[CanadianCamaro]

I'm no body shop guy but I spoke with 2 body shop managers here that I know are reputable and both of them said the same thing. That if you have the stripes painted on you will feel the edges even once clear coated. The only way to eliminate this would be to do several clear coats (one estimated 4-5, the other estimated 5-6 min) which of course adds more cost. And if you're going to match the size/location of the OE stripes them it's more than just the hood and trunk that needs to be cleared. The entire from facia (all one piece) would need to be as well. Long story short, the cost starts to add up real quick.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have my stripes painted. But I also know that the OE quality vinyl is a lot better than most aftermarket and should last a while. Plus, given that they are dealer or factory installed options, they'll be covered under warranty. If you have a 3rd party body shop shoot stripes on your baby they won't be warrantied, and GM probably wouldn't warranty the finish on those body panels.

I look at it this way, get the vinyl stripes for now. If you don't like them you can take them off. If they don't last you can take them off and either replace them with the same or have painted stripes put on. That way they are also on the LPO code / option list that comes with the car (more value from a collector standpoint). But, if you want custom colour stripes, get 'em painted. Just my $0.02.