This is an excerpt from the Mustang Monthly "How to" stripe a 69' Mach 1
A common misconception is that the side stripes are straight and level with the rear side marker lights. Actually, they start at the rear and arc slightly downward before they move forward along the side. The downward arc is behind the rear wheel, and then does level out and run parallel with the two body panel creases along both sides of the car. While the difference is subtle, the visual effect of the sweeping curve is more pleasing. Stripes that are installed "straight and level with the rear side lights," are almost 2 inches higher at the front than the original factory stripes!
The dimensions identified here are approximate, measured along the curve of the body, and are based on the locations of cars measured with original factory stripes. Its always best to carefully measure your original stripes before removing them.
The side stripes are actually three separate stripes-a wide centre stripe with narrow stripes above and below. They are installed, and therefore are treated as one stripe. All side stripe dimensions given are to the bottom of the lower narrow stripe, or the top of the upper stripe.
Now you're ready to tackle the rear fender. The position at the rear is determined by the side marker light which is surrounded by the rear portion of the stripe. Centre the light bezel inside the "window" of the stripe, both top and bottom and front of the stripe is located 2 3/4" above the crease, measured perpendicular to the bottom front corner of the stripe. An alternative method for alignment of the stripe is to reference from the two small holes used to attach the bezel. A straight edge aligned with the theses holes identifies the downward angle of this stripe, and allows visual alignment with the stripes that are positioned lower, between the wheel wells.
Some measurements quoted in this article:
* Rear Trunk lid measures up 3 5/8" from the bottom edge.
* The downward slant of the rear fender stripe should be positioned at the bottom front corner 2 3/4" above lower body crease.
* The side stripes are referenced off the body panel crease - in the area between the wheel wells, this is essentially straight and level with the ground, 3 1/4" above the bottom edge of the door. The top of the stripe is 6 1/2 " up from the crease at both the front and back of the door, and centre the stripe along its length.
Since the stripe is narrower at the front and wider at the rear, remember to double check that it's oriented correctly – the stripe should be 6 ½ inches above the crease (or 9 ¾ above the bottom of the door) all long its length.
* A sheet of paper laid flat on the body panel on the crease helps to accurately position the stripe. Normal Factory tolerances at the assembly plants resulted in location variations or up to 1/2" from car, and even side to side of the same car.
*Use the same procedure to locate the short stripe on the front fender, identified by the mach 1 label and rear wheel well short stripe. Make sure they both aligned with the door stripe and leave 1/2" to wrap around the door edge opening. Stripes between the wheel wells are all 6 1/2" above the body crease.
Some tools to use:
• ruler
• Spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap.
• wax and grease remover.
• Chamois,
• Squegee,
• Scissors
• Pencil and a roll of masking tape.
Make sure panel alignment is as best as possible. Check stripes for condition and lay out in the sun until soft and pliable, then remove any old wax on the stripes and on the body panels.
