vinyl wrap
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 24
From: Kansas City KS
vinyl wrap
Hey--
I saw a thread on this about 1 1/2 years ago in this forum but no one had ever tried doing it to a c3 at that point. My question is, has anyone tried it now? My 72 has a deteriorating paint job up front, basically it needs a repaint but that's probably 3 years away I'm guessing due to the 5k to 10k price tag. I had forgotten about the vinyl wrap diy option until today, and it looks like they've got some nice colors that would work. But before I would even attempt to undertake something like that, I'd like to know if anyone else had ever took a shot at it. Thanks
I saw a thread on this about 1 1/2 years ago in this forum but no one had ever tried doing it to a c3 at that point. My question is, has anyone tried it now? My 72 has a deteriorating paint job up front, basically it needs a repaint but that's probably 3 years away I'm guessing due to the 5k to 10k price tag. I had forgotten about the vinyl wrap diy option until today, and it looks like they've got some nice colors that would work. But before I would even attempt to undertake something like that, I'd like to know if anyone else had ever took a shot at it. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I saw an episode of "How Do They Do That" not too long ago where a Union Jack wrap was applied to a Lotus Exige. Don't recall the cost, but I'd think a C3 shouldn't be any more difficult for a real pro shop.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
I think wrapping a c-3 would be pretty str8 forward , except the rear deck and quarter panels , there you will need one real big section of wrap because there are no breaks in the surfaces. Well at least on my 1980 there are not any .
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I put a wide vinyl stripe on my hood/rear deck and found the process to be rather difficult...dealing with the curves/humps on the car and keeping the air bubbles out of it. I wouldn't want to attempt doing the whole car without a lot of help from experienced folks.
If you want it done right, you'd best just take it to a business that does this all the time. It will be costly [not as much as a paint job] and it won't last more than a few years, unless you keep it coated with a UV filtering coating like Nu-Vinyl or Meguiar's protectant for plastics. Zaino (a polymer polish) might also block UV and still keep the surface shiny.
I think you would get the best prices in a large metropolitan area where there is a bigger market for this stuff. Keep us "in the loop" if you do more research or actually have it done.
If you want it done right, you'd best just take it to a business that does this all the time. It will be costly [not as much as a paint job] and it won't last more than a few years, unless you keep it coated with a UV filtering coating like Nu-Vinyl or Meguiar's protectant for plastics. Zaino (a polymer polish) might also block UV and still keep the surface shiny.
I think you would get the best prices in a large metropolitan area where there is a bigger market for this stuff. Keep us "in the loop" if you do more research or actually have it done.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
The new wrap is very easy to work with air bubbles are easy to eliminate with the newer 3M wrap.. It is designed specifically to deal with air bubbles.. I just think that rear quarter area and back deck would be a problem because you would need a sheet way bigger then is sold on line.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Also be aware than any little surface defect...bump, nick, pit, bubble...will show up just as badly when covered with a vinyl surface. It will NOT hide defects, unless you prepare them properly [filling, sanding, etc.] before installing it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
I have worked with vinyl graphics and a wrap is not as easy as it looks, but if you pay to have it done is no big deal for installers. i would not recommend tackling it yourself because you may be out the $$$ invested on the vinyl. my $.02
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
https://www.dipyourcar.com/home.php. Looks pretty easy and a color change in an afternoon. Something to consider if you don't have the $5-8K for a full on strip and paint.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
Sorry in advance if this offends anyone!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Can do some amazing stuff with wraps, but they do "wear out" quicker than paint.
I know this isn't a Corvette, but I found the color to be pretty amazing. Got me thinking that our '77 would be a good promotional car for my business. Not talking about putting words all over it, just a color that works. The color you see below is seriously being considered.
I know this isn't a Corvette, but I found the color to be pretty amazing. Got me thinking that our '77 would be a good promotional car for my business. Not talking about putting words all over it, just a color that works. The color you see below is seriously being considered.
Last edited by AdamMeh; Mar 31, 2013 at 12:52 AM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
I used vinyl wrap in another car and, depending on your objective, it may be a viable alternative but keep in mind that over time (time, weather and exposure), the vinyl will lift where folded, even if it is professionally applied. In my case, I used it as an accent on the hood and trunk and eventually replaced the vinyl with paint. Turned out to be an expensive exercise.