Say that three times fast...lol. So here's my dilemma...in the quest of "freshening up" my Cutlass, one of the undertakings I have endeavored is replacing the various stickers under the hood and the trunk decals. I've had good luck with the GM air cleaner decal and the coolant decal staying put, but after two tries with the jack storage instructions and spare tire instructions, my quest has yet to end.

Does anyone know of a trick to get the stickers to keep from getting wrinkly and from peeling up after you apply them? Addmittedly I didn't prep the surface the first time as well as I prepped the second time (soap and water then rubbing alcohol the second time). I bought them both times from Year One so maybe another source? Or where stickers not perfect when applied at the factory?

Anyone else have the same issue?? Please help...

Thanks,
Dave😁

 

Is the deck lid clear coated under side. Next time put the labels up but don't peel off the backing. Mark around the labels then use sand paper to ruff it up then install them. Good the third time around.
Gerald

 

The original stickers on my deck lid were all wrinkly.

 

The repro stickers may not have the same adhesive quality the OEM's did. What you can try is take off the backing paper and spray the backside with some 3M adhesive glue. It won't come off.

LOL Kenneth, you would be too if you were stuck in a trunk for 47 years.

 

On the humid Gulf Coast no less. Yeah, 47 years of that'll prune ya' up for sure.

 

3M #77 spray adhesive will make it stick, so make sure where you want them.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I came up with a solution...I covered them with clear packaging tape and simply trimmed the excess tape enough to leave a small border around the stickers. You can barely notice the tape, plus it will help protect the ink on the stickers😀

 

The clear packaging tape will protect the stickers. But I don't think the adhesive is as permanent to hold the stickers on. Keep 3M #77 spray adhesive in mind if they come loose.

 

^^^ This. The clear packing tape is a temporary fix. It's not intended for long service use especially in the heat of an engine compartment. I hope it works out for you, but suspect it will not be a long term solution. I'm assuming you also have the gum of the decal holding it down? I've never run into a problem with the adhesive that's on the decal itself. Keep in mind that even OEM decals weren't always perfect, although they did stick quite well.

 

3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray Adhesive even better..

Get a piece of cardboard and place the decal face down with sticky side up. Give a light spray and then place on car. Make sure spot is completely clean and oil and grease free. I was with soap and water, then wax and grease remover..

lay out and wipe off excess around edges with paper towel.. Goo Gone if you need it..

it will be on for a long time.....

 

Read OP's original post #1 and onward. He was looking for suggestions to make stickers stay on. Allan R originally suggested 3M spray adhesive, I added the #77. OP has decided to use clear packaging tape.