Pinstripe Using 3M Scotchcal Tape

leo

leo

Well-known member
Has anyone used this product on their Model A? The video shows it to be very easy to work with. Opinions?
 
While I haven't used it on Model A's or other early car, I have used it a great deal on modern iron.

It's good for what it is, but it's no substitute for painted stripes- plastic striping sticks out like a sore thumb on a Model A.
 
Why not use the Finesse tape with the peel off center and paint the stripe then peel off the temporary border tape. Works well and more authentic than permanent tape.
 
Barry, is the Finesse tape easy to work with? When you peel it off does it leave a sharp edge?
 
I used the Finesse on my town sedan and think it really looks nice. The important point is to remove the tape right away before it dries so that the edge rounds over and is not so sharp. As for the gas tank design, I tried a couple of times but could not get a good curve on the corners. The tape stretches some but these corners are too tight. I finally ended up using the tape for the straight runs and doing the corners by hand using a very small brush I got at a art store. I think it was a good alternative to a more expensive hand pinstriping, but I am sure a pureist would see the difference. Good luck.
 
i have a system that is time consuming but is likely as close to hand done as you can get. too lengthy with my typing, you can call 360 674 3130 and i will explain if you like.
 
Leo,
not sure of what kind of look or quality of job your after but i have a guy in the area that is a fantastic free hand paint stripper and reasonable.
 
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Leo,
If you have a nice looking "A", Do it right and find some one who hand paints it, It may cost more but it's well worth it. You won't be sorry. ;)
 
Mix your stripe color with One Shot lettering enamel. Get a professional sword brush and practice striping. It's not that hard. Wipe off mistakes with mineral spirits and try again. You can do it.
 
I think any pin stripe with tape on a Model 'A' is simply "horrible". Why not go to a
little more expense and have it done by hand as it is meant to be. Even better still, have a go at pin striping yourself. I did. If I can do it, any body can.
 
Striping freehand isn't that hard with the right brush. That's the key is using the right brush and knowing how to load the brush properly. I don't do alot of pinstriping, just on cars that I paint.

If you do a search on Google Books for pinstriping, you can read several books on the topic for free.

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I seriously considered doing the pinstriping myself - getting the right brush and practice, practice, practice, but decided to try the tape and was very pleased. The key I think is removing the tape very soon after applying the paint so that the edge rounds. I do not think it is awful looking and have had many many good comments on it. Maybe if there is a down side to the tape it is because the edge and thickness of the line is too perfect. If I did it by hand I know it would have more irregularities. But, the biggest reason I chose to go with the tape is that I do not have the steady hand that I used to when I was younger. It is a curse of old age! So I think that both techniques can produce a very fine job and if you can do it by hand yourself then I envy you. And if you need to resort to the tape, then that is fine too. To each his own .....
 
29FordGuy said:
But, the biggest reason I chose to go with the tape is that I do not have the steady hand that I used to when I was younger. It is a curse of old age!
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My secret is a couple slugs of whiskey before I begin. Smooths the nerves right out, and lets me lay down a good straight line.

Henry Ford didn't drink and hated anyone who did drink(with exception), but the pinstripers were the only people permitted to drink on the job!
 
There you go .... I never considered that! I would like to try pinstriping by hand on my car trailer I just got so will keep that in mind. Might be worth a try. That is interesting about Henry and the pinstripers. Is is really true? BTW your pinstriping you did on your car is beautiful. You did a worderful job. I should take some pics of mine to post.
 
LukeDahlinger said:
My secret is a couple slugs of whiskey before I begin. Smooths the nerves right out, and lets me lay down a good straight line.

Henry Ford didn't drink and hated anyone who did drink(with exception), but the pinstripers were the only people permitted to drink on the job!
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I can see it now,

Honey how come the Jack Daniels is almost empty?

Well Dear, I just practicing my pin striping.
 
Since you live in N. Jersey, there is a guy that lives on Long Island named Jim Brand. He does absolutely the finest pinstriping in the country, and is a veritable encyclopedia on Model A's. He knows everything there is about pinstriping these cars, and you won't be sorry. Call him. 1-516-922-1892
 
LukeDahlinger said:
My secret is a couple slugs of whiskey before I begin. Smooths the nerves right out, and lets me lay down a good straight line.

Henry Ford didn't drink and hated anyone who did drink(with exception), but the pinstripers were the only people permitted to drink on the job!
Click to expand...

Speaking of factory pinstipers, I recall seeing a couple original photos on-line of pinstriping being done on the assembly line, but cannot find them. Does anyone know where I might find them again? I recently had my '30 Sport Coupe striped, and the guy who did the work would really enjoy those pictures.
 
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