full sideart install

[doteater]

Hello, I'm not really sure where to post this so move it if it doesn't belong here.

I picked up a tapper cab a few months ago that has been converted. It has laminate put over the entire cab and maybe some other artwork under that. I put in an order and have received sideart and kickplace replacements(original Budweiser art). Now I have a few questions on how to go about this, I done some searching on the forum and found some answers but not enough.

At first I thought I could just put the artwork on top of the laminate. Now I think the best route would be remove the laminate and remaining artwork, power sand, few coats of primer, fine sand and place the vinyl artwork on that?

Also when I do put on the vinyl art how do I go about it? Seen a few vids of taking measurements to center it, tape in place and squeegee it on. The art is the entire sides of the cab, could I just use some heavy objects to keep it in place once lined up and  then peel/squeegee down? Do I take the outer layer off once stuck on or do it before? Sorry if I missed these in my searches and thanks for any help I can get.

[bkenobi]

Duh.  The answer is obviously....

Very Carefully!

 

[MameMaster!]

Why remove the laminate? It looks clean and smooth. Why mess up that surface?

In my experience with Side art-- every tiny imperfection shows up on your peel/stick art. I've impulsively rushed a few projects in my time and got a nice, but not a great finish.

My vote is to leave it on and put your art on top of it. Good luck! 

[bkenobi]

Is that metal shelf on either side of the CP a cup/change holder?

[eaconner]

Is that metal shelf on either side of the CP a cup/change holder?

It looks like a cup holder from a Tapper machine.

[MameMaster!]

cupholder. 

[doteater]

Thanks for the input. The laminate is in good shape. A few chunks missing and cracks around the edges, bondo should fix it. Should I put a few coats of primer on the laminate or just patch it up and put the art on?