Is vinyl decal material acceptable for taping headlights or is duct tape better? Does the tape need to overlap on to the fairing?
Vinyl decal material is sufficient as well. Duct tape and painters' tape work great too. (The painters tape comes off much easier!) Best bet is to unplug the headlight & brake light or remove the bulbs. If not, be sure that you cannot see the light thru whatever covering method you end up using. I hope this helps. Let us know if you have any more questions!
I was using "Duck" tape for all of my lights before going to race body work. I found that it did not leave any residue on the headlights! I used painters tape a few times and had residue issues with that.
I Was thinking painters tape. Does it need to lap over the fairing or just cover the lense? Going to Talladega the 24th it will be our first track day. Me my son and brother, we will be the ones with the big smiles.
Just has to cover the lens. I usually overlapped onto the fairing and then trimmed around the lights to make it look like the vinyl overlays that some people have.
I have been known as the 'king of tape'; I'd completely cover the front fairing fender nose and leading edges with painters tape, and duct tape over it....to help prevent the nicks and chips from flying debris behind other bikes...
The main goal off the tape is to make it one big piece if you break it for fast clean up. so it doesn't need to overlap the body work
Given that, if I have a clear wrap on the headlight and can turn the headlight completely off, would that pass tech? Or would I be better off just taping it off to avoid getting black flagged from people thinking my tape had fallen off or something?
Color it and save yourself some heartache. However, the corner workers all talk to each other so once the word gets out that it's covered, they are likely to remember.
Good choice for your first track experience. I'll be there as well, come say hello, just look for the '69 GMC. If you guys need anything let me or some one know.
yes and yes..... it will pass tech but you may get flagged if someone thinks your tape blew off . but on that same note a lot of guys are running headlight decals some look pretty realistic.
Gaffers tape is THE way to go - stick much better than painters tape and doesn't leave residue like duct tape. it comes in solid black and other colors, easy to tear too. It is the perfect track tape but I'm not sure why this stuff has never caught on and used universally at tracks. Must try it. They even make 3" wide rolls. Search for: REAL USA Professional Grade Gaffer Tape By Gaffer Power, Made in the USA, Heavy Duty Gaffers Tape, Non-Reflective, Multipurpose. (2 Inches x 30 Yards, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZE3UJ8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_FBbLDbZRQZANZ
I disagree. Gaffer's tape does leave a residue. But it does stick really well. I don't know if I'd want to get it hot covering a hot lamp...