Translucent Race Car Numbers Install
 

So, the concept of my car has always been this "ghosted", low key version of traditional vintage graphics. I love the look of the "vintage meatball" race number, but I didn't want to cover up the "Carrera" graphic, because it tells the story. When I originally concepted the color and graphics, I had an idea of doing a semi-transparent "meatball", as illustrated by this image:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397155.jpg

Since I've got a race (really my first with this car) coming up on Sunday, I wanted to get my numbers dialed in, so I started researching how I might make this happen.

After calling around and visiting a number of different places, I found a wholesaler in San Diego that sells "etched glass" vinyl. A quick test in the parking lot showed that it's exactly what I was shooting for. 15 bucks later and I had a yard of it.

Now, I don't have my final numbers, which will be grey, and a different font, but these came out exactly like I was hoping.

First to cut out the circle. Good thing I'm a drummer.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397347.jpg

I picked up some numbers (wrong color, wrong font...but close and cheap) from a local motorcycle race shop around the corner. After dialing the placement in, it started to look right, and proportionate:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397463.jpg

For the car installation, I eyeballed it and moved it around until I was happy with the placement:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397525.jpg

Using the "soapy water/squeegie" trick, I cut the backing off of the bottom half, soaked the car, and spread the graphic down. The "Carrera" shows through perfectly:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397611.jpg

Fully installed on that side:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397645.jpg

And a couple of final images. The light was overhead, and terrible, so I apologize for the bad shots. But, the final result was exactly what I was going for:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397712.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397751.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366397766.jpg

Next I'll get some dark grey numbers in Arial Black, and it will look almost exactly like my concept.

Um, looks good but why didn't you just clip the bottom of the meatball and make it flat?

I believe that would look funny :(
Gotta love that ghost meatballs :D

A. I don't think that looks good.
B. That's the easy way out. :)

I love that. Great idea, excellent execution, perfect.

*****n' man....

i don't get it

What don't you get?

well if you want ghost number, then go with a 10% shading, just slightly visible. these look too much like regular ones. ones that you have to look twice to make sure your seeing them. That would be cool, maybe even some ghost stickers?

The meatball over the Carrera graphics just doesn't look right, sort of like Carrera graphics with stone guards... at least to my eye. I'm not sure what your regional DE requirements are, but some white 6-8" numbers on the rear quarter glass and you should be good to go.

Get a smaller cymbal, make smaller meatballs?

Great job - freaken sexy car.