Large decals on a Charger. Anyone ever done it before? HELP!!

[71 RT]

What is the best way to install a large tape stripe or hood blackout (like on the bulge hood of a 3rd gen).  I have heard that using soapy water and a squeegee is the way to go, others say the dry method is better.  Anyone had any success in doing this one of these, or other large declas?  Any advice is appreciated.  Thanks

[Nacho-RT74]

all graphic designers use soapy water. I did on that way whwn installed the rallye stripes on mine.

I can't imagine try to do it dry.

Was the first time I was doing that. wasn't a perfect job but could do it.

[72Rallye440]

71 R/T
I'm in this business so I can help you out. DO NOT try to apply the graphic dry, you will be sorry. There is a couple different application fluids that will make thge job really easy and they are pretty cheap (under $15.00). Soap and water is fine but you got to make sure you use a very small amount of soap or the graphic will never adhear. This is what you want to do:

Wipe the area on the hood down with some type of cleaner that will remove old wax build up. In the sign industry I would say mineral spirits but please be carefully, I dont want to tell you to do something that will harm your paint. Just keep in mind that washing the car will not prepair the surface. Lay the graphic face down on a larger open area, the car hood will be fine.

Peal back the liner (paper backing) off the entire graphic (I would get help with this).

Now you will be looking at the adhesive side of the graphic and the paper will be gone.

Spray the adhesve side with the solution (soap water or application fluid) and cover the entire graphic, the more the better.
I would also spray the hood of the car with the same solution.

Flip the graphic over (adhesive side on the car) and you are now ready to position the graphic where you want it and it should be eay to more around.

When you get it in place start squeegeeing the fluid from under the graphic. I would start in the center and apply just a little pressure. Its important to make sure you squeegee every inch of the graphic to make sure all the application fluid and bubbles are pushed out.

Once this is done leave it to dry with the tape still on the graphic. Give it about an hour and the tape should come right off.

If you need good squeegee's please let me know and I will send you a good one free. If you have any more questions please let me know and I will be glad to help.

    Thanks,
        Dewey

[Nacho-RT74]

[RallyeMike]

A few more tips:

Pay the couple bucks for a proper decal applicator (wet method).

Put masking tape an inch away from the edges of the decal location before you place it. It helps guide you to the right spot in the heat of the moment.

Do not do it in the sun.

Don't squeegee to hard. You can stretch the decal.

If you get the inevitable bubble, poke the bubble on an edge with a needle to make the smallest hole, not penetrating the paint, and squeegee the bubble flat slowly toward the hole.

Good luck !

[71 RT]

Thanks guys, I apprefciate the advice.  Last question, did you buy your decals from Year One, Pheonix Graphics, or Stripes and Decals Unlimited.  Is there any difference in the quality??

[Nacho-RT74]

I don't know... since I live in Venezuela, I made rallye mid body sides by myself... oh well a graphic designer friend of mine... using a NOS that I have to scan and cut the new repro on 3M reflective white vinyl.

.

I'm agree on what Mike said about sun... sun just AFTER install.

I got several bubbles on my decal ( was my first time ), damm, but I just remove them with a needle. Bad stuff was white vinyl that is easier to notice everything.