Well I decided to go for the vinyl stripes instead of painting them on. I called a bunch of places today in Sacramento (including Mustang stores and even the local club) and was told they had NO IDEA who would be able to paint them on, as it's too expensive and everyone does vinyl. Tried talking to quite a few painting shops and was told that everyone does collision repair and it's hard to find someone who paints special stuff. I did actually end up with two specialty outfits in town who are supposed to do paint but was warned that it was going to be $2000 plus at least... (they were closed on the weeked so I couldn't check for sure).
I even called my dealer (one of the largest in California) and the shop told me that EVERY Mustang they sell with stripes has them vinyl striped. They have an outfit they use and gave me the number for them. I'll call them on Monday. I thought about perhaps putting them on myself, but am WAAAAY chicken, even though I've been encouraged to go ahead and do it ("it's really easy" they say...).
This way I can go ahead and use the rest of the money I had set aside for painted stripes and go for CAI, exhaust, tune and dyno.
Thanks for all the input here - we're WAY ahead of what most folks do!
In the end, I'll miss those pretty painted glossy stripes! Oh well!
Joe

 

I would think that in California, there would have to be a shop somewhere nearby that does stripes.

PS: Used to be stationed at Mather AFB back in 1988-1990.

 

I thought that there HAD to be a boatload of them... Turns out there are a few, but most all the places specialize in collision repair - or so I've been told.
Mather was COOL during that period...
Joe

 

Now that I've decided to go with vinyl stripes I was hoping someone has done a "step by step" guide to putting your own on. I see that the Baltimore street guys have a text version on their web site, but I was thinking perhaps some nice person may have made one with pictures and details along with tips and "simple" instructions - especially since I hear conflicting information on doing it yourself... Some people say with patience anyone can do it, yet other people that they have had someone do it for them with comments that "the Mustang is the hardest one yet..."
I'd appreciate any step by step sites out there!

Thanks!

Joe

 

Sent you an email...

 

Here in Indiana, I found the cost for painted stripes to be in the $900 to $1200 range.

The vinyl is of course much less, and then putting them on yourself is not too bad. I did it myself and have no regrets.

 

I went with these folks
http://www.baltimorestreetmods.com/05stanggraph.htm

am still pleased with the job. I was also a chicken, and went with a buddy who is at a body shop and he put them on for me.

 

I too decided to go with vinyl stripes. I have a Baltimore kit in my basement waiting for warmer weather. So I too would like any tips, pictures etc.

Thanks, Bill

 

Yes, vinyl is standard on any dealer car. But I think you should keep looking until you find a shop to paint them on. Vinyl is a bit cheaper... usually about a third of the price. But, when you take into account that painted stripes last as long as your paintjob, the painted stripes will pay for themselves after having to redo the vinyl a couple times over the life of your paintjob. I had vinyl stripes before I got my painted stripes... and I am so glad I painted them. There's no comparison IMO.

 

I went with vinyl for two reasons -

1. Significantly lower cost.

2. If I did not like the stripes, I was not stuck with them.

Turns out that I really like them. (Got mine from Baltimore Street Mods too.)

Since I will only be putting about 4000 miles a year on my car and it spends all of its parked time garaged, I would expect the vinyl to last a long time.

When it is finally time to replace the vinyl stripes, I may go ahead and go with paint.

 

I agree with red.

Mine is not a daily driver....plus if I decided to change, no big deal.

 

My experience with stripe application:

(Note: The Baltimore Street Mods instructions were very useful.)

I used some 1.5" masking tape as a guide to start (for the gap). The trick there is to get the tape straight. That was taking too much time, so what really worked for me was just going by eye.

DO NOT get the stripes wet before you peel the backing off. After the stripes are off the backing, it does not matter, but any water on there before you peel is a major pain.

When you wet the surface (with the recommended solution - soap/alcohol/water) and lay the stripe over the surface, they float until you squeegee them down.

For example, on the hood, I floated (applied) both stripes on and started to measure from both edges of the hood. The center ridge (of the hood) also helps as a guide. Then I started to measure all over to make sure the stripes were lined up. Once they are close, just squeege a small part in the middle of the stripe to hold it in position while you measure. If you need to move it, just peel up the squeegeed area and spray a little more solution underneath. Now they float again.

There is certainly some trial and error involved. And patience. Lots of patience.

The hood and roof were the easiest to do. The front and rear bumper and trunk lid took some time. I used a hair dryer on LOW to help warm the stripes up and get them to conform to the curved surfaces. Some of the bubbles and wrinkles seem like they will never come out - but they will.

Make sure it is a warm day when you apply the stripes. And let it sit for a day and get some sun light when you are done. Most of the bubbles will lay down and they will be fairly easy to work (squeegee) out. For the stubborn ones, I used a needle to pop any of the small bubbles (smaller than a dime). Poke a small hole in the center of the bubble and use the squeegee to work the air toward the needle hole.

Start with a clean car. Take your time. If you get frustrated, just wet everything down and take a break.

 

Thanks red.

Now I have to wait for warmer weather !!

 

Anybody know where to get some rocker panel stripes that are like the GT 500 strippes but without the actual letterin. Just a thick middle line with a thin stripe on either side? Also, a mach 1 style vinyl hood decal??

 

Need to get back in contact with painter I was last told he could get me in end of this week 600 jr bacon cheeseburgers for 2 twelve inch stripes

 

Try this link for the solid rocker stripes. Graphic Express may have the Mach 1 style decal you are looking for... they have just about anything you can think of.

 

I finally got to talk to a couple of places today to paint on the stripes - one outfit charges $2500 with clear (and was told YET AGAIN that they recommended to do vinyl instead - you'd think that they'd want the money/business!!??), the other wanted $1000 with clear over the stripes (so you would feel/see the edge) and $2200 to paint the stripes and clear the whole car.
I can have the outfit that puts the vinyl stripes on the dealer's cars do mine for $650.
I was thinking to put mine one myself but my time is valuable and with 5 kids... well, you know how it goes!
Joe

 

Color by Woz in Riverside would do it

 

I was just quoted $950.00 for just clear over the stripes...where you can see feel the edge....and once again around $2,000 for complete clear where you cant see/feel the stripes....for those who have their stripes painted which option did you fo with? Complete Clear or jus clear the stripes?

 

Well i went with baltimore street mods satin silver kit. It is awesome. But a lot of work to put on. I didnt even want to try as lining them up and getting straight etc. is for someone that has done it before. I had a collision/race car frame building shop named jeffers here in st. louis do them. It was about 120 for the stripes, 540 to put them on. It was almost 700 bucks. Next time I think I will do stripes. Did not know it was so labor intensive/time etc. The guy there said about 1300-1500 for the stripes. If I would have known before ordering the stripes, I would have done the paint. Live and learn. Either way the stripes look awesome. I dont have a digital camera, so I will take a pic soon with someones and post. Good luck either way.