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FCStreamer · 06-06-2016, 01:21 PM

Does anyone know the size and font used for the big red numbers?

I tried applying my numbers last weekend. Did not go so well.

Rather than reorder the individual numbers, I am going to have a print shop print me all four numbers on a sheet so I can place the entire number at once.

I'd like to match the original numbers as much as possible.

Does anyone know?

DoublTrouble · 06-06-2016, 01:36 PM

Following along. I'm thinking the same thing but with static cling, no adhesive. ..... not sure if it will work while under way, but I'm not fond of stickers on the aluminum. ... 😡

FCStreamer · 06-06-2016, 01:53 PM

I found a thread with an email Michael@SquierDesign.com who did them in cling format. The thread was a couple of years old. But perhaps you can email his and ask if he still does them. According to the thread, he knows the size/color of the Airstream numbers, and several members have them. One member reported corrosion supposedly from the numbers. Not sure how that can happen, but it was so reported. FYI.

carl2591 · 06-06-2016, 02:00 PM

the installation is a bear.. have a bowl of soapy water and BEFORE you pull the backing off the numbers use some scotch tape to put them on first to get good spacing etc.

then take the first one off.. use a rag and get soapy water from the bowl and wash the area you are going to apply the number, you want it real wet with soapy water., peel the backing off, and slap the number on the soapy water area you just made.

it will slide around on the metal and when you get in place hold one part of the number and use a finger to squeegee the water out from under, make sure its still right and use a dry towel to press on the number, do not wipe, and get water off..

do that for each one and it will go like butter,, do on a no wind day with sun but not like 90 degrees out.

I know I should have done a video on that..

FCStreamer · 06-06-2016, 02:36 PM

The ladder I have does not allow me to get close enough for that operation. And I simply don't have the patience for this, especially when these are plain numbers that could be printed in the correct sequence onto a paper backing, making installation much easier.

Getting these printed is also going to be cheap. I already ruined my first set, so I don't want to reorder the same numbers. I want to have new numbers printed right. But I need to know the correct size/font so they don't look odd.

SteveSueMac · 06-06-2016, 02:47 PM

I'm one of the folks who reported the corrosion from the cling sheet. I think if you only use it sparingly (applying just for rallies or caravans and removing when in storage) you might be ok with this. I think part of the problem was weather (rain, snow, road dirt, etc.) making its way behind the cling sheet (it always does no matter what you do) is ultimately the problem. It then irritates the skin like if you put a tarp over it in the winter.

The damage is real, however - the factory said the only repair would be to replace the damaged panels 😕

Alternatively, you could apply the cling sheet to the window and be fine!

Good luck!

On edit - the guys at Squire are great to work with and they do have the right fonts and color.

RivetingTrvl · 06-06-2016, 03:02 PM

The font is similar to Adoquin Black

or Adoquin Fat

Although the "2" is different. I'm still looking!

For size: I would just measure the height of the numbers to give to your printer, and maybe even provide them for reference.

http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/juan-jose-lopez/adoquin

Good Luck!

FCStreamer · 06-06-2016, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RivetingTrvl

The font is similar to Adoquin Black

or Adoquin Fat

Although the "2" is different. I'm still looking!

For size: I would just measure the height of the numbers to give to your printer, and maybe even provide them for reference.

http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/juan-jose-lopez/adoquin

Good Luck!

Awesome! Thanks! Mine is 4850 so the 2 is not a concern. The others do look very similar. Great!

AirstreamJim · 06-06-2016, 05:07 PM

I'm sorry, but from someone who is a freak about typefaces (I really should have been in the graphics field...), that typeface isn't even close. I can tell you what's wrong with just about every number in that set, but suffice it to say the 4 is dead wrong, the 5 is dead wrong, the 8 is close, and the zero...well, a zero is hard to screw up.

Unless you don't care if it's a match or not, don't use that face.

I suggest that before you do anything, wait to hear from the person who has produced them before.

Jim

FCStreamer · 06-06-2016, 05:10 PM

Well, they look close enough to me. I'm not wanting to spend too much effort on this. Got bigger fish to fry (like a busted AC). So these will do.

Protagonist · 06-06-2016, 06:10 PM

When I had my numbers made up on magnetic signs for my Interstate, I used Helvetica Bold. No one has ever complained.

Honestly, as long as they're red, bold, about the right height, and neither italic nor cursive, no one will care.

WBCCI may send needlessly detailed instructions on proper placement, but they're not so fussy about the numbers themselves. In fact, in the numbers they sent to me, 1105, the two 1s didn't even match each other in style or even exact color— one 1 was a paler red than the other, and half an inch shorter in height. Which is one reason I had my own sign made, so the digits would all match each other.

extiger · 06-06-2016, 08:08 PM

I took one of my red numbers to a sign shop and told them to match the size, font and color as closely as they could and gave them the entire number. They told me they could not provide an exact match but it was close. I ordered 2 sets, front and back. A few days later it was ready. It had paper on each side. I made light pencil marks on the AS so the numbers would be level and removed the backing sheet and pressed them on. After set, I removed the front paper and there it was perfectly spaced and aligned numbers. Best few dollars I ever spent.

martin300662 · 06-07-2016, 09:47 AM

Squier do two versions of the numbers. The first is on a cling sheet and they describe as removable (actually they say should be removed) or a single sheet with the numbers mounted on a transfer mask. The second is the one to get. You attach the mask then peel it off and it just leaves the numbers 'permanently' attached and ready aligned......for $2 per number plus s/h.

dames7 · 06-07-2016, 10:49 AM

Jackson center will send external numbers, a little cost,

Easy to put on, you need a square ruler, pencil, tape, spray bottle of soap.

Set a base line and tape the numbers on, then use the square to draw a line for each number, take off spray 0ne space at a time line up with you pencil line and put number on, try to get most of the air bubbles out then. After you get all on let it dry a little and go back to get the rest of the air bubbles out.

Took me about 1 1/2 to get done.

FCStreamer · 06-07-2016, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin300662

Squier do two versions of the numbers. The first is on a cling sheet and they describe as removable (actually they say should be removed) or a single sheet with the numbers mounted on a transfer mask. The second is the one to get. You attach the mask then peel it off and it just leaves the numbers 'permanently' attached and ready aligned......for $2 per number plus s/h.

Thanks! I will email them then to see if they can send me my numbers.

SteveSueMac · 06-07-2016, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin300662

Squier do two versions of the numbers. The first is on a cling sheet and they describe as removable (actually they say should be removed) or a single sheet with the numbers mounted on a transfer mask. The second is the one to get. You attach the mask then peel it off and it just leaves the numbers 'permanently' attached and ready aligned......for $2 per number plus s/h.

Wish I had known that earlier! 😕

Good to know though! Much easier and more precise.

JCWDCW · 06-07-2016, 11:11 AM

One word of caution when preparing to install the numbers.
Do not get the backing wet before you are ready to peel the number off the backing. I dribbled water on one of my numbers and it would not peel off cleanly
JCW

FCStreamer · 06-07-2016, 12:10 PM

Got an email reply right away. $2 per digit. $16 in my case, plust $6.95 Priority Mail shipping. Easy as pie.

DoublTrouble · 06-07-2016, 01:19 PM

Steve,
Thanks. I just ordered cling sheet type and plan to use only at Rallies etc. The window is where I'm going to put them. Squiers even said not to leave them in place permanently due to the concerns of dirt and stuff getting behind against the skin.

m.hony · 06-07-2016, 02:15 PM

Put the numbers WBCCI sent you on a piece of plexiglass or a piece of wood or sign board and put them in your front window or on the ground or on a post at your campsite when attending rallies.
I stood on the tailgate of the truck to apply my numbers on the front and used a step ladder in the carport to apply the numbers to the back.
I sketched pencil marks/outlines where the letters go to line them up.
The 1's were real easy and the 8's were a real challenge.