Auto Detailing and AppearanceTips and tricks on how to make your Third Gen shine! Get opinions on products or how something tasteful looks on your Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird.
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Well, I would say what ever you like. They both look good and cost around the same. I priced out stripes for my car and the sticker type was around $225. The paint (from a pro) was $400, but you can do it your self for half of that.
Cons to sticker type, they may peel, and leave your paint under them, not as faded as the rest.
Pro, can remove them whenever.
Cons to paint, may peel, cost is a little more.
Pro, looks better, last longer, never come off as easy as vinal.
I've priced a heritage strip kit from <a href="http://www.phoenixgraphix.com">Phoenixgraphix</a> and it runs $219. I think to have them painted on it would be at least $300 unless you have some connections. The bennefits of having them painted on would be that they'd most likely last longer, you wouldn't have the seam if they were sealed evenly with clearcoat and you have more options with colors, you can even do them in a pearl coat if you want. Just my 2 cents.
I had vinyl stripes on my bird, and i liked them. Keep them until they start to give you problems, then paint them on if you like. Mine were fine after a year, but i took them off to repaint the car a different color. They came right off. BTW, the cheapest way to get vinyl is to measure the length of your car, (how much feet you need) and go to a place that makes signs. You know, the ones that do letters on signs. Get the dimensions you need, and buy it in whatever color you want. Here was my scenario...
Worker: Can i help you?
Me: Yeah i need a 24 foot long, 9" wide black vinyl strip.
Worker: Sure no problem, you making your own sign?
Me: Yeah, something like that.
Worker: We have rolls of 25 feet, you might as well buy a whole roll, it will be cheaper. I'll even cut it the 9" for you.
Me: OK, thats fine, thanks.
Worker: That'll be $42.
Me: (trying not to laugh) Heres 45, keep the change.
Anyhow, dont tell them you want it for the car, or they will charge you an arm and a leg, these sign maker places are doing custom car vinyl now, so try not to tell them why you want it. Anyhow, get a spray bottle with 1 part hand soap, and fill the rest w/water. Cut the vinyl how you want it and spray the crap out of the sticky part of the strip and where its gonna be applied. Quicly place the vinyl where you want it and get a credit card to push out the water. (like a squeegee) Do it fast though, when you remove the water from under the decal, it will start to stick. If you get air bubbles, try ironing them out, If you cant, get a pin and poke a TINY LITTLE UNNOTICEABLE hole in the bubble and flatten the sucker. 45 bucks later you'll be laughing your a$$ off next time you see the guy next to you at a light w/ $250 vinyl.