Anyone done it? I've decided on this route for the Miata and was curious if anyone has firsthand experience. Is it easier to remove body panels? My plan is to do so. I need to replace the front driver's side fender, and fix the hail damage on the trunk and hood. There's one pop out dent on the passenger side rear I need to hammer back in, and a mild scrape on the driver's side.

I'll most likely remove the front fenders and doors to wrap them. Especially since I have to do that for the driver's side anyway. I already have the replacement door, and will be replacing the fender. The hood is easy enough to take off and reinstall. That leaves the rear assembly, and taking off the trunk/rear bumper.

Do most people vinyl the door jams as well? It's my intent to do so, as I'll be going with a color change. Just curious how durable it is, as I've never used it myself.

The vinyl is very durable. Door jams will be tough, but doable as well. The guys that do a really good job take a lot of the parts off and wrap them individually. For instance side view mirrors and door handle cups.

Pretty durable, application takes time though... You'll want to get a heat gun to help conform the vinyl to curves. Good thing is the miata has a pretty simple design without to many hard curves and grooves...

Have you ever done window tint on a curved surface like a windshield? It's a very similar application...

Though I'd still recommend dip instead


Why color are you planning?

I'm planning on either Sunflower or Burnt Orange from 3m. I thought about dip, but figured I'd give this a shot as in my limited garage space (and being attached to the house) I imagine vinyl is less "smelly" than dip during the application phase.

I've thought of doing a design of some sort, but most likely will stay a solid color.



Colors can be played around with here: http://www.3mskins.com/3mwrapscustomizer/

Sweet id definitely do burnt orange,
Have you priced out the vinyl? Wonder how much it is.

Understand about the dip smell getting into the house, it is a strong smell when being applied, (I kind of like it, but I also like the smell of spray paint) but I'd worry about toxicity around family too... For what it's worth, my garage is detached and smaller than yours and we could do it here should you go the dip route...

May not have to worry about the door jambs, red would be a nice accent color with the orange body.

Orange with ted door jambs?

I am curious on this topic as well for the 818. Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop that does really good work? I have some design ideas that I could do fairly easily in vinyl and also planning on doing some on the interior as well. I would also be interested in peoples experience with vinyl wraps.

I thought eclipse is doing it now.

coloskydiver wrote:I am curious on this topic as well for the 818. Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop that does really good work? I have some design ideas that I could do fairly easily in vinyl and also planning on doing some on the interior as well. I would also be interested in peoples experience with vinyl wraps.

The S2K guys that have done it have basically said that if you don't apply it yourself, you are just as good to have the vehicle painted as application time is extensive, thus driving the cost to the level of a paint job.

Don't go to EAS in the springs. A basic wrap package for a full car is $5K.

Ordered what should be more than enough to finish one of the doors. I have a pristine replacement door sitting in my basement right now that I'll test out on. I figured if I end up not liking it, or decide the work sucks, at least I'm only out $50. I went with Sunflower.

Sunflower? Sunflower!??

Actually....nice choice, I like.

That'll be a great color! There aren't any stock yellows right?

There are. But only for 1992, there was a color called Sunburst that's hard to find. I'm hoping mine has more of the orange hue that I've been looking for. Sunburst is more of a true yellow.

My practice vinyl gets here on Wednesday. Excited to do the driver's side door. I get back from Richmond on Wednesday, and I'm off Thurs/Fri. I have a feeling a know what I'll be doing on Thursday.