Vinyl Wrapping the FJ Cruiser at Podium Ink

Well, the FJ Cruiser is now the official mobile billboard for The Gear Bunker. And I can already tell it’s working. People are commenting on our YouTube channel that they saw us somewhere. Folks are looking up the website from the sidewalk as they check out our little Overland rig. And it’s all because of our friends at Podium Ink in Mount Ayr, Iowa.

This FJ will be for sale on the Bring a Trailer Website this fall!!

Podium Ink

“We create just about anything a business or organization of any size can think of. From vehicle wraps, wide format printing, custom apparel, indoor/outdoor signs and business identity creative. With our diverse skill set we are eager to take on any project big or small.” ~podiumink.com

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Before I left Michigan on a three week Overland trip through Colorful Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, I reached out to Podium Inks owner Brad Elliot to discuss wrapping the FJ. He had no problem working the design remotely and then me arriving in Iowa to have the final product measured and installed at their shop. Which really wasn’t out of my way at all.

Once we printed a small “proof of concept” and finalized the matte finish, the project was sent from the computer to one of several wide format printers. As the heavy vinyl material fed into the printer from a large roll, the topographical mountain range emerged with our logo and my excitement grew with each pass of the print head.

Podium Ink Wraps the FJ Cruiser

A protective film was added post printing to both reduce UV damage while also providing the desired matte finish. Then the team prepped the work space on the vehicle to promote adhesion and workability while I sat back and watched. In no time, the material was expertly worked over the contours of the curvy little FJ Cruiser. Once finished, I reinstalled the fender flares and we parted ways.

Santa Fe, NM

Imogene Pass, Ouray, CO

All told, this project took half a day to print, prep and install. More likely, they could have done it quicker without me loitering in their workspace asking questions, taking pictures and getting the boss sidetracked on other topics like cars, racing and Casey’s Pizza…

Ophir Pass, Ouray, CO

As The Gear Bunker continues to grow, we will keep Podium Ink in mind. Because they’re more than just vinyl wraps. When they’re not wrapping high level race cars, they also produce signs, embroidery, screen printed t-shirts and more. Someday we’ll have a TGB store with swag for the fans. But in the meantime, check out what this small Made in America business can do for you at Podium Ink.

Laramie, Wyoming

Top of the World, Moab, UT

After 3 weeks on the road, I can already tell putting the logo on the FJ has paid off. From an increase in YouTube subscriptions, to people asking me about The Gear Bunker. And lots of photos taken by enthusiasts in Ouray. I’ve even noticed passers by on the freeway grab their phones to look up our website. Not to mention, it looks pretty killer now. Once the world gets back to normal, expect to see The Gear Bunker FJ at Overland Expo, FJ Summit, KOAR and other related events.