Vehicle Lettering Experience.

[bladebreaker]

So I've been putting it off, but finally got my name/logo info on my truck. It was produced by our own member, Troy (Streetwize). He duplicated my logo perfectly and came up with the heli design from a picture that I sent him. I have had 6 vehicles lettered in the past for my other business and this has been the best experience so far. He set it all up, cut it, mailed it, and even sent me a quick instructional video so I wouldn't goof it up....all for a great price.

Tip

http://aircam.smugmug.com/photos/274809032_8Gn9W-M.jpg

http://aircam.smugmug.com/photos/274809078_v4GWZ-L.jpg

[forjer]

That should get some attention.

[Whirly-Girl]

Very nice!

[SeaHawk]

very sharp. I'd do the same on my transport (white Prius), but I live in one of those neighborhoods which prohibit working vehicles in the driveway. Has it helped your business? I have found traditional advertising has little return on investment.

[bladebreaker]

If you can't display it, that could be a problem. I have 2 different business vehicles (both lettering from Troy) that are lettered in my driveway. I try to keep the photo truck in the garage because it stays cleaner.
When I pull up to a job in my truck, I think it looks much more professional. I have gotten many calls from my other vehicle (dent repair business).

Tip

[SeaHawk]

I've seen some of this work on his website, does nice stuff.

[streetwize]

Looks like your having a party without me... ;) Suppose I'd better subscribe, I haven't been here in a while... I'll get the website updated shortly too.

Lost my "normal" job back in Nov. I'm trying to re-establish my long time 'part time' business into full time again (3 year break). Est. 1995... So far its only cost me my 'bergen gasser' money... Small set back, bummer.

I've been really pushing to get my AP business going, but stickers are what currently pay the bills.

I should change my avatar to a sign that says "Will work for a gasser!"

SeaHawk, could you have a small trailer lettered and keep it covered while at home? There usually isn't a sign ordinance that covers trailers and if thats possibly you could also park your vehicle w/trailer near busy entrances of large shopping malls or busy intersections for advertising. Just pull it while on a job or any time you want to advertise. Because of fuel prices I'm switching from a high top conversion van to a orange ford escort with a custom aerodynamic trailer.

Troy

[SeaHawk]

nope, can't have trailers either. Good idea if that were not a restriction. I like to run light (especially with gas prices) and plenty of room with the prius or VW hatchback. I thought at one time I might compromise with magnetic logos, but someone said they come off and give the appearence of 'lack of commitment' or professionalism.

[WillJames]

Nice Vehicle Graphics!! :noteworthy

[streetwize]

Most people think of magnetics as a square but they can be any shape. With your logo it can be cheated to 'not' look like a magnet. Magnets have to be stored on a flat surface when not in use. Laying on a seat in a hot vehicle will warp them so they will no longer fit. Also, they will blow off under certain conditions and if place to close to the edge of something like a door line.

I should mention highway speeds can blow them off. Cruising around town will not.

Troy

[SeaHawk]

maybe I could get the graphics put on the car and cover them with an all white magnet:) to apease the homeowners association. That way I could have my permanent graphics and cover them as I drive into my sub. Too Rube Goldburg?

[streetwize]

Whatever works, enamel receptive vinyl can be painted with automotive paint too. The ultimate cover up. ;)

[ag4ever]

maybe I could get the graphics put on the car and cover them with an all white magnet:) to apease the homeowners association. That way I could have my permanent graphics and cover them as I drive into my sub. Too Rube Goldburg?

Personally, I would get the vehicle lettered, then deal with the homeowner association issue if it ever came up.

Do you know for a fact that small company vehilces with lettering are prohibited, or are they keeping large commercial vehicles out?

[SeaHawk]

it's work vehicles. I could probably get away with keeping it in the garage, but that will be a pain in butt for me. Most of my neighbors would not bother trying to enforce the rule, but it only takes one.

[Tonystott]

I really like the idea of magnetic cover-up panels which you remove when not at home.

[r40734]

HOA's are a pain in the big brown patookie, but they can be fought. I'm not sure what all the laws are in your state (whatever state that is), but I found a little known rule in the last state I lived. It has worked in this state, also.

In short, you can form your own HOA and over-ride the existing one. You will need support of some of your neighbor's though. It's not a one man job. It helps if there have been complaints against the current one. Start by checking on the requirements set forth by the original developer and work from there. When it's all said and done, it just comes down to a vote held in your community, which most people won't show up for in the first place. Just make sure you and your supporters do.

I'm a little lazier than my friends were, so I would just tempt fate with the lettering and see what happens.

It's also helpful to get a local news station on your side. If you do put the vinyl graphics on your vehicle and the HOA complains, call the news station to help put the pressure on them. Work it out to be hard economic times and the HOA is trying to ruin your livelihood. Then you have to foreclose on the house and it will get neglected, making the neighborhood look worse than just having a few words on the side of a car.

Whichever way you go with it, good luck.