Club 80-90 Forums

Has anyone ever vinyl wrapped their T25? Just found out its cheaper than respray, seen a couple of wrapped cars this evening & they looked great. Just interested what anyone who's tried it thinks?
Sry if this is posted in wrong place
Debbie

Make sure whatever's there already is PERFECT, otherwise it's going to look horrible. The vinyl's very thin, and anything and everything will show through.

Also don't forget that much of the grot and rot comes through from behind - so you're hiding things even further. We've got a few seams that are bubbling, yet the (recent) paint is still unbroken and undamaged.

It's better for the rust to come outwards rather than inwards ... it'll end up like driving a loaf of bread otherwise

So are you saying its not a good idea Ian?

Is yours vinyl wrapped Adrian?

Just Dash wrote:So are you saying its not a good idea Ian?

I'm saying that it's a pathetic idea and if it was that clever don't you think the car manufacturers would've been doing it for years. Personally I like to KNOW my vehicle is safe and structurally sound NOT look like brand new.

It's like wrapping a turd in cling film ... it may look better but it's still a turd.

I looked into this as a cheaper alternitive to having mine painted.

The problem is, the companies I spoke to, need to have the vehicle primered, then painted anyway for the vinyl to stick. Also, as has already been said, the bodywork needs to be perfect, no rust, no dents etc as it will show up, maybe even be highlighted by the wrap!

As mine is having a full resto, it will work out cheaper to just have it painted...

Ok thx for the input & awfully sorry if Ive got your back-up Ian. Feel a bit embarrassed for asking now, might think twice next time! :-/

Just Dash wrote:Ok thx for the input & awfully sorry if Ive got your back-up Ian. Feel a bit embarrassed for asking now, might think twice next time! :-/

No no, not a shot at you mate, just the idea of doing it.

The Wheeler Dealers have a lot to answer for

Ian

Oh good, I felt a bit of a bafoon! :-/
Was thinking as a temp measure as cant afford a respray for at least a couple of yrs.
Debbie

Silky has a wrapped van.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae26 ... vanSWK.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just Dash wrote:Is yours vinyl wrapped Adrian?

Just replacements of the standard Westy graphics - and the seams !re visibly as bad underneath them...

Thx Boxy, I know Silky & shes not far from me. Ive never seen her van tho, might pop round for a look

You're welcome any time Dash, I'm just down the road.

Our wrap is for advertising purposes and I have to disagree with the comment of it being "a pathetic idea". Our van had been garaged by its previous owner for 19 years and the body solid, a good base for the wrap (which being vinyl affords protection from the elements). They do have a limited life span - the wrap companies suggest 5-7 years depending on how you look after it, ours is 2 years old now and as good as new.

I probably wouldn't go down this route for my LT - the bodywork isn't sound enough and I'm also keen on the £70 roller painting but I'd definitely do it again on the T25 if/when the current wrap needs replacing. The van didn't need any special treatment beforehand either, the wrap can be removed leaving the van exactly as it was.

P.s. Our wrap covers the roof and also has 3M on the windows too. From memory it cost around £2.1k so around a similar price to a good respray but probably not as long lasting. It's not necessarily a cheaper option but does give you a lot of scope on the design front. If you just want standard colours and no fancy graphics I'd probably suggest a paint job.