Auto-X car number question

[Viper Driver]

Okay, as I get knee-deep in the process of ordering magnetic numbers for my NSX, I realize that with aluminum body panels the numbers might not stick too well to the side of the car (doh!).

So, I was wondering what you fellow NSXers use for numbering your car when autocrossing or for any other track events......is shoe polish the only real option?

 

[KellyJoe]

Don't know if you've seen this yet. Just read it and was fresh on the mind.
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Track/decals.htm

 

[ncdogdoc]

Go to Wally world and pick up some easy release 2" masking tape in the hardware section. Easy to see, easy to remove, not very professional looking but what do you expect for under $5? I have been using a roll for over a year now and I still have 25% left.

Do not use shoe polish or any other "paint" like product on the rear glass. The heat from the engine compartment will adhere it to the glass so well you will have to use glass polish to remove it. Ask me how I know

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Gary Yates
1995 Red/Tan Boooleevard Cruzer
1992 White/Black Track Rat
2002 Red and White Cooper S - for sale, please inquire

 

[Viper Driver]

Oh, damn......and I thought that shoe polish on the rear glass would work for me for now!

I'm racing this weekend, and I was hoping to have a reasonable solution by then. Masking tape on the painted surface of my black car on a sunny New Mexico day doesn't sound good to me, either. I have had nightmarish experiences with masking tape in the past, and I'd really like to shy away from that as an option if possible.

 

[ncdogdoc]

If you are autocrossing, you may not get that hot. If you get the "RIGHT" masking tape, you will never have a problem. I have run Roebling and Road Atlanta at over 100 degrees and not had trouble. HTH.

------------------
Gary Yates
1995 Red/Tan Boooleevard Cruzer
1992 White/Black Track Rat
2002 Red and White Cooper S - for sale, please inquire

 

[docjohn]

I've used tape,the special non residu 7-day release at lowes or home depot,shoe polish-just bring some windex to get it off quick,but the nicest,if you can think ahead is- go to any decal-sign shop and order a bunch of vinyl numbers for the hatch.

 

[Viper Driver]

Cool! Thanks for all of the great tips. I'll probably get some tape and do some 'sperimentin' this week on my other dark-colored daily driver.

 

[Sketch]

Originally posted by ncdogdoc:
Do not use shoe polish or any other "paint" like product on the rear glass. The heat from the engine compartment will adhere it to the glass so well you will have to use glass polish to remove it. Ask me how I know

I've used it on the NSX twice, and not had any problems. I've also used it on other cars many times, where I have had problems a couple of times when I didn't get around to removing it for a week.

Your best bet for easy removal is to remove it as early as possible. The longer it stays on, the harder it is to remove. I don't usually have any cleaning products with me, so I wait until I get home to remove it. After being out in the Florida sun for at least 5 hours, and another 1.5 hours on the drive home, it's usually not too hard to get off.

One other warning about using it in the hot sun... I've seen people go to wipe their numbers off before they go home, and literally burn their hand on the polish. Make sure you have something to wipe it off with if you use it.

I do agree that masking tape is definately easier to remove, but I wouldn't worry about using the polish too much if you forget to bring your tape.

One other advantage of masking tape is that it's easy to switch numbers between runs if you are sharing a car with another person.

 

[Vytas]

I went to my local Office Depot and picked up set of vinyl stick on numbers. They are easy to peel off. You get two of each number. Cost about $7 but I bought one set and it lasted me a long time since I managed to use all the numbers from the packet before buying a new set.