What’s the best way to make your car go faster? That’s right, put stripes on it. Hood stripes are good, as they can be seen by drivers you are gaining on, but what about shutting down a competition next to you at a stop light, how would you do that?
With side stripes, that’s how. Side stripes are the best stripes and a lot of car makers have embraced both their greatness and their flexibility in making them almost as emotive and exciting as the cars that carry them. With that all in mind, what do you think is the best side stripe design there is?
Image: Creative Vinyl
Hooniverse Asks: What's Your Favorite Factory Side Stripe?
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Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles bring so much money at auction because of their billboard stripes. It pays to advertise.
http://image.hotrod.com/f/9133905+w660+h495+cr1/113_0507_05z%2B1971_plymouth_barracuda_hemi%2Bside_view.jpg-
Oh, so close, but the correct answer is Hockey Stick stripe 😉
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/we4AAOSwSdZWebSJ/s-l225.jpg-
I was born in the land of frozen lakes, but we moved away before I was old enough for hockey. We moved because my dad took a new job in advertising (magazines, not outdoor, though).
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Spotted last night while windowshopping on autotrader:
http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/hn/a9958161c11f4c639655a0cdf76052b0.jpg-
That’s a bit like seeing…eh…voluminous hips dressed in tights. The same thing, but…not the same.
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Voluminous hips dressed in tights? You have my attention!
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I’m not a big fan of stripes, but these really make this car:
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Challenger Strobe stripes
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Not seen that one – thanx.
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Not a good pic of the FV stripe but I had to use this pic.
This would be what my first car would like like today has it not burned up.
http://vintagewerkes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_0574-530×397.jpg-
The grumpy old man in me hates the fact that the Beetle Dune strip works as smashingly well as it does.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-vw-volkswagen-beetle-dune-side.jpg
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Mopar had the market cornered on awesome stripes in the ‘muscle car ear’ – in addition to the fore mentioned billboard and hockey stick stripes…
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/17780/filename/4830988-100_2276.JPG
http://www.ridergraphix.com/Charger_70_Super_Bee1.jpg
http://p.images.boldride.com/plymouth/1970/plymouth-cuda-aar-1322259023-23374.jpg-
I think this was a Mopar offering, though I can’t remember the brand.
http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2015/11/70-Superbird-3.jpg -
They did bold, but they really knew how to do more subtle details, too. Case in point is the Roadrunner stripe you showed, as well as the Dodge Dart Hang 10.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PTv2ejqyhLQ/hqdefault.jpg
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Fade stripe on the 1972 Ranchero GT
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Ford Torino Laser Stripe:
http://cdn.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars/108089/108089_Front_3-4_Web.jpg -
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Downright subtle compared to the Buick Skyhawk Hawk Accent Package.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0015/72/59/15972795_large.jpg-
A friend and I spotted one of these outside a local car show this weekend. I’ll admit neither of us could id it as a Buick.
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I guess the hawk isn’t a very recognizable as a Buick icon nowadays. But back in the ’70s, Buick commercials had as many hawks as Mercury had big cats.
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/car-logos-history-and-origins-thumb-19461_9.jpg
http://monza.homestead.com/BuickNightHawk.jpg
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Excellent case of “if you got pittle to offer, put stripes on it”.
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How to make a Gremlin (actually a later Spirit) look Hellasweet.
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“Favorite” in the absurdist sense of the word.
http://scoot.net/classifieds/images/26002/1980-Serveta-Jet-200.jpeg-
I expected your two wheel answer to wear Kenny Roberts livery.
https://rddecals.afegraphics.com/images/IMG_3992-tims-RH-450w.jpg-
Not even. I never liked that it was wedged-shaped and angled. Also, too wide overall. Here’s how it’s done right: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wLDyt8EvI5M/hqdefault.jpg
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Production is nice though.
http://www.70s-80srestorations.co.uk/media/gallery/RD500LC-after-(2).jpg
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Early 997 GT3-RS.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7712/17023620996_99ac66c17d_z.jpg -
Do cone marks count?
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Let’s not forget the trucks
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Did any of you ever try and remove the early Ford stripage?
Miserable crap came off in tiny pieces,and only a few years old then.-
One of the instructors I DE with has a 10 yr old MINI… with the factory stripes crumbling off. Looked appropriate.
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Come to think about it, there were a LOT of rainbow/sundown stripes back in the day…
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsdjySqKQlI/S0jLsKn6T9I/AAAAAAAABe8/l8ljgvKajlQ/s800/1979+Dodge+D50+Pickup.+-+3.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Mzc1WDUwMA==/z/AJYAAMXQrhdTVhKe/$_3.JPG?set_id=2
http://www.audiworld.com/forums/attachments/12v-v6-discussion-52/21285d1321920823-96-a4-12-valve-vag-com-problem-misfiring-please-help-kz550a4-1983.jpg
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/gallery/data/511/redz.jpg-
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I just created a Facebook group on this. It’s too rich to die with this post.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/305039799847087 -
Making the world a better place, one step at a time.
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I don’t know how this failed to post. Probably OE.
I have to nominate the Buick Opel S/C. Because the rocker stripe was literally the only thing that gave this otherwise abominable car the least hint of character or attractiveness.
I had this on my Duster 360.
I have to nominate the Buick Opel S/C. Because the rocker stripe was literally the only thing that gave this otherwise abominable car the least hint of character or attractiveness.
http://tanshanomi.com/temp/buick_opel_sc_gray_2_1978.jpg
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http://tanshanomi.com/temp/buick_opel_sc_gray_2_1978.jpg
Well that’s weird, Disqus. -
Black rockers to my mind – cheaped out rust repair look.
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Exactly my thought. When the stripe is 1ft wide it’s time to go see Raquel.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmC6ZdwD6Fw/TqP60CXF16I/AAAAAAAANNY/sl2sjJSLAQc/s640/PulpFiction_219Pyxurz.jpg
Code brown on three cylindres:
http://imgr1.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Autostadt-Eisenach-fotoshowBig-3cdc3c2f-281709.jpg
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That’s fantastic, it’s like sporty wood grain…
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Oh my….oh MY…. Buuuuraaaaach!
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OMG…I just realized that Jeep Honcho is the correct answer for everything!
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/reebles/J10%20Honcho/J10Honcho002.jpg-
Are you telling me it’s the Miata of Jeeps?
http://houseofgrafx.com/shop/images/Miata5x70jpg.jpg
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Make the trip to Weyburn and you can have one of your very own.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/hs4AAOSwbYZXayMU/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/regina/1978-ford-pinto-cruising-wagon/1176260194?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
What I really dislike are those aftermarket side stripes.
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Especially the ones that say “Limited Edition” or “Special Edition,” as if it’s factory.
https://www.vinylgraphics.net/images/VG697_tmb.jpg -
I give them the Martini stripes on otherwise boring white sedans.
My favorite stripes are on my E-150 Cruising Van.
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With the 4.6 dual overhead cam.
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E-150
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Inspired by the pastell ornamentals in old people’s homes?
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That was rude.
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Not sure if you’re serious, but I certainly did not intend to hurt your feelings.
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Hurt my feelings? You insulted my truck.The stripes are gold and silver,neither color is “pastel”.
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Hurt my feelings? You insulted my truck.The stripes are gold and silver,neither color is “pastel”.
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Any excuse to post a 69 Mach 1.
http://blog.ebayimg.com/motors/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/1969-Ford-Mustang-Mach-1.jpeg
This is arguably as much paint scheme as side stripe, but I’m hoping the Judges are in a benevolent mode ’cause I’ve wanted Mike Hailwood Replica Ducati all my life…
The perfectly color-matched Laser Stripes on the ’72 Torino Sport. Look good in any color!
Sweet gold striping on an E30 Alpina?
So…a technical follow up on this: What is the best material for stripes? Are some of them actually painted on and clear coated? Or is it all some sort of stickers? Vinyl? Plastics? Melted goat hair? We want it to last and retain its colour, right?
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It varies by application. Vinyl can be installed by a relative novice, and is fairly cheap to produce. It only likes to curve along one axis, though, so paint is more common for covering complex shapes. Also for more customized applications, like conversion vans and hot rods (ZZ Top Eliminator stripes, for example).
http://www.performancecargraphics.com/images/Stripes_Lettering/Painted_Stripes/70_Challenger_Bumblebee.jpg
Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione Martini 6
http://files.vroom.be/pictures/content/2016/Feb/1284783/1455109961.0222.jpg
’70 Mustang Boss 302.
https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mustang/mki/autowp.ru_mustang_boss_302_20.jpg
’76 Dodge Street Van
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QkFmoYZ9GQ/VcicZATfmYI/AAAAAAAAAu0/QhOkDbPGQFo/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG
’79 Camero Z28
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-ssbP_a06bc/maxresdefault.jpg
’70 AMC Rebel Machine
http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/100326-02-1970_AMC_Rebel_Machine_rear_three_quarter_view.jpg
’72 Ford Maverick Grabber
http://ericpetersautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/grabber-side.jpg
There is so much win here. I’ll add my new favorite stripes:
http://i1.wp.com/hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ad_mazda_rx3_sp_front_red_1977-ready.jpg?w=720
This is probably pushing the definition of a stripe beyond the bounds of credibility, but I’ve always been fond of the Lada Niva Cossack graphics. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dff5a76b878a86a2d4532a4aa7d847c5198d8d4be5a20896343dcc3f9bdb7052.jpg
1969 Ford Falcon GT, featuring a kangaroo doing a burnout! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1dcfd3cacf4a0696bc5fb75659b5d37beb168691c2fd9939b42763a23dfb89d7.jpg
For Your Eyes Only – 1985 Lotus Esprit.. Factory on red was a gold color.. I preferred the Black..
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Stripes on a Lotus? Was Colin’s favorite JPS?
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yxnmz4PZm8/TmHgHhjT7PI/AAAAAAAAOd0/h_5bE0m3tRU/s640/colin+cessna.jpg
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I LOVE STRIPES – 1980 Intl Scout w Midas Package https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/801082c46e59913ebb60ac43ee107743ab680f6adc58f86000d4bf4f412e098d.png
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aaaandd.. the stripes go INSIDE tooooooo.. Interior is matching plaid tweed seats, pleated vinyl, shag carpet, metal, and captains chairs.. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dda462db4c91c5956bc22db35ddcfc68773061c8a3744e0c84aa415224197579.png
Seriously, NObody posted this yet?… https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d04c0b6f5e424242df0ee7967c7d1b43fa86824d4b22b9b585045b536621d057.jpg
Seeing as how these trucklets haven’t received any nominations yet, I feel obliged to make the answer ‘Subaru Brat’.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/40e046afb014617446d99047374c637f611875d7c7874c2b98bc9e87aca20a50.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b6603f93b9f122cd59155e92ccf90d510079608b9dedfcab55da60825dc11ea0.jpg
If that ‘Carrera’ script is good enough for Porsche, it’s good enough for Austin.
*Script not available in ‘Vanden Plas’
http://www.photinus.me.uk/Other_MGs/MG%20Maestro%20Turbo%20Rear.jpg
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That’s clearly an MG though, not an Austin. Because an Austin would have had a completely different sticker on the back 😉
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Trying to slant the comment for the US readers.
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Volvo 343 here as best pic I could find. I had a Volvo 345 in metallic brown, with a black stripe. A wretched car, but gifted to me with the best intentions.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0cc4c4d1fd9d9befd92722e6145f49c44bc7813f093dc40fd8618b82f50017bb.png
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