I have a great friend who has helped me immensely over the years. We've discussed lettering his van (he's a handyman) but it needs repainted first. I was thinking of making him magnetics for the sides as a thank you for now.
I haven't done anything bigger than truck door magnetics, so how big would you or have you gone without problems? It's a Dodge van with the inset for where a window would be.
Thanks!
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
2' by 3' but even that worries me.
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
I saw one the other day that was 2 x 2 and it was all the way up onto the door glass flapping in the wind and somehow still holding on. I guess as long as you've got surface for it to cling to, she'll stay put?
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
A few years ago, I did the whole top panel on my full size Ford van since I had to act as if I was an employee of the contractor, on that particular job. It covered my name whenever I had to be at that site. No problems when on the freeways, it stuck quite well.
If memory serves me correctly ... it was 22" X 94" ... It is a lot of work putting it back on every time. Be sure to use the good stuff ... no guarantees on the cheapie mags.
[ April 12, 2012, 03:05 PM: Message edited by: Si Allen ]
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
I did a big 16"x 6 foot oval back years ago, and would never again. He pulled it off HOT in the sun and it stretched. When he tried putting it back on it had a big hump in it. Wasn't our fault, but it sure created a mess for us.
[ April 12, 2012, 03:37 PM: Message edited by: Barry Branscum ]
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
I wouldn't be afraid to fill the panel.
You might consider using vehicle wrap type vinyl for background panel instead, though. It would be less expensive. Apply the background and then letter it.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
use cast vinyl. A magnet that big with calendared will have curled edges after a short while from shrinkage,.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
I've had a 4ft x 14" piece get sucked off by the vacuum from a passing milk tanker...
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Kissy, I never had a problem with 2' x 3, but I wouldn't be comfortable going any larger. I've gone much longer on the sides of a limo, but the mags were only on the car when it wasn't moving.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Bill Modzel (Member # 22) on :
I'd be more afraid of him never taking the magnetic off and ruining the van that I would be about losing it.
I've had guys come in there with magnetics fused or rusted to their truck doors. Do decals, much safer on all counts.
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
I saw another door sized digitally printed magnet on a pickup driving by my shop yesterday.
Is this a new trend?
It was on when the truck went by, so I'm assuming it has no problem staying on.
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Thanks everyone. I'm going to measure the window inset area next time I can get him distracted & go from there.
Bill, he's one of my closest friends. This will probably make him cry. But he also knows enough to listen to me when I give him the care instructions. I'm sure he'll religiously remove & clean it.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I did a couple of 22" X 60" mags one time for a buddy who had a carpet cleaning van. Everything was fine, until he started removing them periodically, and rolling them up UNDER THE SEATS.
Of course, they got "warped" from laying flat, and eventually blew off. OK, until that stupid stuff started.
And like stated above, use the good stuff only.
[ April 15, 2012, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: Dale Feicke ]
Posted by Mikes Mischeif (Member # 1744) on :
Ok, I'll bite. Promag is the only brand my supplier carries. Is that "the good stuff"?
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
ProMag is a good supplier, as well as Magnum Magnetics. I've got some by "Elite", that I'm not real happy with.
Two things to be aware of: Names change as companies get bought out or disappear..do some checking to make sure that "XXXX" brand that you bought last month, is the same product you're buying today. And...There are thicker and thinner brands of magnetic material. The thinner ones are mostly designed for refrigerator magnets, and are generally not suited for big stuff. As a rule of thumb, I've found that the thicker the material, the stronger the magnetism.
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