side decal install final advice request

[azhodge]

got my decals. the one pic is the nice job someone did on theirs. I am looking for some final advice, as tomorrow I step off the cliff and install. I cleaned the surface. I have marked 10c from the front door edge where the C should start (I think), I guess on the other door the "a" should also start 10mm out...also 50mm from the door edge in seven places to try to get the decal straight. I watched the youtube someone recommended in another thread showing a mustang install. got a spray bottle that I will put one drop (I think) of soap in with water. purchased a blue squeegee used for this purpose. Have a hot air gun for the corners. and door edges. front door edge looks scary tight??? I am on my own with no extra help. sage advice from those who have gone before me would be appreciated. also anyone know why I cannot get that picture straight even when pre rotated?

[JRSIII]

Hodge...I did this recently. It can be done if you are very, very patient. My tips are as follows...

1. Cut off all excess material along the bottom edge immediately below the graphic as close to the graphic as you can without cutting into the graphic. Now set this lower edge at your 50mm mark and tape the top in a few locations.
2. Step back and look. Is it where you want it?
3. On one side or the other, I found it necessary to adjust forward or backward to make sure that the graphic overlapped the door cracks by a minimum of 1/4". You don't want one of the "points" of the lettering to end in a crack.
4. Step back and look again. Does it look level? I found it was better to level off of the rubber rocker panel strip than the door bottom, as this is straighter.
5. Step back and look again. You only get one chance.
6. Once you have it where you want it, run a continuous strip of tape along the top surface of the cover sheet, 1/2 on and 1/2 off. This will create a "hinge".
7. Now here's the tip that will save a ton of aggravation but is also nerve racking. There are a bunch of places where the graphic is blank. Where there is no vinyl. You can cut vertically from bottom up to the hinge, allowing you to work in 1' or so sections. You just must make absolutely sure you don't disturb the top tape "hinge" or you mess up alignment.
8. Working in these divided sections, spray a little of you soap/water in the area, and give it a wipe with your hand. If there's too much liquid the graphic won't stick.
9. Reach up under the hinged portion and peel off the backing. Gently caress it down from top to bottom and go over with squeegee.
10. SLOWLY begin peeling off the cover sheet in the section you're working in. There WILL be little corners that want to come up with the cover and not stick. Very gently peel these and stick the by hand. You'll get the hang of it.
11. Repeat for all sections.

Feel free to PM me if you need clarification.

[azhodge]

I notice on the attached picture, that person ran the graphic around the edge into the wheel. but I have seen others that cut it and stop at the wheel well edge. what did you decide to do. thanks

[JRSIII]

I wrapped it into the 1/2" or so flat surface on in the wheel well and used a razor blade to cut it off along the inside edge. Also, along the two door seams, where graphic overlaps, you'll want to carefully use a razor blade to cut down the middle and wrap it around the door and jambs. Only about 1/8" of material but it will stick.

[Joe Bob]

Inside the wheel well can be problematic in wet or snowy areas. They can start to peel easily when hit with caustic solutions at high velocity. I usually recommend trimming at the edge of the wheel well.

[tirwin]

azhodge,

Curiosity question. I'm thinking we've met a few weeks ago from your username. Do you have the black Mach 1 and the "can"?

[azhodge]

Sorry no, but enjoying twenty four years with my 88 Carrera.

[tirwin]

No worries. Love the wheels on your car BTW. The guy I met had the last name Hodge so I thought you might be him. Hope to see you around at C&O, PCA or other events sometime.

[azhodge]

Unfortunately the top pic in the original thread is not my car, I used it as an example of what I was trying to attain. someone else's nice ride. sorry if it misled. the application went great today. left side forty minutes, right side twenty five. I appreciate the advice. forewarned was forearmed. I am a very happy Guy. Talk about bang for the buck.

[dcarlson]

don't; though of course it does come down your personal preference.

[tirwin]

Nice job! I still like your wheels.

[drola]

thanks for sharing this. i have a 74 carrera i need to put script on and this will definitely make it easier

[azhodge]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXCmTtdFvcI
this and JRSIII advice on measurement triple checking did it for me..

[fastdiablo]

@azhodge, any chance you can post a few more pics of your car from a distance? i'm about to do this on my 88 and want to get a gauge of how high to install above the rockers. thanks