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Tech

This is what our Golf looked like before the transformation.

1. It all started with Melissa's hand-drawn graphics and Euro logo; it was then scanned into Modern Image's (MI) computer.

2. Here's the artwork as it looks on the screen when first scanned.

3. Using sophisticated software, MI technicians are able to break down the design to its various color elements and manipulated to the proper size and shape for the vehicle.

4. The design information is then sent to a digitally controlled plotter which precision cuts the pattern out exactly as desired.

How-to: Add Custom Vinyl Graphics
Advantage Audio produces a pair of Protege 5s with "zoom-zoom" to spare.

By Dick DeLoach
Photography: Dick DeLoach

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In our June/July 2002 issue, we showed you how we turned Melissa Speiring's stock black 2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS from 935WickedDraggers in San Diego, California, into a custom street cruiser with ground effects from Street Weapon, APR GT rear wing, Hella HID Euro headlights, H&R dropped springs, 19-inch Toyo Proxes tires and Velox VX5 alloy rims. As we mentioned last issue, Melissa is the first female member and the first "Euro-style" car in the club, but has earned the respect of the other "race-oriented" members. "I have to express my love for this group of people, I couldn't ask for a better group of friends, thanks again for letting me into your family," she says.

Melissa's hard work on "Project Nympho" as she calls the V-Dub, has paid off already; she's picked up several trophies at California shows including Second Place Mild Performance Euro at Lowrider Magazine's show in San Bernardino (her first show), and both Best Female and Best Vinyl Graphics at the Pomona AutoFest 2002 (featured in this issue).

And speaking of vinyl graphics, that brings us to the subject of this article. In this issue we'll show you how Modern Image SignWorks (in Huntington Beach, California) created the cool color-shifting vinyl graphics, from Melissa's original artwork, and turned the basic black exterior of the Golf into a graphic statement, complete with the Lowrider Euro logo.

Modern Image (MI) creator Robert Wilson entered the business marketplace more than a decade ago after realizing the benefits of high quality vinyl. "I was looking for an alternative to expensive painted automotive graphic designs," says Robert. As a custom car enthusiast, Robert wanted to make a visual statement that was not only affordable, but replaceable, thus the creation of Modern Image SignWorks. Now 11 years later, MI enjoys a working relationship with automotive manufacturers such as Honda, Acura, Mazda, Audi, Toyota, Nissan and General Motors.

Modern Image (MI) uses state-of-the-art computer software, scanners and digital plotters (cutters) to create custom vinyl designs from virtually any artwork. MI's work has appeared on numerous sport and custom compact magazine covers, countless race vehicles, and is featured on vehicles in last summer's mega-hit movie The Fast and the Furious.

MI also offers by mail complete do-it-yourself body graphics kits in dozens of patterns and an endless array of colors that can be pre-cut for any make or model of vehicle. In addition, they can create race or club logos, signs, visor decals, sponsor decals and banners. Check out their full online catalog. (Dealer and business opportunities are available.)

For now, follow the photos and you'll see just how easy it is to make a graphic statement with your Euro using the tools and techniques provided my Modern Image (and hot new color-shift vinyl).

5. MI graphics kits include step-by-step instructions and everything that you'll need to apply the graphics except the heat gun (you can use a hair dryer instead).	6. Carefully peel off the unused areas of the vinyl.	7. Here's the way the design looks with the excess vinyl removed.

8. A backing sheet is then applied to the graphic and squeegeed flat.	9. The excess paper is cut away from the design to make it easier to align the vinyl on the car correctly.	10. The entire vehicle should be clean and preferably waxed before beginning work. Then, the area of the vehicle that is receiving the graphic is sprayed with a solution of water and two drops of dishwashing liquid to remove any oil or surface contamination.

11. The area is then wiped dry with a lint-free towel and sprayed one more time.	12. Peel off the backing of the design and wet the tacky part of the sticker thoroughly with the water solution. Both the vehicle and the vinyl must be wet.	13. Position the graphic on the vehicle and slide it into position. Then squeegee out the water and bubbles working from the center to the edges. Let the vinyl sit for a few minutes.

14. Wet the backing again. Then, starting with a small piece, slowly peel the backing off at an angle from the middle to the end.		15. Once the backing is off, wet the vinyl one more time and squeegee out any leftover bubbles.

16. The point of the razor knife can be used to "pop" any tiny bubbles that can't be worked out.	17. The second color "drop shadow" of the hood design is applied.	18. The Euro logo design is cut, the excess vinyl removed, it's prepped and applied.

19. The finished hood graphic looks great against the carbon-fiber hood.	20. The body side graphics are applied in the same manner, by first wetting the car.	21. The vinyl is also wet as shown before. This step required two people.

22. The graphic is positioned, squeegeed out and the backing removed like the hood.	23. Use the razor knife to trim all molding edges, hood and doors of excess vinyl and to cut between doors, gas door, etc.	24. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to dry the vinyl edges and with the squeegee to help form the vinyl to contours like side moldings. We also applied sponsor graphics to the rear quarter panels. Repeat all of the steps on the other side. Dry the car carefully and let it sit for 24 hours before washing and waxing or driving in inclement weather (rain, snow, freezing temperatures). The next day, check all of the vinyl edges for lifting by rubbing over them with your fingers.

	25. The custom purple-to-bronze color-shifting vinyl graphics look hot from every angle.

SOURCES
Modern Image SignWorks 16582 Gothard, Unit B, Dept. LRE Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 375-0591 www.modernimage.net

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