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Vinyl Stripe on Ford Transit Custom, how to install?
Hi Guys,
Is the stripe on the Ford Transit Custom IMPACT DRAWINGS accurate enough to cut from.
I have 3 of these vans to do and I don’t want to cut it on the van and not a fan of knifeless tape even though I had loads of it in stock.
Mark
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15 Replies
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Hi Mark
I wouldn’t recommend cutting from the Impact graphic mate. Don’t think it would match.
I’ve done loads of these. Always used knifeless without issues. Any reason you dislike it so much mate?
Tim
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Thank you Tim for letting me know the Impact drawings aren’t good enough. I did have my doubts.
With knifeless tape it’s just the getting it started that’s annoying. Plus it’s not cheap is it lol.
Mark
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Hi Mark
It does take a little practice to get it started.
I always make sure that there’s a good bit over away from the start edge of the graphic so that you can fold it back on itself and give it a good yank. Then when the filament reaches the edge of where you want it to cut place your thumb on top so that it starts cleanly. Difficult to describe. Could do a video but don’t want to teach granny to suck eggs. LOL.
It isn’t cheap but you should be alright if you build it into your costs. The customer should not even notice. Plus it’s way cheaper in your time than cutting templates and the like.
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I do lots of these, knifeless all the way.
Only other way would be to trace with app paper, digitise and make a template for the pc.. time saving in the long term.
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I would also suggest trying a filament cutting tape like 3M knifeless-tape or wrap-cut tape on a job like this mate. I appreciate the tapes can be a bit temperamental at times and even flawed in some ways. but they do give the best solution to a job like this.
Wrap-cut Filament Tape
https://www.langeman.com3M Knifeless Tape
https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/graphics-and-signage-uk/knifeless-tapes/ -
Too true Rob.
3M for me every time. A bit more expensive but you get what you pay for.
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The problem I’ve found with outlined drawings is that they don’t/ can’t take into account the curvature, you’ll cut something from it (or a photo) and it will run out of line.
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I’m the same don’t like the knifeless tapes. I would trace one side and scan it in and smooth it off till you’re happy. You then only have to mirror it for second side and you have it forever backed up, would think that’s quicker anyway if you have 3 to do.
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No, just use knifeless tape. The handles drop out easily too and that makes it much easier.
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Here’s one I did a few weeks ago all done with 3M tape.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 9 months ago by Neil Davey.
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I’m watch YouTube vids to take the handles off. Do you have to remove the panel inside of the sliding door to take that one off.
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Yes. You’ll then see a hole for inserting a star shape tool thingy. Really easy on these.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 9 months ago by
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That’s a nice clean design, Neil. great use of the cutting tape too!
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Simple advice but I always find when using cutting tape that it’s best to leave plenty spare and get it started at both ends if possible before applying your material. That way if the tape messes up when starting it you can reapply without trying to get it picked out from under your graphic which is a real pain in the ars*.
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Unless you get an actual vector template for this vehicle to plot/cut the stripes. the only other way to do this is trim the vinyl on the vehicle by using trim tape under the vinyl and cutting with a scalpel. not recommended!
I would agree with everyone else, go for the knifeless tape option.
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