I'm thinking of adding some hood stripes to my R50. Never been striped before. Is there a "template" or measurement guideline as to where they should be applied relative to the center or edge of the hood?

 

I hope the attached photos help a little on alignment. The link below shows a real good step by step in applying stripes but on the boot though the process is the same for any stripes.
I used the 'wet' method. I got new stripes from a now defunct supplier who included a small plastic squeegee with a microfiber edge on one side. You'll need something like that to work out air bubbles. Keeping it wet makes it easy to work it around before it sets. For wet you'll want a spray bottle with water and a touch of detergent.
You might be able to get an idea from the picture on placement. I got them taped down, folded it back from the top to half way, peeled back the backing then cut it off and laid it back down gradually squeegee-ing as it went to get it smooth then did the same on the other half. don't try to hurry it and be patient and yes, they will work themselves around the contours.
Hope this helps.
PS: The little blue dammit leaning against the windscreen in the second picture is the squeegee.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ictures-5.html

 

Thanks!

 

Stay away from the universal kits from Autozone or other chain car parts stores... I had the $20 Autozone stripes on my Cooper and...

a) they did not last (started splitting between adhesive and the vinyl)
b) to remove the adhesive, took forever to remove.

I highly recommend looking into using Plastidip as an alternative to traditional vinyl stickers. Plastidip can be removed in seconds and can be repaired fairly easily if anything goes wrong--just need painter's tape and a can of Plastidip!