Hi Everyone. I am thinking about doing a wrap for our JR. Dragster. For those that don't know what they are, they are a small version of a rail dragster. We bought this JR. and let little kids that their parents can't afford one, take turns running it on the weekends. This is done in remembrance of our son that died in '04. How is a wrap done? When you install, do you heat the vinyl to stretch around corners? Is there a good article explaining how to do these from designing and including the install? Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I believe I recall reference to a video somewhere. If thats true, hopefully someone else will have better clues for you. I think there is a lot of area that will be easy to wrap since the front are often fairly flat sides & tops arn't they?
Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
Doug, if you or anyone else thinks of where I can get this tape, please let me know. Does anyone know of a paper that has been done on this topic? I would be interested in that. Someone on this board must be doing wraps. Please share some of that great wealth of knowledge.
Posted by Michael R. Bendel (Member # 5847) on :
I'm watching also!
It's such an impactible way to advertise.
I would also love to see a DETAILED step by step.
Posted by Stephen Faulkner (Member # 2511) on :
3M has free cd's of proper installations.
I'm curious though... why a "wrap" if you don't currently do them but you are a signmaker... why not a traditional job?
And good for you helping keep young racers from making constant left turns!..... Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
I wanted something different. Around here I might start something that everyone would follow. No one here has ever seen a wrap and I just thought it would be cool.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Rob Ivers did a video series, and part of it deals with applying vinyl to compound curves, which is essentially what a wrap does. He doesn't go into the nitty gritty details on the wrap, but it's enough to be useful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. He also gives techniques for applying large graphics to a riveted surface, which I found very helpful.
Posted by Mike Stowe (Member # 324) on :
Show us photos when you are finished. M
Posted by Pam Eddy (Member # 1858) on :
I have a sprint car owner that wants the car wrapped, but the compound curves on the fuel cell is beyond my abilities.
The reason for race vehicles going to wraps is because of the air flow over the car. Vinyl leaves edges that catch the wind. No one wants paint anymore because vinyl is easier to remove and replace with new sponsors, etc. These racers are looking for every way to cut down on drag to make the cars go faster.
If anyone does do wraps on sprint cars, this guy would probably be interested in having his car done.
NASCAR racers are doing it, so it's a good idea to learn how to do the wraps on all race vehicles.
Great Topic.
Pam
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Mike Stowe's video link is really worth watching. It's amazing what can be done with vinyl these days.
Posted by Sandy Baird (Member # 4773) on :
Pam,
On dirt sprint cars, I don't think they should worry about the slight drag produced by 2 mill vinyl compared to the huge gobs of mud that coats a sprint car by lap 3.
They are better off coverng the whole body in suran wrap and just peal it off after every race.
Just a thought from the aerodynamic monk,
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
quote:Originally posted by Russ McMullin: Mike Stowe's video link is really worth watching. It's amazing what can be done with vinyl these days.
No doubt, after watching that video I feel inferior. Wonder how long it took him to finish that car. Judging by how smooth that dude was, I doubt very long at all!
Posted by Mike Stowe (Member # 324) on :
Pam - I may be able to help you out on the sprint car. E-mail or call me with the details.
Thanks Mike
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
Wanting to go to a wrap isn't for aerodynamic reasons, least not on a sprint car, they have all sorts of stuff hanging out in the air and are an aerodynamic nightmare. They probably want to go to a wrap to keep from painting. Wraps are becoming very popular on the modifieds and late models. I'd be real wary of trying to put a wrap on an unpainted tail tank (fuel cell), they are usually made from a plastic ( polypropolene, I think ) that is really hard to get paint to stick to and has a hell of a memory. You can run a DA over this stuff with 80 grit prime it, paint it and when it gets crashed it looks like it was never sanded
Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
Thanks Mike for the information on the video. I am going to see about getting that video on the way. As always, this site is so full of information.
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