LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community - View Single Post - The Solo Setup Thread for the Elise in SCCA

Randy Chase · 09-14-2004, 11:21 AM

Okay, forget all those magnetic graphics you might own. They will not work on the Elise.

Temporary graphics. I recommend blue painters tape for making on-the-spot numbers and class letters. Cheesy, but it works. Some regions will require a taped on paper number. I still recommend using the blue painters tape to adhere those sheets, and make sure you tape all around. The painters tape does not leave residue, as some other tapes do. Do not use shoe polish as it sucks if it gets on the rubber/plastic trim and be messy. Many regions also will not allow it.

For permanent graphics, look into static clings. If you have only one number, look into possibly a larger "meatball" with black numbers on a white background. If you have co-drivers and require different numbers, it is best to have separate numbers on a rectangular clear static cling. If you are choosing numbers with the most flexibility, a 6 or 9 is great because it can be flipped over. If you run at any SCCA National Events, you will want a 1 also. Add in another number like a 2. And of course, you will want two of each number! Now your options are:

1, 2, 12, 21, 61, 62, 91, 92, 126, 129, 192, 196.

If your car runs in Ladies classes, than you will also need an L.

Read and understand the SCCA rules about numbers. The most important thing is legibility at a distance, not style. A lot of people go for artistic points and the numbers become hard to read across the course. The have to be 8" high and a min 1.25" wide stroke, on the side of the car. Your class letter (such as SS) must be between 25-50% of the height of the car number, but no smaller than 3" high. If your car number is 8", I recommend a 4" high class letter.

All numbers and letters must be of the same color and typeface and of very good contrast to the background color.

Storing Static Clings
You want to keep these from getting messed up. Some people use a 3 Ring Binder and keep the backing paper in there. Others place them flat in a box. Another idea is to loosely roll them and store them in a tube.

Applying Static Clings
You will want three items. A small spray bottle with water. A small squeegee tool (preferably soft plastic like a polycarbonate to not scratch your decals). A dry rag (microfiber).

Simply-

1. Wet the are to be applied on the car, or wet the back of the decal. You need to make sure all of the contact area is wet.

2. Position the decal where you want it. With it fully wet, it will be easy to slide around.

3. When properly positioned, use your squeegee device (small blade, even a credit card in a pinch) to squeeze out the excess water from the graphics.

4. Blot up and dry the water that was squeezed out.

09-14-2004, 11:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	graphics Okay, forget all those magnetic graphics you might own. They will not work on the Elise. Temporary graphics. I recommend blue painters tape for making on-the-spot numbers and class letters. Cheesy, but it works. Some regions will require a taped on paper number. I still recommend using the blue painters tape to adhere those sheets, and make sure you tape all around. The painters tape does not leave residue, as some other tapes do. Do not use shoe polish as it sucks if it gets on the rubber/plastic trim and be messy. Many regions also will not allow it. For permanent graphics, look into static clings. If you have only one number, look into possibly a larger "meatball" with black numbers on a white background. If you have co-drivers and require different numbers, it is best to have separate numbers on a rectangular clear static cling. If you are choosing numbers with the most flexibility, a 6 or 9 is great because it can be flipped over. If you run at any SCCA National Events, you will want a 1 also. Add in another number like a 2. And of course, you will want two of each number! Now your options are: 1, 2, 12, 21, 61, 62, 91, 92, 126, 129, 192, 196. If your car runs in Ladies classes, than you will also need an L. Read and understand the SCCA rules about numbers. The most important thing is legibility at a distance, not style. A lot of people go for artistic points and the numbers become hard to read across the course. The have to be 8" high and a min 1.25" wide stroke, on the side of the car. Your class letter (such as SS) must be between 25-50% of the height of the car number, but no smaller than 3" high. If your car number is 8", I recommend a 4" high class letter. All numbers and letters must be of the same color and typeface and of very good contrast to the background color. Storing Static Clings You want to keep these from getting messed up. Some people use a 3 Ring Binder and keep the backing paper in there. Others place them flat in a box. Another idea is to loosely roll them and store them in a tube. Applying Static Clings You will want three items. A small spray bottle with water. A small squeegee tool (preferably soft plastic like a polycarbonate to not scratch your decals). A dry rag (microfiber). Simply- 1. Wet the are to be applied on the car, or wet the back of the decal. You need to make sure all of the contact area is wet. 2. Position the decal where you want it. With it fully wet, it will be easy to slide around. 3. When properly positioned, use your squeegee device (small blade, even a credit card in a pinch) to squeeze out the excess water from the graphics. 4. Blot up and dry the water that was squeezed out.