GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Exterior Trim 🢒 Decal or Stripe Replacement

Preparation

Important: Stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during installation. A wetting solution also ensures a better bond between stripe or decal and the panel. Stripe or decal replacement involving collision damage, or damage to underlying painted surface, requires that you complete metal repair and/or refinish operations before installing the stripe or decal. Allow freshly painted surfaces to dry thoroughly before installing the stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces may lead to subsequent blistering problems if you apply the stripe or decal before the complete release of the solvents. The striping material will highlight surface imperfections in the body panels. Therefore, eliminate all of the following surface imperfections from the body panels before applying a stripe or decal:

   • The dings
   • The rough metal
   • The paint defects
   • The uneven two-tone paint breaklines
   • Body surfaces and decals must be maintained between 21-38°C (70-100°F) during installation.
   • Use an auxiliary heat source in order to warm the body surfaces and decals if the temperature is below 21°C (70°F).
   • Never apply decals when the body surface and decal temperatures are below 21°C (70°F).
   • You may apply stripes and decals dry. Use the wet method if the dry method does not result in a consistent, bubble-free application.
   • Use the wet method in order to apply stripes or decals on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc). The wet method will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

Equipment and Materials

The following equipment and materials are necessary in order to apply a stripe or decal.

    • Wetting solution
        Use a foaming window cleaner that does not contain ammonia. Alternately, mix a solution of 7.4 ml (0.25 fl oz) of liquid detergent with 0.95L (1 qt) or water.
    • Silicone, wax or grease remover
        Use one of the following cleaners, or an equivalent:
       - Prep-Sol
       - Pre-Kleano
       - Acryli-Clean
    • Isopropyl alcohol
    • A squeegee
        Use a squeegee that has the following characteristics:
       - 75 to 100 mm (3 to 4 in) wide
       - A plastic or hard rubber construction
       - A smooth edge that will not scratch the stripe or decal
    • A water bucket
    • A sponge or spray bottle
    • #600 or finer sandpaper
        The sandpaper may be wet or dry type.
    • A heat gun or an infrared heat lamp
    • Clean, lint-free wiping rags.
    • A sharp knife or razor blade.
    • Scissors
    • A fine pin or needle
    • A marking pencil

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the necessary molding or trim panel.
  2. Remove the following items from the body:
    3. • The molding attaching clips
    • The handles
    • The sidemarker reflector
    • Other parts that may overlap the stripe or decal
  3. Wash the following areas as required:
    4. • The repair surfaces
    • The adjacent panel
    • The openings

    Notice: To avoid damaging the paint finish, do not use pointed or sharp instruments to remove the stripe or the decal.

  4. Use the following procedure in order to remove the stripe or decal:
    5. 4.1. Lift the stripe or decal at one edge.
    4.2. Use the heat gun or lamp in order to heat the stripe or decal.
    4.3. Peel the stripe or decal from the panel surface.
  5. Use an appropriate solvent from the above list in order to remove all traces of adhesive residue from the painted surfaces.
  6. If you will not apply a new stripe or decal, replace any of the following items removed above:
    7. • The moldings
    • The trim
    • The clips
    • The handles
    • The side marker lamps
    • The other parts removed in order to remove the strip or decal.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: To prevent possible vehicle, stripe or decal damage, always refer to manufacturer's packaged instructions.

  1. Remove any of the following items from the body necessary in order to apply the strip or decal:
    2. • The moldings
    • The trim
    • The molding attaching clips
    • The handles
    • The side marker lamps
    • Any other parts that overlap the stripe or decal
  2. Use an appropriate solvent from the above list in order to clean the painted surface.
  3. Use a clean, dry cloth in order to wipe the surface.
  4. Allow the surface to dry.

    5. Important: If the area where you will apply the stripe or decal is refinished, remove any imperfection that may show through the stripe or decal.

  5. Use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water in order to clean the area where you will apply the stripe or decal.
  6. Wipe the panel surface with a clean cloth while the solvent is still wet.
  7. Allow the surface to dry.
  8. Apply the wetting solution to an area where you will apply the stripe or decal.
  9. Remove the backing material of the stripe or decal as necessary.

    10. Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes or decal.

  10. Put the wetting solution on adhesive side of the stripe or decal.

    11. The wetting solution will allow movement of the stripe or decal in order to position the stripe or decal properly.

  11. Apply the stripe or decal to the panel.
  12. Working from the center where possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position.
  13. Apply additional wetting solution as necessary to the top of the decal for the following reasons:
    14. • To ease installation
    • To ease the pull of the squeegee
    • To avoid damage to the stripe or decal
  14. Apply heat to the stripe or decal at recessed areas.

    15. Press the stripe or decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.

  15. Inspect the stripe or decal from a critical angle using adequate light reflection in order to detect any irregularities developed during installation.
  16. Remove all air bubbles by piercing using a safety pin, needle, or tool with a similar piercing tip. Use the following procedure:
    17. • Pierce the bubble on its outer edge and force air out from the opposite edge using the blade of squeegee.
    • Never use a razor blade or a knife edge.
  17. Install the parts previously removed.
  18. Clean the panel as necessary.