hello all, i just have a few questions concerning the racing/viper stripes on outmotoring. ik you can cut the length to whatever size but can someone give me the width of the stripe? also are there any differences between the racing and viper stripes? the description and price are the same on the site but the picture is different so im not sure. also does anyone know from experience the quality of it? will it tear or yellow? thanks
Links:
racing: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...tripe_kit.html

viper: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...r-stripes.html

this is what im planning to do (the circle being the MINI Cooper Wreath):

 

I had the black racing stripe kit for 3 years and if I remember correctly it was about 5" wide. The pictures on the website basically say it all. The racing stripe kit is two narrow stripes placed on both curved sides of the bonnet. The viper stripe kit is two larger width stripes that are centered on the bonnet. I was impressed on the quality. They were fairly easy to install if you are familiar with vinyl and were pretty resistant to scratching over the years. I had no peeling, fading, or yellowing ( I had black) but i reckon the white kits quality would be the same. I just took mine off after 3 years because i wanted a different look and no damage was present from the old stripes. Good luck

 

Thank you so much that was very helpful. For the style I want to put mine in (it's just paper in the pics) would u recommend getting the viper or racing? Do the racing have a curve to them or do they just look like that because of the curvature of the bonnet?

 

They come straight but can be angled or trimmed in anyway. To get the vinyl to follow the curve you need a few things. First step is to measure carefully and mark with tape where you want the stripes to line up. Next you need to purchase a window tint application kit (walmart for a few bucks). This gives you a razor, a squeegee, and the tint solution. you now remove the backing from the vinyl, spray the surface of the car and the vinyl with the tint solution, and squeegee out any air bubbles. Use a blow dryer or low heat gun once you get the vinyl placed and the vinyl will slowly take the shape of the bonnet. Lastly you trim the vinyl accordingly. It takes time so you might want to youtube some diy guides on vinyl install. Your pick shows a large stripe with an offset stripe next to it. I reccomend this stripe kit for what your doing. it will take the guess work out of it.

https://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coo...tripe-kit.html

 

ive seen that one and ive actually just read the description and they are only 3ft long which means id have to buy two so the price would be more than the racing/viper. since those come with 2 i planed to use one in the front and the other in the back and i could just cut it into a thick and thin piece (seeing as 5" is more than sufficient for what im trying to accomplish). does the method you described work for all decals or are there different types?

 

Just remember the viper stripe kit has much wider stripes than the narrow 5" racing stripe kit. The process for installing vinyl stripes or decals is basically the same anywhere you look and if you look on youtube there are many how to guides regarding this method. Heat and a good tinting solution (basically a precise mixture of soap and other lubricants) are your best freinds when it comes to getting the vinyl or decal to conform to the shape you want and not have wrinkles or bubbles. If you were to put a dry vinyl stripe straight on your hood it would have wrinkles, bubbles, and wouldnt follow the shape of the boot or bonnet. Unlike a small sticker the vinyl stripes are a fairly thick material and are almost rigid. The blowdryer or heat gun softens them up and allows you to squeegee them flush to the bonnet or boot. Definitely look around on youtube and you will see all kinds of examples. Its really easy to do it just takes time and patience and a little research and based on your pics you definitely have the patience

 

Do u know any techniques or tools for cutting the decal straight? 5" is gonna be too wide plus I have to cut for my thin/thick design so I just wanna make sure itll be straight

 

You could try using a piece of tape along the edge of the stripes as your template. Just pick the thickness of tape and run it parallel to your strip edge then cut along the tape line. The best way is just to purchase a offset stripe kit. You make a mistake trying to do it yourself then you will have to purchase another. It just seems easier to have them pre measured and ready to go rather than risk ruining a stripe but thats what these cars are all about. As long as it looks good and you have fun thats what counts. Make sure you get a really sharp razor blade.

 

Change it up to this. And get rid of our god-awful NY plates