Hood Star Decals

[ArmyRN]

I'm retired Army, and just got a new 2023 Willys JLU with the XR package in Sting Gray. I want to put a star decal on the hood as a nod to the Army.

For those of you who have actually put one on your hood, tell me about it. What brand (or where did you get it), and what was the installation like? Did you get it in "gloss" or "matte"? Is it holding up to wear?

Pics and links would be great. Thanks!

I'm considering this one from Amazon:

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[pixeldecals]

Paul - I make these and make them out of wrap vinyl versus standard sign vinyl so they hold up a little better. Happy to work with you on mockups that show different sizes and such.

 

[Maverick909]

Pixel is the only place i will get my decals. Easy to work with and always great product

 

[jludave]

I'm considering this one from Amazon

Don't. Go with pixeldecals.

 

[ArmyRN]

Paul - I make these and make them out of wrap vinyl versus standard sign vinyl so they hold up a little better. Happy to work with you on mockups that show different sizes and such.

That was quick. Glad I posted here.

Well here's your chance. Show me (us) what you've got. Seems like 20" is the standard size (based on my very limited search - convince me otherwise). I want it centered on the hood. Since the "Willys" writing on the hood looks like it is in gloss, I think I'd like the star in gloss too to match. I kinda like the distressed look.

I know close to nothing about installing something of this size. I have a fear of screwing up the install. Does it go on "wet" or "dry"? If wet, do yours come with an install kit (or is that just overkill?).

Got pics of your stars on Jeeps?

 

[pixeldecals]

The install kit is a gimmick as far as the fluid - it has as much chance of breaking open in the package and ruining as it does staying closed, you can do the same thing with a spray bottle of water with a few drops of dish soap. I can send you a squeegee which is helpful. The 3M wrap vinyl makes things easier as well because it has air release technology in the adhesive that helps the install go smoother.

Here's what a 20" star looks like on a Willys Hood on the left, the right is 16". When you want to miss the hood bumpers, the 20" star might not fully fit on the hump where the 16" will:

 

[ArmyRN]

Or I guess I could go to your website.

Military-Star-Decal-Distressed (pixeldecals.com)

I'm assuming "black" is close to a "gloss black"?

Looks like you've got it in 20" and 22". Got pictures (anyone) of either of these on your JL's hoods? I wonder how much bigger 22" would be (two inches... I know).

Oh... just found your install instructions link:

Install-Instructions (pixeldecals.com)

 

[pixeldecals]

See above - 22" would be too large, IMO. 16" or 18" would be my choice on a Willys.

the 3M 2080 Gloss Black would be the better choice on a larger star for install ease. The color labeled just "Black" is not air release material.

 

[ArmyRN]

Ok... looks like I'll be ordering an 18" gloss black distress star tomorrow (gotta get ready for work right now). Too easy.

Got a link I can click on to order this (I don't remember seeing gloss black on your website)?

 

[pixeldecals]

Yep, it's available here. I realized that it was missing after you went there so I updated all the stars with the wrap colors.

https://www.pixeldecals.com/shop/Military-Decals/Military-Star-Decal-Distressed

Also happy to invoice you instead so you can be sure you get the right one. Just message me your email address.

 

[Canucklesammich]

That was quick. Glad I posted here.

Well here's your chance. Show me (us) what you've got. Seems like 20" is the standard size (based on my very limited search - convince me otherwise). I want it centered on the hood. Since the "Willys" writing on the hood looks like it is in gloss, I think I'd like the star in gloss too to match. I kinda like the distressed look.

I know close to nothing about installing something of this size. I have a fear of screwing up the install. Does it go on "wet" or "dry"? If wet, do yours come with an install kit (or is that just overkill?).

Got pics of your stars on Jeeps?

I also highly recommend pixeldecals. It can be slow on delivery (I believe he's a one man operation) but if you're looking for quality, he's the best. I replaced my "Rubicon" decal on my hood w/ a metallic grey and a reflective black border that almost matched the Granite paint for a ghosted look, and it came out just as I wanted.

 

[Jiggs1960]

I'm retired Army, and just got a new 2023 Willys JLU with the XR package in Sting Gray. I want to put a star decal on the hood as a nod to the Army.

For those of you who have actually put one on your hood, tell me about it. What brand (or where did you get it), and what was the installation like? Did you get it in "gloss" or "matte"? Is it holding up to wear?

Pics and links would be great. Thanks!

I'm considering this one from Amazon:

Quadratec, matte finish, wet application. very easy to put on.
thanks for your service. I put it on my wife's Jeep, in honor of her father (WWII vet), I was a Jar-head

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Go with pixeldecals!

Also...
Made me think of the HD, Key Lock Caps, Wiper Arm Caps and Badges that @Threedom offers.
https://www.mythreedom.com

 

[ArmyRN]

See above - 22" would be too large, IMO. 16" or 18" would be my choice on a Willys.

the 3M 2080 Gloss Black would be the better choice on a larger star for install ease. The color labeled just "Black" is not air release material.

Is the "matte finish" an air release material? Looking at the Willys lettering on my JLU, I'm wondering now if it is more of a matte finish vs. a gloss. Don't think I could go wrong either way.

 

[pixeldecals]

Yes, all of the materials at the bottom of the list with an up-charge are air release. You would want the 3M 2080 Series Matte Black or Gloss Black to get that feature when looking at black finishes. I definitely make many more of these in matte black than I do gloss black.

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