Magnetic Autocross Numbers

[TheParker]

I was wondering how you guys feel about your numbers. I'm about to order and figured I might be able to save a few buck by doing it right the first time. I have narrowed it down to a couple companies and wanted to ask a couple questions based on personal experience.

Do you use a single magnet or individual numbers and letters?

How is the quality of the Magnets as far as sticking and lifespan?

Would you recommend any other material for temporary numbers?


Thanks Guys

[groho]

I can't speak for autox, but I can speak for magnetic signs because we used them on our work vehicles, and they do stick, they won't shift as long as the area is clean of dirt and debris and the back of the magnet is clean. There are different thicknesses of magnet backing and the thinner piece conform better to the contour of the body. Sharp corners have a tendency to lift over time so rounding sharp corners is a good idea. I believe the number sizing and placement is in the solo rule book. If I remember correctly, there is no rule stating you can't use magnets other then the numbers need to remain in place and can't fall off.

[rchaskin]

I used air register covers for this.

I pick the font / numbers I want, print them out in paper, and trace them onto the register cover and then cut them out.

Works great, does not fall off.

[TheJDMan]

Randy,
What air register covers are you referring to? Pics?

[TheParker]

Thats a great idea. I found this on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/MVCX512-Magnetic-Vent-Covers-3-pk/dp/B00009W3G4

[rchaskin]

Yes, that is what I'm talking about.

You can get them at Lowes Hardware too.

They work great.

For SCCA you need 8" high numbers, and 4" high class letters.
You can do both sides with one pack of three.

I found a funky looking 70s style font for my 71CAM letters.
I also cut two spare number "1"s and stick them to the underside of my trunk lid in case someone would have already used the numbers I cut out.
Then if need be, i could have 11, 171, or 711.

You can also spray paint these covers to contrast if you have a light colored car.

PS...I was definitely not the first to use these, I found the idea on my local SCCA site....

Good Luck.

[TheParker]

Yes, that is what I'm talking about.

You can get them at Lowes Hardware too.

They work great.

For SCCA you need 8" high numbers, and 4" high class letters.
You can do both sides with one pack of three.

I found a funky looking 70s style font for my 71CAM letters.
I also cut two spare number "1"s and stick them to the underside of my trunk lid in case someone would have already used the numbers I cut out.
Then if need be, i could have 11, 171, or 711.

You can also spray paint these covers to contrast if you have a light colored car.

PS...I was definitely not the first to use these, I found the idea on my local SCCA site....

Good Luck.

Thanks Randy,

These are great tips.

[kevs79]

That is what I used also. I kept them in a rectangle and printed the numbers out and cut them out on 3m metal tape. Looks ok from a distance but not so good up close. I had the tape from another project.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/101_4121_zps26hhnz2p-1.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/kevins_camaro/media/autocross/101_4121_zps26hhnz2p.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/101_4122_zps29o1icl8-1.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/kevins_camaro/media/autocross/101_4122_zps29o1icl8.jpg.html)

[kevs79]

Oh, forgot to add that I had some black vinyl, again from another project, that I stuck on the register covers to make them black first.

[TheParker]

That is what I used also. I kept them in a rectangle and printed the numbers out and cut them out on 3m metal tape. Looks ok from a distance but not so good up close. I had the tape from another project.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/101_4121_zps26hhnz2p-1.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/kevins_camaro/media/autocross/101_4121_zps26hhnz2p.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/101_4122_zps29o1icl8-1.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/kevins_camaro/media/autocross/101_4122_zps29o1icl8.jpg.html)

How tall are you numbers and letter?

[Schubitzky]

I got mine from solo performance. Whatever you go with, make sure you get a contrasting color. I used 8" number and 4" class that were silver on my bright blue car which I thought looked really good. Kind of went with my wheels. But one of the regions I ran with said it wasn't contrasting enough and made me outline them in orange tape. I ended up painting them Chevy Engine Orange and they look pretty good, but could've saved some time/money if I had gotten a more contrasting color to start with.

[rchaskin]

I have my numbers saved in a .ppt format and could send them to anyone interested.
The font looks cool on old cars.

[rentedmule]

I got mine from an Ebay seller, there are a bunch of different sellers offering them and you can spec your style and color combo. They do stick well but after a few years the edges of the magnet have started to curl up a bit, presumably because the vinyl is shrinking. I tried making my own with a DIY magnetic sign kit but it didn't hold up well during rainy events and it cost just as much as the ebay versions.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Sept20138_zpsaa60c90a-1.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/rentedmule/media/Sept20138_zpsaa60c90a.jpg.html)

[mpozzi]

Word of caution concerning magnetic numbers ... they don't stay stuck on the track. I've got magnetic numbers that I've had for over 25 years (yes ... YEARS) and they still work. Due to the plastic on the sides of the doors to camouflage little dings during the last paint, I use tape to hold the numbers in place as there's nothing left for the magnet to stick to. Now I know the reason the car is as heavy as it is ... LOL. Those magnets don't stick to anything except the roof ...

Mary P.

[nokones]

I still have a bunch of black magnetic 10" numbers and 4" letters I used on my Porsche way back in the 80's and a bunch of white magnetic 10" numbers and 4" letters I used on my 3rd Gen 1LE Camaro that I can part with since I sold the Porsche many many moons ago and I gave the 1LE to my daughter, and magnetic numbers don't work worth a darn on a Corvette. Let me know what you need and I'll see if I can put it together for you. Oh, they are individual numbers and letters.

My white numbers and letters stayed stuck on at 127 MPH. Yes, that was an autocross course and not an open track event.

Another alterative is use static cling vinyl numbers or laser cut transfer-ons. The laser cut transfer-ons can be designed in any style or color you want and they are not that expensive from Fast signs. My "CAMS" 4" transfer-on letters were $2.50 a set.

[TheJDMan]

OK I see now, I had never seen those and I did not know Lowes or Home Depot sold them. Good idea! I have purchased magnetic sheets from sign companies and did the same thing. Here's another use for that material, you can stick your product/sponsor decals (Holley, Edelbrock, Summit, Etc.) on the magnetic sheet and then cut them out and you now have magnetic product/sponsor decals.

[vanzuuk1]

These are magnetic, I work at a sign shop...i keep the car and the back of the magnetic clean and dont leave them on for long.

[FMK]

If your on Facebook check this guy out. Quality stuff, full custom, understands the rules, works on the track (unless you have bondo!) and he's an autocrosser.

https://www.facebook.com/AutocrossMagnets

[PT Sportwagon]

I used magnetic for years. I was one of the first to use them in our Auto x series. For autocross they work great not so much for faster speeds. But it is said to use a strip of scotch tape on the front edge to keep air frm getting under and lifting the magnet.

Tim

[bad86ss]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/13350005_zpsxysdfgtj-1.jpg (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/bad86ss/media/13350005_zpsxysdfgtj.jpg.html)

[bad86ss]

I don't think the owner of Facebook.com/autocrossMagnets is on here but he's local to me and did a fantastic job on mine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED