April Is National Car Care Month

Posted on April 15, 2012 by team

April is many things to many people, the beginning spring, easter, passover, spring break and more. However many people are unaware April is also National Car Care Month. Proper car care and maintenance is extremely important to your safety and your family’s safety while on the road. To many people car maintenance and car care is regular oil changes, checking the tread on the tires, the life on the brakes and fluid levels. Many overlook how important it is to care for their car windshields and auto glass. During national car care month why not take your vehicle to a auto glass shop to get checked out for any window chips or flaws in your windshield that could be a safety hazard.

The airbags, seat belts and windshield are the 3 most important safety factors in a vehicle. If you have a rock chip or crack in your windshield, it is important to repair it right away. Small chips can quickly and easily transform into cracks that keep spreading on the windshield. Cracks in the windshield affect the structural integrity and safety of your vehicle in an accident. When repairing a windshield chip or replacing the windshield you should always take your vehicle to a professional glass repair shop, with an AGRSS certification like Team Acme in Henderson, NV.

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Partial Vehicle Wraps

Posted on March 12, 2012 by team

Partial vehicle wraps can be fun as well as functional! Team Acme wrapped this sandrail in January of this year and the owner was so pleased he sent us some beautiful photos to post! Check it out! Thanks Nick!

Sandrail Wrap Team Acme Sandrail Wrap Team Acme
Sandrail Wrap Team Acme Sandrail Wrap Team Acme
Sandrail Wrap Team Acme Sandrail Wrap Team Acme

Posted in Vehicle Wraps | 359 Comments

Vehicle Wrap Pricing

Posted on February 15, 2012 by team

From vehicle wrap companies to vehicle wrap customers everyone understands the importance of  an accurate quote on pricing for services. When quotes are too high you will loose customers and when quotes are too low its hard to make a profit and stay in business. Customers always appreciate the final price to match the quote they originally received. In the instance of vehicle wraps a general quote is most likely not going to be the most accurate. There is a lot of intricate details that go in to each vehicle wrap design.

When getting a vehicle wrap quote it is important to sit down with the vehicle wrap company and discuss exactly what you are looking for in a vehicle wrap. This will allow the wrap company to make a proper assessment of what the vehicle wrap you are dreaming of will entail and cost. How detailed is your design? Is it a full vehicle wrap or just partial? This will affect the price of the wrap you are looking at getting.

It is important you provide the necessary artwork or graphics you want on the wrap to the vehicle wrap shop from the very beginning. If you do not have the artworks or graphics you will need to meet with a graphic designer to design the images for the wrap which will be another fee. Be aware the design process can become lengthy the more changes you request or redesigns you ask for from the graphic artist. You also want to be sure the final wrap design is exactly what you are looking for before it is placed on your vehicle.

Once the design process is complete the wrap process can begin. There are a few things you will need to keep in mind. If there are any current wraps or graphics on the vehicle they will need to be removed before the new wrap can be placed. You will need to leave the vehicle with the wrap company for the necessary amount of time it takes to install the new wrap. If your project is time-sensitive or having your vehicle out of possession for more than a few days is not feasible you may ask for a rush order for an additional fee.

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Choose a Professional Glass Repair Shop

Posted on February 15, 2012 by team

You are just driving down the road listing to your favorite song on the radio when suddenly you hear a loud crashing noise on your windshield. Startled at first you look at your windshield for any damage, you probably cant see much yet. Once you arrive at your destination you take a closer look and see its just a tiny chip and think nothing of it.

By ignoring that tiny chip, a few weeks go by and now you notice a crack in your windshield. Now you must take action in getting your windshield repaired right away. The best option is to contact a professional glass repair company. The staff at a professional repair company is trained on how to repair auto glass and answer any questions you may have. When getting your auto glass repaired choose an AGRSS certified shop, they will follow they highest of safety standards for class repair and replacement.

Filling a small chip is always a better option that replacing the windshield because of a crack . When you find a chip, take it to a professional auto glass shop to have it looked at. It is better to have a chip filled as soon as possible. Remember your windshield provides the structural integrity of your vehicle in the event of an accident. Don’t take chances by not taking care or repairs or having a sub-par glass repair shop perform repairs.

Posted in Auto Glass, Paint Protection | Tagged | 321 Comments

Window Tinting FAQ’s

Posted on January 31, 2012 by team

Las Vegas Area Window Tinting FAQ’s

Q) What is computer cut patterns?

A) There are two ways to make the tint fit the size of the windows. One way is to cut on the glass with a razor knife, which can damage the glass or the moldings surrounding the glass. COMPUTER cut isa program that works in tandem with a plotter cutting out patterns that are pre designed.

Q) How do I care for tinted windows?

A) Windows need to remain stationary for 3 days in order for the glue to adhere and the water to dry out. After that you can clean the glass with any glass cleaner that is ammonia free.

Q) How long does it take to tint a vehicle?

A) Each vehicle varies, but 1-2 hours is the norm. Leaving the vehicle for more time is always recommended. This allows the film to settle, and for the installer to go over the vehicle a few cars to prevent any lifting of the film.

Q) What are Metalized films?

A) Window films are laminated layers of material each with a separate function. Glue, color, heat rejection technology, and scratch resistant coatings. Metalized films use metal sputtered in the heat layer.

Q) What are Carbon films?

A) Carbon is a film that uses carbon sputtered into the heat layer instead of metal to provide interference free technology use.

Q) How does the film fit the shapes of the vehicles?

A) The film is a Thick stretchy rubbery material. It can make most curves, but it does max out on complex angles. In these areas there might be relief cuts to allow the material to lay flat and hold itself to the vehicle.

• Security Films

Q) How thick is the film?

A) The film is measured in Millimeters. Starts at 4mil and goes up to 21mil. The thickest is about the same as a credit card and just as strong.

Q) Can a window be made impenetrable?

A) Unfortunately just like a bank vault, there is always a way in.Security film is designed to be a deterrent. But have no fear. With thick material it can take someone with an axe 45 sec. to access the inside of a building. WOW.

Q) How does it stay together?

A) Security film is placed on the inside of the glass. The adhesive is like super glue that will not let go of the glass and is not able to be cut from the outside. The second line of defense is an anchor system that locks to the metal frame of the glass, or a industrial caulking can be used for the same effect for less money.

• Anti-Vandal Films

Q) What kind of surface will it stick to?

A) Any smooth flat non-porous surface is perfect. Anything from elevator doors, bar tops, glass, mirrors, and much more.

Q) If it is easily removable, won’t it just fall off?

A) The layer of glue on this product is very strong, but it is formulated to resist becoming perminate, the same theory used in vehicle graphics. It is designed to stay on, requires a bit of force to remove, but not leave glue behind.

Q) How can you clean off spray paint from the surface?

A) The material is designed without pours. This keeps most material, germs, etc from being able to stick to the surface. You just select a cleaning agent like Simple Green etc. and go to town. We have even used carburetor cleaner on this material and it did not dull.

Posted in Window Films | 4,378 Comments

Paint Protection FAQ’s

Posted on January 31, 2012 by team

Paint Protection FAQ’s

Q) What if I already have chips in my paint?

A) Chips will create a visible white air pocket under the film. The more chips the more air pockets, thus effecting the film to be as transparent as possible.

Q) How long before I can install clear bra on new paint?

A) Aftermarket paint is a tricky thing. 1 month is the rule of thumb.This gives the paint time to harden and all of the solvents time to escape during the curing stage. But a very important thing to think about is the adhesion to the vehicle. Improper paint steps can leave the paint vulnerable and the adhesion of the film can remove the paint. Make sure that your paint shop will cover this if it arises.

Posted in Paint Protection | 4,838 Comments

Printing FAQ’s

Posted on January 31, 2012 by team

Printing FAQ

Q. What kind of printing do you do?

A. Large format 4 color CMYK Solvent ink Up to 74″

Q. What is the difference between banner materials?

A. Banners come in a wide variety from paper, scrim, to tear resistant. Also backlit and block out depending on backlighting.

Q. How long will a banner last?

A. Cheap banner material might be a onetime to a few months, depending on how it is hung, Tear resistant can last for years.

Q. What is the difference between sticker material and Vehicle wrap material?

A. Sticker material is normally a calendered, Vehicle wrap is a cast material. Calendered is made like pizza dough rolled out and stretched to size and rolled onto cores. Cast is like a pie, poured into a mold and cooked in a relaxed state. Cast is thinner and can stretch and stay in place better. Calendered is thicker and is stretched when it is made, so in heat it tends to shrink and contract it. Not good for vehicle applications with heavy curves and constant heat.

Q. How long does a vehicle wrap take?

A. After the design process is done and ready for print, 1 day for print, 1 day to prep and laminate after ink out-gasses for 24-48hrs, and 1-1.5 days to install and reassemble depending on vehicle type.

Q. How long to make a banner or sign?

A. After design is done the ink has to outgass for 24hrs. Then application to sign or hem and grommeting on the banner can be performed.

Q. How do I upload a file or files to you?

A. TBA

Q. How does the order process work?

A. A free consultation is 1st. If we have dimensions we can give a quote at this point. The artwork can take from 5 min., or until it’s to your satisfaction. Your files can be uploaded to our FTP site. Then, the printing, which can take 5min or 12hrs. depending on the size of the job. After outgassing the job can be installed.

Posted in Signs and Graphics | 3,458 Comments

Auto Glass FAQ’s

Posted on January 31, 2012 by team

F.A.Q’s

Q)  How long does an auto glass installation take?

A) Most installs take about an hour on average, But the bonding glue (urethane) that is  used sets how long it will actually take for the vehicle to be driveable, Urethane safe drive times change depending on the product and manufacturer. Make sure your glass technician advises you on safe drive away time, it is extremely important.

Q)  Can the installation be done at my location?

A) Mobile installs are offered at no additional charge. Some vehicle might be reccommended to be brought into the shop due to size, difficulty, and weather. You will be informed of these parameters when you set your appointment.

Q)  Does it matter if you use certified auto glass installers?

A) There are a lot of good glass shops around, some are certified and some are not. There is a set procedure that is supposed to be followed in order to guarantee safe windshield replacement. Going to a Certified shop will give you the highest level of confidence that those steps are followed.

Q)  How do you check to see if a glass company is certified?

A) You can check certifications for AGRSS at www.safewindshields.com Just enter your zip code and it will find a certified shop for you.

A) You can check for NGA certifications at http://nga.glass.org/ngaDirectories/CertifiedTechSearch.aspx and just enter your zip code.

Q)  What is an AGRSS certification?

A) AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard) is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. AGRSS is and accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) organization that developes industry standards. It is the only STANDARD recognised in North America.

Q)  What is a NGA certified technician?

A) NGA ( National Glass Association) Certifications in auto glass replacement, auto glass repair, and glass installation, are recognized as the gold standard of professional quality.

Q)  When using insurance, can I use any glass company?

A) Insurance providers allow their customers to choose which ever glass shop they choose. If the customerdoes have one, they will offer 3 shops. Some providers us a  call center  to process the glass claim and some are affiliated with certain glass shops, in this case they will try to get the customer to use their shop. This recommendation is not coming from the provider, and the reccomendation does not insure that the shop is even certified. The choice is ultimately up to the customer. We recommend calling your auto dealer and getting a refferal from a trusted company that deals in this area on a daily basis, refinishing used vehicles.

Q)  What does safe drive away times mean?

A) Safe drive away times are the amount of time it requires the bonding glue (urethane) to setup. If the urethane has not met its sdt; the passengers can be ejected, the passenger side air bag can fail by blowing out the windshield, and stress cracks are more comon based on structural integrity.

Q) Does my dealership do auto glass replacements?

A) All dealers in the Vegas valley send out to a glass shop for windshield replacements. Some base their glass company on price, but most depend on customer retention so they make sure they have a good one. Dealers know the importance of a propperly installed windshield.

Posted in Auto Glass | 6,354 Comments