Best automotive pinstriping tape according to redditors

It is probably custom order. Odds are that molecule is a major part of that guy's research.

Edit: On second thought, they are probably just a mix of This tape and letters like these.

Amazon link.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchlite-3150A-Reflective-Conspicuity/dp/B015PFXB00

http://www.infraredcoatings.com/
https://www.empiretactical.org/infrared-reflective-patches/3m-solas-infrared-id-x2-set-extreme-adhesive

You can get reflective tape in several colors. Here's a link to a roll of black tape (reflects white):
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchcal-Reflective-Striping-Black-5-Inch/dp/B00063XI64

Last summer's bike show had a vendor giving out samples of their tape - it was a matte-black finish that reflected white. I stuck the sample on my matte-black Jamis commuter and it's damn near invisible in daylight.

I drive a car and ride both a motorbike and bicycle. Turn your fucking strobe light off.

If visibility is a concern (as it should be) get two lights and mount them on opposite sides of your handlebars. Or get a helmet-mounted light. Or put reflective tape on your helmet and front forks. Don't fuck around with cheap reflective tape, the stuff you want is called SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). It's the shit that's mandated by the Coast Guard so that if a boat has lost power and is running dark, they can be found at night, in heavy rain, with a searchlight hundreds of yards away.

Having two lights allows depth perception to kick in, so other people on the road can estimate your speed / direction better. A lot of 4 wheel vs 2 wheel crashes aren't caused by lack of visibility, but from the 4 wheeler seeing the 2 wheeler and misjudging their speed and thinking they can make that turn without affecting the 2 wheeler.

Thanks! Added myself using this.

Trim strip. Similar to this https://www.amazon.com/EJs-SUPER-CAR-Decoration-Protector/dp/B01FFDFJJS/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=trim+strip&qid=1556465693&s=automotive&sr=1-5

However it’s an exterior one and used primarily for decoration / curb appeal. It’s less common today as manufacturers went towards better aero and cost effective manufacturing. The body lines these created are more or less established with the panels themselves and how they are stamped out to begin with.

Typically these were also either two sided taped or clipped with pieces that would rust on the body and eventually fall off.

Source: I am a jouneyperson mechanic.

Looks black, but retroreflects very well.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchlite-Reflective-Striping-50-Foot/dp/B0010ASWF4

Bought here and took about 20 mins of some steady Xacto knife skills

Went with 1/4 of an inch. Here is what I used

Pin stripe link: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00029XBBY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Car interior moulding Trim,3D... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y58FM9K?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

And

VViViD XPO Red Carbon Fiber... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FXYDGCM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Cheers!

I used this:

1/4" 3M Vinyl Striping 150' 25 Colors Available (Tomato Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQN3W40/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9QkJDbZ97CZ7J

Although the red shade is a bit lighter than the red GTI strip.

I've seen some people recommend this one as well in the mk7owners forum:

Trimbrite T1218 Trim Stripe Red 1/4 Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2RkJDbW95FJ4X

Use 3m double sided body mold tape.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-03616-Scotch-Mount-Molding-Tape/dp/B0026HOTZ2

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Reflective-Scotchlite-ME-RK-99/dp/B00CEKUO1O

Honestly attempt it yourself. It's like $12 on Amazon (you may need to get 2). And if it doesn't work out then take it somewhere.

Trimbrite T9005 Black-Out Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XD62/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apip_YuWHWRm4MPRtv

I'd advise against using those screws since they are there specifically to tension the cooler against the GPU itself. Overtightening them could cause the silicon GPU die to chip or fracture.

Many people making acrylic backplates simply use a two-sided adhesive tape to stick it on. You only need to keep it from sliding off, it doesn't need much. The Automotive 3m tape works especially well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JR4D7AA

Yes, great trick.

ProTip: Heat up sticky with lighter WITH red covering on, then peel it off and stick to clean surfaces. This prevents all the black chemicals from being on the avtual adhesive which could diminish the effectiveness. Also dont overheat it.

If doing on cars with decals, or nice paint jobs use some helicopter tape between sticky and surface. But its pricey. https://www.amazon.com/Allstar-Performance-ALL14275-Clear-Surface/dp/B003BZO05C?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

I dont use it on my shoei 600$ helmet but have on many cars with decals and vinyl logos and such.

Good luck.

Trimbrite Black Out Tape.
https://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T9005-Black-Out-Tape/dp/B00029XD62

3M auto tape has a double back adhesive and is pretty resilient to most operating temperatures. Best to apply on a clean surface during a warm day or blow dry it in place.

Ah well there you go! I would think even if you had the legal colors it would make you more of a target for cops though. I personally like the stealth route since uh, yeah I am probably always speeding a bit.

If you want increase visibility, they make reflective tape that you can add to the back of your helmet, jacket, bike, etc.. Comes in black so if you have a black helmet it just blends in. I noticed that once I added a few big pieces to the back/sides of my helmet cars hung way further back from me at night.

Edit: this is the stuff I have:

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Reflective-Scotchlite-ME-RK-99/dp/B00CEKUO1O

I'm guessing Amazon.

You're looking for black, engineer grade/type 1 retroreflective tape.

http://reflective-tape.com/black-retro-reflective-tape/

http://www.colebrothers.com/reflective/index2.html

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchcal-Reflective-Striping-5-Inch/dp/B00063XI64

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchlite-Reflective-Striping-50-Foot/dp/B0010ASWF4

The amazon links aren't a great deal. You can get 150', instead of 50', of 1" tape for the same price off the other links.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FFDFJJS/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XBBE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used this for my pinstripe: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00029XBBY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vrLjDb4TNCG8S

The roll seemed flimsy and cheap but it seems to be sticking well.

I have speakers that are not quite that big, but still large, taped to my toolbox at work. I use the 3M Automotive Tape since we have tons of it on hand. It's double-sided foam tape and it's super sticky. Also how I had my license plate mounted to my car for a while there.

They've held up so far, and I'm sure in a climate controlled bedroom, the tape would last much longer. I wouldn't worry about them falling off, unless you had massive home theater speakers on there...

This is the type of stuff you want. It needs proper prep and cleaning to stick right though.

3M (38583 1/4" x 15' Exterior Attachment Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JR4D7AA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DMFsDbBYZS2PN

For the window trim I wouldn't suggest painting it. I suggesting picking up a few rolls of this http://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T9005-Black-Out-Tape/dp/B00029XD62 I think 2 covers the whole car and then some. Also pick up a cheap exacto knife.

For the kidneys and front grille I suggest popping them out and painting them. Do a dark primer and then my suggestion would be a flat or semi-gloss black. Shouldn't cost much.

3M makes black reflective tape that works well

You can always go the ghetto route and use an old tube, but I'd recommend clear helicopter tape. Don't bother with bike specific tape, it's a huge ripoff. Buy this: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003BZO05C
This is what I use for all my bikes and it works really well. A 30 ft. roll is plenty to protect multiple bikes; you won't be fucked if you mess up because you'll probably have another 25 ft. of tape left. Also, buy a small squeegee and a spray bottle if you don't have these already. It will make applying the tape a breeze.

Trimbrite T1118 1/8 Pinstripe Tape Red https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00029XB1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o8M0BbA9GEJ5B

With patience and a steady hand, it can turn out amazing.

It's actually just an interior trim you can get on amazon, like 10 bucks for 5 feet. It fits in the creases between the chrome and black dash giving it a real slick look imo. Super easy and cheap mod for a cool look.


And trust me I know, especially with Michigan winter approaching. I'm planning to pick up weathertech matts haha.

Edit: Red Trim it's also 5 meters not feet. I bought two, barely used any of the second one.

You can do this yourself for much less than hiring someone. Grip tape

This stuff off of Amazon.

Remove the old trim by using fishing line to separate the tape from the body. After, I would recommend using a 3m stripe off wheel like this -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHKN5_UfDik

to remove all the old glue from the car and the trim, then re-stick it on with 3m double sided trim tape - like this.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-03616-Scotch-Mount-Molding-Tape/dp/B0026HOTZ2/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1346365814&sr=1-3&keywords=3m+molding+tape

Use a level/long ruler to make sure your trim is level with the old trim on the rest of the car. Level it to the other trim piece, not the ground, your car might be lower in the front for example.

https://www.amazon.com/Allstar-Performance-ALL14275-Clear-Surface/dp/B003BZO05C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480187362&sr=8-3&keywords=helicopter+tape

Comes in different widths and lengths. It's similar to putting a screen protector on your cell phone and will resist dents/marks/etc. I currently have it on my downtube, chain/seatstays, and a few other places to keep the frame protected.

If they're adhesive pinstripes, this thing will take the old stripe off in no time at all, and you could either get pinstripe tape, or take it to someone to run the lines with paint, shouldn't be too spendy. I'd talk to a painter if they're painted on, though.

I used something like this. They'll probably have clear as well.

Edit: To pass inspection I believe you'll need to make sure that the whole thing is sealed. So if the crack is right on the edge, you may be out of luck.

I used this for my stuff. But its thin, so itd be a pain for tracing a decal out.

There are 2 inch versions that would be easier to use. Finding the color you want might be hard. Example 1, Example 2

It looks like plain electrical tape until you shine a light on it when its dark.

3m trim adhesive for the decal, and junkyards / salvage yards for everything else.

Your car is at that perfect age where there's a lot in the junkyard but not so old that they've been completely ruined.

Such a common car that you could really get a ton of stuff from a yard for pennies on the dollar.

Edit: it's not trim adhesive, it's this double sided tape: https://www.amazon.com/Double-Sided-Adhesive-Automotive-Acrylic/dp/B01IHMK9G2

The Indiana code cited concerns red reflectors (presumably the circular ones found on vehicles) and says nothing about reflective tape. To my knowledge, no jurisdiction in the US concerns itself with what tape or decals you can and cannot place on your own clothing and vehicles.

I bought a 50-foot roll of 3M Scotchcal Reflective Striping Tape, Black, .5-Inch to apply to the rear and sides of my panniers and am very pleased with the results. It cost me $27.04 on Amazon two years ago and is now priced at $35.91.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063XI64/

I used these.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CEKUO1O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My BIL is super good at drawing/tracing stuff and he loved the idea. I bribed him to do it and he spent the morning cutting, test-fitting, and applying them.

Amazon,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HYCO7NC

This tape is black but highly reflective. It can be put all over the place without being noticed except in headlights and flash photography.

You could add the red strip to the lower front face and the back ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XBBE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). It does look a lot sportier. You can also plasti dip all the chrome. Those are the only way I can think of not involving a louder exhaust.

Ordered this stuff from Amazon.

Beware that it's REALLY difficult to get it to work real nice around the sharp corners of the trim. I didn't try heating it up or anything because it's a matte black and I didn't want it to gloss over from heat/melting.

Honestly, you might want to look into vinyl wrapping through a local tint shop or similar - you should have better results that last longer. This stuff chipped and pealed in some areas after about 9 or 10 months in mild PNW weather.

I cleaned off the old adhesive and used new adhesive tape. 3M (38583) 1/4" x 15' Exterior Attachment Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JR4D7AA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wieGybYH9WV6Y

If I remember correctly I just bought red pinstripe tape off amazon.

EDIT: This, http://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T1118-Pinstripe-Tape-Red/dp/B00029XB1Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405101727&sr=8-2&keywords=pinstripe+tape

Maybe consider this self-adhering silicone tape. It's pretty amazing stuff. Very stretchy and permanently bonds to itself.

Thanks! Here's what I used:

Trimbrite T1118 1/8 Pinstripe Tape Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XB1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cjtIxbZ3CV402

The corners might not look perfect up close but it works for me!

3M. Do NOT use super glue!!!

This tape will work too. Also available in 1/2 inch. Follow the instructions to the letter.

Hair dryer and dental floss to get the old stuff off. Heat up the tape and use the floss to get under it. Then just pull slowly and it will all come off. Use standard soap and water to clean it and then use the same 3M tape they put it on with originally. They make an adhesion promoter you can use as well, but attention to detail when cleaning the area will suffice.

Link

Looks great! If you wanted to get super technical, you could buy this https://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T1114-Pinstripe-Tape-Black/dp/B00029XAYW and cover the line between the blue and yellow. It would make the line perfect, and be just like the original. Good work though, I've tried my hand at painting a few helmets with mixed results.

you can also put Grip tape on the sides too

I would probably think about putting the grippy strips (like this) on the steps/stairs, just to be safe.

Here's a link, you can get it in pretty much any width you want, so look at something like a ruler to get an idea of what you'd like. I would also make sure you have a sharp razor/cutting implement to give a clean cut end.

Pin Stripe Tape

I've heard good things about this

I'd measure your trim and make sure it's wide enough before ordering though. Make sure you get some as wide as the trim you're blacking out.

Just got a roll of the tape off amazon and laid down on the concrete and slapped it on there myself.

[Link](Trimbrite T1218 Trim Stripe Red 1/4 Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ulLoDbVD4ZEBN)

Hmm interesting concept. I could probably achieve something similar via different means.

For me I used hockey tape (nice matte black fabric like tape) and taped my Razer Firefly wire to itself, and ran it and my mouse cable (with some slack for movement) under my keyboard, then taped all 3 together and ran it to the back of my desk under my sound bar so it "looks" like only a single large cable going to the back of the desk.

Underneath I have a surge protector and a usb hub stuck with double-sided 3M automotive adhesive (I use this stuff for everything). and then these in expensive adhesive J-channel cable race for wires.

I also got rid of my center support leg in exchange for a heavy duty shelf bracket.

https://imgur.com/a/XZpd7f2

https://www.amazon.com/3M-03615-Scotch-Mount-Molding-Tape/dp/B000BO9L00/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2K2C6TAK8T4QQ&keywords=3m+automotive+double+sided+tape&qid=1568764442&sprefix=3m+auto%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Cable-Raceway-Black-Length/dp/B002DNM42O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=j+channel+wire&qid=1568764412&sr=8-2

I used 3M Automotive double sided tape.

I view the paint as the protector for the frame. But, if you're interested in protecting that, too, put helicopter tape over the paint.

Did you buy this one? https://www.amazon.ca/Trimbrite-T1218-Trim-Stripe-Tape/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549729531&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=trimbrite+pinstripe&dpPl=1&dpID=51gv6EF%2BViL&ref=plSrch

been using this 3M tape for over 2 years now for my light strip.
you dont need to use much either, cut little squares every 8 inches along the strip and you're good to go.

it's proper, commercial/industrial type stickening.

(source - used to work at a print and sign company, used it all the time on signs)

Maybe you could use the same tape as on skateboards and stairs? It's pretty resistant and can be changed when worn down, it's also rather cheap!
Griptape Amazon link

Taking it off and re-taping it would be way cheaper https://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T9005-Black-Out-Tape/dp/B00029XD62

I used to work in boats and there are only a few products that really work. They vary in price and are for different applications.
For smaller patches JB Weld has a two part marine adhesive that isn't too expensive (make sure to follow directions)
http://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8272-MarineWeld-Marine/dp/B000KKPFFA/ref=sr_1_41?ie=UTF8&qid=1458915714&sr=8-41&keywords=two+part+marine+epoxy
3M has a tape that i've used before and works well if you can dry/clean the surface before applying.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-03625-Wrap-Repair-Silicone/dp/B00G25GOCA/ref=pd_sim_263_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uPJZ9CL0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR114%2C160_&refRID=1G59XP3NQHA92MR38NTY

Hey, glad you liked it. I used this. Was super cheap and very easy to put in place. You'll need a steady hand and some patience but overall it's not too hard. If you check my other submissions here, you'll see I did the front bumper, side fender badges, and mirrors with this same tape. Just take your time, use wax / grease remover, and clean the area with isopropyl alcohol before laying it down.

It's not a perfect match, a little brighter than the paint. A dark blue would probably be better.
Trimbrite T1226 Trim Stripe 1/4 Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XBBY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_865VCbXGCG2Q6

Holding up great. Trimbrite T1218 Trim Stripe Red 1/4 Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CjGUDbTKJEJ2X

I agree w/ /u/beatuifulpoe on the Young Justice version. Also, it looks sleek and modern IMO.

For ease of looking things up, here's Evil Ted Smith for your EVA foam tutorials. Also, Punished Props are awesome too.

I've used a tail light repair kit for a cyclops visor I did in the past. The clarity through this is great! Just use a heat gun to shape it.

You can use these LED strips for the helmet lighting. They've already get resistors built in so all you need is a switch and 9v battery. 3 strips easily powered by one 9v battery and is still pretty bright.

Oh yeah the sound system is great in these cars Fender did a good job. Yep just like the GTI badge. I was really glad to see they added that and the red lipstick to the new models. Finally showing the GLI a little love, now if we could just get a sport model like the GTI. If you were interested in adding the lipstick I did it myself on my 13 with just some red vinyl racing stripe tape like this. Here's a pic of how it came out sorry it's a little dark but the best I could find.

There are black reflective strips that reflect a sort of light grey.

Here's one, there are fabric strips too.

Amazon.ca

Uline.ca

The salesman I bought my car from owns a WRX and a STI and had it on his cars. He had a bunch of pinstripe tape, So i just got it from him. Not sure of brand/exact color but something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T1118-Pinstripe-Tape-Red/dp/B00029XB1Y

Apologies for the late reply! I'd use something like this.

I just bought this one and did it myself actually. Any good generic 3M-type stripe tape should work well.

http://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T1218-Trim-Stripe-Tape/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453491270&sr=8-1&keywords=trimbrite+red+pinstripe

Like this stuff? 1/8 inch?

Well I bought these stripes from amazon

3"x72" Vinyl Racing Stripe Decal Oracal 651 (Gloss Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HYCO7NC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_pc.zybGXTMH1M

Was just still debating whether or not I should put them on or if it was an impulse buy. At least i only spent like $20 total.

You should put vinyl blackout tape over the parts you want to murder.

[blackout tape on amazon](http://Check this out at Amazon.com
Trimbrite T9005 Black-Out Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XD62/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_21c4Db100R7WA)

Trimbrite T1218 Trim Stripe Red 1/4 Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_Rhc0zbCY1SCM1

Thanks! I'm planning to do a post on it when I finally have the bar positions and cable routing figured out.

Agree about visibility - have you ever seen this stuff? It's incredibly bright with even relatively dim light sources. I'm planning to put a strip of it around my rims.

https://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T1218-Trim-Stripe-Tape/dp/B00029XBBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=red+pinstripe&qid=1556205582&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Something along these lines

Specifically either of these should work fine:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-38583-Exterior-Attachment-Tape/dp/B00JR4D7AA/

http://www.amazon.com/3M-03614-Scotch-Mount-Molding-Tape/dp/B002JOVUO0/

Walmart usually carries both and any auto parts store too.

I use polyurethane tape. Not a lot of protection against bashing but I just ride XC so need light protection.

1/8 in. 1/4 in. red pinstripe from Amazon. I may redo it. Two lessons I learned:

1. wait until it's warmer or heat a bit with a hairdryer to work around the corners. It broke and I lapped the new piece a bit. From up close, I can tell.
   
2. take a really sharp utility knife and trim the edge all along the grille. The pinstripe is slightly wider than the lip on which you're applying it and trimming it flush made it look a lot better.
   
   Might be better buying the pre-cut stripe from FT86SF, but all in all the red chin and the side markers took less than half an hour.
   
   Edit: Apparently it was 1/4 in. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XBBE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003BZO05C/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Most people just put it on their chain stays and areas that may get a lot of rub.


I'm clumsy and kept accidently hitting the bike with the tools and every time it'd chip

Auto pinstriping tape works the best you should be able to find it at any hardware or auto parts store.

Scotchcal: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063XI64/ (It comes in many widths and colors.)

Thank you! I often stare at that ass also when I walk away

I love the eyesight, it's something I didn't think I would need, but after having it, I can't live without it. I use it frequently on the freeway. Only caution I would throw in is if you know there's traffic, don't rely on eyesight's breaking, because it sometimes catches completely stopped traffic a tad late, and breaks really hard. When it accelerates, it tends to accelerate pretty hard too.
I typically throw on the adaptive cruise control and lane guard and cruise on the freeway.

I bought this tape for the red trims.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XBBE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I taped it along the grooves in the back, turned out better than I expected!

It's just 4-inch red automotive pinstriping. I got it at my local O'Reilly Auto Parts for like $4.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00029XBBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1502113381&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=trimbrite&dpPl=1&dpID=51gv6EF%2BViL&ref=plSrch