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After doing a trial run with some reflective tape I had lying around, I decided to bite the bullet and get the "Mr. Groovy" tool and install 1/8 inch reflective rim striping on my Z06, and I love the results.
I did not have a helper, so instead of lifting the car and rotating the wheel, I just rotated the tool around the wheel. A little awkward, but I think the results are the same.
Test (not tapeworks, just random reflective tape I threw on by hand)
Had me worried with the first one too. I was thinking, gosh I hope that shi* comes off LOL.
Finished red looks good - Reflective ?? not so sure about, but if you like it -- go for it. I put some unique stripes on my C6 and I liked them, several others (friends) asked why I fu**** up my corvette. They stayed on - screw em, I liked it
I've been considering putting the red tape (not reflective) on my tires using the groovy tool too. My worry is that it'll look "fake" and not part of the tire itself. Yours look pretty darned good.
In that flash picture, IS ANYONE GETTING THE SAME TRON VIBE I'M GETTING? That looks super cool. I think you should finish it off by doing the stripe on your rocker too.
I figure reflective really only matters at night - and I rarely drive at night since I've got two little kids at home. In fact, Ive yet to drive my car at night at all. During the day time, it's indistinguishable from non-reflective. I may swap out the red stripe on the side skirts for a reflective one too, or maybe just when the existing one gets beat up enough to require replacement.
Obviously that first picture was just so I could get a feel for what it would look like, and I was satisfied enough to move forward. Using the Mr. Groovy tool (and 1/8th inch tape) it basically looks stock, in my opinion. Tape larger than 1/8 inch would not fit nicely in the groove so it's important you stick to that size for this wheel.
Me three on that first pic---I was a bit skeptical.
But I like all the rest, including the reflective stuff. If I have a concern it is when you go to get a tire change or some such---wondering if the tape will be damaged. Then again, it IS tape so it'll be relatively easy to tear it off and do it again (hopefully not all four wheels).
If I have a concern it is when you go to get a tire change or some such---wondering if the tape will be damaged. Then again, it IS tape so it'll be relatively easy to tear it off and do it again (hopefully not all four wheels).
You are correct, it would be easy to either put a little piece on to fix any part that is damaged, or just replace the whole thing. If you buy from tapeworks, they give you 7 strips, each strip is longer than necessary for 1 wheel, so plenty of extra for repairs and/or practice installing. And, although the tool is a little pricey, the tape itself is not. Since it's in the groove, I think it's also pretty well protected in there, others on the forum said they have had it for 18+ months with no damage whatsoever.
I've had mine on about 18 months and it still looks like brand new. I am pleased with how well it has held up, and shows NO sign of any fading or any edges lifting.
I figured if it does eventually poop out, it's so inexpensive that I'll just buy another kit. The tool, which I feel was also inexpensive will last a lifetime. I did have to shim my tool with a couple of tiny washers to get the spacing exactly as I wanted it.
I was not a fan until I saw them on your car. I think it’s the color of your car along with the black rims and the red stripe on the side skirts that makes it work.
I went with reflective wheel tape on one of my motorcycles a few years ago for safety-sake and it does stand out at night! I suppose yours works the same, in that regard.
I love seeing people try new things so this is great. Hey, for the first try with the new machine, I’ve gotta say impressive results. I found the reflective concept to be the most farsighted as that is such a good idea for safety in general. Beyond safety the other possible applications are endless. A stripe that has progressively larger segments to cause patterns during rotations. Your favorite sports team and stuff like that.
I’ve heard of the machines but am unfamiliar with the printing and application of the reflective inserts. Can they be applied over a previous layer? Stuff like that. My compliments on trying something new, I think it looks great.
06-05-2018, 10:24 PM
Loving my new reflective rim stripes
skeptical. 
