Okay, so this being my first year in autocross, I'm learning quite a few things, namely, that though it is the least expensive motorsport, it's still expensive (for me, low income college student)
So, part of the Solo rules is that you have to identify your car with numbers and the letters of the class that you'll be running in. I did some research, and some places want > $60, just for the numbers! So, I talked to some people, and decided that making my own ID characters would be the best thing for me, until I decide that there is nothing better to spend money on than some professional letters. For those who come after me, I have made this how-to.
Step 1: Go to Lowes and buy some magnetic airconditioning vent covers.
Orginally intended to save energy costs, these $4.97 jewels will now become letters and numbers on the side of your car. Get the pack of three, I bought two packs, but only (maybe) will need one. I figure they may eventually fly off (hopefully not beheading a corner worker) so I guess I'll have spares, or if I want a different font at some point.
Step 2: Go into Microsoft Werd (write letterz n s*** yO!) and select a font.
I used Matisse ITC because it's a pretty cool font IMO. Set it to 72pt, or if you're fancy and have a more recent version, a larger font. If you're going to have a codriver, they need a number too, so go ahead and throw a "1" in there, it's easier to peel it off between runs.
Step 3: Copy screen capture into paint.
You'll need to put each character into paint, so that you can print it out full screen, otherwise your letters will be too small. You do this by hitting Ctrl+Prt Scr. Then, once in paint, you crop out each letter and paste it into another paint window.
Step 4: Print out your characters.
You'll need to go to print setup, set it to the smallest margins possible, and select "Fit to page". This will make your number / letter large enough. Then, send it to the printer of your choice. Mine is an ancient LaserJet 4. Hit print.
Step 5: Cut out your number from the printed sheet.
This will give you what your number is going to look like, at the correct size and everything.
Step 6: Tape down your model to the magnet material.
This will give you a guideline to cut around, making it a load easier to do it right, and not mess up your magnet. I didn't get a pic of this one, but it's pretty self explanatory, just tape the thing down!
Step 7: Cut out your number.
TAKE YOUR TIME!!! It will take longer (obviously) but the results will be a lot nicer. When you finish, peel off your pattern, and voila, you've got a number.
Repeat this for any numbers / letters you have to have.
Step 8 (optional, depending on the color of your car): Paint them.
Find something flat and metal so that paint doesn't get on the magnetic surface, and spray it your desired color. I haven't done this yet, but I'm going to be using a trashcan.
And there you have it! For under $15, and a couple hours, you've got numbers. Depending on your skill level, they could very well be just as good as professional numbers, just take your time.
So, part of the Solo rules is that you have to identify your car with numbers and the letters of the class that you'll be running in. I did some research, and some places want > $60, just for the numbers! So, I talked to some people, and decided that making my own ID characters would be the best thing for me, until I decide that there is nothing better to spend money on than some professional letters. For those who come after me, I have made this how-to.
Step 1: Go to Lowes and buy some magnetic airconditioning vent covers.
Orginally intended to save energy costs, these $4.97 jewels will now become letters and numbers on the side of your car. Get the pack of three, I bought two packs, but only (maybe) will need one. I figure they may eventually fly off (hopefully not beheading a corner worker) so I guess I'll have spares, or if I want a different font at some point.
Step 2: Go into Microsoft Werd (write letterz n s*** yO!) and select a font.
I used Matisse ITC because it's a pretty cool font IMO. Set it to 72pt, or if you're fancy and have a more recent version, a larger font. If you're going to have a codriver, they need a number too, so go ahead and throw a "1" in there, it's easier to peel it off between runs.
Step 3: Copy screen capture into paint.
You'll need to put each character into paint, so that you can print it out full screen, otherwise your letters will be too small. You do this by hitting Ctrl+Prt Scr. Then, once in paint, you crop out each letter and paste it into another paint window.
Step 4: Print out your characters.
You'll need to go to print setup, set it to the smallest margins possible, and select "Fit to page". This will make your number / letter large enough. Then, send it to the printer of your choice. Mine is an ancient LaserJet 4. Hit print.
Step 5: Cut out your number from the printed sheet.
This will give you what your number is going to look like, at the correct size and everything.
Step 6: Tape down your model to the magnet material.
This will give you a guideline to cut around, making it a load easier to do it right, and not mess up your magnet. I didn't get a pic of this one, but it's pretty self explanatory, just tape the thing down!
Step 7: Cut out your number.
TAKE YOUR TIME!!! It will take longer (obviously) but the results will be a lot nicer. When you finish, peel off your pattern, and voila, you've got a number.
Repeat this for any numbers / letters you have to have.
Step 8 (optional, depending on the color of your car): Paint them.
Find something flat and metal so that paint doesn't get on the magnetic surface, and spray it your desired color. I haven't done this yet, but I'm going to be using a trashcan.
And there you have it! For under $15, and a couple hours, you've got numbers. Depending on your skill level, they could very well be just as good as professional numbers, just take your time.
