Applying stripes to a coopers bonnet - measurements?

[pimpin gimp]

Evening all, picked up my fiancees 52 plate cooper yesterday (darkish blue with white roof and mirrors) and I've just received the white stripes she has requested.

They are in 6" white vinyl and need to be applied using soapy water solution, I'm quite happy to do this but would like a couple of tips or pointers.

Just wondering what happens at the base of the bonnet? Do I just cut the stripes into the gap between the bonnet and grill surround or should I cut them short?

Also a couple of measurements from the wings etc so I get them looking right, I know they go on the outside of the washer jets, just wondering how far toward the centre they should go? Shoul I just line one up and match it the other side?

They are these ones if it helps.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Ta.

Ryan

[srdtvr]

I've done a few now as all my family have Minis. Careful and thorough cleaning before you start is important as the smallest dust or dirt spec shows up. I looked a the e-bay picture as an example and used masking tape to give me an edge datum for each stripe, then stood back and you can see quite clearly when they look right.When you line up the vinyl stripe to the masking tape and get it where you want it - remove the tape before squeegying on. The soap solution method is good and quite forgiving - keep it wet and you can reposition easily - I assume they supplied the small squeegy applicator which you use to expell the solution and smooth the stripes on. If you get some wrinkling on the bonnet curve you can carefully apply heat from a hair drier or heat gun - and this will allow the stripe to curve into shape but try without first as they usually stay in place with more pressure with the squeegy. I used a soft clean lint free cloth to dry the bonnet and stripes when they were fully in place. I'm not sure what you mean by trimming - I trimmed mine 2 or 3mm from the front edge and rear edge of the bonnet using a steel backed razor which also came with the stripes once again use care. It does take time and patience, I've done viper stripes, bonnet stripes, a roof union flag and checkered A panel decals - not on the same car though - the roof was a bit more tricky.
hope this helps a bit
cheers
Steve

[pimpin gimp]

Well that was st.

I couldn't get it to go right over the curve at the front of the bonnet because its curved in two (or more) planes. is that where the heat gun comes handy? I couldn't get it to stay flat at all - ended up putting small slits in the vinyl to allow for the curves but that was possibly the worst idea I've ever had.

Looked ste so I've taken them back off - still, only £6.50 wasted.

I'll get some more on the weekend and use a heat gun, see if that comes off any better.

Thanks for the advice, next time I think I'd be better off if you came and showed me on, say, 2 stripes... then I'll know how for next time!

Hopefully it'll work out next time.

Ryan.

[srdtvr]

bummer mate

I must have been lucky - better luck next time
the curves do present a challenge but deffo dont cut or crease the vinyl it will look crap.

it helps if its warmer day or in a warm garage
dont over do the heat gun - it could damage the paint or shrink the vinyl if too hot
good luck
steve

[pimpin gimp]

I'll not cut them again, it did look truly shocking.

I'm going to get some from mini pirate, their stripes seem to be cut to the correct length and shape with the angles pre cut - the ones I had were just straight 6" vinyl about a foot long. Really quite crap, the edges weren't even cut that well.

So hopefully the pirate ones will be better, and I'll do it in the garage - will also use a hairdrier rather than a heat gun, it'll have more control over the heat.

Thanks for the advice, I'm sure it'll help next time!

[srdtvr]

sounds like a better option - we used a company called Ensign i think it was - found on E-bay - seemed good quality but only straight lengths of stripes - cut when fitted. The union flag was all pre-cut though

[pimpin gimp]

You'lll be pleased to know they're on and looking good. Did them saturday int he sun, warm water and a hairdrier kept them supple.

The kit from minipirate was far, far superior to the ebay crap we bought (almost 100% sure it wasn;t the same as your one!) as the vinyl was slightly thinner and easier to work, and the precut shapes with backing paper were much easier to lay.

Thumbs up to mr miniPirate.

[pagejobe]

Can we see some pictures?

[pimpin gimp]

I'll clean it over the weekend if I get time and take some then.
It's a nice looking car - just needs some badge centres (the MINI bit has disappeared) for the bonnet and boot badges, and the wheels painting white and it'll be a minter.

[HRG.]

pagejobe said:

Can we see some pictures?

Oh we have...