For Your Consideration - Paint Alternative
 

I am currently awaiting the return of my 1972 Road Race Replica automobile being "wrapped" versus being painted. I did that to see if I could demonstrate the quality and affordability of wrapping a C-3 Corvette which can be clear coated versus a conventional paint job due to tired, old, chipped, or sun damaged paint.

I am not suggesting this is for everyone, just letting you know that it is an affordable option to a complete paint job.

I should have the car ready to photograph in the next two weeks and will be glad to share the process, costs, etc. when it is completed.

Let me know if there is anything further I can share with you here.

Best regards,

David Howard
AllC34Me

Can you send photos of the progress?

Aquiver with anticipation. I hope it comes out well, since I really cant afford to paint it right now.

I saw these guys wrap a truck that had a white body, red door, and blue hood and when it was finished it looked like a brand new paint job.

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This is my 72 with a single stage paint, black gloss, to make it easier to have the wrap stick to the surface but if you have paint on the car now it will adhere to it.

Will share more pictures soon.

David Howard
AllC34Me

This should be very interesting.

I'd like to see what you think of it when it's done....how does it look compared to a paint job?

How durable is it?

What's the warranty?

I've seen wrapped cars but never up close and never a C3.
What do they do with the door jambs?

Looking forward to following this thread....very nice of you to share this information:thumbs:

I have always wondered how they keep graphics like numbers and logos, which I assume this car will have, looking correct as it's stretched over and around body lines....?

Brian

Every NASCAR automobile is a wrapped car, numbers, logos, etc. No more paint jobs for race cars, at least not the high end stuff.

I will be sharing here and on my site for the car build here on the forum as well. More when I have more to share.

David

I suspect you will have a hard time telling it is a wrap and not a paint job. Durability varies depending upon use. Warranty? Does your car paint job come with a warranty? Expected life for a wrapped car is 5-10 years depending upon use. At $3,500 I can change my mind in five years, or a new owner can change the complete look for a fraction of a new paint job.

We will see how it goes.

It should be very similar to this design when completed.

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This is a purple car covered in white. When converting a car you convert the whole car.

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And this is a white car covered with a camo look per customer request.

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With mine being a race car replica it made sense to give it a special wrap treatment.

Anyway, not trying to sell you on the idea, just helping to clarify.

I think you will see a bunch more of this in the future.

David

I know and have seen a lot of race cars with wraps. They are popular because if you get in a minor incident on track you just replace the fender and print out a new section of vinyl. No need to repaint repair sections.

What do they do for emblems?

Emblems are incorporated into the graphics of the color wrap. That will be a solid sheet of printed material which will have the emblem graphics incorporated.

I have to pick the emblems I want, working on that now.

Day One, First Pictures Just Received. More when I get more.

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I'll post these on my build site too.

I will be visiting them tomorrow, expect more updates each day.

Best regards,

David Howard
AllC34Me

Thanks much for the updates David. It looks real good so far :thumbs:. -R

I have seen a video on the entire process and it is quite amazing. Place I saw was doing solid colors for considerably less than what David quoted. There are differences on the thickness and durability, but a very real option. Thanks for bringing it up David!

Looks awesome!

I am very interested as I have given thought to doing this vs painting as well. So far it looks great. Looking forward to the finished pics!

I am certain a single color would be quite a bit less expensive. Mine will have two layers, with graphics being developed for me by Seven Wraps. They do also put a single clear wrap on cars to help guard against road chips. I am considering that for the front of my trailer.
More soon.
David Howard
AllC34Me

David
Would you PM me their information.maybe for my motion 70
Thanks
Wes

Very interesting,
Curious why you picked this over paint as your build doesn't look like you are on a withstraint of a budget so I take it you dig it.

I am very curious how the price of one color would compete with the people who do a one color paint job at home that comes out very nice and costs 1200.00 or less plus minus, will it last as long as their paint?

Also clue me in some is the wrap the same as that stuff they cut the window decals from?

Where I am doing this same type build, flares, road race look, but low end compared to yours a wrap company who wanted to wrap my car in a sponsor type advertising thing for free or cut rate since I want it to look like a racer anyway, hum, might be an angle for me over flat black.

This is very interesting David.

I look forward to seeing the progress.

Am sure it will fit your build theme perfectly.

Craig

Anxious to see how this turns out. I know it will look good. Ever heard of plastidip? I've looked in to a couple local shops that dip cars. A fraction of the price of paint ($800) for my C3. Cool thing is just like a wrap when you get tired of it you peel it off. They have some pretty wicked colors out there.

Here is a C7 that has been plastidipped.
http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/...psutjrvs98.jpg
http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/...psrfoijbfg.jpg

What type body prep is required? The same as if you were painting, or can you put over your existing, but faded out, paint?

PM sent with the information Wes.
Best regards,
David

Easy decision Bats. If you check the cost of painting a car like this using a design theme like this and want to have the logos painted as well you are well above the cost I will have invested in this car. I won't own this car forever, I never do, so the next owner can always remove the top layer and leave it white, or change the color or scheme to fit their own personality. Like anything new it has pluses and drawbacks, all decisions do.

Thanks for the comments.

David

I have heard of it and I hear it works well for those cars seeking a single color change. The majority of the market is using wraps and dips to get inexpensive color changes and that makes great sense. The owner of Seven Wraps has a BMW that is luminescent GOLD. If I can get a picture of it today I will.
Thanks for sharing. Only limited by our imaginations.
David

No prep required. If your car has paint on it now you are ready. Mine had pin holes in the right rear quarter panel but the wrap covers them and they are gone. The Corvette lettering on the rear of the car was removed, the holes left in place, and the wrap covers them now and will carry graphics there of the car name. Can easily be opened again and letters added if someone wants to do that.

I will ask them for some additional information about surface prep and see if they will share their pictures of the pickup truck I saw them wrap.
It was an amazing transformation. They also just finished a wrap for a car that will be auctioned off, I'll see if I can get pictures of that as well.

Thanks for the questions.

David Howard
AllC34Me

I'd consider it just for the time/prep vs cost factor. I can paint, and get reasonable results relatively cheaply, but the time involved to get everything prepped properly is huge. If for a similar price I could have a car wrapped and get good results, with little to no prep time on my part, I'd definitely consider it. Keen to see your results.

I took these images from the web site of the company doing my corvette racer. I am not advertising for them, I am demonstrating their technology for all. There are many companies that can supply this type of wrapping service, so please look for a local source near you if you have further interest. My intention is to share and learn together here, not to sell the idea to everyone. I receive no remuneration or discounts from the wrap company for sharing this information or for anyone that would come with their cars, I just want to give my fellow Corvette owners an additional option.

This truck had a white body, blue door, and red hood made from parts after the truck had been damaged. To get it all back to an advertising and usable good looking truck the owner chose to have it wrapped versus painting it all to match.
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Cigar boat graphics have really started to become popular.
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And this is the latest car I saw. This one has a hood that will be signed by the local police before the auction. Nice tribute car with stunning graphics, these pictures really don't do it justice.
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I didn't mention it previously but they can take the film over the windows as well with graphics or with a tint. Here you see the name of the fund on the window.

I hope you enjoy seeing these, let your imagination run wild and then wrap it on your ride.

Have a great week.

David

And I found a 2015 ZO6 Corvette that has the clear overwrap paint protection. Nice.

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They want 10,000 bucks to paint my car ,a wrap is starting to look good.

Tuesday Update
 

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Wednesday Update
 

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Two days progress. Won't be too long before we start seeing some color show up on the car...more tomorrow.

David Howard
AllC34Me

Looks greaet to me.

It isn't flawless, but it is very nice. Today I was discussing the graphics with them and they asked if I wanted to incorporate burned paint near the side pipes. I never thought about it but with graphics you can incorporate flaws such as checking, burn marks, chips, and more if you wanted that worn look. Maybe I will take it to the track when it is done and just put the authentic worn look on it. LOL.

More soon.

Thanks for following along.

David

Very interesting thread, especially since I am considering taking a 5-day car-wrapping course in a few weeks.

Subscribed!


P.S. AllC34Me, your car is looking great. Those guys know how to properly wrap cars for sure!

The C-3 Corvette has some very challenging angles throughout the car. Brian from Seven Wraps has said it is a fun project, tough project, but fun. Tomorrow he will wrap the hood which also has compound angles. Then he lays out the dimensions for the template and we begin the design elements. Logos have been selected and will include Sunoco Racing Fuels, GM Performance Parts, Detroit Vintage Wheels, Holley EFI, Mickey Thompson Tires, Hooker Headers, and Summit Racing. I will also have the Seven Wraps Logo on the car. Others?

Cheers and thanks for looking. :thumbs:

David

Too bad you can't get some of those companies to sponsor it

That would be nice.

So when two parts come together like the rear section do they over lap or butt up to each other? Looking great so far.

It is a butt fit, no overlap. With a second film the location of the film butt can be masked with a graphic element rendering it nearly impossible to see. Film on paint is strong; film on film (second layer) is even stronger.

I will see if I can get some pictures of it.

Good question, thank you.

David Howard
AllC34Me

Dave looking great. what size tires do you have on it.

Mickey Thompson 295/50-R15 front and rear.
David

Looks great!

How about rim dimensions?

I hope you didn't take my "budget" remark wrong, I mean that it appeared to me you desired wrap over paint meaning you saw pros to it,

Can it go over primer?

How long will it last?

Many thanks!

can they match the paint that is on the car .I want to wrap the new front and rear rubber bumpers.

Rim dimensions are 10" Wide X 15" Diameter with 4" offset.
My understanding is you cannot put it over primer, it needs something to adhere to and primer does not have the proper surface tension.
Depending upon thickness and use you can get 5-10 years life out of the wrap. There are various types of vinyl that can be used for the wrap. The real strength to a wrap is over new paint as a protective coating. I should have considered something like this on top of my new paint job on Sparty. All but eliminates stone chips.
Hope that helps.
David

Helps and hurts,

I love your rims and finally know I will be happy with the 295 50's all around and it will work and fit...win

I will be in primer, mike and tommy damaged way too much of my car for it not to be primed so I guess a wrap isn't gonna happen for me:(

Could easily shoot some cheap paint over the primer and then have it wrapped bats?

That is a question I cannot answer. You will have to contact a wrap company to be able to get that answer. Sorry.
David Howard
AllC34Me

I'm going to be updating my information on the car build which is located here:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...as-sought.html

If you have any further questions I will check here for them and help as I can.

Thanks for the discussion folks, good stuff.

David Howard
AllC34Me

Thursday update.

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Corvette Forum?!?! :yesnod:

Hey Bats, you may want to check with someone who specializes in car wraps. Sign shops have different standards.
Actually, I would call Geek Wraps in Ft. Lauderdale and ask.

AFAIK, you can apply vinyl wrap on a lot of surfaces, but for a car, I am sure you want it to be as flawless as possible. I read in one of the vinyl wrap forums a while back, someone recommending spray bombing the primer with clear, in order to provide better adhesion. Not sure if this is correct and again, a vinyl wrap pro can most likely answer that question.

Here's a video (only the first couple of minutes show a C3, of all things) of a car being wrapped.

It's truly fascinating to see how they can literally sculpt the vinyl so it conforms to complex surfaces.

As far as life/durability, I think both 3M and Avery have 5-year warranties, but that may be for printed vinyl, so that's something else to ask Geek Wraps. Or they can give you contact info for an installer near you. (954) 783-3117.

Seven Wraps is a specialty wrap company only, they are not a sign shop. If you want to check with Brian at Seven Wraps he can answer any questions you would have on warranties, etc. He can be reached at Brian@SevenWraps.com and he is the partner/owner.

Thanks it is an option I have to look into more, there are some stunning results

Probably not, but thanks for the thought.
David Howard
AllC34Me

This all is a bit deer in headlights for my brain right now, ac34me's car is so darn stunning, his build is very much what I am going for except his is pristine I want mine to have a patina look like the hot rod guys who air brush or wrap pseudo rust on their fenders,

As far as sponsor labels for me goes, I have hit companies many times and they will normally jump right on it and send you free decals it is after all free advertising for them, coker tires used to send you a cool tire key chain just for asking.

And I had a few ask if I would have interest in an advertising wrap,
I was way too far from a running car to consider it, and I would have to at the very least use or support a product that's plastered on my car

but when I am closer I will see who has interest, it's surprising what they will just give you when you ask the right person....:thumbs:

Company I saw video on (not sure if same material/quality as the people David has chosen, but they advertised as doing a wrap on a late model Rustang in single color for $600.

David, it was not my intention to put the quality of work done by Seven Wraps down, and I apologize if that's how my comment appeared to you. I was only trying to give Bats a Florida contact.

As I mentioned in a previous post...

That would be great ,but will still have to pay the corvette tax.:thumbs:

I've seen a couple of cars with "chrome" wrap. I wonder if you could "wrap" a set of rear bumpers. It could be a lot cheaper than re chroming.

I'll take one with me next visit and ask them. Good question. Thank you.

UPDATE: I am visiting Seven Wraps tomorrow (Wednesday) and I have a bumper with me now to have this discussion. Will let you know what I learn.

the guys that tried to chrome wrap a set of fiberglass rear bumpers for me couldn't do it , according to them the chrome wrap isn't as stretchy as the regular wrap. i am also curious to see if your guys can do it.

you can get glass bumpers chromed.But if you could get them wrapped and look like chrome that would be cool.

There is a Gold(shiny like chrome) late model Vette running around Texas City. Looks pretty tacky.

I guess some people love it and one would think I would with the way I dig customs and mods but the cars wrapped in chrome or gold always seem to be "look at me" cars already so the shiny wrap just insists upon itself to the point of yeah just being tacky,

But I do believe wraps will be the next huge trend, you take what allc34me is doing, others might like a different lay out or a motion theme trim on their paint, it's endless and affordable.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...3f18a643b.jpeg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...1c04476f1.jpeg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0286507b8.jpeg
Looking good, David. I had my 2008 BMW wrapped in satin pearl white in April. Have been happy with the results. Isn't quite as tough as I'd hoped though.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...a90779406.jpeg

It does look great. Thank you for sharing.
David

I'd also like to see some details how they join the larger panels such as the rear deck to the rear light panel or even where those sail-panels hit the rear deck.
Overall results are looking :thumbs: so far.
M

I am heading to Seven Wraps tomorrow, I'll see if I can get some detail pictures of the rear deck and see if I can capture what you are looking for and get it posted here.

If anyone would like to see something specific please let me know, will do my best to capture it.

:thumbs:David:thumbs:

Very cool....does it damage the paint to remove the wrap? Can you attach the rear and side emblems to the car over the wrap?

It does not damage the paint underneath it. Many use the clear wrap material to protect their paint from exterior damage. When the exterior film gets old it can be removed and replaced. That is the number one use thus far for the film I have been told.

Emblems, yes. I will be mounting black powder coated "Stingray" emblems to the side of my car. Wrap goes over the holes, you open the holes and place your emblems. I'll have pictures of that in the near future.

Thanks for asking.

David Howard
AllC34Me

If they start doing solid color wraps for under a grand, and they are fairly durable, the paint shops are going to be in trouble...

I would think some of the body shops may start to offer this .

I would think they have already felt the impact.
David

I think the labor rates at body shops would prevent them from wanting to offer this service, just my thoughts.

I don't think they'll affect the "real" paint shops too much since wrapping, like plasti-dip, gets thoroughly pooh-poohed by so many. But Maaco should be concerned.
I'm to the point of thinking about paint myself and have seriously considered both plasti-dip and wrapping. I already have more in my '68 than it will ever be worth and the thought of dumping another 6 grand into it just makes my toes curl. I'm taking it through primer myself, but paint still won't be cheap.
But dipping and wrapping have such a bad reputation with so many (whether deserved or not is a separate discussion), that I'm hesitant. The body on my car is flawless and unhit and I'm putting huge effort into doing everything "right". But I know that the first thought with a dipped car is that it's a mess underneath - because that's often the case. So am I killing the value of all my hard work? I'm doing everything with an eye toward selling the car (since it's taken so much time and money to complete and I need to get some cash back for other things).
I'm following this with great interest. This afternoon, I'm going to hunt around to see if I have any local places that can show me their work. I know David's is sure looking nice, but I need to see one in person to make the call. Great discussion!

Honestly this would be an easy decision for me. Base on what you have, what you have invested already, and your future plans to sell it I wouldn't even consider dipping or wrapping. I painted my 71 restoration and that, in my opinion, is the way to go for you.

My two cents.

Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it.

David

PMFJI, but if you go this route (and for anyone else considering it), I would make sure the installer is a 3M Preferred Graphics Installer, which means they passed the required test. Not sure if Avery or other vinyl manufacturers offer some form of certification, but it does not hurt to ask.

3M refers certified installers through their website: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...ers/preferred/ and talking to a few—especially those close to you—may give you a better understanding of what you can expect.

Unless you're doing a matte finish or some sort of unique design, like David said, I too would have it painted.

Hope this helps.

will the insurance companys force you to do a wrap .they try and make you take used parts.

I am interested in wrapping mine, as the paint is showing its age. It mappears to me that the vinyl does take away the crisp edges of a painted car. Anyone else notice this or just my imagination?

then its both our imaginations, I am racy minded, OCD and very detailed brain,
When I am presented a car and told it's wrapped it does look different to paint to me, not bad mind you but different,

I would be curious if I was presented a line up of ten cars could I pick the paint from wraps in just pictures....:shrug:

Don't use mine as an example, mine did not have the crisp lines you are referring to. Unlike my 71 which I had painted, the 72 was finished in anticipation of receiving a wrap, so sharp edges were not wanted. I think you would be correct though, rounding would be a by product of putting a film over a shark edge. Inevitable. Seems almost a contradiction doesn't it to soften the edges of an edgy car?
Good eye if you can see that in a picture. :thumbs:
Here the driver side of the car it being marked for placement of the side/hood graphics. Those should be going on today.
Attachment 48010259
Much like graphics do today there is some attempt to fool the eyes by the proper placement of colors on the car. You can also see the indent of the graphics where the car number will be placed. For those that wonder this one won't be #12. I won't reveal the number yet but any guesses? We'll see if it works. Won't be long now.
Thanks for the comments, all good. :thumbs:
David

Looks sweet, #77

Sure as Hell looks good in the pictures.

Especially since last week I spent close to $600 for paint, primer reducer etc. Ouch!

Me too - this will be very interesting to see.

vetfever

Boy a 600 dollar wrap would sound good

Is there a concern about your side pipes throwing too much heat on the vinyl wrap?

The car looks stunning, by the way!!

I posted more pictures. Hopefully no issues with side pipes, but we will see.

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:thumbs:
Looking sharp.

Question:
The red pin stripe on the door, is it laid down as a single straight stripe and curve it around (like they would have done in the "old days") or would they have to cut that shape out of the vinyl?
Thanks
M

That looks really good, thanks for the picture progress!

So awesome! I'm loving it :thumbs:

Sweet looking sled for sure.

Wild stuff :rock:

Looking at the pictures of Davids car and it makes the wrapping look so easy to do and I bet it's not, I bet it takes care and talent like tinting windows x 10

How do you cut off the edges and around key holes and handles? I can't imagine using a knife without damaging the paint underneath.

I have watched these guys a few times now and it does take talent. The Corvette presents some unique challenges due to the compound angles.

the more chrome or key locks, door handels that you take off ,the better the job will be .I think the body shop guys will have to get into this at somepoint.if they can get a fender to match the rest of the car.the ins companys will only pay for the wrap.