Fuel Tank Decals – Confused???

[John Gragg]

Hi All,

So I finally have gotten around to doing some work on my fuel tanks. I bought a set of decals for the 4 gallon tank from Discontinued Decals many months ago, and just last night thought about installing them.

I didn’t realize the decals were a ‘sheet’ of lettering? I thought I was buying the lettering that would transfer to the tank, no?

Does anyone sell the lettering as individual letters, rather than as a sheet?

I got one side done (sort-of) but didn’t like the look. Am I over-thinking it?

I plan to use the 2K clear coat over the top once I’m done if that matters.

Anyone who has done this with any input would be greatly appreciated. I found the instructions very difficult to understand and follow. Seems they made them harder than they needed to be?

Starting from square one now, need to order new decals for whatever I decide to do.

Thanks!

 

Best Regards,

John Gragg
RIverside, CA

Just starting in the hobby, please be patient.

48 Sea King 5hp GG9014A
49 Sea King 5hp GG9014A
48 Johnson TD20
49 Johnson TD20
54 Johnson QD15
55 Johnson CD12

[Al]

try AMERICANOUTBOARD.COM 410 822 1740 They may have what you need

[aquasonic]

I’m not sure why you would want individual letters etc. Having everything on one transfer keeps everything lined up and positioned correctly within the decal itself. With everything separated, installation sounds like a nightmare.

outboarddecals.com uses 3M vinyl decal material and has simple instructions.

 

[Fastwin18]

I think he is referring to individual letters on a single transfer rather than 1 large vinyl decal that is transparant inbetween letters

[The Boat House]

 

  1 suspect he has little experience applying decals. Watching some you tube videos about applying large decals maybe helpful. You can cut the decal up to make it easier. Even into single letters if you choose.Tubs

[John Gragg]

Yes, Individual letters rather than a ‘sheet’ of letters. I have applied plenty of decals over the years (muscle car restorations) and have not run into a situation where the original lettering (or decal, as such) was applied individually, but the reproduction was applied as a sheet. (one vinyl decal).

It looks so ‘cheap’ to me. It ‘screams’ “IM NOT ORIGINAL”.

In my perfect world, the white lettering, e.g. “Johnson” would come off the vinyl sheet and stick straight to the fuel tank, as it did back in 1954 (or whatever year).

 

Just my opinion.

John Gragg
RIverside, CA

Just starting in the hobby, please be patient.

48 Sea King 5hp GG9014A
49 Sea King 5hp GG9014A
48 Johnson TD20
49 Johnson TD20
54 Johnson QD15
55 Johnson CD12

[John Gragg]

Or, even better…

Someone would sell a stencil that could be mounted to the tank and used to spray the lettering in white.

Anyone out there have any experience making/manufacturing stencils?

It would need to have a moderately sticky surface to keep it up against the tank while spraying the white.

Yea, probably not an idea that would work for the DIY’er

Thanks!

John Gragg
RIverside, CA

Just starting in the hobby, please be patient.

48 Sea King 5hp GG9014A
49 Sea King 5hp GG9014A
48 Johnson TD20
49 Johnson TD20
54 Johnson QD15
55 Johnson CD12

[Author]

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