D.I.Y. Carbon Scoop (Vinyl Install)

[csweston]

Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible for any damage you to to your car, your self, or anything else in the process of this DIY yada yada yada....

This is my first DIY and my first time every using vinyl.

Skill level: Beginner

The most important part is to Take your time!

Things youll need.
1. Head gun or hairdryer
2. Plastic card
3. Razor blade (I used a knife)
4. Your choice of vinyl

I used 3M carbon fiber DI-NOC vinyl. I HIGHLY recommend any of the 3M vinyls as they are extremely easy to install and very forgivable. Also you can stretch the material which I found useful in a couple places. I did this on my hood scoop but this can be done to any car part.

Lets get stated. Supplies
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0113-1.jpg

First clean off the scoop with a non-oil based soap.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0083-1.jpg

The scoop and material.
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj231/csweston/DSC_0084.jpg

Turn over the vinyl and lay the scoop on top of the sheet. Decide how much material you need an cut the vinyl down to size. Remember more can always be cut off but adding more is a PITA!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0087-1.jpg
Cut down to size
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0088-1.jpg

Now Remove the vinyl and while holding it taut apply it to the piece. Take your pastic card firmly press from the inside out to make sure its firmly stuck and removing the air bubbles.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0092-1.jpg

Unfortunately I dont have any pictures of this part but take your razor blad and cut 1/8 inch or so infront of the top of the scoop. Making a strait as possible line to either side of the scoop.

In the corners of the scoop you'll need to take your time heating the vinyl and stretching it to fit.

Press down the vinyl with the card and you should be at this point.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0093-1.jpg

From here I had a few places where the vinyl was either wrinkled or had air bubbles. Easy fix, just pull back the vinyl and while holding the vinyl taut take the blowdryer and heat up the vinyl. Keeping it taut take your plastic card, reapplying the vinyl as you make your way to the edge.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0097-1.jpg

Now you'll find you have exposed areas in the scoop
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0099-1.jpg

Cut out another strip of vinyl, width depending on how much you need
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0100-1.jpg

I dont have any pictures of this part but over lap the pieces and align the carbon fiber pattern. After your new piece is on cut down the center of the over lapping parts. Top save time and headaches ill let this video describe it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2mBclTY_Uo

After thats done trim the excess vinyl from around the scoop. Leave enough that you can wrap it around the bottom of the scoop
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0094-1.jpg

Take the hairdryer to all the edges folding them over. If you have wrinkles on the bottom dont worry about it as that part won't be seen.

Now you should have something like this
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0101-1.jpg

If you want to now would be a perfect time to add mesh to the scoop. You can get gutter mesh at home depot which will work perfectly.

Drill holes into the scoop as you can see in the picture. Note I have six holes but you only need the four corner (two top, two bottom)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0107-1.jpg

Youll need some small nuts and bolts
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0108-1.jpg

Cut the mesh to the correct shape/ size and bend it
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0109-1.jpg

Then attach and your done!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0110-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0112-1.jpg

Some installed pics
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0115-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/DSC_0119-1.jpg

[httrdd]

That actually looks pretty good, but I real cf mold that small should not be that bad in price. I used this pia stuff on my bezzels and it really did not turn out well ( ended up pulling it off.). Good diy though!

[StatGSR]

looks pretty good! but i would paint the gutter wire black.

[anothernord]

Wow, that looks better than I'd expect. Nice.

[csweston]

Thanks guy, heres some day time pics
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/IMAG0092-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/03/IMAG0093-1.jpg

[Matty2Hotty]

Now finish your entire hood!

[csweston]

haha, i though about it but i dont want to look ricey.

[Matty2Hotty]

I would say it looks more ricer with just the scoop vs everything done, just my opinion. Still looks good, hopefully it lasts instead of peeling.

[csweston]

Weird, i thought of it opposite. I guess i should get some peoples opinions. What does everyone think, ricey??


Once its on it really stick, also people have wrapped their entire cars with the 3M Vinyl without problems. So im not too worried about it pealing.

[Matty2Hotty]

I think you should start a poll thread... Haha
Pealing as in the cheap vinyl, 3m and couple good brands won't but some will!

Oh and take it to a shop for couple thick layers or so of clear coat and no one would ever know it's vinyl!

[csweston]

haha, im going to now! Im really curious as to what people think.

[Huffer]

I had a sign company use 3M vinyl to wrap our entire vehicle fleet. Custom designs on each part, wrap goes in behind taillights and headlights. Bumpers were left unwrapped because of the additional cost. Cost per vehicle (E350 cargo van) was $2200. We supplied the design and they did the massaging and install. Good for 5 years.

Something like that is way cheaper than a custom paint job... and it preserves the paint underneath too.