I am going to a DE in a couple of weeks and need race car numbers. Does anyone know of a good source on the internet? Any suggestions as to specific type of material I should order?

 

Fast Meatballs.

 

If this is your first DE may I suggest that you just use racer's tape, or Scotch "Safe-Release" Painter's Masking Tape (available at Home Despot, Lowes et. al.) to make numbers. Why make an investment in magnetic numbers if you aren't even sure you'll like the sport? You probably will come back for more DE's, they are addictive, but tape does work fine for numbers.

As for preference, I like the magnetic numbers, a lot easier to work with than the vinyl. The vinyl is hard to get on and off repeatedly. Just about any sign shop can knock out a set of magnetic numbers if you don't want to hassle ordering over the internet.

 

What are the requirements of the organization holding the DE? A lot of times DE events can be done with 4" numbers on the rear windows. Cheap vinyl, so easy to take off...

 

dmbgamer -

Make sure the number is fairly large (8"+) and in high contrast to the background color for easy identification.

Your corner workers will appreciate it!

Howard
98 C2 Cab Tip Glacier White/ Black top
Divisional SCCA Starter/Corner Worker

 

With the Fast Meatball removable numbers, I attach a small bit of clear tape that's folded on itself on the trailing edge to facilitate lifting the vinyl off. You can barely see the tape. If you don't like this look, you can use a piece of racer's tape to grab an edge so you can get your fingers under it.

 

cheap and easy numbers

Go to home depot and buy a pack of magnetic vent covers. They are thin white magnetic sheets, ususally there are 4 of them to a pack that are made to cover vents in your house. ABout 4-5$ and Home Depot or Lowes. Use your printer and word to make template numbers then trace the number on the mag sheet and cut em out. I made a set for the last DE I did. I got 3 sets of 2 number (45) for each door and the hood out of 1 pack of covers. Got the car up to 120+ on the backstraight at Road Atlanta and they never moved a bit. Do not try using the whole magnetic sheet with a printed number on it it will not stay on at speed I have seen it happen. Also make sure that both your paint and the back of your number is clean before you put it on the car or it will scratch

Good Luck

Jon

 

Cheapest solution:
Regular contact paper. I print numbers on the stuff directly then cut them out. It's kind of a pain but it works great. PM me if you want my Word file.

 

That sounds like the best idea I've ever heard for using vinyl. I have a friend with a Corvette, magnetics won't work, and he has nothing but trouble with those numbers, always getting wrinkled, hassle.

 

for all the good ideas. Being the lazy a** that I am, I'll probably order them from FastMeatballs if he can deliver them in time. If not, racer's tape it'll be.

Chuck, the DE I'm going to is at Road Atlanta next weekend. Will you be there?

 

dmbgamer,
Yes Sir, I'll be at Road Atlanta for the next DE, January 17-18. I'm really looking forward to it. What is your car number, so I can come over and shake your hand? I'm #41 for the event, 1995 black on black coupe, and I usually try to park near the down ramp that enters the grid.

If you can't get your meatballs made in time don't bother buying tape if you don't want to, because I should have plenty.

Partners in Laziness,

 

Chuck.

I am #32 , silver '95 coupe. I look forward to meeting you there. Do you have a suggestion for the best place to stay since I'll be driving over from B'ham?

 

Randy,
I usually stay here:

Comfort Inn Oakwood

I-985 Exit 16 Mundy Mill Rd
Oakwood, GA 30566

Tel: (770) 287-1000

It is nothing fancy mind you, but it is cheap, nice enough, and about as close to the track as any motel.

Call them direct and ask for a Porsche Club discount, they will usually knock a few dollars off of whatever price you could have gotten through Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

If that motel is full there is a "Jameson Inn", and a "Country Inn and Suites" in Oakwood which are just fine. All the motels in Oakwood are fine except the Admiral Benbow, which is a dump.

If Oakwood is all booked up try for a room in Gainesville.

 

Chuck,

Thanks for the info. I'll see you next weekend.

 

Depending on size requirements, you can always just print them out on a peice of paper and stick that in the window. If you really like DE, then you can go all out.

Matt