Info - Pinstripe/Vinyl Graphic Installation Tips and Techniques #04-08-51-004 - (Aug 17, 2004)

Pinstripe/Vinyl Graphic Installation Tips and Techniques

All 1991-2005 Saturn Vehicles

Technician

Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide service information regarding the proper installation of pinstripes and vinyl graphics.

Pinstripe Installation Procedures

Surface Preparation

Important

The vehicle surface must be properly prepared prior to installation of the pinstripes/vinyl graphics. All surfaces must be cleaned prior to any application of pinstripe/vinyl graphic products.

For best results, the pinstripe/vinyl graphic application should be done in temperatures ranging between 16° C - 32° C (60° F - 90° F). Do not install pinstripes/vinyl graphics outdoors if winds exceed 16 km/h (10 mph). Dirt, dust or other contaminants can interfere with the bonding of the adhesive to the vehicle during installation.
Wash the vehicle surface with an approved vehicle detergent, Saturn P/N 21112715, GM P/N 993279, or equivalent, and water, then thoroughly rinse the surface with water and dry completely.

Notice

Do not use any aromatic solvents such as acetone, methylethylketone (M.E.K.), toluene, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, gasoline or ammonia-based cleaners to clean the vehicle surface. Use of these solvents may result in damage to vehicle finish.

Saturate a clean cloth with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and wipe the surface of the vehicle where the graphic is to be applied to remove any contaminants such as silicone, wax, or adhesives.

Important

Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol evaporates quickly and must be wiped off the surface before it evaporates to effectively clean the surface.

Dry surface with a lint free paper towel.

Application Procedure

For best results, make sure the pinstripes/vinyl graphics and vehicle temperatures are between 16° C - 32° C (60° F - 90° F).
Position the pinstripes/vinyl graphics as desired on the vehicle. Use one of the following methods:

For large pieces or stripes, use masking tape to position and hold the pinstripes/vinyl graphics on the vehicle. Apply a masking tape "hinge" to the piece or stripe, if necessary, to further stabilize the piece or stripe.
For small pieces, freely position and apply the pinstripes/vinyl graphics after liner removal.

Remove the liner by flicking a corner of the film away from the liner and pulling the liner away from the pinstripes/vinyl graphics at a 180° angle.
Remove the application tape from the pinstripes/vinyl graphics by pulling it directly back upon itself at a 180° angle to the pinstripes/vinyl graphics. Use a slow, constant speed, taking care to avoid pulling against the graphic areas that contain points or sharp corners.

Important

Do not wrap pinstripes/vinyl graphics around door panel or fender edges. Wrapping pinstripes/vinyl graphics around door panel or fender edges may lead to peeling or cracking of pinstripes/vinyl graphics.

Using a plastic squeegee, 3M® P/N 71602 squeegee with 3M® P/N 71603 squeegee sleeve, or equivalent, press the pinstripes/vinyl graphics firmly to the vehicle. Use vertical, firm, overlapping strokes. Hold the end of the pinstripes/vinyl graphics off the vehicle with light tension to prevent it from pre-adhering and forming air bubbles. If narrow striping is applied with thumb pressure to avoid stretching the stripe, a second pass with a squeegee will avoid post-application film bubbling.

Notice

A light touch must be used when trimming the striping to avoid cutting into and damaging the painted surface of the vehicle.

Using a specialized trim knife or razor knife, trim the pinstripes/vinyl graphics back approximately 3 mm (1/8 in) from the edge to help avoid lifting.
Re-squeegee the entire surface to obtain maximum adhesion to the surface and to remove all air bubbles and wrinkles.
Inspect application for bubbles and/or areas not completely adhered. Remove bubbles as follows:

Use an air release tool, 3M® P/N 71604, or equivalent, or straight pin to puncture the bubble at its edge.
Use finger or squeegee to force air out through the hole made in the film.

Pinstripe Care

DO wash the pinstripe with an approved car wash detergent, Saturn P/N 21112715, GM P/N 993279, or equivalent, and rinse thoroughly.
DO keep high pressure car wash nozzles at least 0.46 m (1.5 ft) from the edge of the pinstripes/vinyl graphics. High pressure spray may cause the edge of the pinstripes/vinyl graphics to peel.
DO test any cleaning solution on a small section of the pinstripes/vinyl graphics before using the solution.
DON’T use any aromatic solvents such as acetone, M.E.K., toluene, paint thinner, lacquer thinner on the pinstripes/vinyl graphics. Any solvent may soften or smear colors.
DON’T overcoat the pinstripes/vinyl graphics with clear paint.
DON’T apply wax over pinstripes/vinyl graphics, especially if the wax contains any petroleum distillates such as silicone. Wax that has dried along the edges of pinstripes and graphics can be removed by softening it with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and cotton swabs. Be sure to rinse the area after cleaning.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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