Vinyl Stripes, satin/flat black, how wide, JoeBob?
 

I've got a bright red turbo miata. I had a black miata before this one. I've always thought that the miatas looked cute with racing stripes. I changed my top to tan on the last car, so I didn't add stripes, but I think the current car lends itself perfectly to a couple of stripes. I've got flat/satin black wheels on my car.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283996773.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1308622351.jpg

Does vinyl come in a satin or flat finish? How does it hold up to the weather? Should I just go with the normal finish?

Here's a picture of someone that has basically the same car, and did what I want to do, but, IMO, didn't get it quite right.


http://www.mazda-speed.com/albums/al...ipes_front.jpg

http://www.mazda-speed.com/albums/al...ripes_rear.jpg


I think the stripes are too far apart, and maybe not quite wide enough.

These look good.

http://www.mazda-speed.com/albums/al...tripes_004.jpg

http://www.sunriders.com/kevin/race/Willie2.jpg

This might even work
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0088_large.jpg

So, what say you?

And how hard is this sort of thing to do and get straight and true so it doesn't look like I had a bum apply it.

I like one thick stripe down the middle flanked on either side by thin stripes.

Mine are painted on along with the numbers.
almost 12 inches wide

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4939506_n.jpg

Make tiny reference marks in pencil when setting the stripes.


KT

Methinks it's totally subjective, doesn't matter what anyone thinks looks good except you.

Many moons ago had a red '59 bugeye, bought a 4" or however wide roll of white vinyl tape and applied two stripes in no time.

I was happy with the first effort, could have peeled it off and redone it very easily if I hadn't been.

Easy peasey, wouldn't even consider paying someone to do it for me.

I bet that thing is a hoot to drive!!

Saw a beautiful 914 at the parade in Savannah that had flat black stripes the exact width of each headlight going all the way back..it looked fantastic.

I think a silver stripe would enhance your car more than black would. To each his own.

Flat black us available, stripe width is subjective. Application.... Depends on how patient you are. I'll check our charts later and tell you what is available in flat black

http://i28.tinypic.com/f8dwg.jpg

Flat and satin are available. Apply with soapy water and you can "adjust" mistakes. Using a crayon to mark your guide spots, helps....

I was thinking that if applying 2 wide stripes with a gap, I could put a strip of blue painters tape down the middle of the car and then but the stripes up against that. It would assure a uniform gap all of the way down, and that tape is available in several widths up to at least 3".

Joe, how do the flat and satin hold up to being waxed? Does the wax get in the texture and make them hazy?

Paste wax will get trapped on the edges....

You would want to avoid waxing the vinyl.


Also, you need to use wax/grease remover several times before applying the vinyl if you want it to last.


Make sure the vinyl you get is the top grade in whatever brand. The cheaper vinyl will curl and crack with age.

I was thinking that if I decide to do it, I'd contact our favorite vinyl guy, that NBD guy. If I couldn't source the stuff from him, he could at least tell me the best stuff to use. ;)

Clear wax, avoid waxing the vinyl...I prefer to use 3m vinyl.....I can set you up. Click on this link for color choices.

http://www.aerographics.com/images/colors.pdf

Let me know how much you are needing.... My folks have been in the business 20yrs.... I looked at the charts, several manufacturers make a flat black that we can get.

I say flat black, wide stripe flanked by two thin ones, what color for a grey car though?
Mr Parrish, something like this
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1312391933.jpg

Well, the Titanium cars are a slightly darker gray, aren't they. Are they dark enough for a light silver. I think probably not, but figured I'd ask. If it's not that gray, then a dark gray or charcoal.

You may also want to peruse Fez's (he's a Houston Miata.net guy, I think the head of the Houston Miata club too) stripe gallery. He has them sorted into paint colors. Here's his silver/gray gallery.

Feztastic