Track numbers on car for DE event - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

z12358 · 09-13-2006, 06:14 AM

I will be attending my first DE event this Fri and Sat, and was wondering what solutions people here have used for placing numbers on their Boxsters for a DE event. So far, the best idea I've come up with is to just "write" the numbers on my side doors using racing tape as a "pencil". If I go this route, are there any types of tape (duct?) that may damage the paint and that I should avoid?

Perfectlap · 09-13-2006, 06:21 AM

I made a great set at Kinkos.
I printed out the number and had them enlarge and laminate.
Took a pair of scissors and cut about a half inch from the number.
I then went to staples and bought a pack of these magnets that affix to the back
of business cards to place on your refrigerator or other metal surfaces.
The whole thing cost me less than $15.

09-13-2006, 06:22 AM

This is what the Chicago PCA recommends:

"Your local instant sign shop can make magnetic, vinyl adhesive and static cling numbers. Static cling numbers can blow off at high speed. Magnetic numbers should be taped to prevent movement.

For track events the number must be at least 6" tall on the sides and 8" tall on the hood, contrasting with the body color. Autocross only requires the number to be displayed on each side. The three-letter region abbreviation is not to be displayed."

z12358 · 09-13-2006, 06:50 AM

Thx guys.
Perfectlap, did you find the Staples magnets strong enough to hold the numbers in place on the track? Did you notice any marks on your paint from the potential minor movements between the magnets and the paint?

Perfectlap · 09-13-2006, 07:08 AM

use some clear box tape around the edges to reinforce it. I've forgot to remove my numbers after one event and didn't realize it until after I was on the highway and they didn't blow off. The first time I used my numbers I did notice some light marring of the paint from the magnets which came out with some Poorboys SSR 1 (by hand). I'd probably stick some wide width blue painters tape to the area of the doors before sticking the numbers back on again. and add some wax to the door in the future. Which ever magnetic numbers you use it would be wise to do this.

p.s.
magnetic numbers won't work on your hood since that part is made of aluminum.
Find out if you do need numbers on the hood. Be careful storing the numbers and do so on a flat surface you don't want that laminate to bend

z12358 · 09-13-2006, 01:19 PM

I like the laminating idea. If I'm going to use tape to reinforce the magnets, then why use magnets at all? Shouldn't just clear box tape around the edges be enough to hold it?

Perfectlap · 09-13-2006, 02:07 PM

For Autocross where speeds don't exceed 80mph(anymore then it wouldn't be an autocross!) the magnets are plenty. That with lots of abrupt turning and jarring too.
Clear box tape can be a pain to remove so keep it affixed to the blue painters tape and not the paint itself. The painters tape also comes in red which might look nicer around the edges of your number.