Looking for some opinions on using something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/054-Rocker-Panel-vinyl-Graphics-decal-decals-fit-Chevrolet-HHR-/260974723320?pt=Decals_Stickers_Vinyl_Art&var=&hash=item82685bb96b and http://www.ebay.com/itm/Racing-rally-stripe-stripes-decals-fits-Chevy-HHR-LT-/290428225329?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item439edf0731
Has anyone used large graphics like these before? Is the "fit and finish" good on them or does it just look like some moron put a sticker on the car? Do these large body graphics holdup over time?

 

I have found vinyl stickers to last about 2 to 3 years and with all the compound curves of the HHR, they do need to be applied properly and my personal opinion is that as they fade age crack and have to be removed the paint underneath does not fade with the exposed paint. so, no, I don't like them! but beauty is in the eye of the beer holder!!

 

Have been plotting/cutting vinyl as a hobby since 2007 just for the challenge and as an exercise in patience. What little cut vinyl you'll find on my hhr has yet to reveal any shrinkage, cracking, or peeling. Most calendared vinyls will have a 5+ year life. However if one is a resident of the Sun Belt and/or frequent user of brushless car washes; their experience may not be as great due to UV exposure and caustice additives which can be found in the detergents. But I digress, the ad for the rocker panel does state some trimming required. How it ends up looking depends upon your skill and patience. The Rally Stripes due to their size will require working the bubbles out with an auto body spatula upon application and would definately be a multiple person job. Going the vinyl route would be less expensive than paint and much easier to correct if you did not like the look.

At the risk of repeating myself, some time back I had the driver of a vintage truck chase me down to inquire about the pinstriping found on my fuel door. Once he found it was vinyl, he turned his nose up and left. Apparently it looked good, yet carried a stigma in his mind. If the possibility of stigma doesn't bother you, I believe it has potential to look good.

 

Click on the first link. Zoom in on the grill emblem.

Looks like a second grader applied that pink mess.

 

now George, maybe a second grader eating muslage! but you see what I mean about application as Toolbender stated, it will all depend on your expertise!! perhaps that's why they call them Graphics as they can be scary and well graphic!!

 

What the heck is muslage?

Remember, I'm just a good ole southern boy.

 

good CHRIST that looks awful!

i like the look of the rally stripes, but if i were to go with a set I'd pay the extra $$ and have them painted on......but i'm weird like that

 

glue