Curve on Front Window

[SDSignGuy]

Okay, I've been doing this for some time and its funny I've never had to actually do one of these. I have a customer that wants his website across the top of the windshield. I thought it would be a pretty simple install, but in either direction if you want it straight, it goes completely off. So I figured there has to be a template or a way to get this right. So how is it done?

 

[Jillbeans]

I just eyeball it when doing the layout.
I make it have a slight "smile" distortion so it lays straight on the window.
You can also start your application from the center, and slit your app tape and backing paper up from the bottom of the decal, easing it into the curve.
But that sucks.
Love....Jill

 

[ucmj22]

whenever I have to fit a curve, I take a piece of scrap backing paper, lay it on the object and trim it until its right, then I take some measurements from the flat paper, and make a template in illustrator

 

[john1]

Hope this helps

 

[SDSignGuy]

So either eyeball it or create your own template. Well I tried eyeballing and it looks like crap, but I didn't start from center, and I am also not climbing on this customers car to get to center. Any other suggestions? My client will come back later on, but I need a better solution or no dice the next time this rolls around.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Doing what Ucmj22 is the way to do it if you get to plan ahead .

If it just shows up letters are cut.. take a straight edge using one hand as guide on windshield other hold china marker make line for copy to follow and do what Jill said cut between letters start in middle and install one at a time

 

[Dzrt1st]

Here is the formula for determining the radius of an arc or segment and an explanation on how to use it -

http://www.mathopenref.com/arcradius.html

 

[thewvsignguy]

Hope this helps

+1

this is the best way to do it. All windshields are different and this has worked 100% everytime!

 

[Dennis @ Sign FX]

Hope this helps

There you have it! It's actually very easy. Then design to the arc.

 

[SDSignGuy]

ok, I am using the formula, and its not a smile but a frown, is that correct?

 

[Jillbeans]

No I make it smile because it frowns as you lay it down, depending on the curve.
And I usually do too.

 

[SDSignGuy]

Ok Jill I am turning that frown upside down. I'll let you know how it installs. Thanks.

 

[SDSignGuy]

Jill, your my new best friend. and thanks to everyone else with you input as well. Worked like a charm.

 

[Jillbeans]

Cool. I am the most untechnical poster on here, I'm glad to know that my idiocy made sense to someone!