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Re: Magnetic Numbers

Dan,

You can order ready-made magnetic numbers through a company like Solotime =
at 
316-683-3803.  Static cling numbers?  A friend of mine who autocrosses 
Corvettes (and also recently started an autocross sign shop) can probably =

help -- Scotty White at we2fat4asp@domain.elided.  (I copied him on this =
message.)

What I, and many other autocrossers, do is buy a sheet of magnetic =
material 
and make 'em myself.  I get the raw material from a company called =
Cal-Com 
in Portland, Oregon.  Call Joanne at 503-281-9698.  It comes in white or 
black and a 24" x 120" roll costs $45.10 (or at least it did in 1994, the =

last time I bought any).  They may sell smaller rolls, too.  Or just sell =
your leftovers to other digest members.

Then, if you have access to a graphics computer, just crank out some =
numbers 
and letters on paper, cut them out, and trace the outline onto the =
magnetic 
material.  The material cuts easily with scissors or an Exacto knife.  
Warning from the voice of experience: Don't use your wife's sewing scissor=
s!

If you don't have access to a font you like, you can buy dry transfer 
letters and numbers at any art supply store and simply enlarge to the =
size 
you want on an enlarging copier, like at any Kinkos or PIP.  (If you =
really 
get strapped, let me know and for the price of a stamp I'll send you 
whatever you want.)

If you choose, you can paint the material to compliment your car color, 
but make sure the color still reads easily from a distance.  Warning: =
Clean 
the surface of the material thoroughly as there seems to be a silicone 
coating on it that repels paint.

Does the magnetic material scratch the paint?  Yes, a little.  Is it a 
concern?  Not really.  After a full year of applying and removing mine 
(probably 40-50 times) the few scratches I can see are so minor that a =
quick 
hand buff with Meguiars Swirl Remover, an application of Zymol, and voila =
- -- 
good as new!

If you're using magnetic or cling at speeds above 70 or so, you may need 
to apply a bit of Scotch tape (clear, doesn't show) over the leading edge =

to keep the wind from lifting and removing it.

One last thing -- whatever material you use, make the numbers and letters =

large and easy to read.  You don't want the folks in timing and scoring 
angry with you!

Hope that helps,

Bob Tunnell
bobt@domain.elided


- --------------------------------------
Date: 9/25/96 2:31 PM
To: Bob Tunnell
From: bmw-performance@domain.elided
Does anybody know where I can order some magnetic numbers for
autocrosses/time trials/driving schools?  Also, I'd prefer to use the =
static
cling sheets that you can lay over the rear quarter window.  If anyone =
knows
a source for these, please let me know.  I have tried local sign shops =
but
their prices are pretty high.  Any help would be great.

Lastly, does anyone have experience with the magnetic numbers scratching =
the
paint, e.g., I'm afraid that some dirt can get b/w the magnet and the =
paint
and etch the paint.  Is this a concern?

Thanks again,

Dan Martinez
95 M3 (only over-revved once, caught it tho - whew)