Evora DIY Sill Wrapping

2021-05-07T18:44:00Z

Chubster: /* Applying Vinyl */

As it was sunny this weekend, I decided to wrap the sills.
The garage isn't quite wide enough to do it comfortably, so the fact there's almost no wind outside really helps.

I did get a quote to have the sills professionally wrapped @£80 /side, which is reasonable, but I wanted to try myself first - and see how hard it was.

Drivers side took 3 attempts, first attempt I cooked the film with the heat gun (newbie mistake I'm sure), the second went on OK, but the rear looked cropped, so went for a longer stretch towards the rear wheel on the third attempt... and frankly I'm well chuffed with the results.

If you're interested - here's how I did it.
(NB, I’m not saying that this is how it should be done, but this is what I found worked for me.)
Note that if using a heat gun, keep your exposure to less than 3 seconds - that's plenty to work the vinyl if needed.

Take one Evora.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-1.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-2.jpg|400px]]

==Clean and apply cutting tape==

Clean the sill using isopropyl alchohol.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-3.jpg|400px]]

Apply cutting tape to the body contours.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-4.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-5.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-6.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-7.jpg|400px]]

Cut out a length of vinyl approx' 175cm by 22cm. 

==Applying Vinyl==

This is KPMF 190 Micron Textured FF stone chip vinyl and is charcoal black. 
Obtained from MDP supplies for about £9/m (you need 2 meters but this will allow 5 strips to be cut- so you have some to play with) 

Note also that this has no air release, so any bubbles will need to be pricked out with a pin using a bit of heat. 
The reason I chose it was it's stone chip resistant and looks similar in colour and texture to what is fitted to the 400. 

It also covers existing stone chip film rather well - the odd line shows through, I didn't want to risk paint peeling if removing the clear film and there's nothing wrong with it so it's still there...

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-8.jpg|400px]]

Peel the backing paper and hang loosely from the top of the sill, then gently straighten the top edge leaving no creases.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-9.jpg|400px]]

Using a plastic card, start to work the vinyl down in a horizontal line (don't concentrate on one bit - it'll crease / bubble)

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-10.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-11.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-13.jpg|400px]]

Make a relief cut on the corner edge here.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-12.jpg|400px]]

Then tuck / smooth the remaining vinyl towards the rear wheel

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-14.jpg|400px]]

Working the vinyl around the bottom curve - again try to do the whole thing and keep the crease straight as this will help with air release and prevent bubbles.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-15.jpg|400px]]

==Cutting the vinyl==

My favourite bit - pulling the wire through the vinyl to cut it to shape - very satisfying..

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-16.jpg|400px]]

Peel away the surplus vinyl

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-17.jpg|400px]]

Remove / peel out traces of the cutting tape - then apply a little heat to seal the top edge - press down firmly.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-18.jpg|400px]]

Cut the vinyl away from the leading edge of the sill - giving you a little to wrap around the front edge of the sill gap

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-19.jpg|400px]]

Apply a bit of heat and tuck in

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-20.jpg|400px]]

Underneath - simply run a knife gently along the sill between the under tray and the sill - to trim off excess overlapping film.

Apply cutting tape to the A-Post - keeping the tape in line with the previous vinyl edge - then simply take your off cut from the end of the strip and apply - tucking / folding the front edge behind the mudflap.

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-21.jpg|400px]]

==Result==

A quick clean and the end result..

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-22.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-23.jpg|400px]]

[[image:Evora-DIY-Sill-Wrapping-24.jpg|400px]]

Not bad for £35 eh? (including cutting tape) - and it's a lot tougher than gloss vinyl, so should last a few years.

One happy bunny.

[[Category:Lotus Evora]]
[[Category:Body]]

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Evora DIY Sill Wrapping