Vinyl wrap instead of paint

[nkaminar]

Vinyl wrap is applied over existing paint to change the color and to protect the paint underneath. They even have a chrome wrap so you could make your car look like it was chrome plated. A heat gun is used to stretch the wrap over curves. You can also print any design on the vinyl before it is shipped, like a desert scene or a forest. You can use this on your covered trailer to put a photo of your car on the sides and back. I am sure you have seen this. It is used for race cars where the sponsors are printed on the vinyl. The next year the wrap is removed and a new one put on with new sponsors. It is a lot cheaper than a new paint job but the underlying surface must be in good shape, not a rust bucket. See https://www.rvinyl.com/

So, has anyone tried this with a Model A?

 

[Gene F]

I looked into it once for the trunklid of my streetrod. The whole thing turned into a legal mess, so I said skip it. I wanted to put a photo of an album cover, or maybe generic photo off the web of a drive-in theatre. Perhaps "yeah it's a Mopar". Not worth the hassle. I didn't even ask how much...

 

[Big hammer]

The original stainless steel Tudor always made my heart beat faster! A wrap that looks like stainless steel would be cool

 

[Incognito-A]

There’s a number of intricacies in a Model A that don’t exist in a modern car. It would seem that the labor and hassle to really make it look good would also raise the price considerably. Still probably much less than a quality paint job but it just begs the question “Why would you?”

Maybe someone enterprising will make the wrap in authentic Model A colors for those who just can’t decide.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Vinyl wrap is applied over existing paint to change the color and to protect the paint underneath. They even have a chrome wrap so you could make your car look like it was chrome plated. A heat gun is used to stretch the wrap over curves. You can also print any design on the vinyl before it is shipped, like a desert scene or a forest. You can use this on your covered trailer to put a photo of your car on the sides and back. I am sure you have seen this. It is used for race cars where the sponsors are printed on the vinyl. The next year the wrap is removed and a new one put on with new sponsors. It is a lot cheaper than a new paint job but the underlying surface must be in good shape, not a rust bucket. See https://www.rvinyl.com/

So, has anyone tried this with a Model A?

We use wraps on our race cars due to costs compared to painting for visual appeal. We pay about $8.00 a square foot for the vinyl plus the graphic design work (-not applicable on most Model-A jobs). We do our own vinyl installation in-house which saves costs too (...at least it does after you become proficient with installing it ). If I were building a Model-A that would be used for motorsports (Bonneville or Hill Climbing or ??) I would definitely consider vinyl just for visual appeal.

You are partially correct in the underlying surface must be in great shape however this really needs to be emphasized as it is much more critical than most likely realize. The costs in a quality paint job is having a smooth surface for the top coat (-or vinyl) to adhere to. A dent, or paint chip, -or even 'orange-peel' paint quality will show thru on a vinyl job. Therefore the costs associated with a good paint job is the costs of prepping the foundation (sheetmetal repair and primer/surfacers) to remove any and all imperfections. If you are going to go thru all of the effort/expense to have a quality substrate, then you might as well just use paint IMO.

I believe Bob Campbell has a picture of his Model-A on his trailer that looks really nice.
Maybe he will post a picture of it?? Below is a picture of our 2022 race car that we debuted this past weekend at 411 Speedway in Tennessee.

.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

...a few more. Same basic aluminum body panels but totally different look that is easily changeable.

 

[todd3131]

I have been in the graphics industry since 88 and we print on everything from glass to metal and vinyl. Wrapping a model a body would be possible but wrapping the fender in one piece especially a 28 29 front fender would be a difficult challenge for the best installer. It could be wrapped in multiple pieces but it would take carful planning. The cost is prohibited also we would charge 5000.00 to wrap a model a Tudor. I we add graphic design another 1000 or more and to print and laminate air release vinyl that is around 16 a square foot. These graphics are for commercial vehicles we won't do any race cars.

 

[Bill G]

I would think the louvers on the hood would be a big challenge too.

 

[todd3131]

I would think the louvers on the hood would be a big challenge too.

The louvers are not that bad they just take a lot of time, and heat to stretch the vinyl without damaging it. I have done some pretty deep louvers and they have looked good just need to make sure that the material is heated up nicely so it will relax and not lift over time as it seeks a level. The hardest part on the hood would be the hooks for the latch.

 

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

Incogneto-A, what are the "number of intricacies in a Model A that don’t exist in a modern car".

 

[ModelA29]

Incogneto-A, what are the "number of intricacies in a Model A that don’t exist in a modern car".

All you need to do is look at a photo of a new areo designed car vs a Model A. Want to start at the top with the visor and rain gutter, how many new cars have a hinge in the middle of the hood, or exposed door hinges, finally work your way down to the way the fenders mount and are shaped.
Could it be done? Yes would the labor cost far exceed any "normal" paint job? Yes.

 

[The Master Cylinder]

Incogneto-A, what are the "number of intricacies in a Model A that don’t exist in a modern car".

Well a couple Todd just mentioned, fenders and hood latches.

 

[nkaminar]

A wrap would be fun if you wanted a pattern, like a military camouflage or maybe a forest scene.

 

[rotorwrench]

I've seen experimental airplanes wrapped. I've just painted them and sanding around all those rivets isn't fun. I don't know how well the vinyl would stay on a high speed 400+ mph wing or empenage. I don't even know if it's FAA approved or not.

Model As would be a challenge on hoods and fenders. I'd be worried about the transition from the tops to the bottoms.working around the top material may be a bear to keep hidden edges.

 

[gdmn852]

Hello, I wonder how the chrome wrap would work and look on a 1928-29 radiator shell or on the bumpers ? Bumpers are relatively flat but probably easy to damage the wrap if driven into.

 

[quickchange]

There is a certain car near Sacramento that has just been done, I have seen pictures, It will be at the meet in Sonora in few weeks , Next up is having the bumpers wrapped in Chrome wrap, Looking forward to viewing it ,

 

[Bruce of MN]

Forget the shell. It's the fenders with chrome wrap for me!!

 

[P.S.]

There is a certain car near Sacramento that has just been done, I have seen pictures, It will be at the meet in Sonora in few weeks , Next up is having the bumpers wrapped in Chrome wrap, Looking forward to viewing it ,

Yep! In fact, that 31 Model A that was wrapped will be the topic of this coming Saturday's Paul Shinn YouTube video. This link will go live at 5AM Pacific Time this Saturday- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcvh_oHYXcM

 

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

If the fenders were off the car, would that make it easier?

 

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

rotowrench, I don't understand what you mean: "I'd be worried about the transition from the tops to the bottoms.working around the top material may be a bear to keep hidden edges"