What is the best method of applying billboards?

Author Topic: What is the best method of applying billboards?  (Read 2848 times)

Offline 67Vette427

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What is the best method of applying billboards?
« on: October 09, 2007 - 05:14:10 PM »
Before I get started, I'm looking for anybody who has had experience applying the original Cuda billboards for advice. If you've done them or knew how somebody else who has applied them please let me know? Thanks!
« Last Edit: October 09, 2007 - 11:01:28 PM by 67Vette427 »
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Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2007 - 06:20:19 PM »
God bless you is all I can say.  :worshippy

I had a hard enough time putting the side stripes on my Challenger. I imagine it's the same deal. A soapy water solution applied to the body, then get to work with a squeegy. I don't envy you.  :grinno:


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Offline 72hemi

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2007 - 07:14:42 PM »
I just did a set about a year ago with a friend of mine who has been in the auto body business for about 30 years. First is patience, and a lot of them. It took us 3 hours to do both sides. Second is two people. I could not imagine doing it by myself. I cannot remember the name of the product but instead of using soapy water we used a special liquid that is used specifically for vinyl stripe application (My buddy told me it isn't cheap either). Also do not use original stripes get reproduction ones, just because originals are 35 years old and the vinyl is more brittle and the adhesive is not as good as it once was. Position the stripe on the side of the car and mark its location with masking tape. After you are happy with where it is going to go and have marked the the quarter panel with the masking tape remove the backing and liberally spray the quarter panel and the stripe with the magic liquid. Next (this is where the patience and time comes in) line up the stripe with the tape starting at the top and center start laying the stripe on the panel, work slowly and firmly using a squeegee rub the stripe pushing out the liquid and adhearing the stripe to the quarter. Continue to wet the panel and stripe as often as you need. Good luck. It is no easy task, by far one of the most difficult things I have done restoring a car, and I have restored a few.
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Offline 67vertman

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2007 - 07:44:33 PM »
I have done this a few times. Here are the steps I follow….

Air and surface temperature must be above 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the application of the vinyl.

1. Measure and mark the area you wish to apply your vinyl using a water-soluble pencil. Precision marking will help assure a level application.  At this time, take your decal (paper and all) and tape it to your predetermined area. Stand back and make sure it is straight and looks good where you have it.
Adjust as necessary.

2. Spray the surface under the decal with water (put 2 drops of dish soap in 1/2 qt of water) or application fluid (I recommend the application fluid_ http://www.ags.com.au/store/group.asp?GroupID=450&CategoryID=72 ) While the decal is attached to the surface by your tape, carefully peel off the backing paper. The decal should stay stuck to the application tape at this time. With the application tape still intact, squeegee the decal to the surface by applying pressure with smooth even strokes. Start at the middle of the decal and work your way out to the left and then the right. Note: Before you squeegee make sure there are no wrinkles in the decal or application tape.

3. It is a good Idea to wait just a couple of minutes before you remove the application tape. This allows the application fluid to dry some and will prevent the decal from trying to come up. Once it is adhered to the surface, squeegee the entire decal a second time. Then carefully peel the tape off the entire decal.

4. It is common for there to be some small bubbles throughout the decal. These bubbles will leave by themselves within a few weeks. If you have any major bubbles you can eliminate them by carefully heating the area with a hair dryer or heat gun, and then puncturing them with a needle and applying pressure with your thumb. Note: You can do more damage than good by chasing the smaller bubbles. They will leave by themselves as the vinyl breathes and the application fluid evaporates.

And as other have said... patience is a must!



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Offline 67Vette427

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2007 - 10:53:36 PM »
Thank you guys for the replies/info! One set was put on the car and they wrinkled and bubbled. The other set of repro decals are here now. Thanks again!
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Offline Bullitt-

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2007 - 12:08:42 AM »
Another approach is to divide the work in half, the backing paper may have a seam for this purpose, tape the item in the middle, work the left or right, top or bottom 1st then address the other. The "squeegee" used by the pros is a very stiff plastic item about 4" wide. Use the liquids liberally to float the work into place.
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2007 - 12:35:29 AM »
Thats the magic liquid. Worth its weight in gold. Good luck.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline 67Vette427

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2007 - 02:36:23 AM »
Good advice!  I've done a lot of window tinting that should come in handy for this. I'll get some of that liquid too. Thanks!!
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Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #8 on: October 11, 2007 - 03:34:42 PM »
I did a set for a friend a while ago.  You have to know that there will be a horizontal split down behind the marker light that has to be cut or else you will have too much vinyl in that  area.
Have you guys that have ACTUALLY done one, done this?  Do not answer if you have not put a billboard on yourself.

Rob
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Offline TreeFrog

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #9 on: October 12, 2007 - 03:45:38 PM »
I would say hire someone that knows what they are doing, to all you guys that can do it, and have the paitence... my hats off!
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Offline mopar_guy

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #10 on: October 12, 2007 - 05:57:13 PM »
 :iagree: good luck though. cant wait to see how it turns out

Offline 72hemi

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #11 on: October 15, 2007 - 09:30:31 PM »
I did a set for a friend a while ago.  You have to know that there will be a horizontal split down behind the marker light that has to be cut or else you will have too much vinyl in that  area.
Have you guys that have ACTUALLY done one, done this? 

Yes there is a slit that has to be cut behind the marker, you can either make the slit horizontal or at a slight downward angle.
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Offline 67Vette427

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #12 on: October 16, 2007 - 01:36:44 AM »
I still haven't got to the billboards but maybe later this week. In response to treefrog's comment about hiring somebody.... I did and they bubbled it. Not bad but bad enough to where it shows. I guess I can keep looking around but I Can't find Cuda Billboard Installers in the yellow pages out here... lol... I know what you mean and I'm still looking but not many shops want to deal with it or I just haven't found the right one.
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Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #13 on: October 16, 2007 - 07:37:23 AM »
One thing bad about asking Body Shops if they can do it, is that most of them will say that they can, even if they have never done one.  They will screw it up and try to fix it then you are left with a screwed up bubbled or wrinkled billboard.

Either ask another Billboard-Cuda owner where he had his done and send it there or try asking a window tinting installer if they can do it.

Actually if you try it yourself with soap water and squeegees it is very easy to do. But I don't know your capabilities either.  I did my own 70 Challenger side stripes and hood black-out myself.

Rob
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Offline cudagirl4406pk

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Re: What is the best method of applying billboards?
« Reply #14 on: October 16, 2007 - 02:54:44 PM »
I have done this a few times. Here are the steps I follow….

Air and surface temperature must be above 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the application of the vinyl.

1. Measure and mark the area you wish to apply your vinyl using a water-soluble pencil. Precision marking will help assure a level application.  At this time, take your decal (paper and all) and tape it to your predetermined area. Stand back and make sure it is straight and looks good where you have it.
Adjust as necessary.

2. Spray the surface under the decal with water (put 2 drops of dish soap in 1/2 qt of water) or application fluid (I recommend the application fluid_ http://www.ags.com.au/store/group.asp?GroupID=450&CategoryID=72 ) While the decal is attached to the surface by your tape, carefully peel off the backing paper. The decal should stay stuck to the application tape at this time. With the application tape still intact, squeegee the decal to the surface by applying pressure with smooth even strokes. Start at the middle of the decal and work your way out to the left and then the right. Note: Before you squeegee make sure there are no wrinkles in the decal or application tape.

3. It is a good Idea to wait just a couple of minutes before you remove the application tape. This allows the application fluid to dry some and will prevent the decal from trying to come up. Once it is adhered to the surface, squeegee the entire decal a second time. Then carefully peel the tape off the entire decal.

4. It is common for there to be some small bubbles throughout the decal. These bubbles will leave by themselves within a few weeks. If you have any major bubbles you can eliminate them by carefully heating the area with a hair dryer or heat gun, and then puncturing them with a needle and applying pressure with your thumb. Note: You can do more damage than good by chasing the smaller bubbles. They will leave by themselves as the vinyl breathes and the application fluid evaporates.

And as other have said... patience is a must!



This man has the right idea that is how my husband put on my billboards.
Yes i am a girl and no you cant drive my MOPAR :)