Looking for Tips on Installing CPO

Braido

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Hello,

I am about it install my 1st control panel overlay. I have removed the old art and prepped the control panel. Used lots of Goo Gone and sanded done the metal afterwords to remove some improfections. Any tips on how i should start would be appreciated, not sure how you bend it around the corners? Do you use a little heat from a blow dryer? The CPO i am doing is from my Frogger.

Thanks,
 

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I can tell you what not to do. I just stuck it on and months later it started peeling away around the corners.
 
There are lots of threads on this if you search, but:

Wipe down the surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any oils

Tape the overlay in the exact place with tape

I also use the buttons as place-holders to keep the overlay exactly in place

Peel off half of the backing and stick the overlay in place using a squeegee or edge of a credit card, making sure you get the air bubbles out and it's nice and flat

Then, untape the other half and remove the backing and smooth it down in the other direction

You can soften it a bit for those sharp turns with a hair dryer (not heat gun - too hot) but I have never had to do that

The adhesive is pressure-activated, so really rub it down when it's where you want it

You may have to use a sharp razor blade to trim bits at the edges or at the mounting holes to get it perfect but that's about it.

RM
 
Cpo

There are lots of threads on this if you search, but:

Wipe down the surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any oils

Tape the overlay in the exact place with tape

I also use the buttons as place-holders to keep the overlay exactly in place

Peel off half of the backing and stick the overlay in place using a squeegee or edge of a credit card, making sure you get the air bubbles out and it's nice and flat

Then, untape the other half and remove the backing and smooth it down in the other direction

You can soften it a bit for those sharp turns with a hair dryer (not heat gun - too hot) but I have never had to do that

The adhesive is pressure-activated, so really rub it down when it's where you want it

You may have to use a sharp razor blade to trim bits at the edges or at the mounting holes to get it perfect but that's about it.

RM

Good advice. I always warm up the entire cpo before installing it. Depending on what time of year it is I put it on top of my furnace in my shop or hang it over a space heater in the summer when the furnace is not running. Helps a lot with the bends. Also I paint the cp before I install the cpo to keep down thae chance that moisture will cause rust between the cpo and the cp long term.
 
I use rapid tack, wipe down what you are doing with the 99% alcohol to clean. The rapid tack you can spray on so it is wet can never spray on to much, then squeegee out the air bubbles and extra fluid. The rapid tack allows you to make adjustments lift up move etc. with out messing up the decal. Once it is on the way you want it let dry few hours and trim if needed.
 
Cpo

I use rapid tack, wipe down what you are doing with the 99% alcohol to clean. The rapid tack you can spray on so it is wet can never spray on to much, then squeegee out the air bubbles and extra fluid. The rapid tack allows you to make adjustments lift up move etc. with out messing up the decal. Once it is on the way you want it let dry few hours and trim if needed.

I can see that on side art but not cpos. You need them to stick right away because of the bends. Russ' way works best for me.
 
What would be the best way to work with NOS CPOs? Since they are almost thirty years old, would you add adhesive? Spray?

Thanks
 
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