2016 GT350 Stripe Removal - Paint fade concern?

speedingbullitt said:

Hi All!

New to the forum and have been considering an "upgrade" to my ecoboost for some time now. I found a 2016 with low miles, but it has stripes which I do not prefer. It seems pulling the stripes is not terribly difficult, but does anyone have any thoughts on paint fade with a 2 year old car? That would suck to pull the steps and see a difference in tone. What's everyones thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance!

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It really depends on the color and if it's been parked indoors or outdoors. I removed my stripes about a month after picking it up and no fade marks, but it was new. What color is the 2016? I'd think a lighter color would be less likely to show any fade marks. I'd likely pull just one piece off where the fading would be most noticeable (top of trunk lid/ hood/roof) to see what it looks like? You can purchase the individual stripe pieces from Ford, but they are expensive.

By the way, welcome to the forum and please post pics when you get your new GT350 home!

I pulled my stripes off my Ruby Red 2017 a couple weeks ago, 1 year ownership anniversary last week. ..No fade. I do park it indoors when on road and is stored for winter Nov-Apr with cover. Not sure if this helps you with decision.

Svtride said:

I pulled my stripes off my Ruby Red 2017 a couple weeks ago, 1 year ownership anniversary last week. ..No fade. I do park it indoors when on road and is stored for winter Nov-Apr with cover. Not sure if this helps you with decision.

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Awesome, I really think the RR looks great, especially w/o stripes as the black trim pieces and wheels contrast so nicely with the RR. Pics please Sir!!

When I bought my gray Mach 1 it was 13 years old, had 60k miles and the previous owner had removed the stripes. It was super clean and the paint fade was noticeable but incredibly faint. It didn't bother me but YMMV. In two years I don't personally think you'll have a noticeable contrast, but I don't think I'd risk it.

Find the car you want and take a trip to get it.

Modern paints are a lot more UV resistant than they used to be. I would not be concerned with paint fade in the slightest personally. You will probably see it when you pull them, but give it a decent polish and a bet they go away.

RyanSterling1966 said:

Modern paints are a lot more UV resistant than they used to be. I would not be concerned with paint fade in the slightest personally. You will probably see it when you pull them, but give it a decent polish and a bet they go away.

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Good point, when I first removed mine, there was a very slight shadow, but after clean up and a few <leisurely>drives it was gone Unfortunately, the hood stripes were hiding a dent in the hood but I had a paint less dent repair done and you can't even tell.

Svtride said:

Pulled the 2 storage queens out and put it by my DD (very dirty)...finally hit 88 here in Detroit.
Checked on fade where stripes were while out in the sun, no fade.
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SVTRide, you need to go on vacation and leave me the keys to your garage! Nice collection, that GT is just spectacular, I'd likely leave those stripes right where they are Tough dilemma every morning "which Ford Performance vehicle shall I drive today"! Thanks for sharing!