Hey guys,
I just installed some of Asthetic creations' Viper stripes on my hood and down the grill and bumper.
The "wet" application works ok for the large flat stuff, but it's hard to do it wet with the smaller pieces.
With the dry application it's much easier to remove the release liner from the top of the vinyl. With the wet application, the release liner will try to lift the vinyl if it's not completely dry and stuck VERY well to the surface.

The down side of the dry application is some very small bubbles under the vinyl. Mike says that these bubbles will lay down after a couple of weeks. I hope so.... they're already improving..... will try to be patient and see what happens.

 

This is a great thread - and it has inspired me to do the install myself on my DS MCSC. Ordered my stripes yesterday.

I've wanted these since I first ordered my MINI, but was afraid to take it on. Thanks to ImagoX and the DIY with pictures I've decided to take the leap...

 

I was taught to use a lubricant solution sprayed under stripe to allow for adjustment.This stops bubbles and creases.It makes it so much easier to lay the stripe down.

 

Thanks again ImagoX. Your write up helped me out quite a bit. My stripes came yesterday and I almost finished up before it got too dark but I'll install the new badge on the boot tomorrow. Here are my results: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=73866

 

A quick tip. Before removing the original badge run one solid piece of tap completely across the under (or upper) side of the badge. Then, cut away where the boot stripe will go. Once done installing the boot stripe run a second piece of tape over the top two pieces left from the original tape. This will allow you to simply and easily get the new badge on straight. No eyeballing or levels needed.

I'm going to attempt the wet install to decrease the bubbles and possible wrinkles. My boot stripes shipped today.

Hey dragonflyer, do you have a recommended mixture for doing wet installs?

 

Since it is only the "COOPE" that ends up on the stripe - did anyone ever consider leaving the "RS" in place as a guide and only taking off (and replacing) the first five letters?

 

At least in the case of the replacement badge from Aesthetic Creations, the badge comes with a single backing strip over the adhesive and on the other side (covering the letters) a sticky backing keeping all of the individual letters ready for application. It's basically set up to peel and stick the entire badge even though the components are not connected. This approach might work if you're trying to reuse the remove badge letters though.

 

I'd still use a level. I'm 99.9% certain that I got my replacement badge on exactly where the old one was, and it's still a bit crooked. I'm pretty sure form my pics that the factory one was a bit off. Leveling it would have assured it was straigt, and would have been easier than all the taping anyway.

PS- all tiny bubbles from my "dry" install dissappeared after one hot day in the sun.

 

Good to hear. I'll most likely do the dry install as I'm not 100% about doing it wet.

 

Very nice looking stripes. Loved the numbers. You're right, very Hot Wheels looking. From where in the Buckeye State do you park?

I miss Cinci.

 

In my best Homer Simpson "OOOO NICE!"

 

My boot stripes just arrived (that was very quick). Just read through ImagoX's post and am off to read the directions and then it's go time. Say a wee prayer. I'll post pics when I'm done.

 

All done.

I'm not too sure I like the look of the badge where it's at. I put it back exactly where the original was and was so concerned with doing that I did not step back to see how it looked against the stripe. It hangs over both sides a bit, not too sure I like that. I had a thought of ordering up a new one and replacing it, any thoughts on how easy it would come off with the new stripe underneath or should I leave it well enough alone?

 

I Think it looks good like that. At least it's center in the stripes.

Good job man. Looks great

 

I agonized over my stripe installation because I wanted the stripes more in the middle but I knew the badge was going to hang over on the left. I ended up shifting the stripes towards the inside but now that I see yours, it looks fine and I shouldn't have sweated it so much. I think it looks great. Good job on the install.

 

Mine came today and I put them on tonight. I used my idea of leaving the "R S" of the badge in place and only taking off the "COOPE". That worked great - it was super easy to restore the "COOPE" with the new badge to the exact same place it was. (I cut off the R S" part of the new badge.) My ten year old son did try to talk me into using the leftover "P" from the original badge to make it a "POOPER S". The other thing I did differently than some have done was leaving the top untrimmed and simply wrapping it all over into the boot. I hope the top edge will be less likely to come loose that way.

I do have a few small bubbles that I will leave alone for a few days and see if they go away on their own. Otherwise it's needle time.

Thanks for all the help and ideas in this thread!

 

I noticed in the first picture of my post it looks like I left some of the "E" as well. That's just some glue I did not remove before taking the picture.

BTW - Thanks to Aesthetic Creations for a quick ship and a great product!

 

I love the way your badge hangs off to one side. I went ahead and removed mine. I sent a PM to dragonflyer for a replacement. It bugged me too much to have it the way it was and if I did not remove it now it would be more difficult after the sticky tape started to harden. Good thing, it came right off with no damage to the stripe.

So for now my baby is badgeless.

 

The car and stripes look great (and I've never been a fan of the conv) but this looks really hot!

 

Yaay! More stripes!

Mike should be paying me a commission.

PS- the stripes look great guys.... both of them work well with the color of the car IMHO.

 

Thanks for the comments. I finally got a chance to rewax the back and get a better picture.

 

Hi,
I have a question about the [FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]Black Bonnet Stripes,[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]Where to buy this item?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]My car is Mini Cooper S[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]Thanks a lot[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

Go here...http://www.aestheticreations.net/

 

Rebadged her today, I am much happier.

 

I saw ImagoX at a road ralley July 29 and his MINI looked sweet, nice job.