Vehicle Wrap ideas

[twobone]

I've been drooling over all the different colour configurations of the various rides in the group and I've come to the conclusion that a vehicle wrap would make a fun spring project. I checked around and professionals want ~$2000 to do a vehicle wrap.

 

I'm thinking about trying it myself and have found a place in the UK ( http://www.mdpsupplies.co.uk/vehiclewrappingvws1.asp ) that sells the stuff in bulk. I think for about $350 I can get my hands on the required materials

 

I'm going to plan it out over the winter and give it a shot (with or without a conversion to cycle wings).

 

A couple of layouts come to mind:

Matte Black

Matte Orange

 

Forest green with yellow stripe

Gloss Orange

 

I wish they had Gulf blue!

[slomove]

I did not know about the colored films but clear paint protection films have been around for a while. I suppose the issues applying them are similar.

 

I applied such a clear film myself last year and, while it came out well, I am not sure if I would do this again myself. An advantage of the color film may be that you don't see every tiny bubble or dust speck, that means more forgiving.

 

However, the side flanges of the wings and the nose cone are very much compound curved surfaces that need precisely matching pre-cuts. I matched most cuts on the fly with an Exacto knife but that did not work out perfectly all the time. Also, the smallest amount of grime, dust or grease on the fingers will leave an ugly blush with the clear film.

 

It is one more thing I don't regret having tried but the results are probably better when a skilled person is doing this for a living and knows the pitfalls. May cost a bit more but save a weekend and some frustration.

 

If you do find a professional make sure to get some references for similar jobs.

[twobone]

From what I can tell the vinyl wrap can be pulled with heat and patience over even the toughest curves like a headlight bucket.

 

The idea of a low cost colour change certainly is enticing

[slomove]

If that is vinyl it may make the difference.

 

Clear paint protection film is extremely tough (and expensive) polyurethane but also with an acrylic adhesive. While a heat gun makes the polyurethane a little more pliable, there are limits with complex curved surfaces.

 

I suppose vinyl will give much more with heat but nevertheless I would buy double quantity to allow for a learning curve and to get it right.

[slngsht]

well, if you do the cycle conversion, the vinyl will cover the holes too. LOL

 

Are there hot areas where the body is near the exhaust that you need to worry about?

[twobone]

Great minds think alike

I may need to trim it back a bit around the header exit hole.

[turboeric]

If you want to play with colour combinations, try the FM Westfield Configurator. Besides, it is fun to make really ugly colour combinations!

 

http://www.flyinmiata.com/westfield/configurator.php

[BCBirk]

I've used 3M di-noc faux carbon fiber on my rear wings and found it to be relatively easy to apply provided that you have a heat gun and loads of patience. After being peppered with rocks and crud for a few thousand miles, it remains intact.

 

I'm currently in the process of slowly stripping her down for a spray of satin 'hotrod black' polyurethane on the main body. This will be my 1st attempt using a cheapo electric HVLP gun --we'll see how that goes...

 

I thought about trying a carbon fiber wrap on the main body, but there are a few potential issues.

- It's premanant, or at best, pure hell to remove.

- It would fade after a few years

- It could turn-out looking 'ricey'...

[BusaNostra]

For a moment I thought you were talking about the winter storage boat shrink wrap.

http://tinyurl.com/2utkska

 

It's the 3m film protection.

[twobone]

Here is the look I'm shooting for. I also plan to do a pair of yellow tripes from nose to tail

 

I'm going to swap from clam to cycle fenders and cover the cycle fenders and rear fenders in the carbon fiber wrap along with the stone guards. The body will be wrapped in matte black. For now I will stick with the Tulip wheels until something more interesting pops up.

 

Hopefully all in I will be less than $1,000 bucks for the full conversion.

 

In terms of reversability, I'm going to get green cycle fenders so that if I decide to go back, its just a matter of removal and I'm back to green and shiny.

[trough doctor]

I love the stealth look! I got a quote to paint my centaur 7 (green car) in a base coat clear coat for 1200.00. Was from a guy who works out of his garage painting and fixing accident vehicles. He is located in Oshawa and I could give you his contact info. Or if you would like to come down and meet for a coffee I could take you there.