13 replies to this topic

[tmarmsi]

Any advice on fitting bonnet stripes, went out and purchased some new ones today and gave up fitting after numerous failed attempts, mission impossible springs to mind could not seem to get the air bubbles out! Took my time even had help ended up stretching a stripe! Not impressed gotta buy some more now

[Alex_B]

use a spray bottle of water on spritzing mode, start about 2 inches of stripe peeled off the backing, line up and using a thin card of some kind work from the centre line of the 2 inches showing outwards smoothing the bubbles and water out and then peel the backing off a little at a time while squeezing out the bubbles until its all on then dry off gently and admire your handiwork :) 

[tmarmsi]

Thanks for advice will give it a try all advice welcomed :) had a complete bubble nightmare yesterday, was not impressed couldn't leave them on the car looking like that so gave up, found some interesting videos on YouTube on how to do it but none on classic minis, someone needs to put some up.

[AVV IT]

As above a spray bottle is definitely the way forward, personally I'd use a very weak washing up liquid solution as opposed to just water though. I've fitted window tint film and roof decals to mini's this way, it's also how professionals fit those massive decals to shop windows. Many people here will probably cringe at the thought of putting washing up liquid near a classic mini, due to it's salt content though. I can't say I've ever known it cause a problem personally though.

[tmarmsi]

Thanks again for the tips speaking to a family memeber he's also recommended fairy liquid or something similar, just wish I had a spare bonnet and endless supply of bonnet stripes to practice on :)

[smev]

Are you using a squeegee? or at least something similar. Don't try to stick it down in one swoop, when applying, smooth it over at an angle, so you are chasing the bubbles to the edge rather than trapping them in.  if you imagine coming down the vinyl, going across left to right the top of the squeegee will be further over right than the bottom in your hand, then switch over on the other way across. You could also try lining up the majority of the stripe on the straighter part of the bonnet and starting in the middle.

[tmarmsi]

Yep used a squeegy type thing did work to an extent left quite a few bubbles though, the more I tried to correct it the more we ended up stretching the stripe . Did think about cutting a thing strip all the way down the middle of the stripe sticking this down first then work it half at a time maybe, all advice gratefully received thanks so much :)

[Gillybobs]

Got my bonnet stripes to fit on my italian job project. Does using the water and washing up liquid let you move the stripes slightly?? Been putting this job off as im very apprehensive about doing it!  

[Steve220]

Yeh. It seems counter productive to put soapy water on, but it DOES work.

 

In a spray bottle put 4-5 drops of fairy liquid (other soap based liquids are also available) and fill the rest up with water. Liberally spray the bonnet. Peel off the stripe and spray the sticky side liberally too. Apply it as best you can in the area you want it and as you lay it down, spray between the bonnet and the strip. Once its all on you will be able to move it around the bonnet as long as it is soaking wet. When you have it in exactly the right place, use a squeegy (spelling?) and force the water and air out from underneath. A small tip here it to attach a bit of masking tape from the stripe to the bonnet to stop it from moving as the water dries out. It can take a while for the water to be forced out but when it dries it will be perfectly flat.

[Gillybobs]

Brilliant! Thanks for the advise might have a crack at this soon! 

[jamesquintin]

Go to 1:50 in this video to see how they did it a longbridge...

 

 

Q

[Mini 360]

 I'd use a very weak washing up liquid solution as opposed to just water though. 

Try not to do this as any moisture that remains will be salty and could corrode underneath the sticker.  Use pH neutral car shampoo as I'm sure you use on your car anyway.

[Steve220]

Go to 1:50 in this video to see how they did it a longbridge...

 

 

Q

 

I'm sure after you've done it on thousands of minis, you start to get good at it lol

[Gillybobs]

Go to 1:50 in this video to see how they did it a longbridge...

 

 

Q

 Imagine being able to do it like that! wonder where that guy is now and can i get him to fit my stripes!