Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-21-2012, 09:38 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
2013 30' Flying Cloud
2007 30' Classic
2011 25' FB Flying Cloud
reno , Nevada
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 53
Applying Unit Numbers

Can someone please tell me the best way to apply unit numbers to my rig?
I have heard that its much easier to go to Fast Signs and have the numbers
placed on a one piece decal. What is the spacing between numbers suppose to be?
Thanx for any help.
jomondnv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2012, 10:11 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
HowieE's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
Princeton , New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
Images: 12
On a sheet of paper large enough to hold the numbers. Draw a straight line on the paper. Lay the numbers out so they look correct. Correct does not mean to space them equally but rather what looks correct to the eye. Now find and mark on the paper the center of this formation, equal distance from the 2 outer points. Mark a reference point on the paper for each number, the lower left corner of the number should work.

On the trailer draw a light pencil line about 1 1/2 in. above the marker light. Use the window frame as a reference to draw the line parallel to. Do not use a level as it is unlikely the trailer is lever. Mark the center of that line, using a square, again using the window frame as a reference. The marker lights would seam to be a reference point but they are not always mounted with a good eye at the factory.

Now using the original paper and the reference points place one of the center most numbers an work you way outwards placing each number on the pencil line as you go. If they are dry decals your placement has to be good. Most dry decals will have a cut line on the paper back. Place the number and while holding one half of the number in place lift the other side and peel back the paper. Then work your way down the exposed part of the number placing it. Now lift the other side and do the same. This type of decal you may want a second person to hold the number in place while you peel the back off or you can tape the top half to the trailer while working on th lower half. If they are wet decals you will have to place the decal in a pan of water for 10 or 15 seconds. The decal should the slide off the paper as you hold it in position on the trailer.

With wet decals you will most likely have bubbles under the numbers as you place them. They can be worked to the edge of the number with a squeegee. The numbers will slide for adjustment as long as the are wet underneath. Some number will change shape, 2,3,5,7, as you place them so adjustment may be necessary. Step back and look as you work.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles

HowieE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2012, 11:19 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
SteveH's Avatar
 
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
Howie has pretty well covered it, but I would add one more tip....do this job on a day with little to no wind. The numbers are so flimsy the wind will mess them up as you try to install them, and you probably already know if they get stuck to themselves, the game's over.
SteveH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2012, 11:24 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Florida 55's Avatar

 
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Pfafftown , North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 918
Images: 42
Blog Entries: 4
WBCCI Numbers on Plexiglass

My wife and I decided we didn't want to apply our numbers to the skin of our unit. We purchased a sheet of plexiglass from Lowes, applied the numbers to the sheet and use suction cups to fasten the sheet to our front window when participating in WBCCI events or camping at Airstream only parks. Other times we don't put the sign out. I posted the details of making the plexiglass sign on Airforums a few months ago with photographs. Here is a link:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286...1-a-90573.html

Feel free to PM me with any questions if you choose to go this route. The biggest disadvantage is not being able to display the numbers while you are actually traveling on the highway.
__________________
Chuck
Airstream - 2008 Safari 27FB SE (Sweet Pea)
TV - 2022 Ford F350 King Ranch, 6.7 Diesel, 4X4 (Big Red)
WBCCI 3823 - Unit 12 | AIR 48265
Florida 55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2012, 08:59 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
I cheated, I had ghost numbers on my Bambi II and was able to get the same number so application was easy. I just put them directly over where the old ones were. Came out perfectly alligned and level.
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2012, 07:52 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Silver Otter's Avatar

 
2011 31' Classic
Nellysford , Virginia
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,067
Images: 8
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by jomondnv View Post
Can someone please tell me the best way to apply unit numbers to my rig?
I have heard that its much easier to go to Fast Signs and have the numbers
placed on a one piece decal. What is the spacing between numbers suppose to be?
Thanx for any help.
Yep, we did that. The sign company took a PDF of the numbers I made up by scanning them into the computer and assembling the images to one page, full size. The result was vinyl numbers on a "carrier" with a cover sheet.

As described above, I drew a light pencil line for the base line. Took the "back" off the carrier. Placed the base of the numbers on the line and pressed. Pulled off the backing sheet carefully. Done.
__________________
Greg Heuer, Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club
2011 31' Classic Ltd. - The Silver Otter III
2013 GMC Denali 2500HD 6.6 DuraMax - Sierra Blanca
TAC VA-18 | Life Mbr ACI 1927 - Spirit of Virginia Club | AIR 53869
Silver Otter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2013, 04:54 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Grand Rapids , Michigan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 175
Does anyone know or have an idea for displaying numbers temporarily? I don't want to permanently put the numbers on our trailer. Is there a way to display them for events only?
Jwestman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2013, 05:15 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg , Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
Most people mount them on a piece of plexglas and hang them in the front window on the outside. You could also hang them on the propane tank cover.
dwightdi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2013, 07:18 PM   #9
3 Rivet Member
 
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Grand Rapids , Michigan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 175
Thanks!
Jwestman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2013, 01:26 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
Plexi attached to the front of AS with Velcro ...
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2013, 05:40 PM   #11
BAB
Rivet Master
 
BAB's Avatar
 
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro , North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
As already noted, these are NOT easy to get on straight -- and they ARE flimsy. Plus, I was on a stepladder with a level, a pencil, etc. For those of you who do the plexiglas/temporary mount, we miss figuring out who you are when we are going by you in the opposite direction, have only a few seconds to read the number -- open the directory and find out who you are and where you're from! But, then there are those who like anonymity!
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
BAB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2013, 09:47 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
I like the numbers on the Airstream. As unique as the Airstream itself, it looks unfinished without them.

I used masking tape along the bottom of the group as a guide, started at the middle of the trailer and worked out both directions to center them, using masking tape as a vertical edge on each number one at a time.

The thin numbers take less space the the wide ones, so they do not take equal space, but rather equal space between them.

doug k
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2013, 09:59 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Skater's Avatar
 
1995 30' Excella
Bowie , Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,345
Quote:
Originally Posted by BAB View Post
As already noted, these are NOT easy to get on straight -- and they ARE flimsy. Plus, I was on a stepladder with a level, a pencil, etc.
Yeah. If I were king of WBCCI, I'd look into updating the process with vinyl on a vinyl peel-off backing, which is how all of those decals with intricate details you see on cars are done. Perhaps give the font, size, and color info out freely to vinyl shops so anyone could make one for you, and contract with a shop somewhere that makes them up for a reasonable price for members.

This would solve a LOT of problems with straightness and spacing. Still a bit of a pain to put on, but you only have to straighten and center ONE thing, not 4 or 5 individual flimsy things.

Or, even better, work with Airstream to come up with a way to mount the numbers that doesn't require adhesive at all. For example, if Airstream could make a couple rivets that allowed you to thread a small bolt into, you could easily mount them on a piece of clear plexi or something then screw that to the trailer without damaging it at all (I'm just thinking out loud here - this idea would need some refinement). Of course that would only work for new trailers, so perhaps my first idea is better.
__________________
1995 Airstream Classic 30' Excella 1000
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with Cummins 6.7L Diesel

Sold but not forgotten: 1991 Airstream B190
Sold: 2006 F-250 6.0L Powerstroke Supercab
Skater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2013, 10:29 AM   #14
65th Anniversary CLIPPER
 
masseyfarm's Avatar
 
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City , British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
Images: 61
You might be on to something here Skater.

Why not install four or six 'RIVNUTS' in the AIRSTREAM shell at the desired location. Seat the 'rivnuts' in sealant and when not being used for the intended purpose, install nylon cap screw and washers with the chrome caps to seal the mounts.

To show your numbers, cut up a polished aluminum panel of suitable size, mount your numbers, and install with chromed caps on the threaded retainers.
https://www.boltdepot.com/Chrome_bolt_covers.aspx

Chrome Nuts and Bolts, Washers & Fasteners - Bolt Depot

Chances are you would never remove the number plate until you sold the trailer, and then you just install the plate on the new trailer.

Dave

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skater View Post
.Or, even better, work with Airstream to come up with a way to mount the numbers that doesn't require adhesive at all. For example, if Airstream could make a couple rivets that allowed you to thread a small bolt into, you could easily mount them on a piece of clear plexi or something then screw that to the trailer without damaging it at all (I'm just thinking out loud here - this idea would need some refinement). Of course that would only work for new trailers, so perhaps my first idea is better.
__________________
"LOVE and LOSS, are two of the greatest emotions one can experience. -- I went to school to learn about "WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN" but I had to live my life to learn the lesson of: 'WITH LOVE THERE WILL BE SORROW'."
David Stewart. (after loosing my NAVIGATOR)
masseyfarm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2013, 04:37 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
airdreamers's Avatar
 
2008 27' International FB
Venice , Florida
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 706
Images: 14
Club Numbers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skater View Post
Yeah. If I were king of WBCCI, I'd look into updating the process with vinyl on a vinyl peel-off backing, which is how all of those decals with intricate details you see on cars are done. Perhaps give the font, size, and color info out freely to vinyl shops so anyone could make one for you, and contract with a shop somewhere that makes them up for a reasonable price for members.

This would solve a LOT of problems with straightness and spacing. Still a bit of a pain to put on, but you only have to straighten and center ONE thing, not 4 or 5 individual flimsy things.

Or, even better, work with Airstream to come up with a way to mount the numbers that doesn't require adhesive at all. For example, if Airstream could make a couple rivets that allowed you to thread a small bolt into, you could easily mount them on a piece of clear plexi or something then screw that to the trailer without damaging it at all (I'm just thinking out loud here - this idea would need some refinement). Of course that would only work for new trailers, so perhaps my first idea is better.

Funny you talk about peel and stick. When I received my numbers from WBCCI they came with all the instructions as to how to soak them in water to loosen them from the paper backing etc. just like you would window tinting. So naturally I did my measuring precisely the distance between the letters, the distance from the top of the window, figuring the center of the trailer. So you would think I was ready to go NO? NO! I get my pan of water and soak the numbers, O' about 10 minutes. I take the 1st number out and I can not separate the vinyl number from the paper. So I soak it some more, still no luck. Guess what , the numbers that they sent me were vinyl stick on. Who would have thonk it!! They could have told me that! When all else fails read the instructions, they just have to be the right ones!
__________________
Bill and Janice, We're lovin' it! (Airstreaming)

Airdreamers

WBCCI #8880
AIR #41310
airdreamers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2013, 07:11 PM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
2011 30' Flying Cloud
Arvada , Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 411
I read about using static cling instead of mounting the numbers directly to your AS. These are the folks who fabricate graphics for race cars, etc. I dealt with Rita and you need to mention that you need the numbers in the correct shade of red and mounted for an Airstream. Cost is just over $30.00 for the two sheets. Downside is that the static will eventually deteriorate, or possible fly off. I just replaced mine after two years.

Michael Squier <michael@squierdesign.com>
Squier Design
46 Payn Avenue
Chatham, NY 12037-1427
Jack46 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2013, 08:12 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
SteveSueMac's Avatar

 
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W , New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
Wondering - I saw a pic of an AS with numbers and WBCCI stickers on the bumper (not the traditional location). The instructions I got with my membership were pretty clear about where to place them but I have to admit, I really liked the bumper placement. No controversy intended!! I love the traditional look and personally favor the bumper location...What are the collective thoughts of the folks here on this?
SteveSueMac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2013, 11:44 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
The traditional location up high looks "right" to me so that's where I put them. Many folks stop by to discuss the Airstream and comment on the numbers as it reminds them of the the travel club they have heard about from an uncle or grandpa who traveled with them.

I guess some may worry about cosmetic damage to the finish or something, but once up you will probably never give it a second thought.

doug k
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 06:22 AM   #19
Rivet Master
 
airdreamers's Avatar
 
2008 27' International FB
Venice , Florida
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 706
Images: 14
I agree with dkottum. Tradition is what it is all about. Tradition is part of why I joined the club in the 1st place. If you don't like putting them where they are traditionally put, don't, put them on at all! I think that is better then creating a controversy. A lot of members choose to keep the previous owners numbers so damage is minimal. The ghost only happens when you take them off. Leave them on.
__________________
Bill and Janice, We're lovin' it! (Airstreaming)

Airdreamers

WBCCI #8880
AIR #41310
airdreamers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2013, 08:13 AM   #20
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skater View Post
Yeah. If I were king of WBCCI, I'd look into updating the process with vinyl on a vinyl peel-off backing, which is how all of those decals with intricate details you see on cars are done. Perhaps give the font, size, and color info out freely to vinyl shops so anyone could make one for you, and contract with a shop somewhere that makes them up for a reasonable price for members.

This would solve a LOT of problems with straightness and spacing. Still a bit of a pain to put on, but you only have to straighten and center ONE thing, not 4 or 5 individual flimsy things.

Or, even better, work with Airstream to come up with a way to mount the numbers that doesn't require adhesive at all. For example, if Airstream could make a couple rivets that allowed you to thread a small bolt into, you could easily mount them on a piece of clear plexi or something then screw that to the trailer without damaging it at all (I'm just thinking out loud here - this idea would need some refinement). Of course that would only work for new trailers, so perhaps my first idea is better.
+ Velcro...works for us...no damage so far on two different AS.
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:32 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.