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I don't know what would be the correct forum for this question but I'll try here. Is it better to have stinger stripes installed before or after PPF. I spoke to my installer and he said it would be up to me. I know either can be done but I would want a clean look for the PPF (as invisible as possible) so I'm assuming stripes after PPF. I know there's a chance they could get damaged. Any thoughts?
Also, I searched the internet for stinnger stripes but can't find any. Are they only available from Chevy dealers?
You may want to look around at the options at Vette Stripes (https://vettestripes.com) if you're looking for something other than OEM. You can purchase OEM stripes from a lot of the online parts stores run by dealerships.
On top of the PPF for the best professional cleanest look. If you put it on top, there will always be an air gap for the step up and down. Installers will do thier best on that situation and people whom have had it done will swear its just as good. Just go and look at some and make your own decision should you think otherwise. It goes the same for the badges. Have them removed and then rebadged post installation for the cleanest look. You will hear the same about badges that people that didn't remove them say it looks just as good. It doesn't. View some for your own reference.
I have the factory installed full-length stripes. I had about half of my car PPF'd due to cost. The front end, hood, and roof have PPF while from behind the targa top back has no PPF. I prefer the area that has PPF over the stripes because there is no edge where the strip starts. I can always feel that difference when I wash the car where the PPF is smooth and there is a distinct edge where there isn't PPF. My installer took his time and worked hard to get the PPF tight to the transition and it worked out well. My experience.
You may want to look around at the options at Vette Stripes (https://vettestripes.com) if you're looking for something other than OEM. You can purchase OEM stripes from a lot of the online parts stores run by dealerships.
Thanks for the info
HTH!
Originally Posted by mtraylor2001
On top of the PPF for the best professional cleanest look. If you put it on top, there will always be an air gap for the step up and down. Installers will do thier best on that situation and people whom have had it done will swear its just as good. Just go and look at some and make your own decision should you think otherwise. It goes the same for the badges. Have them removed and then rebadged post installation for the cleanest look. You will hear the same about badges that people that didn't remove them say it looks just as good. It doesn't. View some for your own reference.
Thanks for your take. I'm tending to agree with you. I do have a visit planned to my installer. Hopefully he will have one under and one over that I can look at, but it is doubtful. Yes, he is removing all lettering and badges prior to PPF and reinstalling after.
Originally Posted by Monsoon
I have the factory installed full-length stripes. I had about half of my car PPF'd due to cost. The front end, hood, and roof have PPF while from behind the targa top back has no PPF. I prefer the area that has PPF over the stripes because there is no edge where the strip starts. I can always feel that difference when I wash the car where the PPF is smooth and there is a distinct edge where there isn't PPF. My installer took his time and worked hard to get the PPF tight to the transition and it worked out well. My experience.
It is pricey. I'm still trying to decide how much I'm having done. I would like to do the entire car but we will see.
Stripes on top of the PPF and ceramic on top of the stripes and PPF. You will have an air gap if you put the PPF over the stripes which will vary in size depending on the thickness of the PPF and the quality of the installer. If the car is a dark color you’ll see the air gap more, I.e., white will be less noticeable than black. Here is an example using a custom stripe from Vettestripes with the stripes on top of the PPF and ceramic on top of everything…..
On top of the PPF for the best professional cleanest look. If you put it on top, there will always be an air gap for the step up and down. Installers will do thier best on that situation and people whom have had it done will swear it's o stripes here, not a fan unless thejust as good. Just go and look at some and make your own decision should you think otherwise. It goes the same for the badges. Have them removed and then rebadged post installation for the cleanest look. You will hear the same about badges that people that didn't remove them say it looks just as good. It doesn't. View some for your own reference.
No stripes here, not a fan unless they are painted on and clear coats over - but regardless - PPF down then decal stripes for best chance of no issues - and correct on emblems - wish would have thought about that and not spent the money on chrome and just bought and put on after the PPF as I wanted the car to look - wasted money.
I bought my car used with PPF installed on the whole front and hood. It has factory stripes. They installed the PPF around the stripes on the front bumper cover and over the stripes on the hood. IMO it is better over the stripes. No edges to deal with and is a cleaner install.
I bought my car used with PPF installed on the whole front and hood. It has factory stripes. They installed the PPF around the stripes on the front bumper cover and over the stripes on the hood. IMO it is better over the stripes. No edges to deal with and is a cleaner install.
That makes no sense ... wonder if nose was replaced and PPF installer that time said no way to going over the stripes. Showed to my PPF guy and he said nobody would do it this way - quite strange for sure.
Seems like over the stripes is the way to go, they can get up really close just like any other edge. Plus you dont want rocks tearing up the stripes, thats what the ppf is for.
Good god this stuff is expensive though. Lingenfelter track pack install is 3500. Thats half of a really nice 4 post lift, down payment on a ducati or a lot of other fun things than a layer of plastic. I realize its the time involved but damn
Found a short quick video for OP that shows the 3 options you have. Shows the air gap people are referring too and also mentions about putting the stripe on top and getting protentional damage. In addition it talks about the types of stripe as well which is good.
Absolutely, the PPF on top of the decals. I had mine done like that and it’s perfect: smooth, protecting the decals, easy to clean (you’re cleaning the smooth PPF surface not PPF and decals, no edges, etc). Without inferring any disrespect, I thought that PPF on top of decals is a no-brainer, unless you change your decals every month!
Found a short quick video for OP that shows the 3 options you have. Shows the air gap people are referring too and also mentions about putting the stripe on top and getting protentional damage. In addition it talks about the types of stripe as well which is good.
Thanks for the video. He's a little confusing. First he says it is best to remove the vinyl then put the ppf on and then replace the vinyl. Later he says it is best to put the ppf over the vinyl? He seems to agree with everyone here, LOL
Originally Posted by etc123
Absolutely, the PPF on top of the decals. I had mine done like that and it’s perfect: smooth, protecting the decals, easy to clean (you’re cleaning the smooth PPF surface not PPF and decals, no edges, etc). Without inferring any disrespect, I thought that PPF on top of decals is a no-brainer, unless you change your decals every month!
No, don't plan on changing the decals every month. I'm looking at stinger stripes that are much thinner than the racing stripes and therefore less likely to get damaged, although there still is that possibility. But the big reason for the ppf is to protect the paint which would be more expensive to repair and might not match exactly.
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Thanks to everyone who has responded. It seems to be about 50/50 for over or under. This kind of matches what my installer said, It's up to me.
I have PPF on top of my full-length stripes. I didn't want the expense of buying another set of stripes and having them installed. Yes, there is a small air gap that is perceptible if you look close. That gap is more visible on some colors than others. My installer has two hoods hanging on the wall with PPF over the stripe on one and under on the other so someone can see the difference before going ahead. If yours doesn't maybe find one that does or hit so cruises before the season is over. You're likely to find an example of one or the other. As has been said, PPF on top also protects the stripe.
That's a pretty solid vid. It's one of those things that you have to be about 4" from the paint to really see the "air gap". So in that regard, it's like the same consideration for an OEM paint color you have to be 4" away from the car to really appreciate the nuance, metallic flake, etc. If you're one of those people who like said kinds of paint...then you probably need to avoid the air gap. If you're like me and you think that "air gap" is just a glorified trim, accenting the transition between paint and graphics--then it's no problem at all.
Thanks for the video. He's a little confusing. First he says it is best to remove the vinyl then put the ppf on and then replace the vinyl. Later he says it is best to put the ppf over the vinyl? He seems to agree with everyone here, LOL
No, don't plan on changing the decals every month. I'm looking at stinger stripes that are much thinner than the racing stripes and therefore less likely to get damaged, although there still is that possibility. But the big reason for the ppf is to protect the paint which would be more expensive to repair and might not match exactly.
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Thanks to everyone who has responded. It seems to be about 50/50 for over or under. This kind of matches what my installer said, It's up to me.
On top of the PPF for the best professional cleanest look. If you put it on top, there will always be an air gap for the step up and down. Installers will do thier best on that situation and people whom have had it done will swear its just as good. Just go and look at some and make your own decision should you think otherwise. It goes the same for the badges. Have them removed and then rebadged post installation for the cleanest look. You will hear the same about badges that people that didn't remove them say it looks just as good. It doesn't. View some for your own reference.
When I got PPF installed, the shop I used had a computer that took the badges into account when the template was cut. Virtually invisible.
PPF and stripes
No stripes here, not a fan unless they are painted on and clear coats over - but regardless - PPF down then decal stripes for best chance of no issues - and correct on emblems - wish would have thought about that and not spent the money on chrome and just bought and put on after the PPF as I wanted the car to look - wasted money.
