Anyone apply interior decals to dash, etc?

01TriBlack · 07-04-04, 12:19 PM

I purchased a set of interior decals for the steering wheel, dashboard and sills. The steering wheel and sill decals went on like a charm (and look GREAT!). Not so for the farkin' dashboard C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E letters. They would NOT stick and when I applied heat with the hairdryer they blew off. Anyone have any hints on how to get the dashboard decals to stay?

GS Diva · 07-04-04, 03:55 PM

I only had one of the CORVETTE letters that gave me a problem on Hubby's '02 dash...and I put the tiniest dab of Super Glue on that wayward letter! It has been fine ever since!

Elaine

01TriBlack · 07-04-04, 03:59 PM

Hi, Elaine.

Did the letters actually stick when you applied them - or did it take some application of heat? These were all lifted - could not get them to stick at all (even with heat). Hmmmm...I'm wondering if they were "defective."

GS Diva · 07-04-04, 08:09 PM

Yes, the letters did stick, but the "R" had trouble staying stuck! I know you did the usual cleaning of the indentations prior to applying them. I'd give a call to whoever you bought them from and explain the situation.

Elaine

Pac-man · 07-05-04, 06:30 PM

I know exactly what the problem was. You failed to clean the dash properly. The decals have barely any adhesive on them at all so proper cleaning is essential for adhesion. You must first clean with low odor mineral spirits, then follow up with denatured alcohol. Rubbing alcohol leaves a slippery film and I suspect that is what you used because the directions say so. When I recieved mine I laughed when I read to clean area with rubbing alcohol. The hair dryer will set the letters in nicely. Oh yeah, use the head of a pin to pick up the letters and apply. Also, a tiny drop of glue will work on stubborn letters. Even with all the proper prep work, I also had to resort to a drop of glue on one of the letters. You can get the two chemicals at Home Depot for about $5 each can and they will last you for a long time

01TriBlack · 07-06-04, 08:45 PM

Yep, I used a lot of rubbing alcohol. I just ordered another set of dash decals - I'll give your instructions a whirl, Pac-man. Thank ya!!!

As an aside, I can't believe the improvement to the interior with the decal on the steering wheel. Very bland without. The mats help as well to infuse a little color.

M.

Pac-man · 07-07-04, 03:02 AM

The steering wheel decal, door sills and airbag letters really open up the interior of the car. There are alot of cool stickers and emblems,etc. for under the hood as well that have the same effect. I figured that you used rubbing alcohol, can't figure out why the heck they say to use that? It always leaves a film. Any experienced detailer knows that. That is the main reason everyone has trouble with the letter kit. Good luck and glad to be of help.

Nevets2004 · 08-04-04, 02:18 PM

Any chance any of you guys have pics of the installed letters?
It sounds like a cool idea.

I guess you found them at one of the many online sites?

01TriBlack · 08-04-04, 07:03 PM

Hey, Nevets2004.

I don't have any pictures, sorry. But, man!! They really look nice... looks like the car came with them. I got mine here (the dude's really nice to work with, too):

http://stores.ebay.com/Decal-Special...enameZl2QQtZkm

Nevets2004 · 08-05-04, 03:54 PM

Mary,

Thanks. I checked out the pics on ebay. They really look cool. I'm going to look into getting some.

- Steve

JBHAMC40 · 08-05-04, 11:30 PM

I just bought a set off ebay for my steering wheel. I have some on there now that are just the flag but i liked those better

01TriBlack · 08-06-04, 12:17 AM

Hiya! One thing with the "decals" (they're "stickers," in actuality), is that you really do need to use the mineral spirits and denatured alcohol. Though they're "stickers," you'd never, ever know it. You'll like 'em, rest assured. They fit very, very nicely... they look as though they're "stock."

dooscoop32 · 08-15-04, 09:42 PM

I already had the steering wheel and door sill stickers but have been looking for somebody that sold the airbag stickers by themselves. Thanks for the info. I will get those and the sticker for the airbridge as well. They look great!

Tripleblack51 · 08-17-04, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01TriBlack

Hiya! One thing with the "decals" (they're "stickers," in actuality), is that you really do need to use the mineral spirits and denatured alcohol. Though they're "stickers," you'd never, ever know it. You'll like 'em, rest assured. They fit very, very nicely... they look as though they're "stock."

Hi Mary,
Just so you know, you will give up some performance because of the added weight of the stickers.
For each sticker, plan on losing about 5 RWHP!

That's why I'm not gon' do it...not at this juncture...wouldn't be prudent.

Hey, did you have the LS1 edit done yet?

Later,
Pedro

01TriBlack · 08-18-04, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tripleblack51

Hi Mary,
Just so you know, you will give up some performance because of the added weight of the stickers.
For each sticker, plan on losing about 5 RWHP!

That's why I'm not gon' do it...not at this juncture...wouldn't be prudent.

I'm feelin' ya - that was a huge consideration of mine, too. That's why I sacrificed the AIRBAG decals - figured I was already taking enough of an HP hit with the other decals I really wanted.

Quote:

Hey, did you have the LS1 edit done yet?

Nope... I haven't gotten the car up there yet. Plus I just put $1,200 into the rear wheel bearings/hubs.

I thought it best to lay off on the expenses for a bit and just live with the messages that constantly flash. Although, I got to the point I ignored them...and one day I made an effort to read them. YIKES!! In between my SERVICE COLUMN LOCK message and FLAT TIRE messages I got one saying LOW OIL LEVEL!! WTH????? 2 quarts low! I wonder how long it was telling me that.

Hey, did you have the LS1 edit done yet?

Later,
Pedro

[/quote]