Should i avoid magnetic #s for auto-x and tt? Alternatives?

[bento]

i was all excited to make myself some numbers for local pca auto-x and then i read the "make your own magbra" thread which really worried me. is this a bad idea? my car is black and i hate the idea of scratching it for life just to get some jiggy numbers on the side instead of running w/ the shoe polish on the quarter windows like i do now. what are the other alternatives? is there a vinyl type of numbering that i can static cling on to the car? the only other thought i have is designing something on a light plastic/vinyl sheet and then getting it on my car w/ some racers tape. I'd like to think that there is more sano solution.

any thoughts?

db

[ChrisBennet]

I use the static cling (not vinyl) kind and stick them to the window. You can fit 3 5.5" high letters in the rear side window.
-Chris

[APKhaos]

I run 6" static cling numbers both doors and trunk lid without the slightest sign of damage to the finish. They trick is to apply them using a spray bottle with weak P21S solution, then rubbing the numbers down with a 3" paint roller. Works for me. The trunk number stays put at 125-130 no problem.

Only downside is that the numbers will release if they get wet.

Fellow DE'er owns a major carwash operation - swears that mag numbers mar the paint, especially if there is any moisture around. Heresay evidence, YMMV, yada yada.....

[Noel]

I've been using magnetic #s for autocross for about 5 years now with no ill effect. Just keep your car waxed and make sure the car and the magnet is clean prior to application.

Noel

[chuckr]

I have seen athe magnetic numbers blow off on DE's but if you use Racers tape on the edges of the numbers they will stay.Magnetic numbers should not stay on your car after you finnish, for some strange reason the magnetic numbers will cloud the paint after time.

[dtfastbear]

Hey Dave! Sorry I missed the last Candlestick event - I was at Nazareth watching the IRL cars circle under caution for 2 hours, instead... Looks like you had a pretty good finish!

I'll second Noel and Chuckr's comments: as long as you keep a good coat of wax on the car and make sure the numbers and car surface are clean before putting the numbers on, you won't scratch the paint at all.

One other thing, don't ever slide the numbers into place! If you put it on, step back and it looks crooked, pull it off and try to put it on again. Avoid ever sliding the numbers while they are "stuck" to the car.

I've been doing this for years with white and black cars with no ill effects.

See you soon,

Dean

[Noel]

I second dtfastbears comments about not sliding the magnets. Very important. I also have not seen the thicker magnetic material fly off the cars. Only the really thin stuff.