Aftermarket Plastics

No northings wrong with it. I just like to change things up every now and then. I like to tinker and dabble in new things. Vinyl wrapping my bike is really appealing to me because I can't mess up the paint although I could just waste a bunch of money. Anyways I figure itll be between 150-200 for all the materials. I'm going to practice a lot first and space things out. I'll do a write up with pics if anyone is interested. That is only if this goes well lol.

 

I haven't wrapped any vehicles myself, but did a lot of research on the process. 3M is a very popular (in the US) brand and they have a long standing reputation for quality. Check out FELLERS, the World's Largest Wrap Supply Company. They sell all sorts of supplies. You can also order from any number of online resources. Remember that they don't manufacture the product. They just resell. If I was to go for it, I would find the color of 3M wrap I like and shop around for the best price on enough yards to do the job.

Things to keep in mind. The process requires patience and constant pulling/re-stretching to get things just right and eliminate all bubbles. Wrap comes in varying qualities and varying warranties of durability from as little as 2 years to as much as 12 years for black/white. Any first time project will almost ALWAYS require more material than you need. You will probably boo-boo a little or underestimate how much you need. Don't be afraid to look on ebay. Buy from whoever sells the brand/color you want. Don't forget to check youtube for videos of people installing. You can get some really good views of their techniques/processes.

Jose

 

To start I ordered a test sheet 12"x12" of 3M scotchprint 1080 matte white.

I also got a heat gun from harbor freight $13, cotton gloves $2 and a snap off blade x-acto knife. I ordered a felt squeege from some online site so we will see when it gets here. If the test goes well I will remove the rest of the plastics and come up with a number for how much I should need. I just do NOT want to overlap when laying it so I am trying to do each panel with one sheet of vinyl.

 

This site is really for retail stores or businesses. I could view their catalog but it had no prices. Apparently you have to have a customer number or something in order to see their catalog with prices.

 

UPDATE: I have done a little bit of practice work in order to get more familiar with the materials. I will continue to update this album with more pics as I continue wrapping. I should get the rest of the wrap early this week. In total I spent about 220 on materials. (1) 60"x120" vinyl piece (1) 60"x48" vinyl piece we will see it that is too much or too little.

Wrapping the VFR - Imgur <- Link to album

 

How does the stuff stick to the plastic and not peel off in a strong wind?

 

It is essentially like a sticker. The adhesive is extremely strong. When you apply the vinyl you wrap it around whatever piece you are doing. The strongest wind in the world could not blow it off if it the vinyl is wrapped around the edges of the piece. Applying primer 94 (an extra adhesive agent) to the underside of the piece at the point the vinyl wraps over will greatly help it from dislodging.

 

OK so if later you want to remove it. How do you get the adhesive off? I would like to see a pic of your sample and would be very interested to see pics of the process you use on your next batch.

 

You just peel it off. Get an edge to pull from and peel. Like I said the adhesive is strong so it will require force to peel it off. Heating the material helps as that just kind of loosens it. It won't leave any residue of the adhesive behind. And yes ill be glad to take more pics next time. I'll be redoing the seat cowl and the tail fairing middle of this week. I'll be sure to take lots of pics prepping and during the installation.

BTW what part of greensboro? That's my hometown but I live in ATL now.

 

I lived on the Northwest side of town for years near the Cardinal and the Airport. But I live near UNCG now Just off of I40 and Freeman Mill Rd. When I get my bike we should get together for a ride. I will have it with me by March. Here is a pic of mine.

 

Did you go to NWGHS, i was class of 2007

 

A hair dryer produces sufficient heat to allow vinyl to be peeled off. A heat gun IMO is overkill. Some will melt lead.. Any residual adhesive can be removed with Stoddard solvent, paint thinner or VM&P naptha or lighter fluid or barbeque starter fluid.

Gotta see one of these "wrapped" bikes. Tons of vinyl graphics on line and an up to date sign shop has a plotter/cutter for specifically designed graphics. I don't know how many types of "outdoor" vinyls are available but dozens that are durable enough for bike apps should be easy to locate. SOS as cars.

 

No. I grew up in Indiana. I've only live here for 8+ years. Also my son was the one who went there. He left after his junoir year and is now at GTCC.

 

The heat gun is a little overkill, but I like how fast it works. I bought most of my vinyl from metrorestyling.com The vinyl should stand up to the elements and protect the paint from road debris. I think its rated at 4-5 years.

 

Small world, if I am ever up there with my bike at the same time I will message you.

 

We have a guy on one of my other forums that swear by a certain type of aftermarket plastics. He has had no problems with the fit or finish of them at all. He gets bored with the look easily too, so they change often.

These are the two looks that I've seen in the last 2.5 years...

 

I like the bottom picture more. I looked around everywhere for plastics but I kept running into a problem. All the kits never included tank covers. No way am I sticking on $500-$800 plastics if my tank is going to stick out literally like a sore thumb (because its red).

 

If you noticed, his white tank fits into either paint scheme. That is the key right there. I can ask him what company he goes through, and you can always paint the tank or vinyl it a neutral color like his. Most tech schools will do paint for free if you provide the paint too.

 

I dont want to alter the paint on the plastics in any way. So painting is a no go. My tank is red and it really doesn't go with any schemes i saw. Plus I dont see the point (for me) in paying 500-800 for new plastics and then vinyling the tank when I could pay ~200 and do the whole bike.

 

So I got the wrapping material today and I set out to wrap the seat cowl for the last time, heres how it went. Tomorrow I will go for the tail piece.


Wrapping the VFR - Imgur <- Link to Album