The stripe installer is starting... I'm scared!
Cobra Member
Joined: December 18, 2004
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Keep taking pictures, lots and lots of them. Make sure you keep backups of them in at least two different places.
You don't have to have them removed within three days.
If there's cuts down to the metal he should pay to have the car repainted.
Regarding the rest of your legal recourse, don't be too fast on the refund. If you get a refund they may make you sign something that could weaken you legally, absolving them of responsibility.
If this shop is this bad at putting on stripes I wouldn't expect them to do the right thing when it comes to the damage they've done. Good luck.
You don't have to have them removed within three days.
If there's cuts down to the metal he should pay to have the car repainted.
Regarding the rest of your legal recourse, don't be too fast on the refund. If you get a refund they may make you sign something that could weaken you legally, absolving them of responsibility.
If this shop is this bad at putting on stripes I wouldn't expect them to do the right thing when it comes to the damage they've done. Good luck.
Cobra Member
Joined: April 7, 2005
Posts: 1,452
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From: Holland
I'm not sure of the legal procedure in the US, but you must indeed document the damage with as many pictures as possible and contact a legal advisor or insurance representative a.s.a.p. Next, try to get an estimate for the removal of stripes + paint repair from at least 2 other body/paint shops.
Finally, discuss your intentions with the guy who installed the stripes and let him know of your intentions. Hopefully you can reach an agreement with him regarding refunding the money you paid him and, most important, paying for the repairs.
I'm sorry about what happened and I hope you'll manage to get your car repaired soon!
P.S. keep posting about what happens next!
Finally, discuss your intentions with the guy who installed the stripes and let him know of your intentions. Hopefully you can reach an agreement with him regarding refunding the money you paid him and, most important, paying for the repairs.
I'm sorry about what happened and I hope you'll manage to get your car repaired soon!
P.S. keep posting about what happens next!
Cobra R Member
Joined: October 10, 2004
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 1
From: Location: Indy
Looks like a rush job. I spent a weekend doing mine. I had wrinkles - similar to what you have in the pictures, but they can be worked out. It takes time. And lots of patience. Took me three tries to get the front bumper right, but I finally did. Once I figured out out to work the vinyl, it was no big deal - and I have only done one car.
As for the scuffs and cut marks - that is just awful. Lazy. Whatever you want to call it.
The gap misalignment. The edges cut short... No excuses for that. Not professional at all.
I think Helen Keller, drunk, could have done better.
Keep after him to get this resolved.
As for the scuffs and cut marks - that is just awful. Lazy. Whatever you want to call it.
The gap misalignment. The edges cut short... No excuses for that. Not professional at all.
I think Helen Keller, drunk, could have done better.
Keep after him to get this resolved.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: July 20, 2004
Posts: 2,693
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From: New Jersey
I'm dropping off mine 2nite at an Auto Body Place to finally get my stripes done! Wish Me Luck! Same color car, same color stripes, except I bought my kit from Baltimore street mods, and this guy is the auto body detailer/painter/striper for the Ford dealer down the road from my house.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: July 20, 2004
Posts: 2,693
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From: New Jersey
Sorry to hear about your bad stripe job, now I'm getting worried, I'm going in 2nite to have my car dropped off to get stripes on 2morrow morning. Did he do the kit himself or did you buy a pre-cut kit?
Cobra Member
Joined: April 7, 2005
Posts: 1,452
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From: Holland
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MaverickMLFD371 @ February 2, 2006, 2:11 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Sorry to hear about your bad stripe job, now I'm getting worried, I'm going in 2nite to have my car dropped off to get stripes on 2morrow morning. Did he do the kit himself or did you buy a pre-cut kit?
[/b][/quote]
He mentioned in a post from his other topic that the installer didn't have a stipe kit and he cut the stripes from stock vinyl.
The vast majority of people who used kits from Graphic Express, Bob White or Baltimore Mods were very pleased with the quality and fit of those products. At least make sure your stripe installer isn't a vinyl butcher like Joe's.
Sorry to hear about your bad stripe job, now I'm getting worried, I'm going in 2nite to have my car dropped off to get stripes on 2morrow morning. Did he do the kit himself or did you buy a pre-cut kit?
[/b][/quote]
He mentioned in a post from his other topic that the installer didn't have a stipe kit and he cut the stripes from stock vinyl.
The vast majority of people who used kits from Graphic Express, Bob White or Baltimore Mods were very pleased with the quality and fit of those products. At least make sure your stripe installer isn't a vinyl butcher like Joe's.
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 16, 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Wow... Sorry to see this happen to such a beautiful car..
Certainly he is at fault. Hopefully you won't find extensive damage under the stripes. Use a hair-dryer to get the adhesive to release.
As far as getting him to pay for a new paint job or repairs - well - I would have to think that if he's working out of the trunk of his car going door to door - he probably doesn't have the resources to pay for the damage.
Best of luck though..
Certainly he is at fault. Hopefully you won't find extensive damage under the stripes. Use a hair-dryer to get the adhesive to release.
As far as getting him to pay for a new paint job or repairs - well - I would have to think that if he's working out of the trunk of his car going door to door - he probably doesn't have the resources to pay for the damage.
Best of luck though..
I Have No Life
Joined: May 26, 2004
Posts: 10,605
Likes: 2
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(albireo @ February 2, 2006, 5:48 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Well, it looks like I have a terribly botched stripe job. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smilies23.gif[/img]
Joe
[/b][/quote]
Joe, I don't know where to start other than by saying this guy had no clue how to stripe a car. Take as many pictures as you can. Take your car to a body shop and get an estimate on having all the panels that have vinyl on them repainted. Why? You said he used a razor blade to cut the vinyl on a car. If he was a pro and knew what he was doing I would say you have nothing to worry about. However, looking at those pics the guy didn't have a clue. Once you remove that vinyl I guarantee you will find deep cuts that go through the clearcoat. As for the scuff marks on the paint, once again, shows he is not a pro. He would have used a standard "plastic" squeegee to apply the vinyl, which, sounds like he applied it wet and that is why you do not have a consistent gap between the stripes. I know, I tried to install mine wet and it doesn't work when you are using straight cut vinyl. It has to be applied dry using a felt applicator so you don't get any scuff marks on the vinyl or the paint.
Basically he is a car lovers worst nightmare. As for leaving masking tape and scrap vinyl on the car that is not a big deal. I do that all the time and it doesn't hurt the paint. However, leaving the knife on the car is a big [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/nono.gif[/img]
As I said, go after him for more than just a refund. Even if you decide to remove the stripes and wait a bit before getting it painted you will see all the cut marks which will just make you even more upset. Make sure you get some estimate on repairing the damage as well. If you don't want to bother with court you can at least tell him you want a 100% refund, but bring documented proof from a body shop so you can show him the damage he has cost.
Everyone should take you terrible experience as a warning. If someone doesn't know how to remove something as simple as windshield washer jets, don't let them touch your car. It sounds to me like this was the first 05/06 stang he has put stripes on. The car is one of the hardest to do if you do not use a pre-cut template.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mustangspeeder @ February 1, 2006, 7:15 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Hmmm...cutting the stripes out while on the car...that definately would raise a red flag for me. I highly doubt they'd be stupid enough to make the cut with the kife on your car,
[/b][/quote]
It is done this way all the time. If you know what you are doing you are just cutting the vinyl, however, it still leaves a very light score mark ontop of the clearcoat which is easily buffed out if you remove the stripes later.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MikeOxbig @ February 1, 2006, 8:04 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
It takes about 1 minute to remove the nozzles and then lay the stripes and cut the hole. The third brake light should have been removed, the wing, the rear emblem, grille, etc.
[/b][/quote]
Nozzles definately should have been removed, however, it is not necessary to remove the 3rd brake light, wing, grille, etc. Well, that is if you know what you are doing of course.
Well, it looks like I have a terribly botched stripe job. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smilies23.gif[/img]
Joe
[/b][/quote]
Joe, I don't know where to start other than by saying this guy had no clue how to stripe a car. Take as many pictures as you can. Take your car to a body shop and get an estimate on having all the panels that have vinyl on them repainted. Why? You said he used a razor blade to cut the vinyl on a car. If he was a pro and knew what he was doing I would say you have nothing to worry about. However, looking at those pics the guy didn't have a clue. Once you remove that vinyl I guarantee you will find deep cuts that go through the clearcoat. As for the scuff marks on the paint, once again, shows he is not a pro. He would have used a standard "plastic" squeegee to apply the vinyl, which, sounds like he applied it wet and that is why you do not have a consistent gap between the stripes. I know, I tried to install mine wet and it doesn't work when you are using straight cut vinyl. It has to be applied dry using a felt applicator so you don't get any scuff marks on the vinyl or the paint.
Basically he is a car lovers worst nightmare. As for leaving masking tape and scrap vinyl on the car that is not a big deal. I do that all the time and it doesn't hurt the paint. However, leaving the knife on the car is a big [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/nono.gif[/img]
As I said, go after him for more than just a refund. Even if you decide to remove the stripes and wait a bit before getting it painted you will see all the cut marks which will just make you even more upset. Make sure you get some estimate on repairing the damage as well. If you don't want to bother with court you can at least tell him you want a 100% refund, but bring documented proof from a body shop so you can show him the damage he has cost.
Everyone should take you terrible experience as a warning. If someone doesn't know how to remove something as simple as windshield washer jets, don't let them touch your car. It sounds to me like this was the first 05/06 stang he has put stripes on. The car is one of the hardest to do if you do not use a pre-cut template.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mustangspeeder @ February 1, 2006, 7:15 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Hmmm...cutting the stripes out while on the car...that definately would raise a red flag for me. I highly doubt they'd be stupid enough to make the cut with the kife on your car,
[/b][/quote]
It is done this way all the time. If you know what you are doing you are just cutting the vinyl, however, it still leaves a very light score mark ontop of the clearcoat which is easily buffed out if you remove the stripes later.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MikeOxbig @ February 1, 2006, 8:04 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
It takes about 1 minute to remove the nozzles and then lay the stripes and cut the hole. The third brake light should have been removed, the wing, the rear emblem, grille, etc.
[/b][/quote]
Nozzles definately should have been removed, however, it is not necessary to remove the 3rd brake light, wing, grille, etc. Well, that is if you know what you are doing of course.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: July 20, 2004
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Louie @ February 2, 2006, 10:02 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
He mentioned in a post from his other topic that the installer didn't have a stipe kit and he cut the stripes from stock vinyl.
The vast majority of people who used kits from Graphic Express, Bob White or Baltimore Mods were very pleased with the quality and fit of those products. At least make sure your stripe installer isn't a vinyl butcher like Joe's.
[/b][/quote]
Yea I made sure, I did my research, i was looking to have a Ford Dealer install the stripes for me, but the dealer down the road from me doesn't do body work, they send all their body work to the guy they told me to go to, supposibly he's the best. Called him, he said the rate was $40 an hour for the stripes, and the max he would charge me is $150. He said he's done vinyl for years, he said he would take his time and he would prep it and make it last, so I'm assuming its going to have it sit over night at this place in a heated building allowing the stripes to settle, cause I read the instructions and it said allow the stripes to settle for 48 hours baked in the sun or in a temp. control area, do not allow it to go below 48 degrees. Well, its 35-40 degrees here in Jersey, don't know what the outcome is going to be. And I got the kit from Baltimore Street Mods, so I know I'm covered if the stripes get messed up.
He mentioned in a post from his other topic that the installer didn't have a stipe kit and he cut the stripes from stock vinyl.
The vast majority of people who used kits from Graphic Express, Bob White or Baltimore Mods were very pleased with the quality and fit of those products. At least make sure your stripe installer isn't a vinyl butcher like Joe's.
[/b][/quote]
Yea I made sure, I did my research, i was looking to have a Ford Dealer install the stripes for me, but the dealer down the road from me doesn't do body work, they send all their body work to the guy they told me to go to, supposibly he's the best. Called him, he said the rate was $40 an hour for the stripes, and the max he would charge me is $150. He said he's done vinyl for years, he said he would take his time and he would prep it and make it last, so I'm assuming its going to have it sit over night at this place in a heated building allowing the stripes to settle, cause I read the instructions and it said allow the stripes to settle for 48 hours baked in the sun or in a temp. control area, do not allow it to go below 48 degrees. Well, its 35-40 degrees here in Jersey, don't know what the outcome is going to be. And I got the kit from Baltimore Street Mods, so I know I'm covered if the stripes get messed up.
Cobra Member
Joined: April 7, 2005
Posts: 1,452
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From: Holland
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MaverickMLFD371 @ February 2, 2006, 3:32 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Yea I made sure, I did my research, i was looking to have a Ford Dealer install the stripes for me, but the dealer down the road from me doesn't do body work, they send all their body work to the guy they told me to go to, supposibly he's the best. Called him, he said the rate was $40 an hour for the stripes, and the max he would charge me is $150. He said he's done vinyl for years, he said he would take his time and he would prep it and make it last, so I'm assuming its going to have it sit over night at this place in a heated building allowing the stripes to settle, cause I read the instructions and it said allow the stripes to settle for 48 hours baked in the sun or in a temp. control area, do not allow it to go below 48 degrees. Well, its 35-40 degrees here in Jersey, don't know what the outcome is going to be. And I got the kit from Baltimore Street Mods, so I know I'm covered if the stripes get messed up.
[/b][/quote]
Sounds like a good plan! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
Good luck and don't forget to post pics/comments about the installation and quality.
Yea I made sure, I did my research, i was looking to have a Ford Dealer install the stripes for me, but the dealer down the road from me doesn't do body work, they send all their body work to the guy they told me to go to, supposibly he's the best. Called him, he said the rate was $40 an hour for the stripes, and the max he would charge me is $150. He said he's done vinyl for years, he said he would take his time and he would prep it and make it last, so I'm assuming its going to have it sit over night at this place in a heated building allowing the stripes to settle, cause I read the instructions and it said allow the stripes to settle for 48 hours baked in the sun or in a temp. control area, do not allow it to go below 48 degrees. Well, its 35-40 degrees here in Jersey, don't know what the outcome is going to be. And I got the kit from Baltimore Street Mods, so I know I'm covered if the stripes get messed up.
[/b][/quote]
Sounds like a good plan! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
Good luck and don't forget to post pics/comments about the installation and quality.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: July 20, 2004
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Louie @ February 2, 2006, 10:39 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Sounds like a good plan! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
Good luck and don't forget to post pics/comments about the installation and quality.
[/b][/quote]
Sure will Louie!!
Sounds like a good plan! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
Good luck and don't forget to post pics/comments about the installation and quality.
[/b][/quote]
Sure will Louie!!
Thread Starter
V6 Member
Joined: January 27, 2006
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Well, it's looking good so far. I went to 4 places today to get a quote for the repaint/removal. All of them were shocked how my vinyl turned out. On the other hand, they all DID say that Mustang's were hard to do and it takes a LONG time. Pretty much, all the quotes were within a few $$ of eachother. Everyone wanted about $1000-1300 to paint and about $1000 to clear coat the whole car. I found a guy that does tons of show cars and has been in the business for a long time and I saw his work (he even showed me magazines that had his cars on the covers!). Simply beautiful. I saw pictues of his past work too - lots of cars that sold for literally millions that had his paint jobs on them. He had a nice 69 in the shop that had gotten SMASHED in the right front side that had $19,000 of damage - what a sad sight (the driver lost control when gunning her)! The paint on it looked good to me but he showed me the fine details of what was wrong with it... I had no idea! And I thought **I** was picky!!! In any case, he's going to do the stripes, both mirrors, clear the whole car, and throw in the GT350 on the doors for $2200.
Even better - I talked with the stripe guy today and he offered to give me a FULL REFUND along with remove the stripes - but would NOT pay for a paint job, period. He was pretty defensive at first when we talked (he said he was afraid I was going to be super picky to start with and ALMOST didn't take the job because of it), but he stressed that in any case he wanted me to be happy with him and not go away angry with his work. Can't ask for more than that! On TOP of that he even offered to have a body shop buff out the score lines that WILL be there (he assured me) as well. My paint guy said not to have him do that as he's going to repaint the area anyway.
My appointment is in three weeks (UGH!!), there's a major car show happening and he's got to get those all set first... He'll have the car a week, so HOPFULLY the first week of March will show me my repaired/repainted/striped car! Whoo hoo!
Driving my baby around with HUGE score lines on it will be a tough go, but I'll live.
I'm NOT looking forward to driving to work in the Saturn while my GT gets painted though...
Thanks for ALL the posts guys, it's a HUGE help!!
Joe
Even better - I talked with the stripe guy today and he offered to give me a FULL REFUND along with remove the stripes - but would NOT pay for a paint job, period. He was pretty defensive at first when we talked (he said he was afraid I was going to be super picky to start with and ALMOST didn't take the job because of it), but he stressed that in any case he wanted me to be happy with him and not go away angry with his work. Can't ask for more than that! On TOP of that he even offered to have a body shop buff out the score lines that WILL be there (he assured me) as well. My paint guy said not to have him do that as he's going to repaint the area anyway.
My appointment is in three weeks (UGH!!), there's a major car show happening and he's got to get those all set first... He'll have the car a week, so HOPFULLY the first week of March will show me my repaired/repainted/striped car! Whoo hoo!
Driving my baby around with HUGE score lines on it will be a tough go, but I'll live.
I'm NOT looking forward to driving to work in the Saturn while my GT gets painted though...
Thanks for ALL the posts guys, it's a HUGE help!!
Joe
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 6,730
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It's really tough letting someone do vinyl stripes without having seen previous work. Our guy takes off the rear emblem and washer nozles and does a fantastic job. He has a full graphics shop and cuts the vinyl to request and in hundreds of colors. Cost at the dealer is $400. After knowing this guy for years, I couldn't imagine being the first for anyone else. At least this guy didn't disappear on you, but at least if you lay out the bucks for the paintwork, it will have show quality stripes on it [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img] I think the shelby stripes on the preproduction cars looks even worse though then the job that guy did. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon24.gif[/img]
Hey Joe-
Glad that there's light at the end of the tunnel!
Now you got me spooked about getting my (upcoming) GT vinyl striped by a 'professional'. The guy I was considering has 13+ years experience, contracted to do the striping at the local Ford dealership and offers a 4 month warranty on his work. Cost incl stripes is $500.
Who can you trust these days? [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]
Glad that there's light at the end of the tunnel!
Now you got me spooked about getting my (upcoming) GT vinyl striped by a 'professional'. The guy I was considering has 13+ years experience, contracted to do the striping at the local Ford dealership and offers a 4 month warranty on his work. Cost incl stripes is $500.
Who can you trust these days? [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 913
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Joe, good to finally read that your situation is going to work out!! Now I know that painted stripes are the way to go. Sorry I had to learn from your situation. And I'm sure that those that are happy with their vinyl job would correct me, but I'm just NOT willing to go through what Joe did. Good luck with the paint!!!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nole_trainer @ February 2, 2006, 2:34 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Joe, good to finally read that your situation is going to work out!! Now I know that painted stripes are the way to go. Sorry I had to learn from your situation. And I'm sure that those that are happy with their vinyl job would correct me, but I'm just NOT willing to go through what Joe did. Good luck with the paint!!!
[/b][/quote]
Well like adrenalin said, same goes for bad paint jobs... only much harder to correct.
Joe, good to finally read that your situation is going to work out!! Now I know that painted stripes are the way to go. Sorry I had to learn from your situation. And I'm sure that those that are happy with their vinyl job would correct me, but I'm just NOT willing to go through what Joe did. Good luck with the paint!!!
[/b][/quote]
Well like adrenalin said, same goes for bad paint jobs... only much harder to correct.