Stripe Durability Over Time?

[UMDrummer]

Has anyone had other Mustangs with stripes to be able to attest to the longevity/durability quality of the GT350 stripes? I used to detail cars for Ford, and I would recall the GT500's coming back after the media testing them with little knicks or snags in the stripes. One fool even decided it would be a good idea to use the power washer on the stripes, and peeled them right off...ha.

I'm wondering if it would be a better idea to get a no-stripe car from the factory, and to later have the stripes painted after-market. Thoughts?

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[mattlqx]

Apples-to-oranges, but I haven't had any problems with my Boss stripes in 3.5 years. It's not the same material at all though. (And some people have reported stripes chipping off but it's hard to pin it to the material or how they were cared for because it's so inconsistent.)

Painting stripes on would be vastly expensive because of the clearcoat and would probably end you up with a lower quality than factory paint job overall, IMO.

 

[UMDrummer]

Apples-to-oranges, but I haven't had any problems with my Boss stripes in 3.5 years. It's not the same material at all though. (And some people have reported stripes chipping off but it's hard to pin it to the material or how they were cared for because it's so inconsistent.)

Painting stripes on would be vastly expensive because of the clearcoat and would probably end you up with a lower quality than factory paint job overall, IMO.

Hm, I didn't know stripes weren't the same between Mustangs. Thanks. And I know a professional painter who is a friend and did my buddy's custom car with an awesome ghost stripe. I'm still not sure, though.

 

[PP0001]

Has anyone had other Mustangs with stripes to be able to attest to the longevity/durability quality of the GT350 stripes? I used to detail cars for Ford, and I would recall the GT500's coming back after the media testing them with little knicks or snags in the stripes. One fool even decided it would be a good idea to use the power washer on the stripes, and peeled them right off...ha.

I'm wondering if it would be a better idea to get a no-stripe car from the factory, and to later have the stripes painted after-market. Thoughts?

If a person is careful when they detail their car the stripes durability/longevity should not be an issue.

Certainly when washing or waxing your car it is best to wipe in the same direction as the stripes are headed and not across them.

When Ford had stripes applied to the first 2007 to 2009 GT500 cars they were applied by an independent firm and if you look closely especially on the bumper sections the stripes are not even a one piece stripe with some stripes looking very sloppy. Ford eventually fired this firm.

When Ford finally purchased their own striping machine which I believe was for the 2010 GT500 cars and beyond along with the 2 year run for the Boss 302 cars I have heard very little complaints from anyone.

I believe that all of the stripes come from 3M and they make a very good product.

Using common sense around the stripes should result in no issues.

 

[UMDrummer]

If a person is careful when they detail their car the stripes durability/longevity should not be an issue.

Certainly when washing or waxing your car it is best to wipe in the same direction as the stripes are headed and not across them.

When Ford had stripes applied to the first 2007 to 2009 GT500 cars they were applied by an independent firm and if you look closely especially on the bumper sections the stripes are not even a one piece stripe with some stripes looking very sloppy. Ford eventually fired this firm.

When Ford finally purchased their own striping machine which I believe was for the 2010 GT500 cars and beyond along with the 2 year run for the Boss 302 cars I have heard very little complaints from anyone.

I believe that all of the stripes come from 3M and they make a very good product.

Using common sense around the stripes should result in no issues.

Thanks, buddy, I'm glad you posted this. I did work for detailing cars at the problematic timepoint you specified. Good to know quality has improved.

 

[screamin5.0]

I'm also curious to know if anyone has installed a clear bra on cars that have a vinyl stripe package? I'm considering a front bumper wrap on my GT350 but not sure if it's the right move long term since I don't plan on selling this car. I have a highly regarded local company who said they could do this but I'd like others feedback if anyone has done the same.

 

[eric n]

I have been expecting to get the stripes painted in the future.

 

[UMDrummer]

Has anyone detailed their vehicle yet, or have any comments on how they think the stripes will hold up over time -- whether washing the car, or what happens if one gets a stone chip?

I'm wondering how bad the potential is for peeling at the edges or corners.

The only way to really keep a car clean here over the winter months is by taking it to a self-wash bay, but they all only have power washers... which is a big no-no for stripes. I may order the vehicle with no stripes just because of this.

 

[Tony Alonso]

Has anyone detailed their vehicle yet, or have any comments on how they think the stripes will hold up over time -- whether washing the car, or what happens if one gets a stone chip?

Don't have one yet, but had prior Mustangs with stripes ('03 Mach 1) and have seen the stripes up close on many '12/'13 Boss 302s. Personally I've not seen major issues with wear over multiple years, even after the cars have been cleaned. Stripe care technique varies according to whether the finish is gloss or matte. Regarding chips, I've only seen extremely small divots, but that has been rare on the cars I've seen.

I'm wondering how bad the potential is for peeling at the edges or corners.

If they weren't applied properly, then you would be more likely to see peeling. I've also had aftermarket Boss C-stripe decals put on a previous Mustang. The only thing I saw was on the rear decklid between the taillights on a corner. The decal didn't get all the way worked around the back of the decklid completely.

The only way to really keep a car clean here over the winter months is by taking it to a self-wash bay, but they all only have power washers... which is a big no-no for stripes. I may order the vehicle with no stripes just because of this.

I use the wands on LOW PRESSURE to rinse off winter grime. I've done this for years with no ill effects. If the material and application are good, it's not a problem.


I saw a '15 GT350 a few days ago. What I noticed was small scratch marks from what looked like the initial application at the factory. That's what I would be more concerned about on this car.

 

[blondie]

Out here every car has stripes. Ihave seen a prius with stripes. My V6 came with that stripe on the side from the dealer and i removed that on day one. Stripes have just lost their meaning to me. It almost become a symbol of a slow car, in my eyes. Actual paint and pinstriping will always be beautiful though.


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[pa93cobra]

I can't speak for the GT 350 (yet!), but the 09 Shelby GT500 and the 13 BOSS 302 show no signs of stripe issues.

 

[Rogue]

On my Boss 302 Laguna and Shelby GT500 they held up but I was sure to be gentle with them - generally the less you touch them the better.

I will say if you do some damage to your car - the price of these stripes may be a bit of a shock. On my Boss 302 they cost something like $1,200 per side. I don't know if this is to deter clones/fakes, but that's a ridiculous price.

 

[sunburned]

I'd go with no stripes, honestly.

And when you powerwash the car, just don't hold the wand 2" from the edge of the stripe and you'll be fine.

 

[mattlqx]

On my Boss 302 Laguna and Shelby GT500 they held up but I was sure to be gentle with them - generally the less you touch them the better.

I will say if you do some damage to your car - the price of these stripes may be a bit of a shock. On my Boss 302 they cost something like $1,200 per side. I don't know if this is to deter clones/fakes, but that's a ridiculous price.

The '13 Boss stripes are that expensive, at least partly, because of the reflective material. It's 3M just the same, but I think Ford might have some exclusivity agreement with them. I haven't seen any 3rd party stripes that are perfectly identical. :shrug:

The GT350's stripes just being standard gloss material, seems like it should be far less of a problem to replace if need be.

 

[RoadRacer]

And when you powerwash the car, just don't hold the wand 2" from the edge of the stripe and you'll be fine.

Powerwashers don't get used on any car that I give a damn about.....never!!:frusty:

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