Racing Stripes
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Racing Stripes
So I just landed a 73 Stingray. Mechanically this thing is in great shape but the paint is crap. A previous owner did a really terrible white paint job on it. Not all is lost.......I see this as an opportunity to customize it a bit. I'm thinking a glossy black with matte black (or satin) racing stripes. Has anyone seen this? Done this?
If anyone is a photoshop guru I suuuuuuuuuuuuure would appreciate if you mocked one up!!
If anyone is a photoshop guru I suuuuuuuuuuuuure would appreciate if you mocked one up!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Well, I put a vinyl stripe on my '71 coupe (see avatar). That way, nothing was permanently changed. Several vinyl graphics companies sell over the internet. Or, if you live in/near a large city, there are likely local companies that can do the install, also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
I don't like racing stripes as bling on street-driven Vettes. But it's a somewhat free country so trash up your car however you see fit. But count on me pointing and smirking if we cross paths.
Last edited by H P Bushrod; Sep 6, 2012 at 12:11 AM. Reason: Moderator statement removed
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I don't like racing stripes as bling on street-driven Vettes. But it's a somewhat free country so trash up your car however you see fit. But count on me pointing and smirking if we cross paths.
Thanks for the opinion though...I guess I did ask for people's thoughts.
Last edited by H P Bushrod; Sep 6, 2012 at 12:12 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 224
Likes: 2
From: St. Charles Missouri
I have to agree with you on this. Stripes on a Vette don't work well. There's simply too many body contours that are negated when stripes are applied. .... Stripes look good on old Triumphs, MG's, and even M2 Miatas. Heck, throw some on an old E type Jag also. But on a Corvette? Naw.
Last edited by H P Bushrod; Sep 6, 2012 at 12:12 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
First let me say it's your car and your money (obviously), so do what YOU like and don't worry about naysayers. Your car, mod to your preference.
My two cents: I'm with spot 99 on this one. Old cameros and cobras, for instance, don't look right to me without racing stripes... But for whatever reason, a vette doesn't seem to look quite so sleek when adorned with stripes. It does seem to take something away from the curves, which to me speaks volumes about the quality of the design.
My two cents: I'm with spot 99 on this one. Old cameros and cobras, for instance, don't look right to me without racing stripes... But for whatever reason, a vette doesn't seem to look quite so sleek when adorned with stripes. It does seem to take something away from the curves, which to me speaks volumes about the quality of the design.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Never put stripes on a Vette, but have on older muscle cars. Used some satin vynil striping kits, and turned out quite well. Dip them in a bucket of water, with a squirt of dish soap, and squeegie the water out when applying. Usually ran some vynil pin striping around them too. As mentioned, if you don't like them later, with a little heat, pull off quite easily.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Poquoson Virginia
Well, if no one else is going to post pics, I will. I was able to talk my way into an entire roll of free vinyl from 3M. So I put these on my 81. I'm sure some people won't like them (see above 
) but I could care less, it's my car. And since it's vinyl, I can experiment with different options any time I want.
) but I could care less, it's my car. And since it's vinyl, I can experiment with different options any time I want.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 73
From: Memphis Tennessee
That chrome bumper is just begging for a stripe.
And a rubber bumper NEEDS a stripe to break up the monotone.
The key is to compliment the shape of the car and not go against it.
I think the black on black will be very subtle looking and add a modern flair.
And a rubber bumper NEEDS a stripe to break up the monotone.
The key is to compliment the shape of the car and not go against it.
I think the black on black will be very subtle looking and add a modern flair.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 543
Likes: 10
From: B.F.E....Bowling Green Kentucky
Well, if no one else is going to post pics, I will. I was able to talk my way into an entire roll of free vinyl from 3M. So I put these on my 81. I'm sure some people won't like them (see above ) but I could care less, it's my car. And since it's vinyl, I can experiment with different options any time I want.
) but I could care less, it's my car. And since it's vinyl, I can experiment with different options any time I want. 
I like that! It's your toy, play with it as you like!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 224
Likes: 2
From: St. Charles Missouri
Well, if no one else is going to post pics, I will. I was able to talk my way into an entire roll of free vinyl from 3M. So I put these on my 81. I'm sure some people won't like them (see above ) but I could care less, it's my car. And since it's vinyl, I can experiment with different options any time I want.
) but I could care less, it's my car. And since it's vinyl, I can experiment with different options any time I want.Also, you've applied the rookie stripes in the correct direction contrary to original. You did well.
Last edited by spot99; Sep 8, 2012 at 11:31 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
I think this one looks pretty good. It just needs the louvers on the hood painted white where it interrupts the stripes.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque New Mexico