Best method for applying labels to air cleaner

[Jack O.]

Hi everyone,
I got a new chrome air cleaner lid and some repro stickers to apply to it. I've done this before and had the corners peal up after a short time. Does anyone have any suggestions on applying them such as something to first clean the lid with, or heating it slightly or any other proven techniques?
Thanks,
Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: Best method for applying labels to air cleaner

Hi everyone,
I got a new chrome air cleaner lid and some repro stickers to apply to it. I've done this before and had the corners peal up after a short time. Does anyone have any suggestions on applying them such as something to first clean the lid with, or heating it slightly or any other proven techniques?
Thanks,
Jack

Jack-----


This is a VERY common problem. The adhesive used on most reproduction labels has nowhere near the adhesive properties or heat resistance of that used on the original labels. I just don't understand why the reproduction sources cannot get this right.

In any event, the best you can do is to clean the surface before applying the labels with a very effective grease and oil cleaner like TCE or commercial grease remover available from automotive paint stores (you can use these for LOTS of things besides label surface preparation).

The chances are, though, even if you do the above, the labels are still going to lift at the edges after time and exposure to engine compartment heat.

[Pat M.]

Re: Best method for applying labels to air cleaner

I used a tiny bit of super glue on the edges of my label and they've held for a couple of years now.

[Alan S.]

Re: Best method for applying labels to air cleaner

Hi Jack,
On my 71 I found that the original label was just foil with with the printing on one side and adhesive on the other. Some of the reproduction labels have a paper backing to the foil that the adhesive is on. This makes the label noticeably thicker to the eye. The pure foil label seems to lay flatter and stick better than the paper backed label. What type of label do you have and have you looked for a pure foil label? I'm not sure what might be available for your car.
Regards,
Alan

[Jack O.]

Re: Best method for applying labels to air cleaner

Hi Alan,

I have a '69 427 and the labels I've bought, 427 Cross Flags and 425 HP TurboJet, are run-of-the-mill repro's and are therefore most likely not the foil type of which you speak. Do you have any leads on where better labels may be acquired? Thanks for the suggestion.

Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: Best method for applying labels to air cleaner

Hi Alan,

I have a '69 427 and the labels I've bought, 427 Cross Flags and 425 HP TurboJet, are run-of-the-mill repro's and are therefore most likely not the foil type of which you speak. Do you have any leads on where better labels may be acquired? Thanks for the suggestion.

Jack

Jack-----


The original air cleaner labels were not a foil-only type label (i.e. they were not like, for instance, most of the Harrison radiator labels which were foil-only). They were foil over a very thin, adhesive backed paper.

These labels were VERY durable and the adhesive used was a pressure-sensitive type which stayed put, often for years. I don't know of any reproduction source that offers labels like the originals in this respect. I don't know why they can't, but they don't.