Custom Decal/Lettering help

[Jaynen]

I am looking to do some strips and lettering for a border patrol vehicle project.

I've mulled over options like finding green pinstriping but still need a way to do the lettering etc. Someone also told me you can get bumpersticker like material at an office supply store and print on it then cut it out. However matching this to the right background color might be a pain. I guess it might be doable.

anyone will some simple ideas or recommendations on cost from a professional who might be able to do it quickly ?

The lightbar will come off my hummer h2 fire truck, and go on my new 4 door wrangler unlimited body.


I am guessing most of these types of rigs would have a hard top but I was also considering a soft top.

I cannot seem to get a good image of that seal on the door either

[Reflection]

Get small vinyl cut decals made. It'll look good and probably cost pennies. If you want to do that on lexan,get the stickers made reversed. You can then use them as a paint mask.

[ftr]

Originally Posted by raptorman57

Get small vinyl cut decals made. It'll look good and probably cost pennies. If you want to do that on lexan,get the stickers made reversed. You can then use them as a paint mask.

X2 I think "Knoc" makes those

[Jaynen]

It's for a hardbody What sort of people should I contact and what sort of information do they need? I am guessing they need some dimensions but I won't have to send the whole body?

[Cloak]

As someone who cuts vinyl, but is no longer a vendor here (no time), you need to give them some good dimensions so they know how long, where to make the bends, possibly what degree to make the bend.

Basically give them as MUCH detail so they can develop it around what you're wanting. It will involved drawing it in a vector capable program, but it shouldn't be hard at all.

For that matter find what font you want, that helps a lot too.

[Jaynen]

I will have to try to get some very specific measurements when I get home then (away on business for 2 days)

[bondt]

Originally Posted by Jaynen

I cannot seem to get a good image of that seal on the door either

not the best but it is head on. i've had a blazer body sitting in the garage for months just for that project.

[pantablo]

I think either way you go you're going to need vector artwork. I would have my staff do it for you but they're swamped. Maybe someone can 'donate' some photoshop time and do some simple flat artwork for you.

I called my sign company (you can call any sign/vinyl lettering company near you, there has to be a ton of them) and they suggested doing gerber edge decals. its basically clear vinyl with the image printed on it. You could do the white lettering as clear so the body white shows through. The artwork is the hard part...


here are a few sign companies in your area:

Neon Connection - Write a review
8261 Wentworth St, Sunland, CA - (81 352-3885
Directions



Eliter Signs - Write a review
6361 Day St, Tujunga, CA - (81 551-5555
Website - Directions





Modern Image - Write a review
7636 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA - (81 352-3600
Directions



Golden State Signs International - Write a review
7312 Elmo St, Tujunga, CA - (81 352-5545
Directions



Sierra Sign Images - Write a review
7164 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA - (81 352-9010

[Jaynen]

If I bring the stuff into photoshop can i convert it to usable vectors art pretty easy?

[Shaun (yota)]

[/quote]

Where did you get that body from?

[2JSC]

Originally Posted by Jaynen

A little OT, but that is one of the older TJ units. Most of them now have Rubicon Express lift kits with safari snorkels and 32" Mickey Thompson MTZ tires. I know some guys that did work on a couple of dozen of them last summer, but they did have all of the decals shown.

[Jaynen]

Yeah I looked at it as a cool theme for my jk 4 door not as an attempt to replicate the border patrol trucks exactly, I mean even trail dr's are technicallu 3.7" tall which would be 37" and they are "small" for us

[2JSC]

You need to find some kind of working roof lights on another toy and transplant them.

[Jaynen]

The ones from my hummer h2 fire truck are going on it

Part of why I wanted to do the Border Patrol theme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuAyjFDNFAA

[2JSC]

That will be bitchin'!

[pantablo]

Originally Posted by Jaynen

If I bring the stuff into photoshop can i convert it to usable vectors art pretty easy?

yes, once in PS its easy to convert to vector linework.

[Jaynen]

Do I need the images in Photoshop to be the scale I need or just the images and text saved as vector linework?

[pantablo]

you should draw it in PS at the actual size it will be, or scale it up/down in PS before making it vector linework.

Its small enough to draw at 1:1 (to the rig) or 2:1 for more detail, then have it printed at the actual size you need.

[Mnster]

Draw it up in MS paint.

Print it here as a bumper sticker.
www.cafepress.com

[pantablo]

Originally Posted by Mnster

Draw it up in MS paint.

Print it here as a bumper sticker.
www.cafepress.com

the only problem with the bumper sticker idea is that its not waterproof like the decal/vinyl is.