Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

[Bryan M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

Here's my Jan 70

Ken,
Wow! The pitting on your hood looks like what I found when I sanded my hood down to the original finish.

[Terry M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

When I have an original hood stripe LT1 at a Regional or National I spend 15 minutes or so explaining how to spot original stripes and why the edge has the kind of edge it does. The "feathering" that Ken speaks about is from the original mask which was made differently than the one you bought. The original mask, made by a steel rule die, is no longer available and probably never was available outside St. Louis. The masks today are cut part way through with a laser; a technology that wasn't used in 1970-72.

There is a description of this, and a drawing showing the tufts the steel rule die left in the mask in the 1970-72 TIM&JG. Check it out.

[Bryan M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

When I have an original hood stripe LT1 at a Regional or National I spend 15 minutes or so explaining how to spot original stripes and why the edge has the kind of edge it does. The "feathering" that Ken speaks about is from the original mask which was made differently than the one you bought. The original mask, made by a steel rule die, is no longer available and probably never was available outside St. Louis. The masks today are cut part way through with a laser; a technology that wasn't used in 1970-72.

There is a description of this, and a drawing showing the tufts the steel rule die left in the mask in the 1970-72 TIM&JG. Check it out.

With the info I've gathered so far, the stripe needs to have 3 characteristics.
1. Template piece misalignment. Judging Guide
2. The edges cannot be straight (small indentations). Judging Guide
3. The edges need to have feathered look. Member advice

[Terry M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

I think #2 and #3 are the same thing, but we should wait for Ken to comment since the "feathering" is his term.

[Alan S.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

Hi Bryan,
That's an interesting question.
I would start by doing some test stripe sections. I would apply the tape, (not from your kit), and then gently rub the edge of the tape with a clean, but crinkled -up, piece of paper towel, hopefully there is a tiny bit of adhesive residue on the tape edge that will grab some of the lint from the paper towel and give you a less than perfect paint edge. I'd then try it for real on your hood.
I know, that's really 'wish-n and hope-n', but that's what I would try.
Regards,
Alan

[Bryan M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

I think #2 and #3 are the same thing, but we should wait for Ken to comment since the "feathering" is his term.

Terry,
Are the edge imperfections always inward (valleys)? No outward imperfections (spikes)?

[Bryan M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

Hi Bryan,
That's an interesting question.
I would start by doing some test stripe sections. I would apply the tape, (not from your kit), and then gently rub the edge of the tape with a clean, but crinkled -up, piece of paper towel, hopefully there is a tiny bit of adhesive residue on the tape edge that will grab some of the lint from the paper towel and give you a less than perfect paint edge. I'd then try it for real on your hood.
I know, that's really 'wish-n and hope-n', but that's what I would try.
Regards,
Alan

Alan,
Sounds like it might work. The kit does come with a small extra piece of stripe stencil that can be used for test purposes.

[Terry M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

I think they are all outward -- peaks. The tell-tale is that they are all in line on each of the stripe edges. One can't always see all of them, and some stripes don't have any. I suppose it depended on how the line worker pulled the stripe out of the mask. What you are looking for are the little tufts left behind when the stripe was lifted from the main part of the mask. The mask was slit for an inch or so, and then there was a small < 1/16-inch solid space before the next slit began. This allowed the worker to lift the mask in the area that was to be painted, and the stripe "popped" out of the mask as each solid portion was torn.

You need to see the drawing in the TIM&JG. It is easier to describe if you have either the real deal in front of you, or the drawing at hand. I suggest you delay proceeding until you have the opportunity to examine one or more original hood stripes. There are lots of ways to F it up, and only one way to get it right. And after looking at one you just might decide it is not worth the risk and effort to try to duplicate the original. I have yet to see anyone succeed, but there is always a first time.

[Bryan M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

I think they are all outward -- peaks. The tell-tale is that they are all in line on each of the stripe edges. One can't always see all of them, and some stripes don't have any. I suppose it depended on how the line worker pulled the stripe out of the mask. What you are looking for are the little tufts left behind when the stripe was lifted from the main part of the mask. The mask was slit for an inch or so, and then there was a small < 1/16-inch solid space before the next slit began. This allowed the worker to lift the mask in the area that was to be painted, and the stripe "popped" out of the mask as each solid portion was torn.

You need to see the drawing in the TIM&JG. It is easier to describe if you have either the real deal in front of you, or the drawing at hand. I suggest you delay proceeding until you have the opportunity to examine one or more original hood stripes. There are lots of ways to F it up, and only one way to get it right. And after looking at one you just might decide it is not worth the risk and effort to try to duplicate the original. I have yet to see anyone succeed, but there is always a first time.

Terry,
I do have the JG diagram for reference. I might just have to settle for the getting the hood closer to the correct color and template piece misalignment.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

We are using lacquer paint. The kit comes with instructions on how to apply it using different paints. How would you duplicate the feather look?

I am not a painter but I was told that if you use lacquer paint & pull the mask off soon after it's applied it runs under the mask.The body color was not dry yet so the stripe color bled to the body color I was told that it dose not work with the base coat / clear coat paint.I can put you in touch with someone that will help you. You can call me for his #
KEN 260 927 6891

[Bryan M.]

Re: Painting the LT-1 Hood Stripe

Great talking with you Ken. A lot good info.