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I'm thinking of adding a small vinyl decal to my 96 to personalize it a little. Just a stylized number, maybe 4"-6" long - and not something professionally done, just a ordered-off-the-internet thing that I'll stick on there myself. But I'm thinking of putting it on a body panel, so the big question is: is this a bad idea from the standpoint of paint? Part of me says that with clear coat + wax between the decal and the paint, it wouldn't matter. Part of me says, "the paint can be finicky, and you're a noob, so what do you know?" All of me says my paint is in great shape and I don't want to jeopardize that. Anyone have any experience doing this, for better or worse?
Couldn't find anything on this with a quick C4 forum search, so it's either not important enough for anybody else to have bothered asking about or it's such a dumb question I'm the only one who would ask....
If the paint is in good condition then the vinyl decal won’t hurt it at all. At worst, if you leave the decal on there a long time and decide to take it off, you may have a “clean spot” under the decal that stands out a little from the surrounding paint. That’s nothing a little polishing won’t fix though.
Just curious...what kind of graphic are you considering?
A lot of it will depend on the condition of the paint and how long you leave it on there. The salt and snow in the area you live will play a part too since you live in CT. I had a 1998 Z-71 that started out as an official vehicle for the American Quarter Horse Association and spent most of it's life in Ohio. The lettering on the side had been removed years before I got the truck, but you could still see it when you I looked for it. I took it to a body shop and they tried buffing and a few other things and couldn't get it out. I would keep the area waxed and since you are going cheap, maybe buy a few sets, take them off every few years and hit the area with rubbing compound. CHances are the novelty will wear off before they do any damage, so go for it.
Thanks all, the advice is appreciated. I like the idea of getting several and maybe making it part of the hibernation/wake-up cycle...remove old decal in the fall, clean the area, apply again after a wax in the spring.
@JBPC4 , it's going to be a 'nose number' like the modex numbers on carrier jets...like the 205 on the nose of this Tomcat:
I'm thinking either between the side marker lamps and the wheel well, or above the trim line in about that same spot, or above the trim line just aft of the wheel well...and small enough that it won't be a distraction from the lines of the car. I'll have to see if I actually like it once I get some - who knows, I may not like it in person and scrap the idea entirely!
A hair dryer will assist in removal. All other information is great. Never had an issue but mine is garage kept; no direct sunlight. I always wax over my decals afteer application and I apply when weather is warmer.
01-11-2019, 05:11 PM
Vinyl Decals
