[a/s] Re:Pating and peeling numbers

[Roy Lashway <rlashway@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In response to recent messages I found the following.
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Installing trailer numbers - Blue Beret, June 1995 - Phed Sez Column

          The column this month is prompted by a letter from John P. Clarke from Oklahoma as well as by discussion with Henry Rodeschin from South Carolina. John indicates that a lot ofpeople have difficulty doing a neat job of installing trailer numbers when they purchase a new trailer. His letter includes directions utilizing masking tape to identify and frame areas for each number. Henryıs approach is direct and success is reasonably assured.
	For trailers that have old numbers to be removed, a hair dryer will soften the glue and allow them to be peeled off. Use a short or heavy extension cord so the amps are sufficient for dryer heat. Donıt get anxious - peel carefully and aim the dryer right at your work area, trying to get each number off in one piece. When the numbers are removed, clean the area with kerosene, wash with soap and water, then dry.
	      On older models with front running lights, place a yard stick across the top ofthe lights and draw alight pencil line along the top over the entire width the numbers will require. On newer models, place the yard stick on the top of the Airstream name plate and draw a similar light pencil line. Since numbers have different widths, their spacing is not necessarily uniform from one to the next. Use a one inch piece of masking tape to tape the top of each number in its approximate position, making sure that the bottom of each number is on the pencil line. 
        Have an assistant stand back and make recommendations for spacing based on visual appeal. Adjust until the spacing seems correct, then put a small piece of masking tape on the bottom of each number, get off the ladder and step back to see if you are happy with the total look. Be especially careful of 3, 6, 8, 9, and 0 since they can twist slightly from the vertical.
	When you are happy with all spacing and alignment, carefully make three to five one inch pencil marks at various spots along the edge or corner of each number so you will be able to place it on that exact spot after the peel off backing is removed. Put a quart of water and a long squirt of liquid detergent in a wash basin. Stir to mix the detergent and bring along a wash cloth. Remove one number at a time from its position on the trailer. Soak the wash cloth and pat (so as not to remove the pencil marks)the trailer surface wet with the detergent solution. (may also use a spray bottle).   Peel the backing off the number and place it on to the very wet surface of the trailer. You will be able to move the number along the surface as if the self adhesive is not there. Keep it wet and move it into position based on your pencil marks. When it is on the exact spot, place your fingers on it and gently push out the excess water and/or air from between the self stick of the number and !
the surface of the trailer. Do each of the other numbers in order, then walk away. All of the numbers will dry on the trailer and the self stick will hold as if you had put the numbers on a dry trailer.


Roy Lashway
'78 Argosy,'56 Bubble
rlashway@zianet.com