There seems to be beaucoup threads on NAM with excellent guidance on vinyl stripe installs for bonnets and boots but few (based on my searches) with suggestions for optimal installation of side stripes. I've had my custom sides from AC in-hand for several weeks (thanks Mike and Hannah!) and, even though I plan to wait until the threat of snow is gone prior to doing the install, what better thing to do on the last day of the year than to get serious about the planning?

I'm seeking input from the vast knowledge and experience base that is NAM () for two aspects of my install: (1) vertical position; and (2) installation technique.

1. Vertical position.

I took some pics tonight in the garage (please forgive the winter tire/wheel set-up and try to imagine my black-with-chrome-ring MB Drifter 16x7 38GBMs w/Hankook Ventus HRII 205/50-16s). What are your preferences between the two options below?

This first pic represents my original concept, i.e., to align the bottom of the stripe with the seam at the top of the aero skirt. For what it's worth, my wife is pretty savvy in the design department and she prefers this approach. This is Option #1:




I have also seen instances where the stripe is positioned just a bit higher. I've enough extra vinyl pattern that I could move the stripe up about two inches. I like this look as well. This represents my Option #2:





2. Installation technique

The instructions sent by AC advocate for the "dry" install but seem to be worded for bonnet and boot stripe installs, where peeling back half of the backing still leaves a manageable length that can be held and squeegeed into place. Peeling back half of the backing on this stripe would leave 3+ feet of exposed adhesive flopping around and in constant danger of landing somewhere bad. Also, gravity is certainly not a friend here as it tends to be for bonnet and boot stripes--keeping the stripe straight and level seems to be a formidable challenge.

One other complication is that these stripes sent by AC do not appear to have any release masking over the top of the vinyl. I peeled back a tiny corner of the material from the translucent backing just to investigate, and all I seemed to come away with was an incredibly thin and delicate layer that appeared to be vinyl only. I have nightmares of the squeegee ripping this thin layer to shreds during the installation.

Any and all guidance appreciated. I really think I can DIY, provided I know I'm using a proven technique. I would like to avoid having to find and use a professional installer, unless I become totally desperate.

(And yeah, I know there are a few of you who don't think much of side stripes with the Aero Kit. Don't bother, 'cause I like my stripes and they're going on regardless.)

Lastly, my acknowledgment and thanks go out to TwistySister for the design inspiration.

 

Of the two alternatives you pictured, I like #1, where the bottom of the stripe is aligned with the top of the aero rocker panel.

I like the "fade to black" effect of the stripe.

I also like the aero kit. Good choice.

I have not installed vinyl before, but could you do a smaller than 1/2 portion at a time? Once the first part is set (even if it is maybe 1/3 or 1/4 of the total?) seems to me that would sortof set up your alignment of the rest. Maybe you could fdo the large remaining part with an assistant?

I think you should call AC and ask for advice!!

 

I have done a few this style ...

# 1 !!! follow you wifes instructions as far as placement.
OR what about on the aero side itself (Difficult because of the shape, I know.

I did a white one like this just a while ago
With no backing it is a PITA ... BUT

You can use the painters tape that you already have to mark the line / edge

If you are wanting to hold the shape better...
Go to K-mart / hardware / craft store and buy shelving liner contact paper.
it will hold the sticker together and is easily then peeled off.
This can go on the removable clear substrait, and peel both at once
TEST THIS on an inch of extra stripe

Or a visit to a local sign place may be able to help with the backing.

 

+1

When I did mine I positioned them where I wanted them and then ran a line of tape all the way across the top. Then removed all the other bits of tape except for the top strip. This makes a hinge. Spray down the body, and peel back the backing from the inside top about half way and squeege down. The peel the rest of and squeege down. Cut the the seams with a new blade and you should be good to go. Thats the way I did it, but I'm no professional.

Also, this would be the perfect stripe to do what I have not seen before but have thought of. Putting the stripe on the aero skirt. I would be more of a PITA to install, but with this particular stripe I think it might look good. I was going to get aero skirts recently, but I already had a custom side stripe and I'm not a big fan of the stripe over the aero skirts. Just breaks the lines too much IMHO. But what do I know?

 

I wonder if putting the car on a lift to keep from having to lay flat to try and install them. I used the dry method on my bonnet stripes and it worked great, but this is probably a lot harder. Good luck!! BTW I like #1,

 

I vote for position #1.......

Hey don't apologize for the holies!

They are classic!

 

I'd go with #1 unless the others can talk you into putting it on the skirt. I agree it would probably look cool down there, but would be tougher to install.. Install wise I usually go with the wet method, any bubbles after squeeging is water and not air and will eventually dry out or you can pop them with a pin. Either hinge it with tape as mentioned above or mark your top line with a couple pieces of tape or a pencil and with a helper wet the area and peel the whole sticker and wet it and place it on and since it is wet you can move it into place. Squeege from the center towards each end keeping and eye on your alignment marks..
Water being a teaspoon of liquid soap ( 3M recommends JOY ) to a spraybottle of water..

 

Another vote for #1... looks like it belongs in that position.

I've always installed my stripes using the dry method but in this instance, I would think the wet method would work better. That's a lot of vinyl, plus... these would be a lot tougher to keep straight than short bonnet or boot stripes (even with your aero skirt as a guide).

Sharp looking side stripe. Don't forget to post pics when you're done !

 

I vote for the first choice, but...
I must agree with COR BLMY, I would love to place it on the aero rocker panel the most. When I first saw this thread that is what came to mind.
Choice #2, just does not sit well with me and if you do Choice #1 make sure that you keep the lower edge off of the bottom curve of the door's sheet metal. This will keep it from coming up and will make it last much longer. Have fun with it and make sure you enjoy it, that is what this is all about.

And for applying it, if you do not want to do the dry method. use a TEASPOON of liquid soap to a spray bottle of water(~20oz.+).

 

Thanks to everyone for the insightful and helpful opinions and hints! Looks like Option #1 is the hands-down Iowa caucus winner thus far.

CB, the shelf contact paper idea is awesome! Guess I need to look for some that is sufficiently less tacky than the vinyl adhesive and smooth enough to allow the squeegee to do its thing. I think ImagoX posted an experience with release masking on his boot that was sticky to the point that it was pulling tiny spots of the vinyl up. I'd have to make sure the shelf paper didn't do this.

I hope I won't need a lift...maybe if it's at the top of all four jack stands, it'll be high enough off the ground.

I'm still trying to conceptualize the technique of taping the top seam and using it as a hinge. With the "hinge" halfway up, do you then peel the edge closest to the body and apply it to the bottom edge of the stripe position? This would apply the stripe upside-down from its original placement (not that it matters much, since the pattern is symmetric). How hard is it to start peeling the vinyl back from the center of the stripe?

For the benefit of those who suggested it, I mocked the application with the stripe over the Aero skirt (Option #3) to see how it looked:



Not too bad! Only problem is that my stripe is 5" wide and to follow the contours of the skirt forward of the rear arch, you'd need about 6" of vinyl. Thus, this option does not appear to be an option, at least for me...

 

^ Don't do that.

The pattern would camoflauge the lines of the aero skirt and defeat it's purpose.

 

I used these instructions.
http://www.mightystripes.com/Installation.htm

If it still does not make sense let me know.

I like it on the skirt, but if it does not fit than go with #1

 

Man, I wish that you could place that strip down on the rocker pannel. It looks amaizing, especially with the fade, it matches the black trim well...and it fades into the checkereds right about the place where the door closes...would be quite nice looking...