Have you ever wanted to install stripes or unique graphics on your Mustang but were afraid to tackle the job, fearful you'd wind up with cockeyed stripes or air bubbles? Stripe and graphics installation makes us nervous too, which is why we checked in with Terry Simpson at The Restomod Shop for advice on this subject. Terry allowed us to observe the stripe installation on a '69 Shelby G.T. 350 that was just coming out of a fresh restoration by Jeff Speegle and Mark Vasquez.
Because Mustang bodies have curves and contours, stripe installation requires patience and due diligence for pinpoint accuracy. Although our subject vehicle is a Shelby, stripe application remains the same regardless of what type of Mustang you're doing. Terry is going to demonstrate a professional approach to stripe and graphics installation. Take what you learn from Terry and apply it to your home garage technique. This really is something you can do yourself with outstanding results.
While we're on the subject, just about any type of graphics treatment imaginable is available from Graphic Express and Mustangs Plus, which stocks all of the classic Mustang stripe kits for Shelby, GT, Mach 1, and Boss. Graphic Express also offers custom stripes. All you have to do is show them what you want, including colors and design, and they can get it to you in a matter of days.
Terry carefully studies this...
Terry carefully studies this G.T. 500 photo in order to gauge proper stripe positioning. This is why it is good to have images of a spot-on example to work with.
Before installing stripes, check your local club or visit a show to find a good example of the stripes you want to install on your Mustang. For example, if you're applying side stripes to a '65-'66 GT, find a factory original or concours restored example to get measurements and photos. We're modeling our stripe installation after a concours restored '69-'70 Shelby stripe package to get a head start. This helps get our stripe installation in the neighborhood before permanent installation.
1 Terry Simpson at The Restomod...
1 Terry Simpson at The Restomod Shop begins stripe installation with a hospital clean surface, which must be free of wax, rubbing compound, and silicone. Otherwise, the stripes will not stick. Terry uses AutoTech's Decal Graphic Solution, available from most auto body supply stores, which not only cleans the surface but also makes it easier to lay down stripes because it is also a soapy solution, enabling stripe adjustment during installation.
2 Stripe installation requires...
2 Stripe installation requires pinpoint accuracy, which is why Terry begins with blue 3M stripe tape to serve as a guide. Terry works and reworks the tape until it is spot on.
3 Terry begins the stripe...
3 Terry begins the stripe installation at the rear quarter-panel, which sets the tone for the rest of the installation. The starting reference point should always be the rear quarter-panel, then the front fender. Doors are striped last. If the fenders and quarter-panel stripes are right, the doors will be right.
4 Here, Terry has positioned...
4 Here, Terry has positioned and cut the side marker light hole in the stripe, which is performed off the car. Never trim stripes on the vehicle.
5 With the quarter-panel...
5 With the quarter-panel stripe properly installed, it becomes a reference point for the next phase in front of the wheelwell.
6 Terry continues to use...
6 Terry continues to use his striping tape as a reference point, which keeps stripe positioning consistent. Never trust your eyesight on this one.
7 Next, Terry applies the...
7 Next, Terry applies the same measuring treatment to the door and front fender. You can get your measurements from an original or concours car or find them on the Internet.
8 Terry sets up the forward...
8 Terry sets up the forward quarter-panel stripe for installation. This one will have to be trimmed to the wheelwell opening.
9 Once the proper dimensions...
9 Once the proper dimensions have been determined, the quarter-panel stripe is trimmed to the wheelwell opening and B-pillar. Both sides become mirror images of one another, which makes it easy to trim the opposite side.
10 Confident of his measurements,...
10 Confident of his measurements, Terry begins to lay down the stripes with a soapy water solution for ease of adjustment. Ultimately, the solution dries and the stripes adhere to the surface after Terry squeegees all air bubbles out from under the stripes.
11 The G.T. 350 stripe at...
11 The G.T. 350 stripe at the front of the car is properly positioned and taped.
12 Once taped, the fender...
12 Once taped, the fender stripe is measured for proper positioning. Here, Terry is confirming the forward G.T. 350 stripe alignment with the fender stripe.
13 With quarter-panel and...
13 With quarter-panel and front fender stripes properly installed, the doors are striped last. Soapy solution is sprayed on the surface as the stripes are laid down. This enables Terry to position the stripes, squeegee them to get air bubbles out, and allow them to set up and dry before removing the protective covering.
14 Terry squeegees the stripe...
14 Terry squeegees the stripe while confirming position. Once he is confident the dimensions are correct, he allows the stripes to dry and adhere.
15 Once the stripes have...
15 Once the stripes have adhered to the surface, Terry carefully peels back the protective covering.
16 As Terry peels back the...
16 As Terry peels back the covering, he checks for air bubbles and other irregularities with a soapy wet finger. If bubbles are found, he uses a straight pin to gently prick an escape hole while rubbing the air out with a wet finger.
17 Door edges are folded...
17 Door edges are folded over and seated, again with a soapy wet finger. Do this at all edges.