1970 Challenger R/T bumblebee stencil kit,

[TreeFrog]

anyone buy/use a 1970 Challenger R/T bumblebee stencil kit?

are they reusable or do they fall apart after a single use?

[70challengerrt]

I just used the hamtrack pics to get the dimensions and taped it off myself. If you want pics and measurements let me know.

[Alaskan_TA]

I heard from one guy that used the kit, he said it sucked and he had to redo it.

Besides, the factory did not use a kit, they were hand masked. That is the main reason that you see so many variances in the stripes on original paint cars. 

Barry

[TreeFrog]

good to know.  I understand the tail was painted first then masked, the car was then painted and the masking removed...sound right?

[Challenger6pak]

The stripe was painted and then the car was painted.  On many originals the tape lines are not crisp.  The masking tape was pulled off while the car was still tacky to get the car out the door and move on to the next one.

[PlumCrazy]

anyone buy/use a 1970 Challenger R/T bumblebee stencil kit?

are they reusable or do they fall apart after a single use?

[TreeFrog]

I know a lot of things varied and such, but I have a 5.25 overall dim, with 1/4 space and stripe...where did the images you show come from?  curious...kinda want to get as close as possible..

Is that 6 1/8" across the trunk or does it taper closer as you move out?

[Challenger6pak]

You can look at this diagram also on Alaskin_TA's site.
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/engineeringDrawings/ei021.jpg

[PlumCrazy]

I know a lot of things varied and such, but I have a 5.25 overall dim, with 1/4 space and stripe...where did the images you show come from?  curious...kinda want to get as close as possible..

Is that 6 1/8" across the trunk or does it taper closer as you move out?

The stripe is parallel to the front of the car.  It tapers across the deck lid.

[Challenger6pak]

I believe Barry (Alaskan_TA) posted these pics in the past. They are of an untouched R/T.

[Alaskan_TA]

Things to remember;

1. These cars were masked by hand, so no two original cars will be exactly the same.

2. They did not measure each and every stripe on the assembly line, it would have taken too long.

3. If your car has an original stripe, duplicate it as best you can. Otherwise, use the photos and engineering drawing as a general guide line.

Barry

[TreeFrog]

Looks like the stripe curve toward the rear bumper as they end at the bottm (on the side)

I hear that the car was painted first, I hear the stipe was painted first ... this Looks like the Stripe may actualy have been painted first ... hard to tell

[Challenger6pak]

Chryslers goal was to get the car out asap.  To paint the stripe and then the car would make the most sense.  It is easier to mask off the stripe than the car.  I have seen pics of it being done.  The stripe was sprayed on and the overspray was allowed to go wherever it went. The stripe was then masked off.  The cars were then painted body color.  As soon as they could the stripe masking was removed and the body was sent in to have the paint baked before being assembled.  Time is money so the cars were done as easily and quickly as possible. 

[Alaskan_TA]

I agree.

If you know where those pics are I would love to see them. 

[Challenger6pak]

My father had tons of this stuff.  Much of it was lost due to water damage during a hurricane.  I will check with him and see what still exists.  He at one time wanted to start a Chrysler museum and collected many things for it in the late 70's through early 80's.  He recently sent me books of service bulletins.  I have not gone through them yet.  I may have things you need Barry and will be happy to get copies to you.