CAMARO FULL SIZE COWL HOOD FADE GRAPHIC
PART#ACC-  /CMHF104
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
(PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION RECOMMENDED)  

ITEMS INCLUDED:
1-Full Size Hood Graphic
1-Optional Gloss Black Hood Vent Graphic
1-Felt Squeegee
2-Adhesive Promoter Tubes 

This graphics kit is a special order and is not returnable.  Please look it over and practice lining up the pieces before you begin.

This high quality hood gradient has been printed onto a 7-10 year high performance vinyl with a UV protected surface laminate that will last for many years. The graphic has been designed for application for the standard CAMARO and SS models as well. It is strongly recommended that this kit be installed by a professional graphic installer and or level five vehicle wrapper. 

1.  The first and most critical step in this and any graphic installation is the surface preparation. Thoroughly scrub clean the paint area with a professional wax and silicone remover. Many such surface preps are available at any auto paint supply and or upper level auto part stores. If these are not available to you rubbing alcohol would be the next best thing to remove any and all dirt and wax from the painted surface. You have been provided with adhesive promoter snap tubes. With the surface of the hood and header scrubbed clean swipe a single bead of adhesive promoter along the gap between the hood and header. Apply the promoter to the both the right and left curves of the header vent (should you be applying this graphic to an SS model). This will insure that the graphic will permanently bond to these areas long term. 

2.  Your graphic comes to you with a paper vent location attached directly to the front end of the graphic. If this graphic is to be installed on a SS models vent area the graphic offers you two options for application. A highly trained installer should be able to slice the graphic at the vent area and form the vinyl to the lower vent area. Using a heat gun to soften the vinyl will allow him to wrap the vinyl into this area bonding to the adhesive promoter applied earlier thusly shaping the graphic to the vent area nicely however should you elect to apply the graphic using the gloss black vent insert provided simply cut the graphic along the paper application removing the vent area from the graphic then install the gloss black vent insert first using the heat gun to set and dry this application, then simply install the main graphic sealing the cut opening to the gloss black vinyl creating a nice and complete application to the header vent area. If your application is going to be installed to a standard CAMARO simply remove the paper vent liner and proceed to install the graphic without the vent area. 

3.  Now that the surface has been properly prepared and you are ready to install the graphic you must first mark the dead center of the hood at the windshield and also at the front nose area. Apply a small piece of masking tape to these two spots. Measure the center of the hood and mark this measurement directly to the tape at both ends of the application. Next mark the graphic itself at both ends. This will enable you to perfectly align the graphic at both the windshield area as well as the front nose. 

4.  Now you will need to prepare the mounting solution. Fill a 32oz. spray bottle with water and ad a few drops of Johnson's baby shampoo. This soap is a pure detergent and is a perfect solution agent. Mix the water and spray it directly to the paint. Then see if the solution sheets or beads up. If it beads up add a little more soap until it just sheets to the paint. Be sure not to add too much soap as this will make the installation difficult to set and will cause bonding problems long term. 

5.  Using the hood surface as a spring board, spray some solution onto the hood and then laying the graphic face down allowing the graphic to cling to the hood. Peel the release liner from the graphic as you thoroughly saturate the adhesive with your solution. Do this until the adhesive is completely and thoroughly saturated with the solution and then flip the graphic into position. Using the felt squeegee provided stretch the length and set the graphic from one center mark to the other. Work all the solution out to the sides trying not to trap any air bubbles, as you work the graphic out to the edges you will be confronted with several fingers formed in the graphic. The best and most sure way to work the graphic to the edge is to shrink the graphic finger out to lay flat using a heat gun. It is very important not to apply too much heat as this will tend to distort the vinyl and cause creases. Go slowly shrink the finger and then gently set the edge of the graphic to the paint.  

6.  With the graphic nicely set onto the hood and header, carefully and skillfully slice the gap between the hood and header. Try to slice the graphic directly at the center for the best look. Once this is done pop the hood and then work the edges of the graphic to the adhesive promoter applied earlier. Use a paper towel to absorb the solution as you set and dry this fold to the paint using your heat gun again being careful not to apply too much heat.  

7.  Should any scuff marks be created to the graphic surface during the installation it is good to know that your graphic can be buffed and compounded to remove light scratches and it is safe to use a common scratch removing compound found at any auto part store. Allow 24 hour for the graphic to set and dry. Do not use high pressure washers to wash the graphic area. 

  If any questions occur during installation please contact American Car Craft at 727 861-1500.        

CARE AND MAINTENANCE:

Allow 24 hours to set before washing. Never use a car wash with brushes.
DO wash your graphics with plain soap and water or any car wash soap. Rinse thoroughly. 
DO keep high-pressure nozzles at least 1 ½ feet from the edge of the graphic. High-pressure spray may cause the edge of the graphic to peel.
DON’T use any aromatic solvents such as acetone, paint thinner, and lacquer thinner on your graphics. Any solvent may soften or smear colors.
DON’T overcoat the graphics with clear paint.
DON’T let gasoline drip or stay on graphics for any length of time. If a spill occurs, wipe off and rinse with water immediately.
DON’T apply wax over graphics, especially if the wax contains any petroleum distillates.