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Magnetic signs . . . but

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Doc Willie, Apr 26, 2008.

  1. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    I had this great idea. When I am doing pulse a& glide, or slow cruise control, I often wave traffic by me, rather than pull over completely. So I figured I would get some magnetic signs made that could encourage drivers to pass me by and let them know what I am up to. See photos.

    So I picked the up, walked to the back of the Zhang Heng, slapped the on the hatchback next to the license plate and . . . they fell off ! the d****d stuff is aluminum.

    So now I am stuck with two signs and now way of attaching them. Permanent installation is out of the question.

    I am kicking around a number of ideas. Any suggestions welcome, or let me know of anyone with a steel trunk who would like some brand new signs for fuel economy runs.
     

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  2. Bill Lumbergh

    Bill Lumbergh USAF Aircraft Maintainer

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    Utilizing some small squares of steel and some band iron you might be able to fabricate some brackets to hold your signs. You could mount them using the license plate screws.

    Drill a pair of holes in the band iron and bend it so it conforms to the body, then tack weld the steel squares to either end of the band iron. You can then mount your magnetic signs and removal is a simple two screws.

    In the below pic the green is the band iron and the red represents the steel squares.

    [​IMG]

    Edit: I just figured out what you need: a Magnetic Grey Prius. :D
     
  3. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    Yes, yes... we've had that happen, when trying to affix a magnetic bumper sticker...

    ... the only place it would stick is the doors. Sigh.

    You could get printable vinyl bumpersticker sheets, and print it out from your PC (or Mac)... and leave them on all the time. They will peel off pretty easily, but wouldn't necessarily be reusable...

    Well, there is some reusable "stickers" sheets that you can get, too.

    How about tape? a good double-sided tape, around all four edges?
     
  4. inventor00

    inventor00 Active Member

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    We got our vinyl stickers for the back windows- big HYBRID - see avatar- at Big City Images
     
  5. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    For the back? Either a permanent bumper sticker or reuseable window clings.

    OR you can put them on the side doors, but they won't be seen from the back.
     
  6. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    I think we are getting close. These signs are 8x8" and would not fit into the red area indicate. They are mean to go onto the spaces of the trunk on either side of where those red squares are indicated.

    What about some sheet metal running from the edge of the license plate to the edge of the trunk? Need to figure out how to attach it.
     
  7. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    What about putting some sheet metal on the inside of the trunk area? Take the inside lining out, attach it to the outside with adhesive or something and then put the lining back. Would the magnetic signs be strong enough to detect the steel through the aluminum?
     
  8. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    You can also try getting some natural magnets that are really strong and mounting them inside the trunk to hopefully generate a large enough field that will attract the signs...


    Another solution: velcro should be more then enough to attach the sign to the back.
     
  9. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Double sided tape and WD40 or RP7 to remove it when you want it off.

    Be very careful with steel near aluminium as it my cause electrolysis and corrosion.
     
  10. Cliff Archie

    Cliff Archie New Member

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    ---------------------------------------------

    velcro?
     
  11. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Drive backwards really fast; the air pressure will hold the signs in place. :rolleyes:

    Tom
     
  12. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    Will that run my odometer in reverse, and get me negative gas milage. My tank might overflow after 30 miles.
     
  13. Spectra

    Spectra Amphi-Prius

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    Happy birthday; may the force be with you!
     
  14. SparrowHawk60

    SparrowHawk60 Happy to be green!

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    Doc, try using Scotch's Clear Mounting Squares.
    You can cut them to size, but they are fairly small to start with. (17.2 mm by 17.2 mm) They hold up to a pound and can be used on glass, metal, wood, plastic. They come off very easy if you need to remove them and leave nothing behind. I've used them to sick my Beware of Dog signs to my homes windows, so they hold up in the heat very well.
    You can find them in AC Moore, Michael's, Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Home Office Supply.... (At least three of these places are in the old Orange County Plaza.) Run a few bucks a package, and you'll have more than you'll need.
     
  15. SparrowHawk60

    SparrowHawk60 Happy to be green!

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  16. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Do you get those hooks that stick to your wall and you pull a release tab and they come away without damage? If so you can buy the replacement strips which would allow you to attach your signs and remove on demand with no damage.

    They are called command adhesive by 3M I think? or scotch maybe?
     
  17. SparrowHawk60

    SparrowHawk60 Happy to be green!

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    Those are what I'm talking about! Scotch makes them, but you don't need the hook, the squares should work well. The same type of adhesive is used on both.
    Only problem I can come up with, is that the magnets will not lay perfectly flat. You may get some air under them causing them to blow off. (?) You could mount them in your rear window but they'd be hard to see, forget about inside the darkened rear window unless you attach them to the outside, they maybe out of the wind there. (?)
     
  18. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    Hmm, something like the idea referenced here? My own
    thinking was to be more visible to trucks and SUVs so aiming
    upward is okay; it's also completely out of my rearward
    sightline.
    .
    _H*
     
  19. Rafikiro

    Rafikiro Mockba

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    Hey This is slightly off topic but this is the closest thread I could find, searched for magnet, magnetic, or similar brings posts of the color lol.

    I want to add signage to my Pri, Mockba. I run a computer repair company and would like to add some signs on the sides and front and back so when I show up at customer's houses they can at least see the name of the company and not get freaked out that I am some random person. From this thread I gather a sticker would be best for the rear bumber but I was wondering if magnetic signs on the side doors would work or if they will interfear with the electronics or the keyless entry/start workings. Any ideas for the front? I would like for the SUVs and trucks to see as this is a major truck region! I have been lurking since I got Mockba in March of 2008 and havent posted much so go easy on me! Let me know if this belongs somewhere else!
    9 months old and 25,000 Miles!
     
  20. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    I ended up using something call Dual Lock by 3M. It works like Velcro (TM) but instead of hooks and loops, it uses little plastic mushrooms that interlock. It is quite heavy duty, though a little hard to find.

    You will have no problem using magnets on your doors or the body work. Will not affect electronics, except mayby right near the door latches if you have SKS.