OKCMustangGT

Anyone that has installed their own stripes or has some knowledge of the project; this question is for you.
When using a blowdryer (in my case a heat gun) do you have any idea of what heat setting should be used ?(approximate Degree)
The one I plan to use is variable from 250° - 1,100° with either 8cfm or 12cfm fan speed.
Just looking for a little info as I have had some serious trouble trying to install the front bumper pieces of my vinyl stripe kit without a heat gun.
Any tricks or tips would be GREATLY appreciated.
BTW the stripes are 12" wide if that matters.

99vert

When I did mine the warmth of the sun was all that was required. I don't think you want to heat the vinyl over a 120 degrees or so. If anything, try a hair dryer.

Rebel73

I'm in the same boat - been putting mine off for that reason

adrenalin

The wider the stripe the harder the install. Are your stripes precut to fit? I assuming they are not if you need to use a heatgun. Anyway, the lowest setting should be enough. If you heat it up to much you can damage it. I find using a torch works pretty good to. A lot faster at quickly heating up an area. In most cases, you can just use a hairdryer. Vinyl does not require a lot of heat when trying to shape it.

tom281

I had to use heat to get my precut (BSM) pieces on the front and rear bumpers. I used my wife's hair dryer, mainly on the low setting. I don't have any idea of what the actual temperature was, but it was warm to the touch, not hot.

Here are more tips that may help, look at my post #5: http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=47541

Tom

vistapony

Same here...pre-cuts...but still needed a hair dryer to get around the compound curves.

ttbit

My installer did not use heat, but he did not wet the vinyl for the front bumper install. He went a little at a time and was able to stretch and pull where needed. Granted, he has done MANY of these. He did the front bumper in total less than 15 minutes.

BuzzyStang05

I used a hair dryer to get the front bumper done. I started on low to be safe, but eventually had to get it up to high. I had it about 3-4 inches away from the vinyl. When I cranked it to high, I thought for sure I was going to melt a hole into them, but thank heaven I didn't...the bumper got pretty darn hot too!

OKCMustangGT

Looks like I will be investing in a blowdryer
Amazing the things I justify buying, just to work on my car
I know they are not expensive, I just have absolutely no other use for it.

tom281

Sure you do........blow dry parts of your engine compartment after washing it. Sometimes I use compressed air, but for shows I'll get 'er nice and dry with a little heat.

OKCMustangGT

OK two uses.