Project: MKSinister

Joleat · April 03, 2014, 11:12:32 AM

Thanks guys! I still have some things left on the "to do" list, but it's coming together nicely.

Joleat · April 13, 2014, 12:33:52 AM

The first post has been updated with a few new pictures. Some older pictures were removed.

Joleat · May 19, 2014, 08:42:02 AM

I placed my order for gloss black vinyl last night. I ended up ordering WAY more than I will actually need, but the MKS has two chrome strips that run from the back edge of the hood, over the roof, and to the front edge of the trunk deck. I didn't want any seams, so I ordered a 15"x10-yard piece of Avery A900 EZ Supercast. That particular product came very highly recommended by professionals who frequent some of the vinyl forums. As far as the length goes, the only other options were too short to accomplish the seamless piece or much longer than 10 yards. I'm going to try to use the shortest piece I can in hopes that I can split the rest up for others who may be interested in wrapping their chrome. I'll follow up with my success or failure, lol.

SHOdded · May 19, 2014, 09:12:48 AM

Have you vinyl-wrapped before, Joleat? Do you plan to apply in-place?

Joleat · May 19, 2014, 09:18:56 AM

I have zero experience with vinyl wrapping, but the material I purchased is supposed to be very easy to work with due to its ability to contour. Yes, I do plan to apply in-place. To help with the application, I also purchased a felt squeegee, a razor knife, and a vinyl slitter. I will also either purchase a heat gun or break out the ol' hairdryer when the time comes. None of the pieces I'll be wrapping are overly complex, so I don't anticipate having too many problems.

BiGMaC · May 19, 2014, 10:27:22 AM

Quote from: Joleat on May 19, 2014, 09:18:56 AM
I have zero experience with vinyl wrapping, but the material I purchased is supposed to be very easy to work with due to its ability to contour. Yes, I do plan to apply in-place. To help with the application, I also purchased a felt squeegee, a razor knife, and a vinyl slitter. I will also either purchase a heat gun or break out the ol' hairdryer when the time comes. None of the pieces I'll be wrapping are overly complex, so I don't anticipate having too many problems.

You'll want two more things: a thin and a thick plastic tapering squeegee. These are you primary tools... just work slowly.

Joleat · May 19, 2014, 10:51:44 AM

I'll add those items to my list! The felt squeegee also has a Teflon side, so that may eliminate the need for the thin squeegee.

On another note, I just placed an order for a Plasti Dip anthracite grey wheel kit with glossifier. Many projects are to be completed soon! I have PTU oil on hand, but it has been on the back burner.

BiGMaC · May 19, 2014, 11:04:16 AM

Quote from: Joleat on May 19, 2014, 10:51:44 AM
I'll add those items to my list! The felt squeegee also has a Teflon side, so that may eliminate the need for the thin squeegee.

On another note, I just placed an order for a Plasti Dip anthracite grey wheel kit with glossifier. Many projects are to be completed soon! I have PTU oil on hand, but it has been on the back burner.

I'd recommend getting the thin teflon squeegee. It will allow you to work around the corners of the trim pieces more easily "tucking the edges under" the sides of the pieces and working any bubbles out while installing.
If you should scratch the film just hit it with a small hand held torch (like you can get at Home Depot with disposable bottle) with rapid swings for 1-2 seconds ata time and the film will "heal" the scratches... if you need this just go slow... it's quick enough the paint should not really even get warm. My neighbor (a pro wrapper) showed me this trick.

JimiJak · May 19, 2014, 11:05:41 AM

Exciting!!

I used 3m gloss vinyl. Best tools for smoothing it out were my thumbs and a heat gun. Like BMc said, just take your time. Also, if you do use a heat gun, make sure there's no tension / stretch near any of your cuts. If there is, when the sun cooks it, it trends to shrink a couple mm and it will pull your cuts back slightly. Trends to not shrink at all when there's no stretch in it.

Joleat · May 19, 2014, 11:30:09 AM

That's all good advice! I used to be a shop manager and have used the torch trick on unpainted textured plastic, but I didn't give it much thought on the vinyl.

I'll also be careful not to stretch the material. What you said about the shrinkage makes a lot of sense.

JimiJak · May 19, 2014, 11:31:36 AM

Quote from: Joleat on May 19, 2014, 11:30:09 AM
That's all good advice! I used to be a shop manager and have used the torch trick on unpainted textured plastic, but I didn't give it much thought on the vinyl.

I'll also be careful not to stretch the material. What you said about the shrinkage makes a lot of sense.

Lol^^^shrinkage

SHOdded · May 19, 2014, 11:32:48 AM

That's quite enough, JimiJak

Don't make me take you into a smackdown!

Joleat · May 19, 2014, 11:40:23 AM

I almost put it in parenthesis, but decided to pass, lol. I figured someone else would take up the slack!

Joleat · May 23, 2014, 08:41:01 AM

I started on the vinyl yesterday evening. The key to successful application is definitely to take it slow. I initially rushed and will have to recover one of the beltline pieces. I have tons of material, so I can take comfort in that regard. I haven't started on the pieces that travel from hood, over the roof, to the trunk, but I anticipate those to be a challenge if for no other reason than length (insert joke here).

mval · May 23, 2014, 09:49:55 AM

jo:
if you are doing it on the roof where the roof slopes from front to back, which i tried using some pin stripping material. there are 2 main issues, first the slope doesn't go all the way from front to back about 6-8" front & back no slope. 2nd the slope is not straight, it's kind of curved. after i tried serveral times & it ended up bowing out in the middle of the roof i gave up. but i'm an amateur maybe you have more experience.
mikev