Shelby Lettering Is a Subtle but Awesome Touch
Adding lettering to the ‘Shelby’ on the factory Mustang GT350 or GT350R splitter is a simple process, but needs to be done right.
The Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs are amazing cars. They both feature aggressive looks and amazing handling capabilities. However, one look at one with vinyl highlighting the Shelby lettering on the front splitter, and you’ll start to wonder why Ford never did it in the first place. It’s one of those subtle things that brings the whole show together. Luckily, the vinyl is available for around $30 and is an easy DIY task. You have to be sure to do it correctly. Otherwise, you might lose the letters to the hands of mother nature.
The good news is the youtube channel Auto Fanatic, run by Armando Solis, recently featured a tutorial on the install. From start to finish, it gives you all you need to know about getting the lettering just right.
“I have been putting these letters on the front lips of these Shelbys since 2016, and year after year, customers, my friends, and myself pressure wash the area and not once have had anything fail,” says Solis.
Solis stresses that the most essential part of the install is the prep work. A clean and dry surface allows for proper adhesion, maximizing the longevity of the lettering. He uses Gyeon Quartz prep, a product used in detailing to clean paint surfaces before applying ceramic coating.
Up next, he carefully applies 3M 94 primer, a solution that promotes adhesion. It is mostly used when using 3M body tape to install spoilers, side skirts, and other body parts.
“Anything that’s going to bond to the car, properly prep it and use the 3m 94 primer,” says Solis
Though it may seem tedious, taking these extra steps will ensure your vinyl will stay on through thick and thin.
After drying the cleaned letter indentations with compressed air, Solis warms the area up with a heat gun. Vinyl adhesive curing and cold weather don’t get along great, so a warm surface is beneficial. Before applying the letters, he liberally sprays the indentation with distilled water to allow the vinyl to move. Once the vinyl is in his desired location, he once again uses the heat gun along with a soft plastic pick to coax the remaining water out from beneath the letters.
“So that’s it guys, that’s the finished install of the Shelby GT350 front spoiler letters. It definitely looks good, it gives a nice little detail and makes the car feel a little less naked upfront,” says Solis.
We couldn’t agree more! It is a great looking addition to an already awesome car. If you are interested in doing this install, Solis provides links to all the products used in the description of his youtube video. Just remember, you could skip all the prep work and plop the vinyl in. However, you’ll likely end up doing it again not too long after.