71 Cuda billboards ?

[bentpshrods]

    Every since I have had my car painted I have been wanting to add billboards to it. When ever I had the money saved something came up and sucked the funds to some thing else. But for christmas I made sure I got my wish and bought a set from Challengergary.  I have done almost all the work on the car myself---but there are a few jobs that I have had the good sence not to try and have hired it out. I am debating on doing these (with help)--but have that nagging feeling that this is one of those jobs to have done.  I need to get estimates on how much it will cost, but don't really know who does this. I have been thinking those sign companies that do vinyl wraps on cars maybe?  I knew I would be pulling the side marker lights out, but I'm not sure about the door handles.  Looks like these should come out also, or is the decal just trimed around them? Would you try it yourself?  Not going to do this till it gets a lot warmer out tho.  Any tips or suggestions ?   

[4Cruizn]

I would probably try to do it myself.  Get some slightly soapy water in a spray bottle and keep the panel wet until you have the billboard in exactly the right spot.  work all the air bubbles out and let it dry.  I did the decals on the convertible in my driveway and am happy with the results. 

[polarbear123]

 
You will probably do a better job yourself. i had my truck done and there were air bubbles everywhere. I have done some on a smaller scale and if your water is soapy enough you can move the decal around until you get it right

[AARCUDADEN]

I would probably try to do it myself.  Get some slightly soapy water in a spray bottle and keep the panel wet until you have the billboard in exactly the right spot.  work all the air bubbles out and let it dry.  I did the decals on the convertible in my driveway and am happy with the results.

The trick is keeping the panel good and wet when you apply the decal. Just like putting decals on a model but a much larger scale of course 

[Cuda Commando]

I can understand your trepidation.Once read an article where the writer said the guys on the original production lines would dread a "billboard sticker" option on the build sheet.Was not their favourite thing to fit.

[4Cruizn]

I know that Mopar Muscle did an article on installing the billboard a year or so ago... 

[Road_Runner]

I'd check out that article and anything else I could find on the net to get all the tips & tricks for such a large decal / sticker.  That said, I agree that you'll likely do a better job because you care so much about the final product.  To anyone else is just a job to get done.  Good luck!

Later, Jim

[TinCuda]

I will be doing this also real soon.  A link to a installation guild or a walk through would be nice.

Thanks


.,

[CID440]

I install vynil for a living,  if you were close id cut and install em for ya cheap.   But lemme give you some tips,  first off make a solution of application fluid.  I use a 20 oz spray bottle filled 1/4 to 1/3 rubbing alcohol,  3 to 4 drops of blue dawn dish soap (non lotion) and the rest water.   The trick would be to clean the area well and then saturate it.  Put decal face down on work table, peel backing paper and saturate it as well.  Slap that thing on quickly to keep crap from getting under it.  After getting it where you want it start from the center and work your way out in a star burst pattern take little swipes at first.  After you've squeegeed the whole thing down saturate the transfer paper with the fluid and squeegee it all over again.  Don't just yank the paper off. Start at a corner and slowly peel at a 45 degree angle.  Bubbles happen and 95 percent of them go away after sitting in the sun a few days.  Careful of wrinkles and stretching though.  Good luck

[bentpshrods]

    Thanks CID440 for the great tips.  I went out yesterday and got some quotes from various sign companies that advertised doing vinyl wraps.  They ranged from 125.00 to 225.00 .  One place had just finished putting stripes on a viper that looked really nice.  I have some issues I need to fix first , so I have some time to think about if I am going to do it. Need to fix my drivers side window that fel down into the door so I can get the door handles off. Got no reverse in the tranny that still needs to be done. One thing just leeds to another.          Got a few more places to check with also, so in the mean time I will research as many articles and tips as I can.  TinCuda----got this link to Resto Ricks/ in his tech section under body/ if this link does'nt work    http://www.restorick.com/tech/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16      Plus I am a fair weather wrencher anymore. Hate the cold so things need to warm up a bunch before I really get motivated to go out to the garage.           Getting a little anxious to get things started tho.  Like normal----I will wait to long to start, there will be unforseen complications,,, and  the car will be down  all spring instead   of out driving.         Might just have to fire up the torpedo heater and go to it.  BUT first I gotta clean out the garage from all the winter clutter that seems to appear.  Like I said ---one thing always leeds to another!!!!       Keep any more tips or leads comming.  Thanks      Doug   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The only thing I can offer is do it when it's at least 60*F, and have someone help you.

What CID440 said is gold.   

[js27]

I run a graphics shop for the 6 th largest sign shop in the US. You have recieved some very good advice. Just make sure the area is very clean of any oil or dirt and a good cleaning with dawn dish washing liquid should remove any wax. Temp. is also very important. If outside make sure it is a warm day 70 to 80 but not in direct sun. If the strips have any wrinkles in them from packaging lay them out as flat as possible in direct sun to warm them or use a heat gun (hair dryer) if there is no sun. The warmer the vinyl the more pliable to a point-but it will also be easier for you to stretch it out of shape. Depending on the size of the decal is how I determine how to apply it. It if is a large decal I prep everything as mentioned and then lay it out where I want it on the car. Then I tape it down and pull the packing off half and apply it and then when satisified I pull back the other half and apply that side. Squeegee with a medium pressure at first then go over it with a heavy pressure before you pull off the transfer tape. Depending on the transfer tape you can even wet it beofre you squeegee it. Then just soak the tape and let it sit for a minute and then it should peel off pretty easy. If you have any small bubbles you can take an very small fine needle and poke a very small hole and use your thumb to work the air or water towards the whole and it should take care of it.
Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK.
JS27