Autocross Numbers?
 

Experienced Autocrossers:

I am planning to do an autocross this weekend, but it has been lots of years since my last autocross. What do you currently use for numbers?

My thought is to go with vinyl numbers and remove them after the event. I feel that vinyl would be more secure than magnets and less likely to damage the paint. If this is a good plan, where do you buy such numbers? Have you ever had paint damage from the vinyl? Back in the day we used white shoe polish on the rear windows, but the FR-S does not have much for a rear window.

Help please...

I use magnetic numbers. The static cling vinyl type are still popular, but I've seen a few fly off the car while working course. Plus if you have a rain event, I would assume the magnetic type would hold on better. For magnet types, it all depends on material/strength of magnet.
The magnets don't damage the paint. Just use some quick detailer on the painted surface and wipe the back of the magnet numbers to make sure nothing gets caught in between and possibly scratch your paint.

In SoCal, most use our local guy (http://www.jaycomvinyl.com/).

Another online source is http://www.soloperformance.com/

Numbers
 

Email izoom@cox.net

I got 8" race black 3-number magnetic set for $34.30 shipped, 3-day service and they are nice. See you this weekend.

If you are not that concerned with your actual number, get ones that can be put upside down (like a 6 could be a 9) if choosing just a few numbers. You can always just use painter's tape for that raw grass roots look. ;)

I sell custom door panels, but due to low order volume, I have taken that builder option down from my site. Also, you might find a vendor at the event selling numbers for around $5/each.

Good luck on your search.

I would recommend izoom as well. http://www.izoomgraphics.com/

Or SPS has them as well in a bit more varieties. http://www.soloperformance.com

Magnetic are fine and won't damage anything as long as you keep them clean and quick wipe down the car before you put them on, and obviously don't adjust them while they are stuck down :). The vinyl numbers won't stay on as well.

Painters tape works, most regions won't let you use shoe polish anymore.

I've always used magnetic numbers. Make my own using templates printed out on heavy paper stock. Only had a problem with damaging my paint once, on my black Mini Cooper it rained earlier in the day, apparently some moisture got trapped under the numbers, it was sunny in the afternoon, and the paint got fogged/etched under the numbers. I got it about 80-90% better with some work with various paint polishes, but it is still barely visible. Never heard of that happening to anyone else, and it is the only incident I've had with 13 years of using magnetic numbers. Just use thicker material, not the thin "vent cover" magnetic material some home centers sell, and it should stay on. I try to make sure there is a fresh coat of wax on my doors where the numbers will go, peel them off carefully, and clean off any dust or dirt that may be on the backside.

I've had friends that have used the static cling vinyl because they had to (Corvettes) and the general consensus was that they don't last terribly long, maybe a season or so with a lot of care. They tend to lose their stick after awhile. If a person isn't planning to do many autocrosses, I'd probably just recommend contrasting painters tape.

I got custom gulf orange/white/chrome numbers from www.autocrossnumbers.com The quality is excellent.

painters tape!

for Temp numbers...nothing beats Blue Painters tape...

I have done painters tape, shoe polish stuff - but finally went w/ magnetic numbers. 2 - 6X10" ovals for like $24 wasn't bad. Have background color choices too!

Check em' out: http://www.edecals.com/custom/door_numbers.html

My gulf orange/white/chrome magnetic numbers from autocrossnumbers.com (on my gf's old GTI)

Attachment 11629Attachment 11630

I get mine from cafepress.com, usually around $10 for a custom printed 24x12 car magnet. I stuff as much as I can on one magnet and then cut them out.

I'm happy w/ my interchangeable (modular) panel style numbers from izoomgraphics.com

http://www.izoomgraphics.com/index.p...&products_id=7

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...IMG_7743-1.jpg

hahaha...check out the corner worker...
"Dude...your supposed to be watching the cars on course...not making out with your girlfriend".... corner 1..