Large Oversized Side Art Install

zz0ljf

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When applying oversized side art to a cabinet such as Spy Hunter or Centipede that has side art covering the complete sides of the cabinet is it best to trim the side art flush with the edge of the cabinet or is it better to leave a little extra and tuck it under the t-molding? If so how much? I'm attempting my first full blown restore on my Spy Hunter and looking for some tips. Also, what's the best tool for trimming the side art after it's installed? I've read lightly scoring the side art with an exacto knife works well. If so, what do you back it with when cutting?
 
i'm kinda doing the same thing with my DK side art. i was told to spray windex on the cab before putting the art on so you can move it around if you need to. don't know if thats true or not?
 
Tape it in place exactly where you want it to go, tape it across the center and put it on dry. Top half first, and then the bottom half. Definately cut it about 3/16" bigger than the cab and then tuck the excess under where the t-molding will be.
 
Install it DRY... trust me...

...and i tucked it...use a heat gun and fold it over nicely... heat up the sides even a little more and press it down a bit in to the T-Molding channel...use an exacto to cut around the channel...then install the molding.
 
How would I be able to get my MK1 side art lined up? Everything is so jammed together. If I don't place it right something is getting cut off. Which of course I don't want.
 
Time and patience.

Use the search function on this site, or look under Restorations. You'll see some ways that others have used.
 
Been dying to use this image :)

searchfu.gif
 
i'm kinda doing the same thing with my DK side art. i was told to spray windex on the cab before putting the art on so you can move it around if you need to. don't know if thats true or not?

OOOO Windex no! The amonia and other crap in windex will attack the adhesive give a lousy bond. If you want to apply wet use dish soap and water not windex or buy some rapid tac which is made for it.
 
Allow excess decal to hang off the cabinet and tuck it under the t-molding. Over time the art will shrink slightly (like 2mm) and you will see a line around the entire cabinet after the shrinking has occurred if you cut it flush with the side of the cabinet. If you dont believe me, look closely at any side art from the mid 1980s. You will see a small ring of adhesive all around the art. This was the original position of the side art prior to the shrinkage.

I do this will all of my vinyl when I apply it to a cabinet. It comes out beautifully and looks flush with the t-molding.
 
OOOO Windex no! The amonia and other crap in windex will attack the adhesive give a lousy bond. If you want to apply wet use dish soap and water not windex or buy some rapid tac which is made for it.

Don't use wet, period. All those liquid based options are great for glass or laminated surfaces. NOT wood. Every little pinhole will cause puffing under the art. No matter how good you think you primed and painted and sealed *something* will leak through.

/b
 
No intention of using the wet method. I'd previously read Frizz's Spy Hunter thread before posting here. Thanks for the advice on trimming the side art. Sounds like tucking a little excess under the t-molding is the consensus.
 
I'm putting new side art on a Tempest soon. Some folks say to use a heat gun on the edges and others so not to because it'll shrink back. What's the concensus?
 
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