There's far less trouble with the clear transfer tape than you seem to realize. We've been using the clear mask for years now and many people like it just fine. In fact, I've talked to a lot of people who prefer it.
There are many benefits to the clear mask. The end user can see the color of their decal easier prior to application. If there's an error in ordering or packaging it's more obvious. Many applicators like being able to see the decal for ease in placement as well. We also like the way the clear masked decals roll for packaging. This was absolutely NOT a cost cutting measure, as the clear material is in no way any less expensive than the paper mask. At this time there is no intention of going back to the paper transfer tape.
I feel there may be a misconception that we manufacture raw goods. We do not. The vinyl, premask, stencil materials, inks, and so on we use are manufactured by companies like 3M, Avery, etc. They’re all very high quality raw goods used world wide in similar applications.
I believe what you saw in the video was actually the clear protective laminate being ripped from the decal. That laminate is not supposed to come off and that’s why there was a struggle. The laminate should not lift up at all, but again, this particular kit was problematic in more ways than one. The kit in the video is not manufactured in the same way or in the same facility as our Trans Am decal kits.
Now, as far as the accuracy of our kits – yes, we always use original, NOS pieces when available. Granted, not every decal, stripe or individual piece of a stripe package is going to be at our disposal. In those situations we’re forced to rely on other means. We will always bring the most accurate kits to market that we possibly can. We have thousands of decal and stripe kits available not only for vehicles from the big three but AMC and Jeep as well. Are there going to be some hiccups here and there? You bet. Do we do our best to fix them? Always.
Like many of you, I’ve been a muscle car enthusiast my entire life. Anyone who’s restored an old car knows reproduction parts may sometimes slightly differ from originals. Heck, even over the counter service parts are often different than the ones originally found on the car. This is not an excuse for shortcomings, just an explanation as to why original parts may not be exactly the same as NOS parts or reproduction parts. Our mission is to produce decals to look the way they did when the car was new. Some of the finest, most valuable muscle cars in the world wear our stripes and we're proud of that.
We do not take our customer’s concerns lightly. Your feedback is important to us and we appreciate your interest in our company. We have customer service reps available M-F from 8-5 MST to answer any questions you may have about our products. Thanks for your continued support!