Caterham Vinyl Wrap
Discussion
Good Evening All,
So I’ve got my deposit down for the 2019 Caterham Academy (self build) and now I’m trying to make that all important decision of what colour to go for.
I’m considering getting it vinyl wrapped. Does anyone have an idea of how much it will cost and have any recommendations for a good company to do this (preferably in the South West since I am based in Plymouth)?
I also read somewhere that if you’re going to get in vinyl wrapped you need to get it painted first anyway, because it won’t bond to bare aluminium. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
I’m trying to keep the decoration budget as low as possible given what I’ve heard about Caterham racing and car damage. Doesn’t seem much point spending all my money trying to make it look too pretty, but I do want something that can be recognised from the side of the track.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
So I’ve got my deposit down for the 2019 Caterham Academy (self build) and now I’m trying to make that all important decision of what colour to go for.
I’m considering getting it vinyl wrapped. Does anyone have an idea of how much it will cost and have any recommendations for a good company to do this (preferably in the South West since I am based in Plymouth)?
I also read somewhere that if you’re going to get in vinyl wrapped you need to get it painted first anyway, because it won’t bond to bare aluminium. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
I’m trying to keep the decoration budget as low as possible given what I’ve heard about Caterham racing and car damage. Doesn’t seem much point spending all my money trying to make it look too pretty, but I do want something that can be recognised from the side of the track.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
OK. Firstly, it doesn't need painting before a wrap. Most racing cars are wrapped because it's easy to change colour scheme / fix after a 'mishap' etc. The cost varies but is normally under a grand for a really good job. A paint job is considerably more. Go for a colour scheme that incorporates black wings and nosecone. These are 'consumables'.
Somewhere around £800-£1200.
Personally I would go for a cheap and cheerful job - the car will take a lot of abuse on the race circuit. If you know anyone dabbling with car painting it's a very easy car to spray. I knew an apprentice who did it for the cost of the paint for me (about £300).
Personally I would go for a cheap and cheerful job - the car will take a lot of abuse on the race circuit. If you know anyone dabbling with car painting it's a very easy car to spray. I knew an apprentice who did it for the cost of the paint for me (about £300).
Congratulatuons, welcome to the Academy! I am in the 2018 Academy and have self built (currently waiting IVA approval!). You have made the right choice, I am loving it already and the car hasn't even been on a track yet!
To answer your questions:
- there is no need to get it painted, most of the wrapped cars are bear ali.
- if you can, keep the wings black and unwrapped. These have a reputation for being consumable and Caterham only stock black ones at the track.
- if you go with your own place make sure they have wrapped Caterhams before and in particular know how to wrap the louvres.
- I used Joyce Designs in Chelmsford and they have done a really good job, but that is a fair old trek for you!
- I got mine wrapped when it was a bare shell prior to assembly. It feels like this was the right call as access to everything is much easier
- I hadn't realised this, but Caterham can help you get it wrapped too, so worth asking. I believe they use a company called Colourbox and can even get it wrapped while it is still at the factory.
And on a separate note, enjoy the build up! If you fancy getting some early practice in, I have a 2012 Academy spec car that I am looking to sell on shortly
To answer your questions:
- there is no need to get it painted, most of the wrapped cars are bear ali.
- if you can, keep the wings black and unwrapped. These have a reputation for being consumable and Caterham only stock black ones at the track.
- if you go with your own place make sure they have wrapped Caterhams before and in particular know how to wrap the louvres.
- I used Joyce Designs in Chelmsford and they have done a really good job, but that is a fair old trek for you!
- I got mine wrapped when it was a bare shell prior to assembly. It feels like this was the right call as access to everything is much easier
- I hadn't realised this, but Caterham can help you get it wrapped too, so worth asking. I believe they use a company called Colourbox and can even get it wrapped while it is still at the factory.
And on a separate note, enjoy the build up! If you fancy getting some early practice in, I have a 2012 Academy spec car that I am looking to sell on shortly
Thanks all. I won’t bother getting it painted then.
Lemon Curd - thanks for the tip about Caterham doing it before delivery. I’ll have to enquire. Also, I’m going to be coming along to the Castle Combe event in August to get a feel for it so hopefully I’ll see you there. I’ll be the guy walking around looking very excited asking lots of stupid questions.
Jimmy7 - thanks for the tip but I think Maidenhead might be a bit far from Plymouth but then again pretty much everywhere is.
And finally, great tip there The Hoof, I’ll make sure I stock up on matching tape.
Lemon Curd - thanks for the tip about Caterham doing it before delivery. I’ll have to enquire. Also, I’m going to be coming along to the Castle Combe event in August to get a feel for it so hopefully I’ll see you there. I’ll be the guy walking around looking very excited asking lots of stupid questions.
Jimmy7 - thanks for the tip but I think Maidenhead might be a bit far from Plymouth but then again pretty much everywhere is.
And finally, great tip there The Hoof, I’ll make sure I stock up on matching tape.
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