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Self-Installing Graphics....?

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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 10:56 AM
  #1  
NARC3839's Avatar
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Self-Installing Graphics....?

Hello from NYC...! I'm thinking about ordering the 'Plaid graphic'

(aesthetic creations) for my 2006 MC bonnet. Is it possible for me to apply

the graphic on my own or should I seek pro-help...? Thanks..
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:02 AM
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I've done all my own EXCEPT for the checkered full roof graphic.

I've installed bonnet stripes and boot stripes (among others). You can do that. Check out the DIY threads on the Int/Ext Mods forum. If you still have questions after reading them, fire away !
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:07 AM
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Very easy! You can do it. Just get some blue painter's tape for alignment and you'll be fine!
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:42 PM
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I thought "self-installing graphics" were those plastic bags that float around on the road and attach themselves to the front of your car when you run over them.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 70spop
I thought "self-installing graphics" were those plastic bags that float around on the road and attach themselves to the front of your car when you run over them.
That's self-installing clear bra.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by LynnEl
That's self-installing clear bra.
Oh. You're right. You get the self-installing graphics when you drive through mud or snow.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 70spop
Oh. You're right. You get the self-installing graphics when you drive through mud or snow.
LOL. Yup.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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i did my stripes from front to rear all by myself. had to do all the measurement cutting myself. messed up here and there. but it's not too noticeable. i think if it's just going to be the stripes. go for it. make sure you take your time and read other 'how-to's'.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 05:02 PM
  #9  
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It's not all that hard. A clean, no wind work area is a must ( if possible ) along with soapy water and patience.. You'll love knowing you did it yourself in the end...
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 05:11 PM
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I did my own boot stripes. Just prep the area right and take your time. It will turn out great!
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 05:23 PM
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^ clearing the area of any wax is VERRRRRRRRRRRY important. I speak from experience. I guess I didn't get off the 19 layers of Epic/Hydro once and when I went to lift the protective covering off the stripe, the stripe kept coming up with it. Then, you're toast.

Anyway, use alcohol/water solution of Goo-Gone, or whatever works for you and clean off all the wax !

My only other tip would be to work the squeegie tool slowwwwly down the stripe so as to minimize the air bubbles underneath. Like a fine cigar and a good woman, take it slowly.

Oh, and I never use soapy water to apply the stripes. If you're not sure you have it lined up right, then use it. Otherwise, there's no point to it, IMO.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 06:52 AM
  #12  
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I did my own bonnet and boot stripes. The striping material only cost me $9.99 (discount bin at AutoZone). Take your time, especially with the squeegie (SP?). I messed up here and there as well, but overall they look pretty darn good. The BMW dealer wanted $329.00. Yeah...right.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 06:57 AM
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[quote=CR&PW&JB;1706197Oh, and I never use soapy water to apply the stripes. If you're not sure you have it lined up right, then use it. Otherwise, there's no point to it, IMO.[/quote]

Well, yeah. The point is, you can move the stripes if they aren't lined up properly, or you just don't like the way they are positioned. I would recommend that anyone not extremely experienced use the soapy water. There's really no point not to, unless you have some compelling reason to wash the car immediately after putting the stripes on.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 07:00 AM
  #14  
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From: PA
Or if you want to do some spirited motoring right after. I don't think that would be a wise idea if you use soap and water solution... otherwise, your stripes might end up being stripes on that big, ugly SUV driving behind you.

But as I said, if you're not SURE they're lined up exactly right, then use the soapy stuff.
 
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