Hi, Is it possible to rivet polycarbonate letter track to it? If so, any tips? Rivet type, size, etc.
Thanks!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I have used rivets to attach aluminum brackets to DiBond. No reason why anything else wouldn't work. Just match the rivet to your total thickness.
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Yep; I've done it several times.
Posted by Tim Whitcher (Member # 685) on :
O.K. thanks again.
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Tim,
We use 3M Moulding tape, which is double stick body side molding tape found at Auto Zone, Wal*Mart, Advanced Auto Parts and others.
Its very stretchy so a roll goes 3 times further than the actual length of the tape.
One drawback is that the gule on the tape is a medium gray, and on a white Dibond sign, you will see a gray line behind the track, unless you add a white strip of HP vinyl on the back of the track. If the color of the tape isn't a big deal...which it isn't to me, then you might try it. It will save a lot of time and it lessens the risk of the track breaking where you dirlled a hole, and the whole track is solidly glued down so there are no "wobbles" in the track. Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Dave, is there a reason you don't use the white 3M VHB tape for the tracks? I get that from Glantz. I haven't used it on letter tracks yet but I quoted a letter track sign & that's what I was planning on using so I'd be interested if there is a reason not to use it.
Posted by Ron Carper (Member # 999) on :
I only use alum. letter track, it's more expensive, but you can paint it the same background color and you will not see any dirt build up like you would on clear. I get it from Wagner Zip.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Chris..I don't know if you SHOULDN'T use the VHB tape.
But the grey molding tape Dave mentioned is what I use. Probably due to habit from when I had a body shop But it is the most aggresive double sided tape I have ever come across. It is the same stuff auto manufacturers use to attach moldings and emblems, and they don't fall off.
When I have used it to attach letter track I just lay a stripe of HP white into the depression in the track to cover up the grey colour.
Posted by Mike O'Neill (Member # 470) on :
Yup, treat it as any other substrate, Rivit size depends on the thickness of dibond you buy/use and the thickness of the track you wish to install. Since it is aluminiun I'd use aluminium rivits.
[ November 15, 2006, 12:46 AM: Message edited by: Mike O'Neill ]
Posted by Tim Whitcher (Member # 685) on :
Dave, I think I'll try that 3M moulding tape. Thank you!
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
TAPE!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
The automotive tape may be as strong as 3M VHB. But, I feel safer with 3M because it has been tested, so I know what the shear strength is and how much weight per square inch it will actually hold safely.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
We've done it but with plastic rivets.
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Dave Sherby, and others,
3M MAKES THE 3M MOULDING TAPE! It IS a 3M product. So you CAN TRUST it!
(thats what my original post above said: "3M Moulding Tape......go look.(above)
ok guys ...read the post 3 times before replying! Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
I'm with Ron Carper. Anytime I place track on a surface other than plexi or polycarbonate, I use the aluminum track from Wagner. I don't like the way the combination of dissimilar, more "stable/solid" substrates, allows the plastic rail to warp.
Posted by Dana Stanley (Member # 6786) on :
We've Done it Quite often using CLEAR VHB tape and 3/16" rivets (aluminum). The clear tape is the stickiest. It works great for this application as the poly track is not ridged and allows 100% adhesion. I use the 1/2" tape so it only covers the area you want to stick. If the tape sticks out too much it collects debris.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[I Don t Know]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
But it is the most aggresive double sided tape I have ever come across. It is the same stuff auto manufacturers use to attach moldings and emblems, and they don't fall off.![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)