Graphic installation

Inverted

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Hi Mike

i have a 2020 Ford Raptor and I will be installing OEM bedside decals (as attached). 2 questions :

1. What should I use to prep the area to remove wax etc ?

2. These graphics are $650/pair and I’m really trying to ensure I do this right. Does a spray bottle with a soapy mix still the recommended way to install these ? I am considering having a local sign shop do the install ..


thanks
 
I have received a quote of $375 to install these. Holy hell, it can’t take more than an hour to do. That’s a hell of a rate
 
Yep. You are paying for the skill to do it and covered if they mess it up. Which is highly doubt full. IDK. If you attempt it yourself and botch it, that is a costly lesson.

Years ago on my 82 Trans Am, i had the full decal package for the hood etc. No way i was going to attempt that install. Took it to a vinyl sign shop. DONE.
 
Yeap. That being said , trying to get some other quotes
 
Vinyl installers usually prep with Isopropyl Alcohol. If you wanted to go all out, you could do the water based degreaser (For a one off just use Sprayway glass cleaner.) followed by a solvent degreaser first (Something like Prep-all) like auto painters use.
 
Hi Inverted,


From the time stamp, looks like you posted this,

03-27-2021, 05:36 PM - which would be Saturday at 5:36pm and by then I was done for the day. So apologies for the late reply but if I work 7 days a week I'll end up divorced. :bolt:


Just don't want anyone thinking I'm slacking off. :D




Hi Mike

i have a 2020 Ford Raptor and I will be installing OEM bedside decals (as attached). 2 questions :

1. What should I use to prep the area to remove wax etc ?

2. These graphics are $650/pair and I’m really trying to ensure I do this right. Does a spray bottle with a soapy mix still the recommended way to install these ? I am considering having a local sign shop do the install ..


thanks




If it were me?

I would machine polish to make the paint perfect.

Then use a quality panel wipe to strip the paint.

I'm not a huge fan of IPA. It doesn't wipe good. It's CHEAP and can be purchased damn near anywhere and this is my guess as to why so many people use it. My favorite panel wipe at this moment in time is the 3D Wipe. Good stuff.


As for doing the install yourself? It's not that hard if you take your time. That said, I find getting the placement perfect to be challenging. I'm good at a lot of things but perfectly installing graphics is not one of them.


My friend Jay on the other hand is really talented in this area. Here's a FULL PHOTO DOCUMENTATION of Jay at work.

From the year 2012


1999 Trans Am Extreme Makeover - Testing M101 Foam Cut Compound




Jay heating the vinyl graphics up using a simple Conair Hair Blow Dryer...

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_046.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_047.jpg





Here's Ken and I using a Heat Gun, when using a Heat Gun instead of a hair dryer you really need to be careful that you don't get the paint itself too hot...

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_048.jpg





New graphics going on... this was hours later after we meticulously buffed the hood to remove most of the Ghosting and all of the adhesive residue...

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_049.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_050.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_051.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_052.jpg





Here you can see that we removed the rear spoiler in order to apply the racing stripes to the deck lid...

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_053.jpg





After putting he racing stripes on the spoiler we're not re-attaching it...

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_054.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_055.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_057.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_058.jpg





Jay installing all the lettering...

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_059.jpg




Windshield graphics going on....

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_060.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_061.jpg




Came out PERFECT

1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_006.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_007.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_008.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_009.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_004.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_004.jpg


1999_Trans_Am_M101_Finished_019.jpg




Definitely something to be said for those that have a talent for this type of craft.



:buffing:























:)
 
Thank you Mike! Great pics. That’s the anniversary Trans Am if I remember correctly. My high school wet dream. I have decided to set up an appointment with a local sign company for the install. My truck is a raptor, the graphics were $700 and I don’t want to take the chance !
 
I have decided to set up an appointment with a local sign company for the install.

My truck is a raptor, the graphics were $700 and I don’t want to take the chance !


I feel you man....


I've only detailed on Ford Raptor and there's a part of me that never wants to do it again.

Lots of real-estate. Lots of exterior plastic. Enough graphics to go - Ugh...


BUT - damn cool trucks!


:cheers:
 
I've only detailed on Ford Raptor and there's a part of me that never wants to do it again.

Lots of real-estate. Lots of exterior plastic. Enough graphics to go - Ugh...


BUT - damn cool trucks!



My wife would agree with you!


:D
 
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