This 'How-To' will cover the installation of the custom fading rocker stripes sold and distributed by DarkFireGT (http://forums.bradbarnett.net/member.php?u=13605).

Tools required
Plastic pliable squeegee
Straight edge razor blade
Masking tape (Painters Blue or Body Shop Green) *Do not use regular yellowish masking tape, it can leave behind tape residue if exposed in the sun.

Liquid solution (BSM's mix, works perfectly)
Mix in a spray bottle 20 ounces of water, 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dish soap and 1/2 teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol.

Estimated install time: 90 minutes


Installation (pictures will alternate between left and right sides to cover all the steps in order)

1. Clean entire area where stripes will be applied with isopropyl alcohol using a lint-free rag to remove any wax/polish, dirt, grime, etc.


2. Mask the edge line.
Using a roll of masking tape, start at one end (either at the front quarter panel or the rear door edge) and place the bottom edge of the masking tape right at the top edge of the crease that runs across the entire length. This lower mask line will be used as your primary reference line.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5674.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5675.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5676.jpg


3. Carefully peel the backing paper away from the transfer tape.
Be extremely cautious not to touch any part of the actual vinyl, especially at the clear faded section; if you do, it WILL leave fingerprints!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5679.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5683.jpg


4. Pre-Positioning the stripe.
This is where having an extra set of hands comes in handy.
Using the solution mix, liberally spray the mating side of the vinyl (the exposed part that you just peeled the backing paper from) and over the entire rocker section. Don't be afraid to spray too much, the more the better.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5689.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5690.jpg


5. Positioning the stripe.
Lay the stripe on the rocker area. Because of the solution, the vinyl stripe will be able to 'float' into position as long as the solution doesn't dry up or you don't press any areas against the car. If a certain section begins to stick, spray more solution between the rocker and vinyl right away.

The leading edge of the vinyl will be your primary mark to set the forward-back positioning of the stripe.
Note: Make sure the top pinstripe goes to the edge of the front quarter panel. Because of the arch of the wheel well, you'll have more vinyl overhang on the bottom, which is fine.

The top of the pinstripe will be your primary mark to set the up-down positioning of the stripe.
Very important key here is to float the stripe up/down to achieve approximately 1/8" gap between the lower masking tape line and the top of the vinyl pinstripe line. Once you line up the front, then float up the rear, the middle will automatically be lined up. No need to measure exactly an 1/8", just eyeball it.

Note: Never allow any sections of the top pinstripe to overlap the masking tape! Always maintain a small gap to it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5691.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5694.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5695.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5702.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5715.jpg


6. Once the vinyl is in the position you want, start the squeegee process.
Starting from the center, work out any air bubbles/pockets and solution out. Always work from the center out!
Note: I sprayed solution on top of the transfer tape where I squeegeed to help it glide more easily.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5685.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5684.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5687.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5699.jpg


7. Peel off the transfer tape.
After letting the stripes sit for a while (I'm not an expert, but I'd say the longer the better, but don't let it bake in the sun), start at one end (I started at the clear-door end) and slowly start to peel the transfer tape off.
Note: On this particular brand of vinyl, I found that wetting the outside of the transfer tape (with the solution) made the tape more pliable and helped the peeling off process.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5744.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5739.jpg

Note: If any sections of the vinyl (especially the pinstripe) begin to lift with the transfer tape, STOP! Lay the tape back down and let it dry/tack-up some more before proceeding. What I did instead of waiting was to use a heat gun (low setting and away from the vinyl!) to accelerate the drying process. If you opt for this method, be very careful! Rule of thumb; if the heat is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for the vinyl.

Note: For stubborn little sections that just refuse to stick, back it up with the squeegee until you peel past that point.


8. Remove the masking tape.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5748.jpg


9. Cut vinyl at door edges.
Using a single edge razor blade, cut the vinyl at the door jamb areas.
Note: Try to center the cut so you have enough overlap for each side.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5743.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5742.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/th_4f116c96.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/?action=view&current=4f116c96.flv)


10. Completing installation
Look over the whole stripes and if you see any large pockets of air. If areas exist, wet the area and squeegee them out. Don't be too worried if you have small air bubbles, they will lay down on their own over time.

Once the door jamb sections of the vinyl start to tack up, use your fingers and roll the edge of the vinyl over. Do the same for the front wheel well. If the vinyl doesn't want to stay down, let it tack up some more or employ the heat gun again, same rule of thumb applies.

Note: Some sections to be rolled can be difficult to access. Use something without sharp edges to help tack the vinyl over.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5749.jpg


Installation complete! http://forums.bradbarnett.net/images/smilies/banana.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5768.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5755.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5763.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Fading%20rocker%20stripe%20install/IMG_5775.jpg

wow very nice!

Can't say how much I appreciate your time and kind help.

You Are THE BEST - THANK YOU!!!! (Again....)

wwwwwwow! that looks amazing! how much is the guy asking for them?

I am in LOVE with your car!! Dude GREAT job on everything you've done so far[sm=smiley20.gif]

[sm=hail.gif]
'nuff said

Whew! I was having Tacobill installation instruction withdrawals!!! I love to see these threads.Great job Tacobill, now I might wanna get those too, lol.

Thanks guys! [8D]



ORIGINAL: ismellhonda
how much is the guy asking for them?

The guy's name is Steve over at TMS. He ordered a limited run of these, custom order, in gloss white and black. I believe he's selling them for $60.

If anyone's interested, shoot me a PM with your contact info (name and e-mail) and I'll forward it to Steve.


ORIGINAL: yzfmik
... now I might wanna get those too, lol.

These rocker stripes would look killer on your car! ;)

Wow, this board gets alot of views. Page 3 for todays posts? lol. Thanks for the write-up, Bill.

I just wanted to let everyone know the price is actually $80 shipped. I did $60 for the original people who were interested in the stripes, with the intent of selling the rest on eBay at $95 + shipping to make my money back. Since so many people on forums are interested, I can sell the remaining stock at $80 shipped and still make it "out of the red". My current stock is limited to black. I have some white on order, but if you followed the post on TMS, you'd know I had a lot of trouble with the graphics shop, so there is currently no ETA for white. I plan on looking at a local shop to get some more made once I make it back "out of the red", and if there's enough demand, I'll order more and hopefully be able to give a better price for Mustang forum members. You can PM me, or better yet, email me at my new email address, fadingstripes@gmail.com

Steve

those look really sweet!

Yet another great write up!

Your son is lucky to have you. He's going to have a good sense of detail and hard work.
The stripes look great too... ;)

has anybody installed/ordered black yet? id really like to see it instead of relying on my bad sense of imagination lol

looks great. once again, awesome write up.

I ordered the black and I will be installing it on the middle of the car like the GT/CS. I'm going to remoe the GT logos and re-install them centered over the black stripe.

I hope to have them done this weekend.

ORIGINAL: ismellhonda

has anybody installed/ordered black yet? id really like to see it instead of relying on my bad sense of imagination lol


I actually shipped twice as many black as white. As it would be, both sets of white are already installed, both on Torch Red. Guess the black stripe owners are lazy ;) There's at least a few people installing this weekend.

Just awesome !!! You're a big asset to this forum.

ORIGINAL: DarkFireGT

ORIGINAL: ismellhonda

has anybody installed/ordered black yet? id really like to see it instead of relying on my bad sense of imagination lol


I actually shipped twice as many black as white.Â* As it would be, both sets of white are already installed, both on Torch Red. Guess the black stripe owners are lazy ;)Â* There's at least a few people installing this weekend.




sweet....i can confidently KINDA commit lol. i just need to see it in black first, but knowing my spending habits its gonna happen. :)

ill keep an eye out on both this forum and TMS for pics

Hmmm... I dunno...
I love the write up, but the stripes just look like they were painted and the painter just ran out of white paint!
I really think a solid stripe would complete the look, especially with the other racing stripes already on there.
But no worries, we'll eagerly await the next mod!

Its official I dont wantSteve or Corroll or Jack, or pernellisigning my car. I want my taco bill signature on my car. I see your in socal. We have to meet up. SoI can buy you lunch.

Mr Taco,
Outstanding tutorial.........but,

not so sure I am down with the stripes.......looks a little undone.....

sorry.....just an opinionated female here.
s ~

I ordered the black and I will be installing it on the middle of the car like the GT/CS. I'm going to remoe the GT logos and re-install them centered over the black stripe.

I hope to have them done this weekend.

I like the faded stripe. Like Steeda Q but not. Just what I was looking for. Can't wait to see it in black ODIAZ!

That's the first write up I've seen from him...I hear he's pretty popular:)The stripes look sweeeeet and I love the whole step by steps WITH pictures...it just makes it all complete.

+1 for the TacoBill signature on my car....

Have you thought about writing a book and making some $$? No seriously, you can go ahead and consider yourself the king of the forum....

You are now official-- King Taco

Looks great man ! I need white strips to go with my red mustang, anyone knows where I can get them good quality?

Nice to see a little CS on your car [8D]:D

Great write up!

That faded stripe looks GREAT! I'd be interested in a mid-body line stripe (in the same position as the GT/CS). You should offer matte black, silver, red and deep blue. I'd be interested in the red or deep blue. What material are you using?

I didn't have the best experience with my graphics shop, so I'm really not sure what they're made out of, other than that they're on clear vinyl. I'm hunting for a new shop right now, and I will ask about matte.

Holy crap! My wife's has been asking me to put a fading stripe on my black stang for a long time...I hope shes does not see this thread....:eek:Great JOB!

Wow, you have a beautiful car there TacoBill. I like the fading stripe, looks pretty cool.

Had to say a big "thank you" to TacoBill! Your posts and installation instructions have helped me out tremendously. I've learned a lot from you and you made my life much easier as I am "wrench challenged." Thanks so much - you're very much appreciated. greg

Those look amazing. Thank you for your how to threads. I have used at least 3 (when I get the instructions I check this web site first because I know Taco Bills threads are clear and end with a great result).

ORIGINAL: CAL

Had to say a big "thank you" to TacoBill! Your posts and installation instructions have helped me out tremendously. I've learned a lot from you and you made my life much easier as I am "wrench challenged." Thanks so much - you're very much appreciated. greg

You're welcome Cal!

If I'm able to save you guys some $$$ on the installs by not having someone do it for you (and probably won't take the time and care as you will), my mission is complete. [8D]


And thanks to everyone else for the kind comments.

And thanks to scrillz too! [8D]

I installed the fader stripes in the middle like the GT/CS. Steve, these stripes need to be just a bit longer for those of us wishing to install them in the middle. The end of the fader strip was about 3" short from the edge of the door. Also, there wasn't enough of the solid material to place on the front of the bumper. Overall, the quality of this stripe is superb and it looks much better the the stock OE GT/CS stripes. I took lots of pictures and will be doing a write up also since putting it in the middle is a little more involved then putting them along the bottom. I'll post the write up tonight but in the mean time, here's a picture of the finished product.

http://www.cherod.com/mustang/HowTo/Fader/2007-07-21.JPG

ORIGINAL: odiaz
I installed the fader stripes in the middle like the GT/CS.

Looks great Odiaz! The blackstripe goes along with your theme nicely.

For a rocker install, the overall length could be an inch longer just to have a full wrap on the front wheel well and back of door. Don't get me wrong, it's acceptable as is, but by having it just a tad longer would cut down on the precise alignment up at the front.

You're amazing TacoBill. Your write ups are fantastic. When I grow-up I want to be just like you!

ORIGINAL: Orion_240

Hmmm... I dunno...
I love the write up, but the stripes just look like they were painted and the painter just ran out of white paint!
I really think a solid stripe would complete the look, especially with the other racing stripes already on there.
But no worries, we'll eagerly await the next mod!


I agree, I'm not a fan of the 'fade' look but none-the-less, another fantastic write up Bill and job well done!

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

ORIGINAL: odiaz

I installed the fader stripes in the middle like the GT/CS.Â* Steve, these stripes need to be just a bit longer for those of us wishing to install them in the middle.Â* The end of the fader strip was about 3" short from the edge of the door.Â* Also, there wasn't enough of the solid material to place on the front of the bumper.Â* Overall, the quality of this stripe is superb and it looks much better the the stock OE GT/CS stripes.Â* I took lots of pictures and will be doing a write up also since putting it in the middle is a little more involved then putting them along the bottom.Â* I'll post the write up tonight but in the mean time, here's a picture of the finished product.

http://www.cherod.com/mustang/HowTo/Fader/2007-07-21.JPG




Now I like it in the middle! Looks great there but you are right about the length. I think it needs to be much more than an inch longer. IMO, the fade out should be towards the rear fenderwell, but that's just me...[8D]

Wow - this is my First Taco Bill "How-To" - andI must say, what a super job. Gonna be using the Search Tool here on the forum, and will be adding bookmarks for other TBHT's.

Great write up TacoBill. Your Mustang looks awesome.

odias,your fader stripes in the middle like the GT/CS looks great.