Stainless Letters
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 53,282
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From: God Bless America
Stainless Letters
Getting ready to install some new stainless letters on th back of my C6.
Does anyone out there have some words of wisdom on best known procedures to ensure these things don't fall off going down the road?
I have read good and bad about these letters, but the ones I have seen installed look great.
Does anyone out there have some words of wisdom on best known procedures to ensure these things don't fall off going down the road?
I have read good and bad about these letters, but the ones I have seen installed look great.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Stamford Connecticut
Yes I do:
1. Make sure that you use the alcohol wipe that comes with the kit to get the surface REALLY clean. This will ensure good stick;
2. Dry fit the lettering BEFORE you install it and BEFORE you stick them on. Press the Letters against the car to cause them to conform to the slight curvature of the vehicle or you will have some letter edges stick outside the indentations when you install. This will, in turn, cause you to catch a towel on them and possibly tear them off the car when you are drying the car.
3. Really press them into the indentations when you do adhere them so that they are flush with the surface.
Good Luck
1. Make sure that you use the alcohol wipe that comes with the kit to get the surface REALLY clean. This will ensure good stick;
2. Dry fit the lettering BEFORE you install it and BEFORE you stick them on. Press the Letters against the car to cause them to conform to the slight curvature of the vehicle or you will have some letter edges stick outside the indentations when you install. This will, in turn, cause you to catch a towel on them and possibly tear them off the car when you are drying the car.
3. Really press them into the indentations when you do adhere them so that they are flush with the surface.
Good Luck
Last edited by stlthxlr8r; Apr 5, 2006 at 10:04 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
4. When they come off in 1-3 months because someone washing the backend caught a corner of the towel under it, think of something else to do back there. 
Some of those products seem to be okay, some have had problems.
Just painted mine today with a black Sharpie paint pen. Hope mine lasts longer than some of the stainless kits.
Some of those products seem to be okay, some have had problems.
Just painted mine today with a black Sharpie paint pen. Hope mine lasts longer than some of the stainless kits.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 378
Likes: 5
From: Toddville Ia
I suppose the alcohol will work ok. But just incase you want to try this. I used 3M prepsol. My SS letters have stayed on just fine for about a year now. No problems. You can get the prepsol at any auto paint store.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,516
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From: Virginia Bch VA
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Wayne88
I would not install them in cold weather, below 65 degrees
Just my gut feeling.
Just my gut feeling.
Good point.3M makes a prep for such applications. Wax Remover I think. Get it at an Auto Parts store.
1. Wash Car
2. Use the 3M prep diligently
3. Take care to bend the letters as directed in the instructions and pre fit them inplace
4. Apply above 50 deg. Higher temp the better
5. Take care when washing in the area after application
I am a fumbled fingered klutz at such things. Mine have been on for over a year without problem. The 3M prep is the key
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 181
From: Menifee (I.E.) CA
One of the things that was happening to those letters that they were coming unglued. See if the double sided tape is coming loose "from the letters." If it is, then Superglue it back together.
Then do all the steps above.
Then do all the steps above.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
Before you remove the paper backing, spend a lot of time bending the letters so they fit the shape of the panel. Don't depend on the adhesive to hold them flat, because it won't hold them flat. I had to replace the part with the "T"s. I spent a good hour making sure it curved like the panel.
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Race Director
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From: Virginia Bch VA
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by 30YR W8T
Everyone,
Thank you for your thoughts and comments and rest assured I will follow the advice. I love this site..
Thank you for your thoughts and comments and rest assured I will follow the advice. I love this site..