Vinyl Wrapping a 914 with GT Flares, Deck lids and doors finished. Options

[poorsche914]

Been planning on wrapping my 914 with printed vinyl for several months. Had a mockup of the design finished this past winter. Finally built the full-size graphics and began printing the vinyl today. I have experience wrapping flat surfaces such as walls and enclosed trailers so the doors and deck lids on the 914 should be a breeze.

However... the flares are going to be a challenge. I have decided to do a color layer first and then add the graphic elements separately (the doors and deck lids have base layer and graphics printed as one).

Any tips on how to best apply the wrap to the flares without ending up with a wrinkly mess would be greatly appreciated.

steve
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[mb911]

Sorry no help but always interested on wrapping as Might be something I want to do on my car at some point

[mepstein]

Watch youtube's of "the wrap institute" and buy the best quality vinyl.

Or trade some artwork services to someone who's already good at it.

[poorsche914]

Watch youtube's of "the wrap institute" and buy the best quality vinyl.

Or trade some artwork services to someone who's already good at it.

I'm using 3M Controltac IJ180V3 vinyl.
I've watched tons of YouTube videos but have found nothing showing similar curves as GT flares. Tension is going in all directions (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
Guess I will need to practice a few times and try different techniques such as pre-stretching and heating before applying.
Not sure how that will work with such a large piece of vinyl, however. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Thanks!
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[mepstein]

The video I watched said not to heat. You are building in tension that eventually wants to go back to the original relaxed state. I think doing some practice pieces is a good idea.

[burton73]

The video I watched said not to heat. You are building in tension that eventually wants to go back to the original relaxed state. I think doing some practice pieces is a good idea.

I remember looking at a UTube on wrapping technique. This guy was very good with a cold stretch tech

Bob B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU8f8pi06Hs

[poorsche914]

I remember looking at a UTube on wrapping technique. This guy was very good with a cold stretch tech

Bob B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU8f8pi06Hs

Thanks for that, Bob. I've actually watched that video a couple times and several other videos by that guy. He is very good!

He has a video where he wraps a truck in gold chrome. The fenders have similar complex curves but, unfortunately, the video is a time lapse so can't really see the technique (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I'll end up doing a trial or two with plain vinyl to get a feel for how the vinyl lays before trying it with printed vinyl.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[KELTY360]

I remember looking at a UTube on wrapping technique. This guy was very good with a cold stretch tech

Bob B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU8f8pi06Hs

Thanks for that, Bob. I've actually watched that video a couple times and several other videos by that guy. He is very good!

He has a video where he wraps a truck in gold chrome. The fenders have similar complex curves but, unfortunately, the video is a time lapse so can't really see the technique (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I'll end up doing a trial or two with plain vinyl to get a feel for how the vinyl lays before trying it with printed vinyl.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Why not try contacting the guy that did the video and ask for specific advise to your application? Good luck with the project, looking forward to seeing the graphics.

[poorsche914]

Why not try contacting the guy that did the video and ask for specific advise to your application? Good luck with the project, looking forward to seeing the graphics.

That is actually worth a shot. Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[ri914]

the problem is going to be how many different ways the material stretch will be in force compared to its resting state.

I watched a 427 cobra get wrapped and the artist told me that the shorter the transition in a sharp curve the worse it can be. The rear gt flares will be quite hard to do especially if you are going to try and have no visible seams.

I am sure even a seasoned wrapper would pause or have a few throw aways on a 914 wb.

I would buy a bunch of test material (making sure its the same brand/version but maybe a cheaper color. draw straight lines on the material so you can see what the material needs to do in order to look good.

I spent a week applying wrap to my Lamborghini and that car is a lot easier due to the angles and panel breaks. we disassembled the car and wrapped each piece.

Another thing to remember is the gt flares are stamped/pressed i believe so think about the stretching that is going on to make one. in theory the wrap will follow that same distortion to some degree. I would imagine heat would need to be done in some areas.

[poorsche914]

Great info... thanks.

After watching a few more videos, I have a better idea of what procedures to use and am going to give it a try with a test piece. If that turns out horribly, then I will rethink the two panels that need the full coverage.

The wrap will be temporary and is an exercise in creativity. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)


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[PanelBilly]

Before all this covid shit I was working on a tech session for this year’s Turnout that would allow a hands on wrap class. 3M has a tech advisor in our area who could be the instructor and at least give everyone a chance to see if they had the desire to peruse wrapping their own car. When this is all over I’m putting it back on my list

[mepstein]

Great info... thanks.

After watching a few more videos, I have a better idea of what procedures to use and am going to give it a try with a test piece. If that turns out horribly, then I will rethink the two panels that need the full coverage.

The wrap will be temporary and is an exercise in creativity. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Not going to make the first time you try wrapping a car easy on yourself. Huh. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[poorsche914]

Not going to make the first time you try wrapping a car easy on yourself. Huh. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Well... gotta start somewhere (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[ValcoOscar]

A novice wrapped this a few years back...no wrinkles or seams.

Oscar

[ri914]

A novice wrapped this a few years back...no wrinkles or seams.

Oscar

That is impressive Oscar.

[poorsche914]

A novice wrapped this a few years back...no wrinkles or seams.

Oscar

Thanks for that, Oscar. Shows it can be done, at least.
Are the graphics printed or added to the base color vinyl?

steve
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[ValcoOscar]

A novice wrapped this a few years back...no wrinkles or seams.

Oscar

Thanks for that, Oscar. Shows it can be done, at least.
Are the graphics printed or added to the base color vinyl?

steve
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

I added graphics later. Surely you can do this.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Oscar

[Chris914n6]

You would be better off doing the graphics as separate pieces. The solid colors stretch quite well, the printable stuff less so. Plus the distortion will be high. The trunk lids will be fine.

[Craigers17]

A novice wrapped this a few years back...no wrinkles or seams.

Oscar

@ValcoOscar That looks awesome! Great color. I wonder if you could tell us what finish the wrap was applied over? In other words, was it a nice, glossy paint, or were parts fiberglass, or was it finished in sealed primer? Just curious as to what types of finish these wraps will adhere to?