Vinyl Stripe Installation DIY? Or leave it to the pros? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

TSSUNAMI · 10-23-2012, 04:33 PM

I have a set of COPO style side stripes coming in the mail today. My question is how difficult would some of you more seasoned DIY'ers put this project for a total newbie?

These stripes go on the rear quarter fenders, don't cover any gaps or anything, it looks fairly straightforward. The hoodspears.... seem very easy.

I've read all the tips on how to prep, how to mix a wetting solution and to squeegee.

But any other advice? I'd like to save the 150-200 I've been quoted for an install if possible. However if you think this type of project would be best left to the pro's give me some input.

Thanks!

BowtieBelle · 10-23-2012, 04:36 PM

I installed my first set of hash marks myself. It just took patience. Sounds kinda pricey for an install... if I was you I'd try it myself but you gotta just weigh the pros vs the cons-- if you get it wrong you'll be out for another set of stripes PLUS install.

Good luck!

kjkjr27 · 10-23-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSSUNAMI

I have a set of COPO style side stripes coming in the mail today. My question is how difficult would some of you more seasoned DIY'ers put this project for a total newbie?

These stripes go on the rear quarter fenders, don't cover any gaps or anything, it looks fairly straightforward. The hoodspears.... seem very easy.

I've read all the tips on how to prep, how to mix a wetting solution and to squeegee.

But any other advice? I'd like to save the 150-200 I've been quoted for an install if possible. However if you think this type of project would be best left to the pro's give me some input.

Thanks!

Well considering I effed my recent vinyl install up haha I would say leave it to the pros. But it is always nice saving money and knowing you did something yourself when it comes out good. It really isn't that bad, just wet the spot ont he car and wet the vinly with soapy water and glide the vinyl into place. Then you just press it on and let it sit for awhile before removing the backing. (I think that is where I messed up)

AdamZ · 10-23-2012, 04:43 PM

I did all my vinyls myself except for the strips. I left those to the pros....stipes cost 165 and install was 135....The smaller ones you have should be easy to do...just be slow and patient.

mako22 · 10-23-2012, 05:26 PM

coming from someone that screwed up 3 sets of hockey stick stripes on my 4th gen - I would still say you can do this yourself. Key is (like a lot of things) is keep it wet.

zkdreads · 10-23-2012, 05:59 PM

just use alot of water and be patient. i put on my devil tail stripes

Minge · 10-23-2012, 06:46 PM

Love the devil stripe I am all in with that look. Very nice looking car and I am going to leave the install to the pros..always need to know your limitations, I am going to let someone that does this for a living handle mine.

Bonanza7 · 10-23-2012, 08:33 PM

I have done a lot of vinyl, and it is not hard if you take your time and follow the instructions. no dust. No dust NO DUST. Have a hair dryer handy.

TSSUNAMI · 10-23-2012, 08:59 PM

I've been watching a few DIY videos, as well as talking to a few friends, weighing in on the advice given here, and a few emails from Big Worm, the vendor who I purchased the stripes from.

I think I've got a pretty solid plan of attack for these stripes, and I'm really leaning towards doing this on my own.

I'm pretty confident that I can line them up evenly. I've already had some experience measuring and marking from rebadging my car, which came out flawless.

My only real concern was bubbles in the vinyl, and I've been assured by the supplier that the vinyl they use is "permeable" and will let pockets of air escape over time.

So, now to line up a garage space for a few hours or wait for a nice day with no breeze or rain. (hard to find in CNY) But I think i'll save the 150.00 on installation for a tank of gas or something LMAO

Wish me luck. I'll update this thread once I get the job done and do a write up, as well as update my build journal.

STW · 10-23-2012, 10:13 PM

$400 dollars later. I had the whole thing done by a local guy that does HVAC vans etc. OTD. Not a category I want to go pro in.

STW · 10-23-2012, 10:14 PM

memory serving, dealership wanted it close to twice that.

zkdreads · 10-23-2012, 10:50 PM

well if you get somebody else to do it. trust me dont watch them. because your going to be mad with how simple it is. i say leave the premises lol

ZL-Bee · 10-23-2012, 11:28 PM

Sounds like it's not a difficult DIY, unlike the factory hood rally stripes. Some good advice given in this thread, remembering from when I did my deck lid rally stripe install. I know the GM instructions for the rally stripes called for a soapy water mix in a spray bottle. All worked out well, but it takes time to work the air bubbles out from under the vinyl, and by the time they're gone the graphic hold into place to the panel.

Grimlock · 10-24-2012, 12:14 AM

Do it yourself. You may not even need the heatgun/hairdryer.

10-23-2012, 04:33 PM	#1
TSSUNAMI It was ninety nine cents! Drives: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 1,714 View My Garage	Vinyl Stripe Installation DIY? Or leave it to the pros? I have a set of COPO style side stripes coming in the mail today. My question is how difficult would some of you more seasoned DIY'ers put this project for a total newbie? These stripes go on the rear quarter fenders, don't cover any gaps or anything, it looks fairly straightforward. The hoodspears.... seem very easy. I've read all the tips on how to prep, how to mix a wetting solution and to squeegee. But any other advice? I'd like to save the 150-200 I've been quoted for an install if possible. However if you think this type of project would be best left to the pro's give me some input. Thanks! __________________ My Build Thread

10-23-2012, 04:36 PM	#2
BowtieBelle They see me trollin'... Drives: 217 ci of fury; Chauffeured by SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 13,875 View My Garage	I installed my first set of hash marks myself. It just took patience. Sounds kinda pricey for an install... if I was you I'd try it myself but you gotta just weigh the pros vs the cons-- if you get it wrong you'll be out for another set of stripes PLUS install. Good luck! __________________ "Never race anything you can't afford to light on fire and push off a cliff." -CamaroSpike 2011 Custom LT/RS: Bella's Build Thread

10-23-2012, 05:26 PM	#5
mako22 Drives: 2017 HB 2SS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 661 View My Garage	coming from someone that screwed up 3 sets of hockey stick stripes on my 4th gen - I would still say you can do this yourself. Key is (like a lot of things) is keep it wet. __________________

10-23-2012, 05:59 PM	#6
zkdreads Drives: 2010 Camaro LS V6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 2,784	just use alot of water and be patient. i put on my devil tail stripes __________________ C-LO or Sonic "Without Struggle there is no progress" I am your best nightmare!

10-23-2012, 08:59 PM	#9
TSSUNAMI It was ninety nine cents! Drives: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 1,714 View My Garage	I've been watching a few DIY videos, as well as talking to a few friends, weighing in on the advice given here, and a few emails from Big Worm, the vendor who I purchased the stripes from. I think I've got a pretty solid plan of attack for these stripes, and I'm really leaning towards doing this on my own. I'm pretty confident that I can line them up evenly. I've already had some experience measuring and marking from rebadging my car, which came out flawless. My only real concern was bubbles in the vinyl, and I've been assured by the supplier that the vinyl they use is "permeable" and will let pockets of air escape over time. So, now to line up a garage space for a few hours or wait for a nice day with no breeze or rain. (hard to find in CNY) But I think i'll save the 150.00 on installation for a tank of gas or something LMAO Wish me luck. I'll update this thread once I get the job done and do a write up, as well as update my build journal. __________________ My Build Thread

10-23-2012, 04:43 PM	#4
AdamZ Account Suspended Drives: Eve - 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fairfield, OH Posts: 11,814	I did all my vinyls myself except for the strips. I left those to the pros....stipes cost 165 and install was 135....The smaller ones you have should be easy to do...just be slow and patient.

10-23-2012, 06:46 PM	#7
Minge Drives: 2013 2SS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 279	Love the devil stripe I am all in with that look. Very nice looking car and I am going to leave the install to the pros..always need to know your limitations, I am going to let someone that does this for a living handle mine.

10-23-2012, 08:33 PM	#8
Bonanza7 Account Suspended Drives: 2010, Rally Yellow, Black stripes Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Phoenix Posts: 2,363	I have done a lot of vinyl, and it is not hard if you take your time and follow the instructions. no dust. No dust NO DUST. Have a hair dryer handy.

10-23-2012, 10:13 PM	#10
STW Drives: 2011 Camaro 1SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 422	$400 dollars later. I had the whole thing done by a local guy that does HVAC vans etc. OTD. Not a category I want to go pro in.

10-23-2012, 10:14 PM	#11
STW Drives: 2011 Camaro 1SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 422	memory serving, dealership wanted it close to twice that.

10-23-2012, 10:50 PM	#12
zkdreads Drives: 2010 Camaro LS V6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 2,784	well if you get somebody else to do it. trust me dont watch them. because your going to be mad with how simple it is. i say leave the premises lol __________________ C-LO or Sonic "Without Struggle there is no progress" I am your best nightmare!

10-23-2012, 11:28 PM	#13
ZL-Bee Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: York, PA Posts: 576	Sounds like it's not a difficult DIY, unlike the factory hood rally stripes. Some good advice given in this thread, remembering from when I did my deck lid rally stripe install. I know the GM instructions for the rally stripes called for a soapy water mix in a spray bottle. All worked out well, but it takes time to work the air bubbles out from under the vinyl, and by the time they're gone the graphic hold into place to the panel.

10-24-2012, 12:14 AM	#14
Grimlock dey see me rollin Drives: the magic school bus Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vault 101 Posts: 823	Do it yourself. You may not even need the heatgun/hairdryer.