Hi,

After I applied the "Keep your GM Vehicle all GM" decal (from Corvette Central) on my air cleaner ('71), a few days later it started to get noticeable crinkles/folds, I presume from the engine heat.

I tried to remove it to straighten out and of course tore it, so I'll be putting another new one on there.

Wondering if anyone knows a solution to this. Should it be applied after the engine's been running a while, in other words, when the air cleaner base surface it's being applied to is warm/hot?

There's probably an obvious solution, but thought it was worth asking.

The crinkling looked kind of ratty on an otherwise very neat engine bay.

Thanks for any advice!

Bally

 

Hi Bally,
That surprises me.
I don't think I've heard of that problem before.
Perhaps was the painted surface too slick for the adhesive to hold the label tight?
Faulty adhesive?
Perhaps someone else has had your experience and knows of a solution.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

 

Hi Alan,

I think you may have a point, the air cleaner base was painted with a quite glossy hi-temp paint I also got from CC.

I could have lived with a couple little crinkles, but it kept getting worse, so I tried to fix it, ripping the darn thing in the process.

I'll see if anyone else has experienced this crinkling , but I think you're onto something thinking it might be a slick surface.

Will rough up that spot with sandpaper before applying the new decal.

Thanks for your reply, I'd hoped you would chime in!

Best regards,

Bally

 

Hey Bally, would you post a picture of your new GM label after you put it on?

Dave

 

Hi Bally,
My replacement decal has been on my 73 for about three years now, and no issues with it coming off or crinkling. Mine was installed on fresh paint too. Maybe the decal was faulty like Alan said. When removing or trying too straighten decals I always use a hair blow dryer on the highest setting. This usually softens the adhesive, and once you lift one corner carefully with a razor blade start gently pulling the decal up while keeping the hot air concentrated where the label meets the surface until it's removed. If it starts to show signs of catching or if the backing starts pulling away, stop and start the same process from the other end. I've always had great success with this technique. Now, keep in mind some or most of the adhesive will be gone, or residue may still be on the surface. You can carefully remove it before reapplying another label if needed. If you reuse the label apply a very thin layer of adhesive product and reapply. Obviously, since you ripped your label a new one is needed like you said.
Hope this helps down the road!
Jimmy

 

OK, will do.

Here's a photo of the problem decal not long after I applied it.

You can see it lifting in places near the bottom edge, and it got worse with the lifting and crinkling until I tried removing it with the intent of reapplying it (I did actually use a hair dryer, but I guess I didn't let it get hot enough, and probably went too fast), resulting in the tearing.

It sure is thin paper they use (if that's what it is), almost translucent. Seems a tad long too, not sure if Corvette Central has the specs 100%.

 

Thanks Bally,
Here's a picture of my original '71 GM label. How do you like my off- set Delco ring?
Does your '71 still have the TCS solenoid?

 

[QUOTE=71 Green 454;1593065780]Thanks Bally,
Here's a picture of my original '71 GM label. How do you like my off- set Delco ring?
Does your '71 still have the TCS solenoid?

Love the offset Delco ring!

There's nothing like original.

The corners on yours aren't as rounded, and the sticker is not almost see-through like the repro is.

I'm hesitant to order another repro decal from the same vendor at this point.

There must be a better one being made by someone.

Re: the TCS, I have the original carb bracket for it, but the solenoid is missing. Have been searching for one...

 

I installed a new decal about 6 months ago on my 74. Got it from Zip. I used rubbing alcohol on a rag to remove any grease/grime before installing, no problems so far!

 

Hi Bally,
There are/were 4 or 5 different labels available from the various vendors. So you might try one from another source to see if you get a different one that 'performs' better.
The 71 CEC solenoid is a one year only part but was used on other Chevrolet products so is relatively easy to find on e-bay.
Look for an unused one rather than a used, and watch the prices for a while so you see what they're actually selling for.
Regards,
Alan