Ok, I am not very good at math. Can someone give me (or draw me) the angle of the arc for over the windshield of a 2014 Ford Transport Work Van.
If you can just draw me the arc line I can fit the lettering to path.
Thanks for your help. Sorry to bother anyone.
You may email me at shirleyetc@sbcglobal.net
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Shirley...The most accurate way I have ever found to fit lettering to the top arc of a windshield is....
Cut lettering to size in a straight line. After applying the premask, cut a straight line across the top of the lettering leaving the amount of space you want the letters to be from the top, cut between the letters, apply the letters so that the top edge of each letter is parallel to the top of the windshield. Leave the premask on until all letters are applied. Start with the middle letter and work left and right from there. Just make sure that the top corners of the premask touch each other and the kerning will be correct.
Posted by shirley houston (Member # 4021) on :
Dave, thank you soooo much for the instructions. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to help me.
Posted by shirley houston (Member # 4021) on :
Dave, after your wonderful instructions, I failed to mention that this lettering will go above the windshield rather than on the windshiel. The arc will be downward rather than upward as it would be if going directly on the windshield.
Can you please guide me in working with the kerning for a downward arc.
Thanks, Shirley
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Pretty much the same Shirley, just line up the bottom edges of the letters instead of the tops. One other thing to consider. Before cutting the individual letters apart, draw a vertical centerline to compensate for narrower letters like "I".
[ September 08, 2015, 03:23 PM: Message edited by: Dave Grundy ]
Posted by shirley houston (Member # 4021) on :
Oh Thanks for the diagram. That is really what I needed. Now I can proceed. Thanks sooooo much for your help.
Shirley
Posted by shirley houston (Member # 4021) on :
Oh Thanks for the diagram. That is really what I needed. Now I can proceed. Thanks sooooo much for your help.
Shirley
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
going above the windshield.....nice space. this is the same truck they use on AMERICAN PICKERS. [IMG][/IMG]
Posted by Gerald Barlow (Member # 3477) on :
Hey, I got a question...How you gonna get up there?
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
How about setting up 2 10 foot stepladders, facing each other....on either side of the van.
Put a pick board across, at whatever height, and work off of that.
Or, I guess you could have a glass company remove the windshield.....stand on the dash......put on the lettering.....and have the glass company come back and put the windshield back in. Kidding......
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Hire Spiderman to do the install.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Dale..I had a similar job once and wished that I had 2 ladders and a plank like you mention.
My solution was to take off my boots and socks and just crawl up on the hood lightly and carefully and hope that I did no damage to the vehicle. I got lucky!!!
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Lol, I've done the same as Dave. I always made sure I had my cell in my pocket to call for a "rescue assist" in case the ladder fell over.
Posted by Tony McDonald (Member # 1158) on :
Me too Dave and Kissy, I used my wifes garden soft spongy knee pad so my knobby knee caps didn't leave little dents in the hood.
If you can go side to side and get it taped up where you want it, center hinge each side, then cut your lettering in the middle, might be able to apply half on each side from a ladder? Won't work if it's a solid graphic all the way across.
The ladder and plank idea sounds like a good plan, or you could lay on the roof and do it upside down. Have had to do a couple boats in the water like that, with no platform on them. Can't walk on water ya know...lol
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
I've had to do a boat in the water upside down laying on the boat's deck with my husband holding my feet down. I sure am glad he wasn't mad at me that day - could have easily let go and sent me head first in the water. Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Shirley, I've also done vans like said above, by crawling carefully up the hood.....but.....
The reason I didn't mention it was, these new vehicles are using a newer, stronger, and thinner metal to make most of these bodies out of. It will flex to an extent, and spring back; but it also bends easily. I didn't want you to have to pay for a hood or bodywork.
I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, that I was cleaning the interior a few weeks ago. While I was cleaning the carpets, a neighbor's CAT walked across the hood. I looked up, and could actually see the hood give under each of his footsteps. I'm not kneeling or sitting on that hood!
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
I lettered a similar van a couple of weeks ago (Nissan).
I ended up rolling down the windows and standing in the openings.
It was a bit of a pain, but I didn't like the working angle or the idea of being right over the windshield if I set up a bridge.
Posted by shirley houston (Member # 4021) on :
Thanks everyone. The owner of this vehicle is actually going to apply it. I just cut it. He and his helper are tall enough they can reach from center of windshield to each side. This van is actually the one with the low profile over the windshield.
I sincerely appreciate everyone's help.
Letterville is the place to go. Everyone is always eager to help out a co-sign making person.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Kidding......
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
