DE Question/ Headlight tape/DE prep

[JoeF]

Do you guys advise I tape up headlight and fog lights at DE events to prevent stone chips and breakage? Is it special tape or is it regular duct tape? Should I consider removal of fog lights altogether? Also, any other DE car preperation tips and advice will be very helpful. Thanks.
JoeF

[campbellcj]

Technically the main reason for taping the lights is to keep glass off the track when your lights crack or break.

I don't think the tape actually protects them from breakage much. But, it definitely protects from the "sandblast" effect and little chips.

Last time I had my 70E on the track, I removed the foglights, put plastic Hella covers over the driving lights, and taped the headlights. On the 914 I routinely taped the foglights (headlights are no worry on those cars!)

You probably want to get a roll of "racer's tape", or borrow some from somebody at the event. It is very similar to duct tape but comes in colors other then grey/silver and also does not seem to be so "gummy". It is very easily removeable with little or no glue residue left on the car.

Have fun!

[BER]

Joe,

I use Racer's Tape on my headlights and fogs while driving at DE events. Racer's Tape has a different adhesive and will not damage the paint if left on all day.

Bruce

[Jack Olsen]

The tape will help with the sandblasting effect, as Chris points out. A bra is essential if you value the paint on your front hood, fender and valence.

Duct tape is a catch-all label that can mean a lot of different things. Some products with that name will use adhesives that will either lift your paint off, or leave behind gummy residue. Racers' tape (or gaffer's tape, a product that's scarce outside of L.A. or New York) both have much kinder adhesives.

Here's what unprotected D.E.ing leads to on a front valence:

[rattlsnak]

I dont have that problem...... Im always in FRONT of everyone...

[mm86911]

Hey guys. . . picked up a trick from some NASA club racers in AZ - try CLEAR SHELF PAPER.

Visit your local hardware store (Home Depot) - trim to fit, easy to apply and leaves NO RESIDUE after two days in the sun! Beats any kind of tape hands down.

[Clark Griswald]

Stay away from duck tape (duct tape). Its high-tack or permanent adhesive is great for leaving a mess at best, or removing paint at worst. Even racer's tape can sometimes hurt marginal paint.

Try low-tack painters masking tape. You can get this at home centers like Home Depot, usually in blue. Cheaper than racer's tape and works good for headlight, taping the front of magnetic numbers, protecting wheel arches, etc.

[Jack Olsen]

A veteran racer once explained that you can use home linoleum-style wax, out of a Hudson sprayer, and then just wash the thick coat of protective wax off when the track day is done. I've never tried it (obviously). I'll be repainting the hood and bumper before too long.

[JoeF]

Mike,
Are they using that clear shelf paper on the paint or just the headlights?
JoeF

[JoeF]

Jack Olsen,
The bad news is my hood needs repainting badly, the good news is that it probably cant get much worse, or can it? I have a bra for the car, but was concerned about using it at DE, maybe I will use just the hood part. What I really thought I was gonna do was just use the car this year for DE and autoX without any protection on the paint, just tape lights, and repaint car in the future.
Since a paint job is in my future, should I be concerned with protecting paint from getting worse?
JoeF

[mm86911]

I did a Tracquest event at Road Atlanta in January and used Clear Shelf Paper all over the nose of the car (and lights) and the mirrors - this is the only way for me now. Beats using a bra as it can vibrate on the paint and duct/racer's tape always leaves residue. It's cheap, easy to apply (cut to any shape), and easy to remove.

[JoeF]

Mike,
Thanks for the info, I will give the clear shelf paper a try.
JoeF