Now things are geting realy neat in the world of Vehicles as far as customizing with the like of vynil vehicle wrap you can get a custom look for about 2000 bucks so what do you think will it ever replace the custom paint job?
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12:26 PM
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Tony Kania Member
Posts: 20794 From: The Inland Northwest Registered: Dec 2008
that is cool now some one just has to do a custom wrap on a fiero
My 87 GT will be wrapped. Will look similar to the Lancia Martini Group B (I miss the killer B's) rally car graphics. I plan to rally my Fiero Finally decided on what to do with it
[This message has been edited by topher_time (edited 06-22-2009).]
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03:42 PM
mid engine monsters Member
Posts: 754 From: south alabama Registered: May 2009
i am considering a wrap..ive got a buddy in the sign business talking me into it,we have done many for store chains....i want something custom and this would be easier than what i usually do when i want a custom job...way easier and less time
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03:46 PM
engine man Member
Posts: 5309 From: Morriston FL Registered: Mar 2006
I've been in the large format printing industry for nearly 10 years - and while I don't directly work with vehicle wraps (we are primarily and indoor/POP/Trade Show display company), I have been continually impressed with the advancements in the materials, printing, and applications of vehicle wraps. Some of them are simply insane.
As to anyone questioning "should I" - ask yourself how you're using your car, and how long you want to keep that look. Most wraps are really only good for 3-6 years outside... a quality bc/cc paintjob will outlast and outperform it for many more years to come. But if you can write it off for advertising, or just like the idea (and can afford it) - changing the look every 3-5 years could be a blast!
If you do decide it's for you... do some research and get some real-world references before paying "the shop around the corner" to wrap your beloved car!
I really am looking forward to seeing some cool wrapped Fieros in the near future!
they do look nice but it still looks like a wrap and not paint the depth and luster isn't there. I'm sure someone will come up with something that looks better and lasts longer.
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10:50 PM
Tony Kania Member
Posts: 20794 From: The Inland Northwest Registered: Dec 2008
i picked up a flier this week on this was mainly vans done but it seemed to be around the same price as a paint job well said from $2000AU and a paint job here is worth about $6000AU.
Seems being vinyl it would be added rust protection for metal cars.
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04:33 AM
Australian Member
Posts: 4701 From: Sydney Australia Registered: Sep 2004
i picked up a flier this week on this was mainly vans done but it seemed to be around the same price as a paint job well said from $2000AU and a paint job here is worth about $6000AU.
Seems being vinyl it would be added rust protection for metal cars.
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04:35 AM
engine man Member
Posts: 5309 From: Morriston FL Registered: Mar 2006
you can get a car wrapped for about $2000 in the USA and about the same for a paint job but with the wrap you can have any art work on it you like real looking flames ,dragons,women , you name it and you can have it but with the paint you can have it but the price will go up and up fast with the more art work
you can get a car wrapped for about $2000 in the USA and about the same for a paint job but with the wrap you can have any art work on it you like real looking flames ,dragons,women , you name it and you can have it but with the paint you can have it but the price will go up and up fast with the more art work
Be aware that like paint jobs - vehicle wraps "start" at $2k. I've seen some (like the prowler that Blake posted) - that are going to run you more like $4-6k. Also, the cost of many wraps (especially at $2k) will not likely include any wild custom graphic design work (hey... we don't work for free either ).
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10:22 AM
engine man Member
Posts: 5309 From: Morriston FL Registered: Mar 2006
Absolutely. But it would also last a lot longer in the sunlight.
The other thing I wanted to note, is that a vinyl wrap may help with rust resistance on a metal car... but if improperly installed, it could also potentially be worse (creating pockets for moisture to gather & sit, instead of draining away as intended or the installer accidentally cutting through the paint surface when trimming panel segments). Just another reason to be sure that your producer & installer is well qualified.
I have installed and removed many wraps, and im most cases, it will protect you paint. Peel it off and its just like the day you applied it. Im not sure about rust protection....
Hey Rob- Would you be willing to help me with some design work on my fiero wrap? I have the images already, just need someone to lay em out for me.
Hey Rob- Would you be willing to help me with some design work on my fiero wrap? I have the images already, just need someone to lay em out for me.
Blake
Blake ~ I think that'd be a cool project. I'm pretty short on time these days ~ so as long as you're not in a big rush, I'd definitely see what I can do to help.
Are you planning on wrapping the entire car?
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03:03 PM
mid engine monsters Member
Posts: 754 From: south alabama Registered: May 2009
You need to use a higher grade vinyl for marine applications.
I was in the sign industry for 15 years. The wrapped prowler was done by a company called SkinzWraps you should look at their website http://picasaweb.google.com/skinzwraps they have some great examples of wraps on all kinds of vehicles. I attended a seminar given by the owner of SkinzWraps.
As for the earlier comment about graininess of the images. It all depends on the resolution of graphics, today's large format printers can print really high quality artwork
[This message has been edited by newf (edited 06-23-2009).]
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04:39 PM
engine man Member
Posts: 5309 From: Morriston FL Registered: Mar 2006
Originally posted by newf: As for the earlier comment about graininess of the images. It all depends on the resolution of graphics, today's large format printers can print really high quality artwork
We serviced a Mazda RX8 for Team Mazda at Tall Pines 2008. Their rep said it was a $5000 wrap. We all commented that it looked great for the rally pictures but looked like crap when you were up close. Anyway there were a few tears from him when they rolled it.
what is the best printer for the money on the low end 60 inch printers that will do a good job
That's a fairly broad question - and one that sometimes relies on "personal preference"
You'll need a solvent-based printer for the best long term outdoor durability. If you've got $20k to spend, then a new & fully loaded Epson (wish I could afford a GS) would be idea... but otherwise I've seen used Mimaki's, HP's & others go for reasonable money.
What's your budget?
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06:07 PM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
If you have 3.5-5k laying around, I guess it's okay. That's the cost for those with Lamborghini's in CA and maybe in other states. IMO it would need to come way down for me--- maybe $700, but I'd rater opt for a primer/paint job and call it a day.
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"I drive modified Fieros- anything less would be uncivilized."
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 06-23-2009).]
We used a 60" Mimaki where I worked, had great quality for graphics IMO. Like I said it all depends on the file you are using and what resolution you want to print. Most advertising applications are not meant to be viewed super close anyways.
If it is for a personal vehicle the install time will go up because you need to be much more particular laying the vinyl down and the graphics need to be laid out correctly.
[This message has been edited by newf (edited 06-24-2009).]
If you have 3.5-5k laying around, I guess it's okay. That's the cost for those with Lamborghini's in CA and maybe in other states. IMO it would need to come way down for me--- maybe $700, but I'd rater opt for a primer/paint job and call it a day.
If you wanted a plain colour like this my suggestion would be to go to a sign vendor or sign shop and just order enough material to do the job. They shouldn't charge a crazy amount for it. Then find a reputable installer and pay him a price to install it. If the money goes directly to an installer he would probably be willing to do it for less than a sign shop. There is no way you should have to pay anywhere near 3.5k for a monochrome colour. The flat black on the lambo is (most likely) a high grade black vehicle vinyl with flat laminate.
If that doesn't work drive here and I'll do it for ya.
so if i was to go get the raw vinyl at "some shop", what is the Mil. spec that you would use? would it be the same as the vinyl lettering and graphics? could I just go to walmart and say give me X amount of vinyl and go at it at home?
so if i was to go get the raw vinyl at "some shop", what is the Mil. spec that you would use? would it be the same as the vinyl lettering and graphics? could I just go to walmart and say give me X amount of vinyl and go at it at home?
What do you ask for?
If you're just looking for solids (not printable media) - you'll want to visit a local sign shop supplier. For solid colors, you're actually for the film that they would normally use for cutters (to do cut lettering). As an example, here's one supplier's list: http://www.signwarehouse.com/c-vinyl-supplies.html You'll notice that they list various estimated lifespans & finishes (such as 3 yr Matte). You may also see some listed as Cast or Cal (short for calendered). Cast is generally better & found to more premium products, whereas Calendered is better for cheaper & shorter term use. If you're really curious as to what they mean & why... read this.
If they ask (they probably won't) - just tell them you're looking at starting a shop & you should have no problem getting standard "shop" prices.
[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 06-24-2009).]
Joey and I were looking into both options for her Fiero, but we concluded that we would have more control of the finished product with real paint. Also, the glow factor is definitely better with paint. Dave
------------------ 1987 GT (my toy-see above), 1987 GT 3800s/c, 1986 SE with a VW VR6, certified master technician/shop owner www.njautobahn.com www.hausofguru.com
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05:23 PM
cnander51 Member
Posts: 117 From: Clewiston, Florida Registered: Oct 2008
If you are looking for vynyl in colors with no graphics you could try this Ebay store. http://stores.shop.ebay.com...xpress__W0QQ_armrsZ1 I have purchased some of their vinyl in solid gloss black and carbon and I liked what I got. they also sell application accessories and offer lots of info.
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05:52 PM
cnander51 Member
Posts: 117 From: Clewiston, Florida Registered: Oct 2008
Let me just add that you really need someone who is a pro at laying down vinyl when doing a vehicle the compound curves and cuts really take some experience to get good at. Especially if just using premium cast vinyl. My suggestion would be to use a product specifically designed for vehicle wraps, for example we used Avery Easy Apply RS which is an awesome product. I'm sure other manufacturers sell compatible vinyls that is just the one I have experience with. I believe this Vinyl comes in white, red, and black.