Jeff Lilly
  • Home
  • Shops
    • Mechanical Shop
    • Media Blasting
    • Body Shop
    • Block Sanding
    • Wood Work
    • Paint Shop
    • Upholstery Shop
    • Assembly Shop
  • Gallery
    • Restomods
    • Hot Rods
    • Muscle Cars
    • Pro Touring
    • Trucks
    • Corvettes
    • Classic Cars
    • Frame Off
    • Pre-War
  • Why Us ?
    • Why Choose Us
    • Build Process
    • Beginnings
  • Cost
  • Contact
  • Recognition
    • Endorse
    • media
  • Build Tips
  • Employment

Build Tips

71 Stripe Application

1
Click to enlarge

Stripe kits come packaged rolled up in a box. Like any product you buy always check the stripe for quality by inspecting it for straight and true lines with no waves in them. We have seen some wavy stripe kits show up that we rejected because they were not formed correctly on the vinyl.

2
Click to enlarge

Eric un-wraps the box and inspects the stripes. He was satisfied with them so he starts cutting out the sections. 3M vinyl is the best for decals but as mentioned you still have to check the stripe for straightness of the outer and inner lines just in case human or machine error was evident during the MFG process. Be sure and mark them specific to the right and left side of the vehicle.

3
Click to enlarge

The next step is to prepare the body for installation. As seen plastic is taped below the stripe so that the application gel is kept off the moldings and lower sections. Be sure the paint is polished to your liking because any polishing from here on out will be greatly hindered up against the stripe.

4
Click to enlarge

Next thing in line is to apply wax and grease remover to a clean cloth that is lint free.

5
Click to enlarge

Clean the area to be striped to remove any waxes or other contaminates. Obviously if the car is dirty it needs to be washed and or prepped correctly before installing any stripes.

6
Click to enlarge

Eric ran a string line front to back to be used as a gauge when laying out the stripe and marking the body.

7
Click to enlarge

On the next step he lays out the stripe and tapes it in place matching the string in a horizontal line.

8
Click to enlarge

An important thing to consider is how the side marker edge lines up with the stripe including height and distance etc.

9
Click to enlarge

As seen on the front fender this section angles downward away from the string line as the stripe goes forward and down toward the front side marker.

10
Click to enlarge

Adjusting the stripe down close to the edge of the side marker is desired because there is an additional bottom section that will be added below the marker to finish it off.

11
Click to enlarge

Where the door and qter meet you can see how the MFG has the qter stripe right on the edge but the door stripe is much longer. Personally I do not like them folded around the door or qter edge as it looks tacky.

12
Click to enlarge

I like the stripe to be precision trimmed right to the body panel line so when the doors are open it looks clean. Eric AKA E.O. the big dog of detail has it dead-on as usual like all his work. A simple trim on the table before application and Voila looking good.

13
Click to enlarge

We even trim the ends so they will match the line on the qter extension. This way every line matches and looks symmetrical when you inspect it in its finished state.

14
Click to enlarge

The stripe came with a " generic" convex shape to our fender flare but depending on how much body work or where the body was blocked during the primer stage this can change. As seen Eric taped off the stripe to a more suitable convex shape to match our particular fender for a smooth flow of the body line. Little details like this will make or break a project.

15
Click to enlarge

Once he has the convex shape the way he likes it he simply marks it using a fine tipped sharpie inside the tape line and then removes the blue marker tape. Once we remove the stripe and get back to the table he will razor cut dead on the line for a beautimus maximus stripe fit-ment. At this point in time he will attach some masking tape just outside the edges of the stripe around the perimeter and sharpie mark some reference lines to know where to place the decal when he is ready to adhere it permanently. Same thing with the stripes for the doors and qters.

16
Click to enlarge

We've studied it, marked it and trimmed it to perfect the fit. Now it is time to remove the backing and get it ready for final install. Eric carefully pulls the white paper backing off the decal and we are ready to gel prep then stripe this pony.

17
Click to enlarge

This applicator gel is pretty slick stuff and it makes it a snap.

18
Click to enlarge

Apply liberally and I mean liberally. Squirt it man!

19
Click to enlarge

Heavy gel is squirted out, be sure there is plenty of material.

20
Click to enlarge

Using a clean finger Eric massages it around for an even coat. In general he wants no dry decal areas.

21
Click to enlarge

He carefully places it in position and starts the application.

22
Click to enlarge

As seen the side reference marks that he placed in step 15 are lined up so we have an exact fit.

23
Click to enlarge

The marks on the flare are also lined up.

24
Click to enlarge

He starts with a NEW flexible yellow spreader with a smooth edge to start working out any wrinkles. He gently pulls in the direction needed to stay on his marks while swiping from the center out.

25
Click to enlarge

The gel works its way out bit by bit starting from the center up and then center down.

26
Click to enlarge

Finally he uses a flexible black spreader to finish off any tiny bubbles that may appear.

27
Click to enlarge

Once he is satisfied he slowly pulls the outer plastic away with a down-ward and away angle as the stripe starts to revel itself. If any of the decals edges or points try to lift away you did not squeegee enough. Pretty much like a snake removing it's skin to the point of Oh Yea, that's what I am talking about Dude Rancher.

28
Click to enlarge

Once completed she looks super fine. AKA "Dead On"

29
Click to enlarge

Eric stands back and looks his work over. What a difference a stripe can make in the hands of the New Yorkster!

Jeff Lilly Restorations

11125 FM 1560 N San Antonio, TX 78023

210-695-5151 - FACILITY TOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Mon- Fri 8:00 - 5:00

The look, feel and sound, you've seen it finished in your minds eye a thousand times. The years go by, as time slips away with the old enemy "procrastination". If it is time to get it done, contact us today to get your machine rolling down the road in style. Please take the time to read the Cost / Faq section by clicking HERE This section will help inform you about the car building process to help you make your best decisions.

Thank You! To contact us with your questions call 210-695-5151 and to send photos or information about your project email us by clicking here.

Follow Us For More

© 2023 Jeff Lilly Restorations