This post not meant to troll for drama but to inform those that may be under the misconception that 67 and 68 Shelby's typically had Le Mans stripes from the factory. Or installed by the Dealer. I had a forum member ask a question about the lay out of the stripes on the fastback body style and why they varied . From the tone of his message I got the impression that he thought it was a option and should have a standardized layout. Le mans Stripes were not designed for the 67/68 body style just the 65/66. They were not installed by the factory but typically past owners. I have yet to have ever seen or heard of anyone with evidence to support them even being installed by a dealer back in the day. It is likely some Dealer somewhere did back when the cars were new but apparently it was rarely done by a dealer if at all back when the cars were new. " The Dealer installed option " is so over used to justify anything out of the ordinary that it has lost all credibility without some reasonable back up evidence. That is not just my opinion but a sad fact. There is even a deduction (67/68) for LeMans stripes if entered in a concours regardless of venue because they were not factory . They are excepted in concours with reasonable evidence (hearsay from a past owner not typically accepted) of installation by the dealer when the car was sold to the first owner when new. FYI back in the day there was no tech info for dealers to apply the stripes for 65/66 back in the day (not all 65 and 66 came with factory Le Mans stripes) let alone 67/68 if they wanted to. The dealer was on his own and had to create the pattern himself . With that said that is why the stripe application technique varies from one car to the next on a 67/68. I suppose since they were never a factory or typically a dealer done application that there is not a wrong way just various ways that appeal to a variety of owners . I would suggest not striping the car first and then after spending time if you don't think it looks cleaner without the stripes and after if you just have to have them go and stripe the car doing so in the way that looks best to you. Once they are on there is no turning back. You can always put them on later if you choose but very hard to ever take them off. You would be surprised after living with the car without stripes how many owners choose to not put the Le Mans stripes on. Of course do what you think is best for you. It is your car after all. There are always those that feel compelled to justify ether way but there is no need to post why you put stripes on your car or why you did not . There are always a lot of good reasons ether way. To each their own . This post is just meant to provide information so that each owner can make a informed decision ether way that is best for them in case they were unaware.
Or you could have one those vinly wrap guys put on some removable strips & ? when did it become a popular thing, was it right away in the late 60's or 70's or maybe those darn Big 80's
It is amazing how good vinyl stripes have become. If a guy wanted stripes and did them in vinyl it would be so easy to remove them at a later date.
Edit; 68krrr beat me to it
No doubt Bob gets asked this question all too often.
Take his advice and live with the car sans the top stripes for a while. You might just like what you end up with and save a few dollars by leaving them off.
I posted an in depth look into the topic of Le Mans stripes and how they relate to the 1967 Shelby in our research group.
This was all from a perspective of Shelby American documentation, including some marketing materials, advertisements, and factory paperwork.
Here's a link to the topic for those would like to take a deeper look.
https://groups.google.com/forum/?oldui=1&pli=1#!topic/shelbyresearch/mxaLAl-p1kU
The vinyl stripes comes up in discussion - but the reality (in my experience with buying and applying vinyl) is stop and look at the cowl vents slots - try cutting, stretching and wrapping all of those and getting ALL those edges to stick and stay stuck. Also, the compound curves on the hood and deck lid although they do not seem that extreme, it's different once you start trying to do them. There is material meant to be stretched and wrapped, but it is a not white-white and has a sort of honeycomb structure that you can see up close - it's not solid white material. It's also a bitch to get off as all the honeycomb bits fragment.
In many instances when installers are doing those they have to cut on the surface of the car (or whatever the vinyl in being applied to) to get the final shape just right. When doing a full-wrap many pieces are used and overlapped.
They can do custom contoured, cut shapes to accommodate compound curves, but that scanning and cutting is not cheap.
The next time you see a wrapped vehicle parked, go up and look CLOSE ALL OVER, you'll see many edges, overlaps and elements that are not perfectly aligned. They are advertising - meant the be seen/read at a distance or at speed.
If it was easy or cheap you'd see it being done, how many have you seen? There's a reason. ;-)
And yes they do mask off areas with tape to be sprayed - but note they start with 1/8 inch tape not 10 inch wide sheets.
Quote from: 2112 on September 20, 2020, 09:29:41 PM
It is amazing how good vinyl stripes have become. If a guy wanted stripes and did them in vinyl it would be so easy to remove them at a later date.
Edit; 68krrr beat me to it
That is a good idea......!!!
I agree a lot of vinyl is sloppy, but there are some installers who have really mastered the technique to the point you can't tell it's there. The cowl will be a challenge tho.
Nice explanation, Bob.
Today, I wish I had not put stripes on #2339, when she was painted in 1990. Thirty years later I have grown to like the cars more without stripes. So much so, that 6S1134 is not going to have stripes this time around.
The stripes do make the cars look more aggressive in my opinion, but they also look cool without them. It is amazing to me when I explain to the casual observer the cars did not originally come with stripes, other than some '65's, '66 Hertz models or the Super Snake, they have a hard time believing me. So many cars people see, mine included, think they all came with stripes. It is easy to see how the perception started and is perpetuated. In fact, when 6S1134, is completed I am sure the first question will be "where are the stripes?"
We all like our cars to look a certain way, and that is what make this hobby so great.
I like the look of cleared in stripes so vinyl would not work for me. Yeah, I'm a stripe guy just like I'm a louvers spoiler magnum guy on 69 Mach1s. Gary
Quote from: greekz on September 21, 2020, 10:57:33 AM
Nice explanation, Bob.
Today, I wish I had not put stripes on #2339, when she was painted in 1990. Thirty years later I have grown to like the cars more without stripes. So much so, that 6S1134 is not going to have stripes this time around.
The stripes do make the cars look more aggressive in my opinion, but they also look cool without them. It is amazing to me when I explain to the casual observer the cars did not originally come with stripes, other than some '65's, '66 Hertz models or the Super Snake, they have a hard time believing me. So many cars people see, mine included, think they all came with stripes. It is easy to see how the perception started and is perpetuated. In fact, when 6S1134, is completed I am sure the first question will be "where are the stripes?"
We all like our cars to look a certain way, and that is what make this hobby so great.
Though I like stripes on White, Brittany and Lime cars, I prefer none for the other colors (on '67s) and the fact that so many observers think they were factory makes me like no stripes even more.
greekz ,
Don't forget that many Hertz cars didn't get roof stripes. The 18 white/blue and several red ones in the northeast. Black certainly got them . I don't know about blue and green cars without them. Mine did not have them and doesn't now.
Randy
Quote from: gt350hr on September 21, 2020, 03:24:42 PM
greekz ,
Don't forget that many Hertz cars didn't get roof stripes. The 18 white/blue and several red ones in the northeast. Black certainly got them . I don't know about blue and green cars without them. Mine did not have them and doesn't now.
Randy
I was debating whether to include that fact, but thought I was getting too wordy. Thanks for including that fact.
What's interesting is when people assume your Shelby isn't real, because it doesn't have top stripes. 😏
Quote from: Shelby_r_b on September 22, 2020, 09:52:37 AM
What's interesting is when people assume your Shelby isn't real, because it doesn't have top stripes. 😏
Exactly!
+2 . I had one guy say "this is a nice conversion , when are you going to add stripes?" I handed him a copy of the invoice to Hertz and asked why I should add stripes. He responded "All real Shelbys had stripes". I replied thanks.
Randy
Carry a copy this Shelby lot photo and display it with your car.
It should say everything so you don't have to.
Most of the Shelby "experts" I run into at car shows
don't seem to have ever owned one, but their next door neighbor did.
Or they "learned all about it" at a popular televised auction.
Quote from: Side-Oilers on September 22, 2020, 01:48:08 PM
Or they "learned all about it" at a popular televised auction.
I know that is why I and many others take time to do what we do here to try and help with the historical facts. Getting the correct information out so people that want to preserve the historical aspect can do so in a informed way. That is why I got involved so many years ago . I was tired of seeing all of the misinformation being perpetuated. Still a fight for all of us even today as many can attest to.
You're the man, Bob.
As are Pete and Dan and Jeff and Randy and Tim and Rich and all the rest of the ultra-informed SAAC gang.
I've learned a ton from each of you. We don't all need to be concours guys to appreciate what you share of your vast knowledge.
For me, fun with Shelby cars includes all the stats, specs, parts, pieces, time-lines, photos, personal experiences, history, and obscure details!
Keep it rolling,
Van
+ 1
Quote from: Side-Oilers on September 22, 2020, 03:43:54 PM
You're the man, Bob.
As are Pete and Dan and Jeff and Randy and Tim and Rich and all the rest of the ultra-informed SAAC gang.
I've learned a ton from each of you. We don't all need to be concours guys to appreciate what you share of your vast knowledge.
For me, fun with Shelby cars includes all the stats, specs, parts, pieces, time-lines, photos, personal experiences, history, and obscure details!
Keep it rolling,
Van
Van,thanks for the kinds words . Keep on keeping on.
+1 This is an incredible information resource continuously enhanced by ALL of the members that have pure passion running through their veins! We are the best and have every right to be damn proud of it.
I think that is great advice. I am in the middle of restoring 1529, the same color as 0001 BTW. I have wrestled with the stripe issue quite a bit through this process. One great point You made; you can always add the stripes. I will go with that. Thanks Bob.
My 66 is a factory stripe car, but I like them either way. BTW I love the 66 Shelby advisement not to "throw in the stripes" during the vehicle sale, it's a pain to lay the stripes correctly and must have been then as well.
Quote from: 427hunter on October 06, 2020, 02:53:17 AM
My 66 is a factory stripe car, but I like them either way. BTW I love the 66 Shelby advisement not to "throw in the stripes" during the vehicle sale, it's a pain to lay the stripes correctly and must have been then as well.
I'll have to look for that ad! I can only say that after a couple of evenings of laying out and prepping a friend's 67 Corvette big block hood for stinger paint, even with my car to go by, my eyes are a little crossed! Definitely a pain. . . .
John
66 Hertz, with stripes
2 68s without
Quote from: JohnHouston on October 06, 2020, 01:59:53 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 06, 2020, 02:53:17 AM
My 66 is a factory stripe car, but I like them either way. BTW I love the 66 Shelby advisement not to "throw in the stripes" during the vehicle sale, it's a pain to lay the stripes correctly and must have been then as well.
I'll have to look for that ad! I can only say that after a couple of evenings of laying out and prepping a friend's 67 Corvette big block hood for stinger paint, even with my car to go by, my eyes are a little crossed! Definitely a pain. . . .
John
66 Hertz, with stripes
2 68s without
It's a dealer internal advisement memo.
Well guys, my car #275 is the fourth car from the left in the first row and it came with stripes
and Cragars from the factory as the original invoice says. This means that many of the cars got the stripes added after
this picture was taken in May 1965.
Texas Swede
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
Imho 67s look dope with stripes...68s not so much.After having it for 38 years with stripes my car would look naked to my eye without them.For sure it isn't factory and does devalue the car somewhat,but as it is a driver and won't be concoursed or sold on my watch I will never go back to "bare".Plus it draws cops like honey to a bear,so there's that :o......
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 11:27:55 AM
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
A slight clarification to avoid confusion in that for 66 Hertz production the red and green cars did not get LeMans stripes but the black,white and blue did.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 11:59:29 AM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 11:27:55 AM
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
A slight clarification to avoid confusion in that for 66 Hertz production the red and green cars did not get LeMans stripes but the black,white and blue did.
Just so I'm clear all black, white, and blue hertz cars did get roof stripes?
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 12:02:35 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 11:59:29 AM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 11:27:55 AM
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
A slight clarification to avoid confusion in that for 66 Hertz production the red and green cars did not get LeMans stripes but the black,white and blue did.
Just so I'm clear all black, white, and blue hertz cars did get roof stripes?
Yes.The roof stripes are referred to as Le Mans stripes. The side stripes are refereed to as rally stripes.
Aw, too bad. Gold stripes look incredible on Red and Green cars.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 01:22:59 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 12:02:35 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 11:59:29 AM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 11:27:55 AM
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
A slight clarification to avoid confusion in that for 66 Hertz production the red and green cars did not get LeMans stripes but the black,white and blue did.
Just so I'm clear all black, white, and blue hertz cars did get roof stripes?
Yes.The roof stripes are referred to as Le Mans stripes. The side stripes are refereed to as rally stripes.
I know they are called Le Mans stripes (duh) ::)
Randy pointed out that:
" Don't forget that many Hertz cars didn't get roof stripes. The 18 white/blue and several red ones in the northeast. Black certainly got them . I don't know about blue and green cars without them. Mine did not have them and doesn't now.
Randy"
So I misunderstood Randy, he was referring to these hertz cars not having Le Mans stripes at all.
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 09:06:48 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 01:22:59 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 12:02:35 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 11:59:29 AM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 11:27:55 AM
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
A slight clarification to avoid confusion in that for 66 Hertz production the red and green cars did not get LeMans stripes but the black,white and blue did.
Just so I'm clear all black, white, and blue hertz cars did get roof stripes?
Yes.The roof stripes are referred to as Le Mans stripes. The side stripes are refereed to as rally stripes.
I know they are called Le Mans stripes (duh) ::)
Randy pointed out that:
" Don't forget that many Hertz cars didn't get roof stripes. The 18 white/blue and several red ones in the northeast. Black certainly got them . I don't know about blue and green cars without them. Mine did not have them and doesn't now.
Randy"
So I misunderstood Randy, he was referring to these hertz cars not having Le Mans stripes at all.
You quoted me when asking about the colors that got stripes even after I stated as much which was a little strange but I still answered. You referred to them as "roof stripes" which after asking the redundant which colors got "roof stripe " question made me think you were confused on terminology too. As far as the " Duh" comment ,I was not trying to make you look uninformed on purpose.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 09:41:08 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 09:06:48 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 01:22:59 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 12:02:35 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 07, 2020, 11:59:29 AM
Quote from: 427hunter on October 07, 2020, 11:27:55 AM
Quote from: roddster on October 07, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
Umm, the topic is 67/68 cars, eh.
No regular production 67/68's got stripes from SA - so the topic moved to how not even a majority of 66's got stripes and how even the ones that did like hertz cars, they didn't apply them to the roof. Just good information to know about Shelby's.
A slight clarification to avoid confusion in that for 66 Hertz production the red and green cars did not get LeMans stripes but the black,white and blue did.
Just so I'm clear all black, white, and blue hertz cars did get roof stripes?
Yes.The roof stripes are referred to as Le Mans stripes. The side stripes are refereed to as rally stripes.
I know they are called Le Mans stripes (duh) ::)
Randy pointed out that:
" Don't forget that many Hertz cars didn't get roof stripes. The 18 white/blue and several red ones in the northeast. Black certainly got them . I don't know about blue and green cars without them. Mine did not have them and doesn't now.
Randy"
So I misunderstood Randy, he was referring to these hertz cars not having Le Mans stripes at all.
You quoted me when asking about the colors that got stripes even after I stated as much which was a little strange but I still answered. You referred to them as "roof stripes" which after asking the redundant which colors got "roof stripe " question made me think you were confused on terminology too. As far as the " Duh" comment ,I was not trying to make you look uninformed on purpose.
I misunderstood Randy is all, I thought he was saying some hertz cars got hood and trunk but not roof stripes - no worries.
Sorry for the confusion. The 18 white with blue stripe cars did not have LeMans stripes. There weren't any "partial" ( hood and trunk only) striped cars. I have called them roof stripes since they came out. Even SAI's painter Dennis Ercek (sp) rip called them that. LeMans is the proper term for them.
Randy
It is easy to see where all the confusion on the naming of the stripes over the top of the '67 Shelby's comes from. In late 1966, Shelby American documents used different names on each of the printed marketing materials. Based on that, you could say they are all technically correct.
Those names include, 'Rally stripe', 'Rallye stripe', 'Full Stripe', 'LeMans body stripes', and 'Optional Stripe'.
The side stripes are simply noted as 'Side Striping' in several SAI marketed documents, as they were a standard feature.
Call them what you will, but these LeMans Stripes were never implemented in actual production from the LAX Shelby American factory.
This topic is covered in detail on the SRG post named Full Stripes
https://groups.google.com/forum/?oldui=1&pli=1#!topic/shelbyresearch/mxaLAl-p1kU