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I just got my new ride and am going to track (lightly) and autocross for the first time...I need to get numbers for my car but am concerned about ruining my paint. The guy who assigns the numbers said:
"Your local instant sign shop can make magnetic, vinyl
adhesive and static cling numbers. Magnetic and static numbers
are very convenient but both types can blow off at high speed.
Magnetic numbers can trap dust and lint underneath which can
cause scratches, so they should be taped to prevent
movement and blowing off."
It sounds like hes reccomending the vinyl, but I just want to make sure I dont wreck the paint. I asked him what he uses and he said he doesnt take them off, so he doesnt know.
If I f*** up my first cool car, Im gonna be very....upset.
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I use static cling from Europdr Graphics...just wet the surface place on the number and use a towel to press the water out...if you do it right stays stuck up to 150mph and doesn't harm the paint and no tape needed (just make sure the front edge is smooth)...I spray a detail polish on the surface before and after...
true...what do I know...I have only been using them for 4 years and about 20 track events per year and never had one come off...however, I don't use one on the hood, just the doors...I'm speaking from experience Otto, are you?
Another cavieat...I'm in California and most track days are 70 deg or better...only ran in the wet twice and the numbers stayed on...btw...not all statics are created equal some do need icepicks
Location: Redmond, WA (6speed is my vacation home)
Posts: 6,204
Rep Power: 347
i use both magnets and vinyl and i haven't had an issue with either. like the guys posted above, just make sure the surface is clean before applying. =)
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Basalt Black911 C2 (996)...K&N CAI, H&R springs, Fabspeed Bypass, LWFW, Recaro sport seats, 6 pt harness, 19's, Short shifter, 20% tint
Im going to use the recommendation by VSE and order my numbers.
Funny thing about my number assignment...the number I wanted (#60), which has been my athletic number (football, baseball, etc.), was taken so I chose #666.
The gentleman in charge of the assignments was shocked that I wanted something with a Satanic connotation. I found it unusual that someone would press me that it was a bad choice, since he doesnt have to have it on his car. I informed him that Im a long time heavy metal musician/fan and that it was more of a joke/cliche a la Tenacious D.
you can use windows if the groups you are running with will allow numbers that small...the racing club that I run with most of the time requires 10" numbers and those won't fit on a window
I used vinyl for my first track day last year. It was raining when I put them on at the track. I did not do a good job getting all the moisture out after applying. In the afternoon, the sun came out and it got pretty warm. I took them off before the drive home and noticed water spots on the hood. I figured it wasn't anything serious and would wash away.
I went to work on it when I got home, but it would NOT come off. I used clay, then hand polish, then an orbital - nothing helped. These spots were bonded into the paint! After some research, I found that this happens when the water is trapped under the vinyl in the heat. The moisture bonds into the paint. The fix was to scrub with a 50/50 water/alcohol solution and then use a hair dryer or leave it out in the sun to speed the evaporation. It took a while, but did come out and is fine now.
So, just be sure you get all the moisture out from under the vinyl BEFORE the sun does the work for you.
...I have only been using them for 4 years and about 20 track events per year and never had one come off...however, I don't use one on the hood, just the doors...I'm speaking from experience Otto, are you? 
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