Back in the late 80's, my Dad had a truck he bought from a Ford dealer that had graphics on it installed by a local auto trim specialist. Well, I bought the truck that same year from my Dad, and he bought a new one. When it came in, it was bare, so he took it to the graphics shop and had graphics done on it, too. Well, each year we both traded trucks, and after seeing the graphics applied, I figured I could do it as well. Except, back then, it wasnt this paint swash stuff that is imprinted on one large mylar sheet. It was all hand applied, curved, tooled, cut, and layered from individual sheet or roll stock. An F-150 took a couple hours to complete the whole truck - hood and all. All in all, it was nice back then because nobody ever had the same truck as we did. Today, I can count two or three like my 2007 just driving home from work every day. We'd all like to think someone else copied our truck, but stainless rockers, ventvisors, grilles, etc. are readily available to everyone - immediately. Custom graphics is not - and it is still the fraction of the cost of custom paint, takes the abuse better (mylar), is easier to repair, and makes your vehicle "yours".

Well, I am really getting sick of the new paint colors, and am thinking about doing another truck, but wonder if the style is ready to come back. Let's face it, station wagons are coming back and the minivan is going away. I just received a preprinted graphic for my 2007 Screw that I'll apply this weekend, and I'll post a few pictures for you to criticize, but I think I may want to try a custom set-up again next time. I've done a few dozen trucks on the side since I started, and they all turned heads for one reason or another. Granted, colors and styles were different 15 years ago, but I think it could come back. What do you think? Do any of you have graphics to show? I'll try to scan some of the photos of what I've done so you all know what I am talking about.

Smoke

 

Well, no responses? I revised my signature to reflect my latest modification. See below. There are more pictures in my gallery. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Smoke

 

looks good

 

Sorry, I just found this thread...

I really like the decals. They are modest enough to not give the retarted look of one of those bank advertising vans (total layover, no paint showing), yet large enough to provide an eyecatcher.

Without becoming too longwinded (as I have been known to do), I would like to simply tell you that I really like the look, and the taste you have is great. And it is good enough that I'd ask you what you'd do on my truck. (see gallery) Thanks and congrats on the layover.

 

Thanks for the compliments. I like to be different enough to catch eyes, but still neat enough to have others say "Wow, I wish mine looked different, too." Unfortunately, graphics are for some, and not for others. And, sometimes, once it's on, it looks less than expected - or much better, too.

I posted a link to a photo of a silver truck in my gallery as an example. Keep in mind, graphic desognes come in many colors for the same design. If it did not post, try my gallery under "miscellaneous".

Thanks again,

Smoke

 

I can't remember the member name but, somebody on here has a 97-03 model with extensive graphics. I thought the truck looked good. I believe the color was green.

I rermember he bought a Lightning and kept the truck.
Older guy I think from the Northwest (Washington?)

 

Looks good, definitley unique. like the graphics packages if they are tastefully done. No fast and furious for me. I especially like them when they match your boat, 5th wheel...whatever. That's just sharp IMO. The dude with the yellow screw and yellow boat with matching graphics on here looks good.

 

I already got the only graphic/decal that I really need



I can sorta relate, I'm almost a master window tinter. I saw how it was done, bought some tint supplies & solutions & did it to my Explorer a couple times, then the 3rd time i tried it i was 100% bubble/spot free and clean cutted. Since then I have done 100+ cars for free ( friends and their friends ) It became an addiction I did my bedroom windows & some of my computer lights to dim them down and such lol

 

I have graphics but mine are paint not vinyl


Although the sponsors stickers are vinyl...

 

I do custom vinly graphics for a living. If you want something custom that isn't at every auto parts store let me know.

 

Yeah, if you can stay away from the auto parts store graphics, I'd do so, too. They are junk. I have a supplier in Milwaukee that carries about everything known to man. I actually got sick of scanning the catalogs! I think you get what you pay for, too. Some of the cheaper manufacturers have poor vertical exposure ratings. Nothing like installing a graphic to have it fade a year later.

 

That's what makes this stuff fun. Everybody can express themselves however they want. Personally, I like a clean look...no graphics, stickers, or some of the hideous ricer crap out there. But it doesn't matter what somebody else likes, it's what you like (except for those coffee can ricer exhaust tips - every time I see one I wanna jump up and down on it 'till it falls off!!!!). I just spent 3 grand "Roushing-up" my '06 Scab with Jack's F-150 body enhancements. Some people might not like the look, but who cares!

 

I just got my '01 Screw back in August with the graphics already installed. Haven't seen another one like it so far. Not sure what company made this design, but I'd like to find out just in case. Gotten a lot of great comments on the look.