get the D%#$ wipers off!!!
     

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