Transit Van Panel infill with vinyl help.

[Dave Howieson]

Hi Richard, I normally lay some knifeless tape around the recess, lay the panel over the top – effectively wrapping the panel, and then pull the tape to get a neat outline and save cutting on the vehicle

[Chris Wool]

probably not the answer you want but learn to copy and draw templates so you can design within and cut at will.
never really got on with knifless tape but ok for one offs, but something you will use several times is worth the time investment of a cutable template.

[Pane Talev]

As above – or by using discarded backing paper from vinyl or laminate.
I use transparent backing paper / film from Oracal optical clear laminate.
Place paper on the van with magnets.
Run a pencil line and draw the panel shape.
Cut on you table.
Place paper template on your van and make sure you are happy with.
Place template over your graphics and cut following your template. (I’m doing this right now)

[Gordon Smithard]

If you’re talking about the Transit Custom with the wedge shaped panels then you’ll have to go with the knifeless tape as the panels are slightly dome shaped, more so on the back.

[John Lacey]

Is there not a ‘vehicle outlines’ library? I used to own one on CD’s that had most scaled vehicles…

[Chris Windebank]

not accurate enough John

[John Lacey]

quote Chris Windebank:

not accurate enough John

Photo, scale and draw the outline in Illustrator :smiles:

[Pane Talev]

quote John Lacey:quote Chris Windebank:not accurate enough John

Photo, scale and draw the outline in Illustrator :smiles:

I’ve never done this perfectly on the design line from first attempt. The lens of the camera does her own thing.
I’ve done this for a fleet of berlingo’s.
Few meters test cuts with old vinyl and 4-5 attempts later…impeccable results.

[Nigel Poulter]

Hi Richard
Knifeless tape is the easier faster solution, there are several to choose from, i would recommend 3M finish line, if there are tight curves then use 3M Designline and if the vinyl is laminated you may need Wrapcut Wire.

[Richard Thompson]

Hi

Wow i didn’t expect to receive the large amount of replies that i got, plenty to think about,

Thanks to everyone who took time out to let me have their surggestions.

Richard

[Nick Atkinson]

I just use wrap cut , works fine

[John Lacey]

quote Pane Talev:

quote John Lacey:

quote Chris Windebank:

not accurate enough John

Photo, scale and draw the outline in Illustrator :smiles:

I’ve never done this perfectly on the design line from first attempt. The lens of the camera does her own thing.
I’ve done this for a fleet of berlingo’s.
Few meters test cuts with old vinyl and 4-5 attempts later…impeccable results.[/quo

Do you use an iPhone camera or a DSLR? The smartphone lens is rubbish and distorts the image but a standard 18-55 lens on a dslr has worked for me.

[ukbp]

Hi All, i was looking for advice on creating a template for a Vivaro SWB 2017 and came across this post. I am trying to make a template for the inlay as Impact ones are not the correct size so getting some ideas how it’s done. Another question is on the side without the sliding door it has a joint, seam/weld. My question is would you apply the vinyl over the joint or is it best to cut up to the joint on both sides. I was looking at covering the joint but now I have seen the van side the weld is raised so water would probs get in behind and fail after a while. Just wanted to know your opinions and how most of you would do this. I am looking at using Hexis kg8000 cast to fill the inlays. Any advice would be very much appreciated thanks. Done a couple of images to help.

Regards Al

[Chris Wilson]

We go over the weld and cut down either side so there is no tension.

My thinking on this is that it’s not a massive piece of vinyl, so if it was a problem a while down the line it’s not the end of the world, and it looks a lot better. However touch wood, I’ve not had an issue yet. If it was a full digital wrap and horribly done then I would discuss with the customer. We can take it out or leave it in, but if we’re leaving it in, don’t kick my door open and start screaming if it goes wrong.

Also use knifeless tape. Trying to make templates sounds time consuming.

[ukbp]

Hi Chris, thank you for the advice I think I will go over the weld and cut down each side as you say. It will be a better finish. Creating a template is a bit hit and miss getting the curves right. I have made two attempts and still not quite right so going to try knifeless tape as you say never used it before so off to MDP to get a roll to test out. They do 3 options of wrap cut that I can see on the site.

Regards

Al

[RobertLambie]

I normally use knifeless tape “finish line” rather than design line, which I’m not keen on.

here’s a video showing a short demo of it being used. not a great example of how to use it, but was the best of a bad bunch that popped up on my first youtube search.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFH9pEZukTI

[ukbp]

Hi Rob, thanks that’s great I have had a go on a van today using wrap cut pro and I think it will do the job. The only issue I had was going around curves, it seemed to create creases in the plastic like kinks. Saw your link and also found this link on how to use the wrap cut creating curves. Will have another go tomorrow but a lot better than trying to make a template great help thanks.

Regards

Al

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWI14RxoaWU

[RobertLambie]

Wrap-cut tape has some key advantages over knifeless tape, but knifeless tape is the better all-rounder filament tape. Both have drawbacks and take a bit of getting used to, but once you are comfortable with the processes of either, you will wonder how you did without them.

[Jeff]

yes, using a cutting tape is by far the quickest and most accurate way of doing panel infills.

[ukbp]

Hi, yes I think it’s the way to go, going to order some 3M today just looking at them. In two minds Finish line or Design line trying to make my mind up both sound good for contours and curves.

Regards

Al