Another gauge face question-Gauge face material (XS400)

[jmj166]

So I have already removed the guages and taken out the face, and i've already made my template to use, I was going to use the yamaha tuning forks in the background, but decided to go a little farther in having something original that stands out (most people around here dont know what a cafe racer is, let alone seen one so when she's finished i'll have that original factor for around here). So i used.....something "else" for the background.... ;D . I figured it will grab some wanted, and probably unwanted attention. But I'm sure thats what some folks thought when original cafe'ers first came about.


Which brings me to my question, I'm not sure exactly what to use to print the guage face on to stick on to the backing so the lights will adequately show through as well as being able to see it. I've read to use transparency paper and glue the not-ink-printed side to the backing, but i've also heard of people getting a sign shop to print it up on a sticker (assuming vinyl?) and just stick it to the backing. And of course i've heard of people just printing it on paper (like higher quality photo-paper). So far i just have my design for my tacho, but have a similar background idea for the speedo.

SO...What is everyones opinion or suggestion on what to use and what will have the best quality as well as last the longest and hold up and what not.


and of course I'll show my gauge idea



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of course the smiling stars wont be on the actual one, but for obvious censorship purposes i figured they would work for here

all opinions/suggestions welcomed.

 

[treitz]

Have a sign shop print it on clear vinyl. It will be translucent when it's dark out the back light is on, and nice and vivid during the day.

If you can't find a local shop to do it hit me up via PM and I'll print them for you.

 

[Big R]

As much as I love boobies, that's not what I would want on the face of my speedo.

Maybe a pin up girl or something though?

 

[jmj166]

As much as I love boobies, that's not what I would want on the face of my speedo.

Maybe a pin up girl or something though?

yeah, thats what i was going with originally but was having trouble finding 2 pinups that were similar enough that they would sort of match between the speedo and tacho but was having trouble. I was looking through some feeds from my friends computer one night when were hangingout drinking and this was on one of them, i think spaceghetto(weird stuff mostly). Anyways, i copied the link and emailed it to myself and after some contemplation decided to just go with this. The actual tacho/speedo size is about a 9cm circle, so it isn't really huge. and i figured once i do the tacho, if i don't like it i can just take the layer with the woman out and add a different layer with something else.


and does anyone else have any thoughts on the material to use? i'm gonna check with some sign shops on the clear vinyl thing when i get some time.

 

[jmj166]

this is a pretty late reply, but i've been off and on with this project bike since it feels so amazing out side (its been 65-70 all week, sunny weather) so i've been spending my extra time riding my r6 instead of working on my xs.

anyways, i showed a few friends the guage faces i originally had planned (boobies) and as much as they liked the idea, they also brought to my attention that if someone around here doesn't like it, they'd probably just kick the bike over or do some other action. And while hearing some folks talk about how "jesus doesn't approve" doesn't really bother me, the idea of someone kicking my bike over makes me not think of positive feelings....

and since i really just want to finish this bike up to ride and enjoy it in this weather i kinda rushed through and made up a new design, i just used the tuning forks in the background, pretty simple.

anyways, here it is:


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I just put the yellow there so its easier when i'm cutting stuff out.

 

[Sonreir]

Don't use the yellow. The fit is rarely perfect and you may end up with some yellow showing even after the cutout. Just make it a solid pic and cut carefully.

 

[jmj166]

i have the original that i have used as a template and put it on a light table (at work) to make sure it lines up. although, i'll probably take the advice and take it out. when i was making the template i just used yellow so i was sure to work around the areas that would end up getting cut out.