I've been a mechanic for years...I've done things with cars that have shocked and amazed. But tonight I learned a whole new level of frustration...
The right side fairing had some scratches when I bought it-mostly in the decal that includes the F4i. So I picked up a new decal from the Honda dealership, stripped and cleaned the fairing of the old decal and just tried to the mount the new decal with the help of my loving and patient wife.

HOLY FREAKIN' CHIT!!!!!

You talk about a pain in the azz to get on straight!! Especially the part on the hump of the fairing where the decal goes three different directions. So now it's on and I'm not sure what I think of the end results...pics to come...

 

When I fix my body work and repaint my bike, I'm going to paint everything on instead of using decals. That's the plan, at least.

 

I used to stripe cars with a family friend so I know first hand it is not easy to make vinyl do what you want. Taking a hair dryer and heating it up will make it more flexible and easier to work but be careful cause once it is warm it is easier to stretch and you don't want that. I think you learned that being a mechanic has nothing to do with being good at body work. Hopefully it turned out good though.

 

you're not kidding... Applying the Honda wing to that tri-curve part of the tank is a pain.

 

Why not use windex? i know thats how they apply window tint. Allows for some adjusting and evaporates out with the help of a squeege. i don't see why decals would be different.

 

We always used water. I would think that would be better than windex, less chemicals. But yes same theory so it will be easier to pull back up in case of a mistake. The key is patience and a very steady hand

 

I had considered using windex or something like that, but was afraid it might mess up the adhesive...at over $70 for the decal, I didn't want to damage it...lesson learned

 

Ya, I just did the same thing last week and it was a real b*tch to get it on right. I was using water (with a couple drops of dishwashing soap) to allow me to take a couple of tries at getting it on right. Just let the water evaporate after and all is good.

Let's see those pics!

 

+1 for Heating it, especially if you've got multiple curved surfaces. R Dub is right though, be aware of stretching it.

 

I feel your pain. Anyone ever seen a 350z's tail lights? Basically spheres. Good luck with tinting those. I did. But many expletives were shared in the process.