ls1121

I am thinking about putting the chrome bumper letters in the rear of my car and it seems there are a variety of styles, Stainless steel shiny, stainless steel brushed and some type of Chromed (domed) vinyl.
I'm a little concerned about the towel getting caught on the lettering when I am drying the car after a bath. what do you guy's use and what are your opinions?

ufso

I've had my flat stainless steel letters on since they first appeared sometime in 2005. The magic to keeping them on is making sure that they are slightly bent before attaching them. The back of the car is slightly bent and the letters are probably flat. Maybe the new ones today are bent, so no problems with catching your towel on them.

RocketDawg

My C5 had clear plastic letters with a silver lining on it when I bought it, and they eventually fell off. I replaced them with shiny stainless steel and they were great. No problem with the towel grabbing because they were flush with the surface. Somebody had them on sale recently; I think it was West Coast Corvettes. Still kinda expensive though.

NashvilleGrandSport

I have the ultrachrome vinyl on mine. Bought on ebay and after 6 months, no issues whatsoever and look good to me at about half the price of ss.

jrose7004

I have flat ones and I never get my towel caught on them.

cartop2

On my previous Vert, a C5 2001, the first owner put chrome letters on the rear and also on the front license plate filler. The rear letters held in place. The front letters did not. One fell off and the adhesive had ruined the paint beneath it. I never did find a suitable replacement letter.

After the experience and cost associate with the front letters, I'll never put letters on another car. Sometimes they look nice, sometimes they look a little too much. If possible, try to find a car your color with similar letters applied. Make sure you like it, or at least make sure the adhesive will not damage your finish.

C3-PO

1) cardboard box, painters tape, newspapers ...


2) Rustoleum - Gold ... Classy.


3) Mineral spirits and shop towel.


4) 45 minutes later. miles and smiles. no chipped edges and still going strong on 4 years in 40F- 112F temps. absolutely no fade at all just like the picture. no snags, doesn't wash off, no damage to clear coat.
see other threads here too. enjoy.

1pt4brd

Mineral spirits won't hurt the finish?

RocketDawg

So you go ahead and do the rectangular overspray, then take everything except the recessed letters off with the mineral spirits? Is it hard to get the excess paint off?

Zero_6

Just placed an order for stainless steel on Amazon for $35. Vendors are selling for $50.

pure zen

Use a Master Blaster to air dry the car after washing, and you won't worry about a towel snagging the lettering:

Scuba Ghost

Once I get the nerve I'm going to spray paint the letters.

69 L46 4 Speed

Torch Red car. I put the black hard plastic letters on it.

Welker1

I've had the carbon fiber vinyl ones on since 2006 and they still look great; never had a problem with towels or anything catching on them (picture taken this morning)

Not So Fast

No, just lightly dampen the tightly wrapped flat block with thinner so that is doesn't push into the recesses. Gently rub across the bumper and it comes out beautiful It doesn't need much paint either.
NSF

db2012gs

I have stainless right now, but I am contemplating taking them off and painting them black or white. They don't show very well on the light blue. I just can't decide between black or white...

Guard Dad

I checked out the domed vinyl and I wasn't thrilled with the look, the chrome finish is in the back side and the through-the-dome look didn't match/coordinate with anything else on the car, JMO. I was happier with basic vinyl but the vinyl started peeling after about a year so for now I'm going without.

Painting in the letters is a bit too permanent for me at this point.

Z16_CE

I did them on my C5 Z. I was out of town and rinsed the car at a self car wash.
I must have come too close to the letters and 1 popped off. I had to buy a new set.

I recommend using 3m adhesive promoter when doing the letters...
3 more years with no problems.

Left the GS alone.

TerryL

Chrome lettering on the tail? Ewww! Someone had to say it.....

NewfGuy

I've had the flat stainless on the rear, and the vinyl "chrome" on the dash for over 6 months, with no issues at all