Installing your own stripe kits

[Roadhause]

So I just ordered a pair of side hood spears and side vent accents, but I have a hard time trusting myself to do any sort of application that I have a chance of f*cking up.

Just wondering about the difficulty level of applying these kinds of stripe kits for those of you that have done it before, or if its worth it for me to just pay someone else to do it.

Its not that I CANT do it, its that "what if I screw up" feeling.

[ShowSStopper]

My side stripes were a pain but I had a dealership install them. Took them about 5 minutes per side.

My rally stripes, on the other hand, were a massive PITA. I had them installed at the dealership I work at and it took the shop manager around 6 hours to get them properly installed. And by properly, I mean he got them looking PERFECT. And they were not the GM rallies but aftermarket and were a much thinner material.

Hood spears should be easier as you can use the cowl lines for reference.

My suggestion would be to use lots of soap and water so you can move it around until you get it where you want it. Then use a credit card to smooth out the water and get them pressed on.

Good luck!

[v6sonoma]

There are lots of video's on youtube to guide you. Main thing is take your time and keep them moist.

[dmginc]

get a spray bottle and fill it with water and 1 drop of dish washing soap (Dawn works great) and spray the area you are applying the vinyl to and you will be able to slide it around and even lift it back off if you need to. once it is where you want it press down and squeegee out the air bubbles. i have done this before, works great!

[Roadhause]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm starting to feel a bit more comfortable about it, but we'll see how ballsy I am when they get here!

[Scorpion]

It depends what type you bought. I installed the adhesive type on my 2011 RS easily, just using sight without measuring being sure surface is spotless and keeping it moist. Once in place, squeegee out water then remove backing. Just match the other side.
The ones (skinny side stripes and spears, gills) I Just received for my 2013 2LT RS can be moved, removed, replaced etc.
Check out Big Worm Motorsports for that type which is easier. They also have vids of installation. Great product.

[Earnhardtfan77]

I ordered some hood spears from mnp and they were good quality and low price. I tried to do them on Wednesday and messed one up. So I had to order another set. But I'm going to try adding a drop of dish soap this time like i seen someone suggest. I used lots of water but they were not sliding around like i wanted them to

[doubletap407]

I did spears and side stripes ! The drop of dawn is the key !

[Hollywood2010]

i always used a drop of ivory but i guess it dont matter which as long as you have some. the wetter the better

[Roadhause]

Have any of you had trouble with vinyl stripes peeling/wearing out harshly over time? I'm sure it happens, but if there are any "horror stories" I'd like to hear them

[DD#1138]

I did my hood spears. Took about 30 mins and the best part is with the wet application you can move it until it is perfect. Take your time and it will be easy.
Look on YouTube and the DIY section for tips. Maker sure the car is very clean before application. Goof-off worked well for me for taking away wax.

[Rcfiddy1]

no horror story but my stripes are looking pretty shabby after 2-3 years. The corner on one of the stripes flaked off while hand washing and a few spots where rocks hit them are gone. If you don't mind replacing vinyl stripes than its not a big deal. Now I can change it up a bit and get something different.

[Earnhardtfan77]

I did mine last night. A drop of dish soap is definitely the key.