posted
I'm trying to design a changable number system for a client's oilfield equipment. I made him 184 weight number decals to go on all these pieces of equipment, but there is one unit in particuliar (actually there are 13-14 like this) that weighs different amounts from time to time. (like after servicing). He wants a changable number plate to go on them along with a set of numbers for each (6-1's, 6-2"s etc)
I have an idea to put these on 040 alum with standard letter track, but mounted vertical so each of the numbers slip in from the top. I can't put the tracks horizontal like normal because they would likely fly out when being transported.
My plan would work, but I have to think of a way to keep the numbers from slipping out of the bottom of the track. I'm trying to be cosmeticly correct with this. I thought about putting a dab of epoxy on the bottom of each vertical track, but there must be a better way.
The panel will hold 6 numbers. Does anyone know of a supplier for something like this?
Thanks!
-------------------- Tony Broussard Graphic Details Digital Media Loreauville, LA Posts: 395 | From: Loreauville, LA | Registered: Jul 1999
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Try VHB'ing a small aluminium angle at the bottom of the track. Maybe reverse pop rivet from the back of the track.
Just the two ideas that just popped into my head... I need more coffee...
Have a great one!
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6465 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
Tony, Instead of fabricating a fancy channel for changable letters, why don't you use something that magnetic sheet will stick to? There might even be an area on the vehicle where magnets will already stick.
Havin' fun, Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Thanks for the replies. Going the magnetic route was my first thought. These will be on pieces of equipment that are encased inside a frame of square tubing (3" square). I was just concerned about them flying off being that the indiviual number magnetic "panels" would be small. (2" numbers with the panel being about 3"H x 1 1/2"W)
If I go the magnetic route, what I may do is create a steel plate long and tall enough to hold all the numbers, then make a "lip" around the plate (like a angle iron picture frame but coming out about 1/2" to deflect the wind.
The money is no object, they want it.
-------------------- Tony Broussard Graphic Details Digital Media Loreauville, LA Posts: 395 | From: Loreauville, LA | Registered: Jul 1999
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I don’t know of a supplier for that type of application, but…
What if you were to miter the bottoms of the 2 vertically mounted tracks and fitted an additional piece of mitered track for the horizontal bottom. You would in essence be creating a “U” shape to drop your numbers.
It would be no more or less appealing than the 2 vertical pieces….
You could even use a little epoxy on the mating surfaces. Be sure to drill a weep hole on the horizontal piece to let water pass through if you go the epoxy route.
Just a thought….
Good luck, Joe
-------------------- Joe Abner Talisman Signs Middleboro, MA
"We are limited only by our perception of our abilities." Posts: 445 | From: Middleboro, Ma USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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posted
Tony...find a sheetmetal shop to cut and bend panels (as in the picture). your nubers simply drop in from the top. they can be painted to match the piece of equipment and applied with VHB tape or pop riveted.
to make the holders, cut shape "A" then fold sides and bottom to look like "B"....be sure to allow room to slide in the numbers!
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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