Blue Stripe - But with a Twist

[John&Vicki]

The blue stripe on my ‘90 Excella is getting a little raggedy. I found it to be a bear to remove and I’m starting to think of doing something over the top of it. I’ve taken a quick look at thick vinyl striping, rubber strips, and a few others. Some even have adhesive backs. An adequately thick striping material would eliminate the irregularities where the original tape has deteriorated.

After working with classic cars for so many years I have found that many times it’s more effective to repurpose something as opposed to using original materials, especially if you’re cheap and lazy. Has anyone tried anything along these lines? Any ideas?

Thanks,
John

[ROBERT CROSS]

J&V

You have photo's?

Bob
🇺🇸

What I did, 3m reflective tape.

[Bill M.]

Took our stripe off. The hardest single task I have done on a trailer including dump valves. Left the stripe off. I like it better without the stripe than I think I would like any alternative I have thought of trying. I will watch and see what you come up with.

[WhereStream]

That reflective tape ... a winner.

[John&Vicki]

I really like that reflective tape. My problem is that sections of my original tape are cratered and the irregularities will show through the thin reflective tape. And, as many have mentioned here, removal of the original tape can be a tough job. So I prefer to put something over the top that is thick enough to smooth things out. It doesn't have to be a finish layer as I could then put thinner tape, such as the reflective tape, over it.


John

[John&Vicki]

I visited a high-end auto detailing shop yesterday and asked the owner about the blue stripe. He’s going to go over and take a look at it. The first question to answer is remove or cover the old one? I lean toward cover, just trying to find the right material.

Cheers,
John

[crispyboy]

I imagine the old decal will continue to degrade and the adhesive may release in the future causing troubles. You may want to remove with a 3M Magic Eraser wheel then put a new decal.
Can you post up a pic of the old decal?


https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...3162209&rt=rud

[Thorasaurus]

Bob, love the reflective tape on the belt lines. How’s it hold up over time? I tried some vinyl chrome tape but it didn’t stick well to the rounded edges of the bottom belt line and came off. I’m thinking blue reflective marking paint may give the same effect though it would be a bigger job than taping.

Would love to hear if the tape sticks well on the rounded belt line.