Installation Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
To prevent possible vehicle, stripe or decal damage, always refer to manufacturer's packaged instructions.
NOTE:
Striping material highlights vehicle surface imperfection. All dings, rough metal, paint defects and uneven two-tone paint breaklines must be eliminated before stripe/decal application. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly before installing stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems if stripe or decal is applied before complete release of solvents.
- Prepare the surface. If the area of application has been refinished, remove any imperfections that would show through the stripe or decal.
- Clean the painted surface with Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha.
- Clean the area where you will apply the stripe or decal with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.
- Wipe the panel surface with a clean cloth while the solvent is still wet and allow the solvent to dry.
- Apply the wetting solution to the area where you will install the stripe or decal.
- Remove the backing material of the stripe or the decal as necessary.
Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes or the decal.
- Put the wetting solution on the adhesive side of the stripe or the decal.
The wetting solution will allow movement of the stripe or the decal for proper positioning.
- Apply the stripe or the decal to the panel.
- Working from the center where possible, squeegee the stripe or the decal into position.
You may need to apply additional wetting solution in order to ease the installation of the stripe or the decal. A soapy wetting solution on the top side of the stripe or the decal will ease the pull of the squeegee and will help to eliminate damage.
- Apply heat to the stripe or decal at the recessed areas.
Press the stripe or the decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.
- Inspect the stripe or the decal from a critical angle using adequate light reflection in order to detect any irregularities that may have developed during installation.
- Remove all air bubbles by piercing with a safety pin, a needle, or a tool with same size piercing tip.
- Pierce the bubble on its outer edge and force air out from the opposite edge with the blade of the squeegee.
- Never use a razor blade or a knife edge.
- Install all previously removed parts.
- Clean the panel as require.