Okay, before you start, I just want to say that this install is a lot easier than most people think it is. I installed my vinyl blackout with absolutely no previous experience at all.

This 1999-2004 Mustang Rear Blackout vinyl is from Rocky Mountain Graphics and it's the one used by most members on this site.

Cost:
-Product ~$35 shipped
Time:
-1.5-2 hours (You could do it faster, but this was my duration)
Materials:
-Product
-2-3 Cleaning Cloths (I used microfiber cloths)
-Soapy Water (A spray bottle if you have one)
-Flat Card (Squeegee) (I used a credit card, you want something around the same size)
-Blow-Dryer
-Isopropyl Alcohol
-Tools To Remove License Plate

PREPARATION

-CLEANING

First things first, you need to clean the section of the trunk that you will be applying this vinyl product to. I used the Isopropyl Alcohol and one of the rags to clean the surface that I was about to work on. This step is important to cleans the area of particulate matter, such as dust, wax, etc... (stuff that will make the vinyl not adhere well)

Once this is done, you want to take one of your cloths, I recommend microfiber (to ensure you wont leave behind any fibers on your work space), and you want to make sure the excess Isopropyl Alcohol is off of your work space.

The vinyl comes in five sections. I was nervous when I started, so I did the side with the Ford Oval Emblem on it so that I wouldn't have to worry too much about placement. During the installation of that section, I found that the vinyl wouldn't go underneath my emblem, so I had to take the emblem off and reinstall it when I was done. If you find yourself in this situation, use this article to help you.

To install your piece, here's the general rule: The more soapy water you use, the easier it will be to maneuver the piece around. With the two furthest sections of the vinyl, you have to line it up using the crevasse that separates the vinyl section with the top section of the trunk. If you're unsure where this crevasse is, look at your tail lights. The horizontal line that crosses your trunk that is at the top of your tail lights is the crevasse I'm referring to.

START (THE TWO OUTER SECTIONS)

To start your install, you want to first open the trunk, this will make things easier. Next spray plenty of spay water on the section you want to work on. Don't worry, excess should be running off the trunk. Don't be afraid to use it. Next, you want to peel off the section that you're going to install. Next place it on the trunk. You're going to have some of the vinyl hanging off of the edges, this is normal. You want to line it up using the trunk crevasse. If you have to remove your badge, you're going to want to do that before the vinyl is applied to that section to prevent ripping. Once you have your alignment to your liking, you're going to want to take your Credit Card and start squeegeeing the water solution out. I held the top of the section of the vinyl that I was squeegeeing so that it wouldn't slip. I then proceeded to swipe the card, gently at first, downwards. Once no more, or an insignificant, amount of water comes out, you can start the Blow-Drying.

Blow-Drying is used to help get the rest of the water out from underneath your vinyl. I held it about 3in away from the vinyl to do this and used the "high" setting.

I didn't worry about folding under the edges until I had all the sections in place.

Repeat this step for the opposite (drivers side) section of the trunk closest to the tail light.

START (THE CENTER SECTION)

To start this section you will need to remove your license plate (and frame if applicable). Then if you will need to repeat the "Cleaning" steps. Once done you will need to apply a sufficient amount of soapy water. Once done, you will need to peel off the center section of the vinyl. For this section, I would recommend taking your time. It was slightly windy when I did mine and I found myself unpeeling the vinyl from itself, several time. Be careful because you can rip the vinyl if it adheres to itself, and or leave creases in it when you install. Once the vinyl is taken off, ensure that it's right side up and install it. You're going to want to use the top of the trunk, the part where it turns into a 90 degree angle and houses the license plate lights. Once alignment is to your liking, start by gently squeegeeing out the water. I did this part in three sections, due to the cut-outs for the license plate mounting hardware. I did the two outside sections, and then the center, starting with the center, squeegeeing downwards, holding the top, and then the two outside sections. You want to ensure that you're being gentle and not applying too much downward force when squeegeeing.

Once you have almost all of the water out, you can start Blow-Drying. Repeat the process used in the first step.

START (THE TWO MIDDLE SECTION)

I found this to be the most difficult of the sections to install. It was difficult because the surface wasn't flat and I had to be careful because of the newly added vinyl on either side. To ensure that you have the pieces upright, the wider part is the top.

Start by cleaning the section then applying soapy water. Then apply the section of vinyl that corresponds to your section of trunk you're applying it to. When installing these sections, ensure that you slide the piece under the sides of the trunk that have the little "hang-over" section. Once this is done and your alignment is to your liking, start by squeegeeing the section. You'll want to squeegee this part into two sections. The two sections are divided by angle in the trunk.

Once you have almost all of the water out, you can start Blow-Drying. Repeat the process used in the first step.

START (FOLDING THE EDGES)

This is fairly easy and takes some time. I found that using the Credit Card helped out in some spots. Start by Blow-Drying the edge or the outer two vinyl, then the center piece, then work to the overhang of the two outer pieces, then work on the two middle pieces. I found that holding the Blow-Dryer in the direction of the edge, so that the vinyl wouldn't be forced up because of the air, seemed to work well. You just want to hold the Blow-Dryer and slowly work the edge down underneath the lip of the trunk.

That's pretty much it. I didn't take any pictures of my install, but I'm sure myself, as well as others on here can answer any questions you might have.

If I wasn't clear on something or you're unsure of something, feel free to post here or send me a PM.

-Shaun (Brontobyte)

 

Cool, ive heard it helps to use soapy water as well. The only thing i think ill be worried about is alignment and folding the edges. When you fold the edges does it stick very well?

 

Not really. It's fine now, but when I was doing it, I had to repeatedly go over the spot a couple of times and squish it down around the curve of the edge, with my fingers, while blow-drying.

I'm too lazy and too scared to cut off the corners yet.

Oh yeah, another piece of advice, don't wash your car for 3 days.

 

Yea i figured it was like tint, wanna let it all dry before you do anything to it.

 

wow..thanks for the advice..this is great stuff