Need Design Ideas for My New (To Me) 1996 Challenger

[blacter]

I just bought a 1996 Challenger. The boat has no graphics on the hull and I'm hoping to add some. I sent a PM to Dr Honda asking for suggestions, but I wonder, too, what you guys have done.

If you've dressed up your boat with graphics, I'd be grateful if you'd post a photo or two here.

Thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

I can do a re-run of my sportster's graphics. It's not fancy... but it looked good. I did change my colors a bit to teal and silver... but we can go with the teal and purple.

 

[cheappc]

Nice boat blacter,

Good find, looks sweet. Doc, how much for just the "seadoo" in the back? just asking

 

[Dr Honda]

The big one on the back would be about $35 shipped. (in 2 colors)

 

[cheappc]

You think it would fit my boat (not sure, I dont think it has the same width and length as the 96)?

 

[blacter]

Thanks, DH. Couple of question. Can you do a custom boat name on the stern, rather than the SeaDoo logo? My other thought is keep SeaDoo on the stern and replace the SeaDoo on the sides with a large "Challenger" logo.

Also I'd like to replace the graphics around the switches at the helm. Can you do those? Also the SeaDoo logo on the trailer?

 

[Dr Honda]

You think it would fit my boat (not sure, I dont think it has the same width and length as the 96)?

That bottom part should be the same. But measure the length and height... and I can tell you

Thanks, DH. Couple of question. Can you do a custom boat name on the stern, rather than the SeaDoo logo? My other thought is keep SeaDoo on the stern and replace the SeaDoo on the sides with a large "Challenger" logo.

Also I'd like to replace the graphics around the switches at the helm. Can you do those? Also the SeaDoo logo on the trailer?

Sure... I can do a name. Anything with basic graphics, and text is easy.

As far as the helm switches... I had someone else ask me about that... and that one may be a little harder. But, I may be able to do something.

Think about what you want... and we can figure out the pricing.

 

[jim7]

Not to take any business from you Doc...(you are a great help at this forum) but check out the boat graphics from this site

http://www.jetskidetailing.com/

 

[blacter]

Sure... I can do a name. Anything with basic graphics, and text is easy.

As far as the helm switches... I had someone else ask me about that... and that one may be a little harder. But, I may be able to do something.

Think about what you want... and we can figure out the pricing.

Okay, let's do the big Sea-Doo on the stern. On the sides of the hull I'd like "Challenger" (where you have the Sea-Doo logo). Nothing above the rub rail. I also need "Sea-Doo" logos to replace the faded ones on the trailer. Thanks.

 

[blacter]

Sure... I can do a name. Anything with basic graphics, and text is easy.

As far as the helm switches... I had someone else ask me about that... and that one may be a little harder. But, I may be able to do something.

Think about what you want... and we can figure out the pricing.

Okay, DH. Let's do the big Sea-Doo logo at the stern. On the sides, where you have the Sea-Doo logo, I'd like a "Challenger" logo. Nothing above the rub rail. I also need two Sea-Doo logos to replace the faded ones on the trailer. Thanks.

...Barry

P.S. Here's a photo of the faded helm graphics. Would be great if you could come up with a replacement. BTW, any idea what might have been in that rectangular opening at the bottom right?

 

[Dr Honda]

Not to take any business from you Doc...(you are a great help at this forum) but check out the boat graphics from this site

http://www.jetskidetailing.com/

Not an issue. There have been a lot of posts about that shop over the years. They seem to do a good job. Also... the vinyl I do is just for hobby money.

But personally, I've never been into the "Busy" graphics. I put some of that type of graphics on a dirt bike back into the 90's... and I never cared for it after they were put on. (I think it was my 94 Yamaha YZ250) After that... I just ran the factory graphics.

 

[Dr Honda]

Okay, DH. Let's do the big Sea-Doo logo at the stern. On the sides, where you have the Sea-Doo logo, I'd like a "Challenger" logo. Nothing above the rub rail. I also need two Sea-Doo logos to replace the faded ones on the trailer. Thanks.

...Barry

P.S. Here's a photo of the faded helm graphics. Would be great if you could come up with a replacement. BTW, any idea what might have been in that rectangular opening at the bottom right?

The hole on the bottom right isn't factory. I'd say the last owner had a switch mounted there, and took it out.


OK on the rest of it. What colors did you want?


Now... as far as the control panel sticker... I either need a "Rubbing" done, and sent to me... or I need VERY precise measurements of the overall sticker, and the hole locations.

 

[blacter]

The hole on the bottom right isn't factory. I'd say the last owner had a switch mounted there, and took it out.


OK on the rest of it. What colors did you want?


Now... as far as the control panel sticker... I either need a "Rubbing" done, and sent to me... or I need VERY precise measurements of the overall sticker, and the hole locations.

I'll do a rubbing for you as soon as this rain stops. I'd want something much simpler in design, without the funky graphics. Also would want to cover the hole. When the time comes, what's the trick to getting the old sticker off?

I'm colorblind-ish, so colors are tough for me. What would you suggest that would look good with the purple and green?

 

[Dr Honda]

Good... a rubbing is the best. To do it properly... you will have to remove the switches, and other parts, so I can have a clean rubbing. When you are ready, PM me for an address.

Unfortunately, on graphics that old and cooked... there isn't an easy way. If you use heat, it makes the vinyl soft... but the glue will still be hard. AND... by the time you get the glue soft... the vinyl will be melting, and you will discolor the white gel coat. All you can do is use a VERY sharp razor, and pull. I find that if you keep pressure on the vinyl, and keep pushing the razor under it... it helps separate it. (like skinning an animal) Then, you can use Zippo fluid to remove the old glue.

With the rubbing, I can cut a sticker, and check the fit. And, since I don't "Print" graphics... there won't be any funky graphics.

Let me think about the colors.


And yes... the new sticker wont have any holes in it, so it will cover the square hole. BUT... I would recommend filling the hole with some epoxy. Just put some tape on the back, and fill it. You can even put tape on the top to help make it flat. If you don't fill the hole... inevitably, someone will put their finger though it.

 

[blacter]

One more thing, DH. There's a panel on top of the hood at the helm (see photo). Looks like it had a decal at one time. I'll need a new decal to cover the outline of the old one. Size should be 8-1/2x2-1/2.

 

[Dr Honda]

We can deal with that too.

I had another request for teal and purple... so I'm ordering a new roll of purple this morning.

 

[Mazdarx]

On mine there is a decal there that says Seadoo Challenger. I can get you a picture of mine if that helps any.

 

[blacter]

On mine there is a decal there that says Seadoo Challenger. I can get you a picture of mine if that helps any.

Thanks, Mazdarz. Would appreciate a photo.

 

[Mazdarx]

Here is the original sticker that was there.

 

[Dr Honda]

thanks for the pic.

 

[Dr Honda]

Just bring this to the top so I can find it... and hopefully we will get some update pics.

 

[UnityRacing]

Count me in on one of those helm decals.

Has anyone ever used a 3M eraser wheel on gelcoat? I use them to take the door ding mouldings and factory decals off my vehicles and it does a SUPER job of removing the sticker and glue at once. Just not sure if it would burn through gelcoat. I put a small mar in my rear bumper using the wheel. I'll bet if your careful it will work. This was my plan for all the boats decals anyway.

 

[rob91bob]

Wanted to post some of Dr. Honda's work!

 

[Hammertime]

I've used an eraser wheel on my challenger worked very well not sure if it was 3m of not. My gel coat is faded so I was not concerned about it. Just move around so it doesn't get too hot.

 

[Dr Honda]

Thanks for posting the pics. I got those other stickers out to you yesterday.