GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

A pressure sensitive adhesive adheres the stripes and decals to the painted surfaces.

Use a wetting solution in order to lift and position the stripe or decal during installation.

A wetting solution ensures a better bond between the stripe or decal and the panel assembly.

If the metal or underlying painted surfaces are damaged, repair and refinish the metal as needed before you install the stripes or decals.

Notice: Striping material highlights vehicle surface imperfection. All dings, rough metal, paint defects and uneven two-tone paint breaklines must be eliminated before stripe/decal application. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly before installing stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems if stripe or decal is applied before complete release of solvents.

Maintain body surface and decal temperature between 21-38°C (70 -100°F) during installation.

Important: DO NOT apply the decals when the body surface and the decal temperatures are below 21°C (70°F).

Use auxiliary heat sources to warm the body surface and decals if the temperature is less than 21°C (70°F).

Notice: Use of harsh chemicals when cleaning can damage exterior lamps. Suggested cleaners are a mild soap and water, or Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) Naptha. VM&P Naptha is a specific type of naptha and should not be substituted by any other naptha.

Important: When you apply stripes or decals on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc.), use the WET method. The WET method reduces the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

You may apply stripes and decals dry. If the stripe or decal shows bubbles, use the "wet" method. Use the "wet" method for large graphics packages.

The following equipment and materials, or the equivalent, are necessary when making a quality stripe or decal installation:

    • Wetting solution foaming type window cleaner that does not contain ammonia
    • Silicone, wax and grease remover
    • Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha
    • Isopropyl alcohol
    • Squeegee about 75-100 mm (3-4 in) wide, plastic or hard rubber. Deburr any sharp or rough edges in order to prevent scratching of the stripe or decal
    • Water bucket and sponge or spray bottle
    • Sandpaper 800 grit or finer, wet or dry type
    • Heat gun
    • Clean, lint-free wiping cloth
    • Sharp knife or razor blade
    • Scissors
    • Fine pin or needle
    • Marking pencil

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the necessary molding and trim panel.
  2. Wash and clean the following items using Liquid Wash and Wax GM P/N 1052870 or the equivalent:
  3. • The repair surfaces
    • The adjacent panel
    • The openings
  4. Remove the following components:
  5. • The molding attaching clips
    • The handles
    • The sidemarker reflector
    • Other stripe or decal overlapping parts

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

  6. Use heat in order to remove the stripe or decal. Start at 1 edge and peel the stripe or decal from the panel surface.
  7. Remove all traces of adhesive residue from the painted surfaces using the following items:
  8. • Silicone, wax and grease remover
    • Varnish makers and painters (VM&P) naphtha

Installation Procedure

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

    Important: If the area where you apply the stripe or decal has been refinished, remove any imperfections that may show through the stripe or decal.

  3. Clean the painted surface with the following items:
  4. • Silicone
    • Wax
    • Grease remover
  5. Clean the area where you apply the stripe or decal. Use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.
  6. Wipe the panel surface with a clean cloth while the solvent drys.
  7. Apply the wetting solution to the area where you install the stripe or decal.
  8. Important: DO NOT touch the adhesive backing of the stripes.

  9. Use the wetting solution on the adhesive side of the stripe or decal.
  10. Remove the backing material of the stripe or decal as needed.
  11. Install the stripe or decal to the panel.
  12. Working from the center if possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position.
  13. Apply additional wetting solution in order to ease installation of the stripe or decal.
  14. Apply a soapy wetting solution on the top side of the stripe or decal for the following reasons:

    • In order to ease the pull of the squeegee on the stripe or decal
    • In order to eliminate the possibility of damage
  15. Apply heat to the stripe or decal at recessed areas.
  16. Press the stripe or decal into recess in order to obtain a firm bond.
  17. Use adequate light reflection in order to detect any irregularities in the stripe or decal that may have developed during installation.
  18. Important: DO NOT use a razor blade or a knife edge.

  19. Use one of the following items in order to remove all bubbles by piercing:
  20. • A safety pin
    • A needle
    • A tool with the same size piercing tip
  21. Pierce a bubble on the outer edge.
  22. Force the air out from the opposite edge with the blade of the squeegee.
  23. Install all previously removed components. Clean the components as needed.