[Techn9cian805]

So, I'm looking to get my 2016 in red hot with black metallic stripes and red hood vents; I have never owned a car with any kind of decals. So, to anyone who has had a car, Camaro or not, with any kind of stripes/decals, how hard is it to maintain? I'm concerned with them peeling off after a few years, I was hoping some of you with past experience can share some tips and advice, either to convince me to get them, or discourage me from doing so; I'm still on the fence about getting them.

[Glen e]

They look like vinyl, so a bit less gloss than paint but they are pretty indestructible, they handle sun fade well , over 7-10 years. Detail them like paint, no difference. Millions of camaro owners have them.

[SacraMaro]

+1 ^^^

[paul84043]

The sticker stripes suck. They never look good.
You're better off peeling them and having them painted.
I was never completely happy with my stripes. Glad I don't have to deal with them any more.

[RenegadeXR]

You do actually need to follow special detailing instructions. If you're using an orbital buffer, be careful to go around the decals. You don't want to mash against the edges more than you have to. They can peel in some rare cases. They're just held on by adhesive.

I've also gotten a few small holes in my rally stripes. Barely noticeable, and they were there from the previous owner. Previous owner was even worse at detailing than me, but most of it was correctable.

[Glen e]

Originally Posted by RenegadeXR

You do actually need to follow special detailing instructions. If you're using an orbital buffer, be careful to go around the decals. You don't want to mash against the edges more than you have to. They can peel in some rare cases. They're just held on by adhesive.

I've also gotten a few small holes in my rally stripes. Barely noticeable, and they were there from the previous owner. Previous owner was even worse at detailing than me, but most of it was correctable.

Sorry, yes, common sense with a polisher is necessary, ive never had any prob using a fine finishing polish like meguires 205 and some sealant. Ive had stripes 5 years old in s fla sun that still look good. Also, I think the stripes that come from genuine GM parts are clearcoated on top of the vinyl. Its still not like paint, but works for many.

[Techn9cian805]

if for whatever reason in the future I wanted to remove the stripes, would doing so be an easy process? will there be noticeable color differences between the paint under the stripes and the rest of the car?

[JeffMorse]

I'd guess it would be harder the older they get because they're more likely to be brittle. For sure you'd have darker paint under the stripes if you waited a while.

[Raybreiding]

My 2012 is in Victory red and has black rally stripes. I have just kept them clean. No adhesion problems. Heard somewhere the 2016 are painted on but haven not been able to confirm. If so treat like they were paind

[MarcPike]

Nope mine are not painted on, but adhesive. Anyone ever try to add a clear coat on top of the adhesive stripes?

[L&M CAMARO 6]

Originally Posted by MarcPike

Nope mine are not painted on, but adhesive. Anyone ever try to add a clear coat on top of the adhesive stripes?

I'd rather have painted on rally stripes, with clear coat over them.
Good question about clear coat over the adhesive stripes.

[Glen e]

Clear coat over stripes does not work well long term.

[L&M CAMARO 6]

Originally Posted by Glen e

Clear coat over stripes does not work well long term.

Thanks Glen e, so painting on stripes and clear coat is the way to go for long term durability?

[Glen e]

Originally Posted by L&M CAMARO 6

Thanks Glen e, so painting on stripes and clear coat is the way to go for long term durability?

It all depends… The stripes that Chevy cells that are vinyl will last 7 to 10 years. I don't know how much longer you want the car to look like that, I pull off at five and put new ones on. But obviously painting/clear coat is the way to go if you want The best look and durability.