Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

[frustratedboater]

Could any of the restorers out there provide some help on applying float, or slide decals (what ever you call them) to engines? Any suggestions on sliding them off onto the motor cover, tanks, etc.? I have a general idea on the process, and I am about to purchase some, but never actually did it! They are between $35 and $50, and don't want to screw it up!!

Some of you may know, I'm rebuilding a 1956, Big Twin 30hp. This will probably be the showpeice to my collection, and really want to take my time right down to the smallest detail. I'm sure you all seen cars with the 'crinkled' tinting installation job and I don't want the same idea to happen. I would welcome any tricks of the trade, hints, "..Hey, you might want to consider...", anything! Really appreciate it,

-Frustratedboater

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

plenty of water, good squeege, exacto knife to prick air bubbles. keep checking it as it drys.
don't do it in the sun.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

Peter has some good instructions on his website "nymarine.ca".

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

Yep,As TD said! I use a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle of water.Spray the surface down good,place decal and use a soft plastic decal squeege to work any bubbles out. A needle works on small bubbles too..

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

Thanks for the info.. on nymarine.ca. I had been on his site, but couldn't find the decal info. I did, however, finally locate it. The 'glue thing' has raised some questions... I'm sure he explains the process quite well.
FB

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

Frustrated boater,
I've had the water slide decals and Peter's decals. The water slide turned out good but they are a booger for a novice like me to get right, and they tear EASY. I said EASY. And once I was missing one in shipping, although the folks were very courteous and immediately shipped me the missing one without a fuss. If you buy them, make sure you also get the clear coat they recommend because they will rub off easily if you get 'em wet (like the very first time you use it). Personally, after having the water slide decals and fussing with them, I'll gladly pay the 5 or 10 dollars extra for Peter McDonald's. They are not water slide and are VERY easy to install, and you will not tear them... That fellow is a good guy, too, and will patiently answer all your questions along with shipping a good product. The water slide are good too if you follow the directions properly. Don't spray just anything over them or it may dissolve the laquer in the decal. About the only tip I have is make sure your paint is clean, use warm water, and don't let 'em sit in the water too long before you put 'em on. Soak 'em one at a time, not all together. I'll try to take a pic of one with water slide decals and one with McDonald's close-up and post it later.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

The regular vinyl decals can be applied with the wet method as well.We do it all the time on race cars.It makes it easy to move incase you get it crooked..

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

JBJ,
Thanks for the tips! I would like to see those pics sometime. I guess trial by fire is always the best way. The more you feel it out, the better you become at it. Thanks,
FB

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Vintage Float Decal 'Wisdom'...

Hey, I just found a neat website with a few types of decals for reasonable prices. It's called "sturbridgevinyldecals.com".
Check it out, I'm going to order one for my '57 john. 18hp and my '56 john. 10hp.
jbj