GEN 2 Has anyone installed factory Graphics themselves?

[pappvol]

So I happened upon some OEM Raptor Graphics. I have called around and for whatever reason the local shops with any kind of a good reputation won't install them. Should I DYI this project or keep looking?

 

[nikhsub1]

I did the OEM hood graphics myself - Let me preface that I usually suck at anything like applying stickers. I used a slip solution and it was VERY easy. At least the hood graphics are very thick, which makes it easy to slide into place then squeegee. I used a solution called RapidTac which I highly recommend. I would think the side graphics would be just as easy.

 

[ChaseU]

I did the OEM hood graphics myself - Let me preface that I usually suck at anything like applying stickers. I used a slip solution and it was VERY easy. At least the hood graphics are very thick, which makes it easy to slide into place then squeegee. I used a solution called RapidTac which I highly recommend. I would think the side graphics would be just as easy.

+1 on the slip solution. You just must must must use this when applying large decals and it allows you to reposition them and get it just perfect. My truck had the decals already applied but the hood and box surfaces seem fairly free of contours so it should be straight forward.

 

[Helopilot]

You can spend the money on RapidTac if you’d like but it’s way cheaper to make it yourself:

4 drops liquid dishsoap (less is better than more)

1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol

3 1/2 cups water

use a fine mister spay bottle for the best results.

You can also purchase a vinyl application squeegee or you can just get a plastic wallpaper smoothing tool and a piece of self sticking felt and wrap a piece over the leading edge of the smoothing tool and you have exactly the same thing you’d pay three times more for if you bought a vinyl application tool kit.

The last thing I would recommend would be a heat gun. You probably won’t need it for the hood, but it might come in handy on the rear fenders because of the curves.

Google “installing vinyl graphics on a car” and watch a couple of YouTube videos. It isn’t difficult to do, I know-I did the pillars on both mine and my wife’s and also the front grill “FORD” lettering. After doing those I put a large hood piece on mine that required the use of the heat gun.

Because of the length of the OEM stickers I might recommend having a second person to hold one end so you don’t have it flopping around and getting dirty while your trying to put it on.

I’d attach a couple of pics, but I’m sitting at a helibase away from home until Tuesday so I don’t have access to my truck right now. I can add a couple of pics after I get home next week if you would like.

Good Luck!

 

[Helopilot]

-X-

 

[pappvol]

You can spend the money on RapidTac if you’d like but it’s way cheaper to make it yourself:

4 drops liquid dishsoap (less is better than more)

1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol

3 1/2 cups water

use a fine mister spay bottle for the best results.

You can also purchase a vinyl application squeegee or you can just get a plastic wallpaper smoothing tool and a piece of self sticking felt and wrap a piece over the leading edge of the smoothing tool and you have exactly the same thing you’d pay three times more for if you bought a vinyl application tool kit.

The last thing I would recommend would be a heat gun. You probably won’t need it for the hood, but it might come in handy on the rear fenders because of the curves.

Google “installing vinyl graphics on a car” and watch a couple of YouTube videos. It isn’t difficult to do, I know-I did the pillars on both mine and my wife’s and also the front grill “FORD” lettering. After doing those I put a large hood piece on mine that required the use of the heat gun.

Because of the length of the OEM stickers I might recommend having a second person to hold one end so you don’t have it flopping around and getting dirty while your trying to put it on.

I’d attach a couple of pics, but I’m sitting at a helibase away from home until Tuesday so I don’t have access to my truck right now. I can add a couple of pics after I get home next week if you would like.

Good Luck!

Thanks for all the suggestions I got the news today that Ford is going to have them installed on Monday. My truck was getting wet sanded and recleared because of dirt in the paint so they agreed to do it at no charge. Along with a install on the icon leveling perches. Of course I paid for that.

 

[chujk1985]

Any issues applying over a ceramic coating?

 

[FordPerf Addict]

How much are OEM hood stripes when you buy them not installed from factory?


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[NASSTY]

How much are OEM hood stripes when you buy them not installed from factory?


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https://www.ebay.com/itm/17-18-F-15....TRC0.A0.H0.X2017+ford+raptor+hood+.TRS0.TSS0

 

[c6vette]

I installed the rear graphics myself using rapid-tac spray. Wasn't too bad at all. Should have had another person help me just due to the size of the decal but even doing it alone it still came out pretty good. My truck didn't come with any graphics but I got the dealer to give me a set for the rear free as part of the sale. Seeing how it's an $1100 option I think it was a good move.

 

[nikhsub1]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17-18-F-15....TRC0.A0.H0.X2017+ford+raptor+hood+.TRS0.TSS0

That is exactly who and where I got mine from.

 

[FordPerf Addict]

Any other cool looking good stripes/ hood graphics out there that are slightly different then stock?


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[freddyfcs]

I did myself too but I used soap and water,a heat gun and a lot , a lot of patience

 

[traxem]

Are there instructions on how to line them up? Seems to me that the graphics don’t really go all the way to the edge.

 

[c6vette]

There are instructions but you don't need them. Once you hold them up to the side of the truck its obvious where they go

 

[nikhsub1]

Are there instructions on how to line them up? Seems to me that the graphics don’t really go all the way to the edge.

If you mean the hood graphics, there are instructions on the top side paper on the graphics - they made it really easy to install and line up properly.

 

[traxem]

I got the graphics yesterday. What is “char line”?

 

[codyaxm]

+ 1 on installing with a slip solution. Will make your life much easier.

 

[ameration]

I got the graphics yesterday. What is “char line”?

They line up perfectly with the hood. Really only one way that they fit properly - super easy install with “wet method”.

 

[Javi]

That is exactly who and where I got mine from.

Are these OEM? Are they thick as well? I am looking to buy a set of hood decals for my Raptor.