DIY Removable Track Numbers Material

[embraceentropy]

I'm new to the HPDE scene with a GT350. I have a vinyl cutter and would like to design and cut my own removable numbers for track days. Reusable would be great, but not required. Does anyone have a suggestion for vinyl that will be safe for paint, removable, and durable for a track day?

 

[saleen367]

I know nothing about vinyl that they use for numbering but I do know that "reusable" is a term that I've never been able to make work. If you have a vinyl cutter, I believe you are 3/4 of your way there. Vinyl sheets are relatively inexpensive, IMO. You're going to find the amount of time you spend trying to save the "reusable" numbers is probably not worth it. Buy some magnetic sheets and make mag numbers if you plan to track often. Others may have more experienced opinions, but thats my thoughts on it.

 

[byronj]

Just make numbers as you need them. They are relatively cheap and the time it would take to install and remove is not worth the effort. Or do like me and be a DB and keep them on all the time.

 

[ChipG]

Try this: https://www.soloperformance.com/Reusable-Vinyl--BULK--sold-by-the-foot-30-wide_p_1254.html

 

[embraceentropy]

Thank you for the suggestions! We had some window cling-esque material. I'll report back on the results.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

I am a big fan of just putting the numbers on magnetic vinyl backing ( thicker, heavier duty kind ) as I have no recollection of ever losing a number, decal , or class designation over the many years I have run autocross and track events. The key is to make sure the numbers/decals/etc. do not overlap any folds in the metal and if on a really fast track clear tape on the leading edge is used by many -- though I have never used it. The one caveat I should list is most of the tracks I run only allow a top speed of around 130 - 140 so no experience if said magnetic backed vinyl will stay on at Mid Ohio , Road America , VIR , Road Atlanta, etc. without the clear tape backing on the leading edge.

I just take them off after an event and they last forever. I have some old decals, sponsors , and numbers I used still stuck on my garage door, ha.

 

[ChipG]

I use magnetic sheet for my door numbers etc. but need something else for required numbers and decals on the front and rear, which is what I use this sheeting for.

 

[embraceentropy]

My wife came up with an approach to this I haven't seen elsewhere, yet. Using a vinyl cutter she cut the numbers out of Oracal 651 permanent vinyl. She then cut a square of window cling vinyl and applied to numbers to it.

Being sure to save the backing material, the number panel was placed on the doors using wet application. There are few bubbles, but they're not noticeable unless you're staring at them up close.

These had no issues at the track and for several days of interstate driving in rain and hot sun.

The panel was removed easily and placed back on the backing material for storage. No damage or scratches were noted.

I think this is how I'm going to roll moving forward.

 

[ChipG]

My wife came up with an approach to this I haven't seen elsewhere, yet. Using a vinyl cutter she cut the numbers out of Oracal 651 permanent vinyl. She then cut a square of window cling vinyl and applied to numbers to it.

Being sure to save the backing material, the number panel was placed on the doors using wet application. There are few bubbles, but they're not noticeable unless you're staring at them up close.

These had no issues at the track and for several days of interstate driving in rain and hot sun.

The panel was removed easily and placed back on the backing material for storage. No damage or scratches were noted.

I think this is how I'm going to roll moving forward.

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I had previously tried window cling material. It may work on the sides where you have it (I didn't try it there as I used magnetic sheet for the doors) but when used on the front edge of the hood and/or the rear bumper (NASA TT requires front and rear numbers) it wasn't sturdy enough and wrinkled/tore/lifted.

 

[embraceentropy]

I had previously tried window cling material. It may work on the sides where you have it (I didn't try it there as I used magnetic sheet for the doors) but when used on the front edge of the hood and/or the rear bumper (NASA TT requires front and rear numbers) it wasn't sturdy enough and wrinkled/tore/lifted.

That's good to know. I'll keep that in mind if I'm ever required to have front/rear numbers.

 

[mavisky]

My wife came up with an approach to this I haven't seen elsewhere, yet. Using a vinyl cutter she cut the numbers out of Oracal 651 permanent vinyl. She then cut a square of window cling vinyl and applied to numbers to it.

Being sure to save the backing material, the number panel was placed on the doors using wet application. There are few bubbles, but they're not noticeable unless you're staring at them up close.

These had no issues at the track and for several days of interstate driving in rain and hot sun.

The panel was removed easily and placed back on the backing material for storage. No damage or scratches were noted.

I think this is how I'm going to roll moving forward.

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Good idea. I recognize that track.