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I am looking to do a DIY fender hash mark decal on my GS. Any one with experience and recommendations please chime in. A few questions - is there a temperature requirement, paint prep - clay bar the fenders for a clean surface - I just want to do it correctly. Also any equipment and specific lubrication needed?
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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My suggestion - take it to a trusted sign shop
and ask them to install the hash marks unless you have some experience installing vinyl. That’s what I did on mine and after watching them do the install, I’m glad I did. The cost was very reasonable and it did take some time to get the stripes just right on the car.
I bought pre-made stripes from Vette Stripes so I was confident they would fit properly but I had no experience working with vinyl and did not want to mess things up.
At a minimum you will need some lubricating spray and a plastic/rubber squeegee.
A good video can be found at the VetteStripes.com web site - click on the menu at the upper left side of the web page then click on instructions. You can select the generation and then the type of stripe you want to install.
I installed my own when I had my Grand Sport. I did clean the area well, to remove any waxes and debris. Gave it a light wipe with the alcohol prep pads provided. The set I got (free from another member that decided they didn't want to put them on) was an OEM set. It has a template as part of the decals, that you align with the headlight edge. I did also use some blue painters tape to help align and hold it in place, while you peel the backing off. Use a padded straight edge (or rubber squeegee) to help push air bubbles out, and plenty of soapy water.
I just did mine a couple months ago. Very pleased with the ones I got. https://bigwormgraphix.com/c7-corvet...tripes-decals/
All been said above, cleaned with Dawn to remove any wax/sealant residue.
Take your time and they will come out great!
I think they want it above 60 when installing. Was warm enuff when I did mine.
‘also, the link I posted was for a Stingray. Make sure you get the ones for GS and Z06
[img alt="Yes, you want it warm, read the instructions, watch a video of it and take your time. Measure the spacing out .
My wife helped me with it, our first stab and it came out great. Good luck, Rich"]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/2000x1124/20200802_171944_1__0617127486f5c59e4d65e df4b04d283fb9f3bf40.jpg[/img] Yes, you want it warm, read the instructions, watch a video of it and take your time. Measure the spacing out . My wife helped me with it, our first stab and it came out great. Good luck, Rich
I used to restore cars and show them in the ISCA, and have put on LOTS of vinyl stripes, etc. I've done 6-7 Hurst/Olds - check out the stripes on a '72 H/O pace car and you'll feel much better about doing some hash marks . Hash marks will be no problem at all if you take just a couple of steps.
As others have said, clean the area. I like DuPont Prep Sol. Great stuff. Buy a gallon, you'll use it forever. Wait until you have a clean place you can do it when it's 50-60 degrees or better.
Pre-fit the stripes. Use painters tape (I like the green - it works much better for this type of event) to put them in place first and see how they look. Make sure you like how it looks and that you have it right.
After pre-fitting, use your painters tape and outline the top, bottom, and sides of the very edge of where the stripes will go. You don't have to outline the whole area - just an inch or two along each edge.
Have a spray solution of soapy water ready. Dawn is fine.
Get your stripe ready and spray a light coat of the soapy water over the entire area where the stripe will go.
Remove the backing and place the stripe on the soapy water in line with the painters tape you have for guidance. The soapy water will allow you to move the stripe before you go to the next step.
Hold the stripe in place while you use your soft squeegee to get the soapy water out from under the stripe. Use soft motions and get all the bubbles out. If you're all done and you see a small bubble, use a sharp pin and puncture the vinyl in the middle of the bubble and carefully squeegee the air out (and there will likely be a bit of the soapy water solution that comes out too). Others may scoff at this idea. It works and you'll never see it.
Remove the painters tape outline, gently clean the area.
Let the stripes have a few days to 'marinate' in some sunshine, etc. Then feel free to wax or whatever you want.
Show off your work by sharing some pics when you're done.
Hash marks
. Hash marks will be no problem at all if you take just a couple of steps.
