Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Weird situation re. car magnet advertisements...what to do???

dauber

dauber

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 10, 2012
157
20
Chicago
So...some time ago I got wind that I might be losing my job (and earlier today found out that I >>AM<< losing my job), so I ordered a car magnet from Vistaprint advertising my freelance computer repair services, so I could make the purchase while I still have a couple of paychecks coming and hopefully drum up some business.

Long story short, I LOVED the magnet when it arrived...but part of it was warped. Vistaprint immediately sent me a new one, perfect condition this time...but while I was waiting for the new shipment, I tried a couple of experiments and managed to UNwarp the warped one, so I got two for the price of one. :)

Anyhoo....I'm an idiot...I didn't learn until I tried putting one of the magnets on the car that the door is NOT magnetic! (D'OH!!!) The only parts of the car on the outside that ARE magnetic are the hood, the gas tank lid, and parts of the hatchback, which is 1) loaded with bumper stickers and such and 2) not big enough for the magnet.

So...I have two magnetic car door signs that I can't use...but I don't want to throw 'em out, either. Truth is, we're eventually going to have to get rid of the car (not now, though -- it's in near-perfect condition and only has about 55000 miles on it and will be paid off in under a year), but until then...how exactly can I make these things useful?? Only thing I could think of was rest one on the dashboard when I'm not driving. (The reflection is VERY distracting while driving.)
 
Use some removable adhesive like silicon glue and glue it down.

Alternatively, maybe you can put some of those super neodymium magnets on the inside of the door (right behind the outer metal, requiring removal of the interior door panel) which would hold up the sign.
 
Okay, I'm a bit scared...I never once mentioned anywhere on macforums.com that I drive a Saturn...yep, a Saturn Vue. Love it! Now I have to find something decent to replace it eventually because Saturn got axed in the Great Bailout of 2008.

BTW, thanks for the suggestions, everybody....I don't know if I do want to modify the car in any way just to hang the signs, though...I'm thinking of just continuing what I've been doing and just tossing one of the signs on the dashboard when I park in public (we have a garage) and maybe one on the passenger seat or something...at least for now.

The kicker...one of my best friends runs a print shop with her husband. She's been doing this for many years...and never once did I think to patronize them! Some friend I am....God bless her, though; upon hearing about my non-magnetic plight, she offered to look into window clings for me. :)
 
dauber said:
Okay, I'm a bit scared...I never once mentioned anywhere on macforums.com that I drive a Saturn...yep, a Saturn Vue. :)
Click to expand...

Don't be. I R Analyst, or I was. ;)

I figured you didn't have an aluminum-bodied car. $$$$$

And a Corvette seemed to be out of the question for a "plastic" one, so that left the Saturn.

I know many owners that have had several in succession, and loved them.

They were crushed when they could no longer buy new. I bet many kept them, just thumb their nose at GM for that gaff.
 
Bit of double sided tape and stick it facing outwards from the boot? That way if it falls off it's still in the car.

Good luck with your 'business' I guess!
 
cambookpro said:
Bit of double sided tape and stick it facing outwards from the boot? That way if it falls off it's still in the car.

Good luck with your 'business' I guess!
Click to expand...

Perhaps with some Velcro.

That way he can remove the sign for really hot dates, without having to stick/unstick it so many times.
 
For doors, get some 3M VHB tape (grey) wash the door and magnet, apply with that. Plenty strong, many car manufacturers use it to hold body panels and trim on themselves. Easy to remove using dental floss, heat, WD-40 and paper towels, and won't ruin your paint.

Or, get a small stack of Nd magnets, put magnets on back windows (side) and your sign on the outside.

Can you tape that sign to the inside of rear windows?
 
Big-TDI-Guy said:
Can you tape that sign to the inside of rear windows?
Click to expand...

That makes the most sense, if they'll fit within the back-door/rear-side windows.

Rear window might cause the cops to give him some grief.

Or a big Jesus electro-magnet inside the trunk lid, powered when the ignition is on. :p
 
Yeah, I should have clarified the rear side windows, not the rear window itself!

Another advantage is you don't have to worry about theft or vandalism if it's inside the car.
 
iJohnHenry said:
That makes the most sense, if they'll fit within the back-door/rear-side windows.

Rear window might cause the cops to give him some grief.

Or a big Jesus electro-magnet inside the trunk lid, powered when the ignition is on. :p
Click to expand...

What's wrong with it in the back window? Not arguing the point, was just wondering. Is it too big or something?
 
On this side of the pond, on passenger vehicles (or a vehicle that has a rear window / rearview mirror from the factory) blocking that window can be considered obstruction of view - and a danger. Whether it be via blackout tint, solid decals, or even furniture or shopping bags - if it covers the entire rear window, you may get cited.

That said, it depends largely on the nature of the officer on whether or not to cite you.

I believe, in the US, the legality of this and enforcement varies from state to state, and the phase of the moon. ;)
 
How about getting some vinyl stickers made up? Your friend at the print shop would be able to do that I reckon!

I know it's more expense, but, just think as the magnets as an investment for the future, when you change car it will most likely be to an aluminium car so they will stick then!
 
cambookpro said:
What's wrong with it in the back window? Not arguing the point, was just wondering. Is it too big or something?
Click to expand...

For starters, if the sign fills the window it means you no longer have a viable inside rear-view mirror.

Sure, vans with full bodies don't have that, but they are subject to different rules.

I could be wrong, and occasionally am, but it does seem self-defeating.

:D
 
iJohnHenry said:
For starters, if the sign fills the window it means you no longer have a viable inside rear-view mirror.

Sure, vans with full bodies don't have that, but they are subject to different rules.

I could be wrong, and occasionally am, but it does seem self-defeating.

:D
Click to expand...

Oh ok. I was imagining the sign being like 20x10cm. My bad.
 
niuniu said:
Wire your CD player to a megaphone outside of the car. Loop a recorded message letting everyone know you want a job. Use magnets for fly swatting.

That one's for free.
Click to expand...

"...and that's a lot of entertainment!.....for two dollars." :)

I guess that explains the auxiliary audio input next to the CD player???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back