Dad Just Bought a New Car and Wants to Put Thousands of Star Wars Stickers on It

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/275967624275?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk… like the above as I can't find them on eBay, but it's similar to the link and it's coming from TW in about 2 weeks, he has already ordered them.

My dad just bought a warm-hatch (MG4 Essence) delivery is happening in 1 month.

As a big star wars fan he is aiming to put a out 1000 star wars stickers on the 2 front doors and 2 passenger doors as well as a giant Darth Vader sticker on the car bonnet.

I normally would talk him out of it, however seeing how excited he is about the possible final new car he will ever get, I didn't want to spoil his passion.

The stickers are none reflective and none offensive, question is how legal is it if a car is virtually covered with that many stickers? Insurance issues? Cop would stop him? Etc ………

Comments

  • +110

    Could cause crashes out of sheer second hand cringe, quite dangerous.

    • +1

      Danger from none star wars fans? I didn't neg you

      • +40

        No, simply the cringe of covering a car with star wars stickers. I would see it, cringe with my entire body, and possibly end up hitting a light post or another vehicle.

        • +12

          Guess what? Me too! Still not going to stop the old man though…..lol

          • +13

            @Aerith-Waifu: He should fully embrace it and wrap it with a custom wrap then. I've had a couple of my boats wrapped, turns out alright, is relatively quick, and relatively removeable.

            • @brendanm: Mind sharing the costs?

              • @Aerith-Waifu: Won't be relevant as they are completely different jobs, and I don't get custom print, just colour change.

            • +3

              @brendanm: Agreed. There are some good examples here.

              https://www.custom-car-wraps.com/wrap/star-wars

              • +7

                @mattyman: If you are so into Star Wars: I think a custom wrap is the only way to go.
                It will also preserve the paint coat in a safe manner and allow wrap update after the fading process occurs.
                Get him to avoid stickers.
                I think if you have bought a new car and love something so massively, get it done properly.
                By the way white is the safest colour from that point of view, but shows dirt.

        • +2

          Cringe not. The force is strong with dad

      • +7

        Danger from road rage from Trekkies.

        • Danger from people crashing into them due to involuntary fits of laughter more like it.

        • +1

          The force may not be with you….

    • +2

      Won't be any worse than this…
      https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/uq3hh1/saw_this_…

      This cringe has been around for quite sometime so it wouldn't be any problem.

  • +19

    awesome! may the force be with him!

    • +2

      Yeah long time star wars fan…..been telling me star wars stories ever since I am young….still got his 1984 YAk FACE coin and never let me touch it. That's why I hate star wars….

      • +1

        The term you are looking for is "sticker bombing". If you combine that with "Star Wars" you should be able to find something off Etsy, or better yet from eBay. It should cost about $10 for a pack with say 100 stickers, so if he wants to do a sizeable area he may need to buy multiple packs and the price might go up. It'll usually be reasonable, I know this from the JDM crew.

        Just note the stickers will fade in colour over time, given our Aussie Sunlight. But the good thing is, you can just keep adding more tags on top of the old ones. If you want to preserve them specifically, you can add a vinyl cover on top. But at that point you may as well spend those thousand(s) dollars to get a custom wrap created and fitted. Personally I don't think it's worth it going that far, but you do you.

    • Inertia?

  • +19

    Maybe it would look better if you paid a graphic designer to illegally make a Star Wars design and have that made as wraps for the doors and hood. Could argue for personal use you can use copyrighted Star Wars graphics?

    • How much would something like that costs? Can it be reversed?

    • +1

      I was going to suggest similar. Wrap it and then get it air brushed, most of the guys I’ve met that do truck air brushing won’t care.

      • +1

        Is it legal to wrap the whole car? If it's reversible I would definitely pitch the idea to him

        • +2

          It is reversible, you just peel the wrap off, but it can be fiddly and require the use of a heat gun if the wrap has been on for a long while.

          It should be legal, but you’d have to check with your state road authority and possibly notify them if there’s a substantial colour change.

          • @mapax: Might ask him to give the licence place a call on Tuesday

        • +1

          If the windows are unaffected I don't see why it would be illegal. Plenty of people wrap their cars for their business. Let me ask ChatGPT for you.

          Yes, it is legal to wrap your car with a design in Australia, as long as the wrap does not cover any of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration label, and manufacturing details. However, please note that the rules and laws regarding car wraps may vary across each state or municipal council in Australia (https://www.deansautoglass.com.au/blog/driving-in-wa/are-you…).

          If you are planning to customize your car, it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities or consult a professional to ensure compliance with the specific regulations in your area.

          I hope this information helps! Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with.

          As the link points out, wrapping your car can protect it. So in the future if the wrapping is removed then it should be like new under it. Unlikely to completely offset the cost of wrapping, but it would help.

          • @AustriaBargain: Well certainly nothing on the window for sure. He isn't doing it for Instagram or anything, he is doing it as he always wanted do that. Crazy SW fan!

            • @Aerith-Waifu: Well he should do it. A graphic designer could show him mockups of what it will look like, so it can look just how he likes. You'd have to convince a graphic designer and the printing/wrapping place to work with unlicensed Disney owned IP tho…

              • +3

                @AustriaBargain: I will pitch the idea to him. His stickers idea is much cheaper though, in total he only spend $60 for about 1000 stickers (just asked him)

                • +5

                  @Aerith-Waifu: Dunno what type of car it is, but to cover it will need something like 7.5 square metres. Assuming the stickers are 5x5cm with no overlap or gaps you would need 3000 stickers.

                  A "liquid wrap" (removable paint) is about $1000. Sure it's a lot more money but it will look a million times better that dirty peeling stickers.

    • +2

      If this is a ‘derivative enough’ AND for personal use, it should be totally fine.

      Although I wouldn’t park it in front of Disney HQ, just in case - they are batshit crazy when it comes to the IP.

  • +3

    It can’t be much worse than that commodore wagon that is often parked near Bowens that is completely covered to look like a jet fighter from top gun, at least I’m pressing it’s top gun.
    Next time I’m in the area I’ll have to take a photo and post it here.

    • So it's legal to do that much wrapping/stickers in AUS? Cop won't find him?

      • No idea if it's illegal or legal, but that doesn't stop a cop from giving him a hard time over it.

    • +8

      Not surprisingly, photos already exist of it.

      https://images.app.goo.gl/EkcEXSwqU8Pjxs7u8

      • US army in AUS? And he got some stickers on the back window too! Didn't someone said you can't obstruction the windows above?

        • US Navy actually.

      • +2

        Wow, fully sick

        • fully sick

          Did you make it to the toilet in time before you puked?

  • +5

    Wraps are expensive, a small car can cost from 5k upwards and yes it can be removed but wraps only lasts maybe 3 to 5 years.

    But it will cost less if just doing 2 doors and the bonnet

    Legally having stickers like bumper stickers or window decals doesn't cause harm if you only have a few.

    I would prob just clear wrap on the doors and bonnet then add the stickers. If he is told to remove it, at least he can peel off the clear wrap.

    But legally speaking it should be fine as alot of businesses have busy paint jobs and decals.

    • +1

      5k is a lot of money! No idea it costs that much. I don't think he will be up for it.

      • It will be much less if it's just bonnet & door decals.
        And it will last much longer than cheap vinyl stickers from the internet.

  • +8

    So what - let the man have his fun smh

    • Indeed!

      • If you agree then why did you start this post?

        • +6

          He literally made the post asking about the legality of it

        • Why didn’t you read the post

  • i suggest an air-sprayed star wars themed krieger-like van, plenty of space to fit you and your waifu in

    • I won't get close to this thing with a 6 foot pole! Hate star wars! LOL

      • +3

        Star Trek then? NCC-1337 Pussychaser

  • +3

    Curious - how would he wash the car with it?

    • +1

      Maybe he just doesn't. I mean, not washing at all goes with the Star Wars hyper-consoomer aesthetic that he's aiming for by covering the car in Darth Vader stickers.

      • +11

        I read your user name as 'what washer problem' and thought your response appropriate 😂

    • I don't think he will. He will just peel the ones he doesn't want and add new ones

    • +6

      The man worked hard all his life, let him enjoy his time left whatever it maybe. And it's a great looking car.

      Don't see where you coming from

      • -1

        I should have put /s for sarcastic

        • +1

          And you shouldn’t have unpublished

      • It was a great looking car.

  • Can't you wrap the parent or convince them to get a Tattoo instead?

    • +1

      Tattoo is a no no in a Asian family, but he has heaps of star wars related stuffs

      • +6

        No I think @holdenmg means get him a Tattoo from Fantasy Island, a small person to follow him around and help him make decisions (like whether or not to put Star Wars stickers on his car).

  • +3

    go ahead…and kiss goodbye your paintwork

    • Not sure what time he got but by memory he said it's the vinyl type which can be peeled off without having any residual left = he can keep replacing them

      • +6

        its not the residual that's the issue…its the paint fade happening around the stickers…. but hey, it ain't my car.

        • Oh good point! I will let him know! Thanks

          • +1

            @Aerith-Waifu: That's why you wrap the doors and hood with clear protection film first then apply the stickers.

            But same scenario with the paint job on the other parts of the car with no protection, if and when he removes the stickers or film, the non-protected parts of the car will slightly be different colours.

  • +1

    Seems a strange thing to do on a new car. Seen it on old cars a few times. Stocker bombing is a bit of a niche part of car culture and quite possibly has already passed its use by date. But, whatever floats your boat. We shouldn’t be dictating what people want their car (or clothes) to look like.

    However, if not doesn’t cover any lights or certain windows and isn’t reflective there should be no issue with legality. AFAIK y only cannot cover the drivers and front passenger doors and cannot cover the windscreen within the line of sight of the driver. Ie across the top or bottom of the windscreen could be OK, the rear windows and back window may not need to have any visibility at all - but check your rego authority.

    • +1

      Well plan is to put a giant Darth Vader sticker on the bonnet, both passenger and driver and rear passenger doors filled with smaller star wars stickers. And one giant sticker on the roof I'm the form of storm trooper. Nothing on the window or on the rear windows.

      Paint is the only other issue as who knows what long turn damage it can be done to the car.

      Would insurance be a issue I wonder if he really follows through? As he didn't change or modify the car at all.

  • +3

    do it
    then message news.com.au
    get money fir an interview
    win win

    • Don't think news will be interested with a story this….small…lol

      • +9

        You'd be surprised. Their "jourdalnalists" pick up popular posts from Reddit and other social media all the time.

        • +1

          I honest to goodness reckon there's a chance they'd run it. The state of modern journalism from these old news empires has become pathetically sad

      • +3

        If you times it with some other Star Wars story they’d lap it up. Ie anniversary of one of the originals, announcement of a new series, death of an actor etc.

      • +3

        u will be surprised how low they will go
        include some buzz words like you are married to a kmart mum, the stickers were costing more due to inflation caused by RBA, you wanted to have it done so you can vote in the referendum, which will depending if there is a odd or even number of stickers will decide your vote (cause you are a swing voter) and randomly add the word Dan

        boom front page!

        • Farewell Dan 😔 get on the beers one more time😔we’re finnna celebrate

  • +2

    What is a warm hatch?

    Is this what we're calling hatchbacks that have crappy engines now?

    normally would talk him out of it, however seeing how excited he is about the possible final new car he will ever get, I didn't want to spoil his passion.

    Then don't?

    He's bought a car he can do what he likes with it.

    I don't see the problem.

    Who cares what others think

    • +2

      Well a warm-hatch is something goes from 0 - 100kms in like 6 - 7 seconds. He did a test drive and absolutely loved it, the rear drive is also quick from the go, was going to get the MG4 51 but it's a 3 months wait. So in the end he brought the MG4 Essence and in black, coming in 4 weeks, I really tried to tell him don't get black just imagine how hot it will be. Not having it as Darth Vader is balck…..so I let him have his fun, it's his money. I am not going to drive it for sure with all that star wars stickers applied

      • -1

        Essence 64 0-100 km/h time is around 7.9s. Nothing warm about it, even by your own definition (which ignores brakes, tyres, suspension, seats, etc).

      • Not having it as Darth Vader is balck

        but anakin is a fair shade of champagne..

    • +5

      Warm hatch is a good descriptive term for a mostly practical hatch that still has some guts. No need to be such a hater.

  • +2

    Geez, how old is this guy?

    I mean don't get between a guy and his passion but i really would question the need to do this.

    • +7

      73 this year! And a life time star wars fan! Retired also.

      • +6

        If I saw a 70yo driving around in a car wrapped in Star Wars stickers I'd think he was one of the coolest 70yos! Do it and send photos!

  • +4

    My dad just bought a warm-hatch (MG4 Essence)

    Putting stickers all over it will definitely improve the look

    • I personally don't think it's a bad looking car. However each to their own.

      One thing I didn't like at all is he didn't get any discount and paid the full retail price. Not even free mats been offered!

      We got a $4500 discount on our SUV. So not getting $1 discount is just beyond me…..

      • +4

        It’s a brand new car, just released in this market with a massive wait list… what (fropanity) discount were you expecting? Certainly not getting $4500 and a set of mats on an MG4, that’s for sure.

        • +1

          We went in expect a free set of mats and maybe a free 1 year service.

          Not a lot to ask for a $50k car.

          Can't believe the amount of cars been sold already, there was 3 MG4 with ribbons on it. Crazy!

          He totally lost it when the sales man told him he can have it in 30 days and signed the paperwork on the spot.

          No discount was fine by him. I would maybe wait till December to order so it's 2024 batch but like many said….it's his money

  • Midlife crisis

    • +1

      At 73?

    • More like the final bit of enjoyment before he isn't able to drive anymore.

      73 isn't exactly young though 😂

      • +4

        Good news he's going to live to 146

  • +11

    Anything is better than fake bullet holes, Transformers logo, and My Family stick figures.

    • +3

      Haha, I saw a car with Pokemon allover not long ago.

      Imagine Pokemon Car and Star Wars Car in the same parking next to each other! LOL

    • speed holes

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