Carrera Decal Question

JonT · 02-18-2003, 09:57 AM

I'm about to purchase some "Carrera" decals for the side/rear of my 911. Are there any do's and don'ts involved here? Also, any tips for installing and maintenance would be appreciated. Thanks

Jon

jpachard · 02-18-2003, 10:52 AM

Jon,
These are very long decals to install so I'll give you a few pointers that helped me.

1. Get a second pair of hands, a soft plastic decal or bondo tool, windex and an exacto blade.
2. Do this in a VERY clean place( no wind if you're doing it outdoors.
3. Clean and wax the car prior to decal install.
4. Make a mark that you can see each end of where the decal will go and in the middle, more if you like. This way, you have something to go by when you are close to the car to get it lined up correctly. I put one 1.5" above my bottom trim in three places using a grease pencil.

5. Soak the car in the area where you are going to apply the decal with windex. I also soak the backing paper on the decal to soften it up a bit. This makes the removal of the backing paper a bit easier since it isn't as stiff. It also helps the decals come off the backing a bit easier. There are many small features in this decal you don't want left behind on the backing paper.
6. Remove the front paper(thicker stuff) to expose the decal and wet that down with windex as well.
7. Apply decal working from one end to the other(this is where your helper comes in to keep the decal of the ground while it's exposed to the elements).
8. Once you are happy with the position( you will be able to move the decal slightly with all the windex between it and the car) start sqweezing the liquid out with the decal tool.
9. Once you have done this over the whole length, remove the backing paper by folding it over onto itself and peeling it back SLOWLY. If you fold it back on itself it helps the decal to come off the backing paper easier.
10. Once you have removed the backing paper, go back over the decal with the tool and a paper towel to remove any more bubbles etc. you might have missed. If you have a really persistant one you can take a pin to the bubble and pop it to remove the liquid.
11. Still with me!!!

You're almost done!!
12. next take an exacto blade or razor and cut out the bits that are holding your door shut. make the cut in the middle so you can fold the excess around the door so you don't see it. This will leave a nice clean look.
13. Stand back and admire, crack open a beverage of choice and e-mail some pics!!!

If you have any further questions, please post away. I know I might have made this sound difficult but just take your time and do it slowly.

Cheers, James

cyprusx · 05-05-2004, 06:56 PM

I am about to install my script this weekend. I am curious as to whether windex would be better to use over soapy water. What are your thoughts on this?

geof33 · 05-05-2004, 07:38 PM

Only one issue with the above post... Make sure the area is clean and be sure to REMOVE wax from the decal area. Use a good car painters wax remover. If you do it over wax, the bond won't be to the paint it will be to the wax and you'll eventually have problems.

Other than that it's just as stated above. Good two brew job...

Eric Coffey · 05-05-2004, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cyprusx
I am about to install my script this weekend. I am curious as to whether windex would be better to use over soapy water. What are your thoughts on this?

Yep, soapy water does the trick. I believe the vinyl graphics guys use soapy water with a bit of isopropyl alcohol added to help drying/evaporation. I could be wrong, but windex (or anything with amonia) might not be the best to use. I think it has something to do with how amonia reacts to the adheasive.

Oh, and as Geof33 mentioned, remove all wax (Prepsol, Acryli-clean, etc) beforehand.

geof33 · 05-05-2004, 09:30 PM

Eric is correct... soapy water with alcohol. There is a thread out there somewhere. I can't seem to find it.

Use LOTS of water and get a semi-soft rubber sqweegie for the air bubbles. And be patient. If you have two people that would be good, but you can do it by yourself. And make sure the knife you use has a NEW blade. It must be very sharp.

cyprusx · 05-06-2004, 04:36 PM

Great... I'll post my results as I am sure JonT will when he takles the job... JonT, I bought my decals at the following site. $34 isn't bad... http://www.928porsche.net/default.tpl?cart=1273322992941759&id1=11&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=11&--SECTIONSword=ww

JonT · 05-06-2004, 08:00 PM

Hey Rick--funny to see this post resurface over a year after I originally posted it. I didn't do a very good job following up! Anyway I put the decal on by myself using a low tack masking tape at the top of the decal to create a 'hinge' for the decal to swing on. I made measurements to make sure the decal was centered horizontally and veritically and installed it dry (with no soapy water or cleaner). The surface of the paint was clean however. I peeled off one layer of the decal and positioned it on the car then rubbed with my fingers and a plastic spatula over the letters and slowly peeled off the 2nd layer. I popped the bubbles that I couldnt press out with an exacto knife. The 2nd side goes on much better after the first side is completed and you get a feel for how it works. Here is a pic. Good luck!

cyprusx · 05-18-2004, 02:26 PM

Thanks Jon... I installed exactly they way you described and it turned out ok. Not the best job as I had bubbles here and there but you really can't tell unless you put your nose right up to it. As soon as these wear I will hopefully do a better job next time. Its all a learning experience but I do really like the results!!!

88911coupe · 05-18-2004, 02:36 PM

I have always thought the Carrera script looked very cool but had never seen it on a newer car. I may look into it on my 88 but what do you do about the gravel guards? Do they have to come off and then be replaced?

Eric Coffey · 05-18-2004, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 88911coupe
I have always thought the Carrera script looked very cool but had never seen it on a newer car. I may look into it on my 88 but what do you do about the gravel guards? Do they have to come off and then be replaced?

I would take them off and leave them off if going with the Carrera side script. It just doesn't look right with the guards and script together IMO. If you want to keep them, I would just leave them on, and carefully cut the vinyl where it meets the guards. YMMV.