Posted 2009-04-23 10:52 PM (#103860 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You can use "J" channels for the main tracks and an "H" channel for any connecting panels that butt together. These are available at most big box stores.
Posted 2009-04-24 10:28 AM (#103880 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Saskatoon, Canada
I'm sorry but I like how people just throw that out. I put Plexi into my trailer last fall to keep out the wind and snow for winter and it was anything but easy to find what I needed. What I had to use was a channel shaped like a small h so I had one leg to attach to the trailer and the channel for the plexi to sit in. I ended up buying PVC H-channel and cutting one leg off to give me my mounting point. I used 3/16" Brown smoked plexi and needed a fairly wide track (1/4") to accept it. What I found was a H-Channel from the plastic lattice that you use in the garden or in your fence. Looks good now that it's done but It took me all week to find what I needed.
Posted 2009-04-24 11:34 AM (#103883 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
It's funny how the original poster posted a yes/no question, and we jump to the conclusion that they are looking to purchase an item that they cannot locate, themselves. Well, I'll join in.
I've installed the tracking on the ceiling of my trailer, so that I have a place to store the plexi-glass when I want the windows open. I ordered the h-channel from CM Trailers. They no longer have a catalogue on their website, but with a call to them, you could easily find out whether they will sell you some. The number on their website is 1-888-268-7577. When I called, I just asked for the parts department. They had probably 10 different shapes to choose from, including the lower-case "h" shape. I bought an offset h-shape or maybe it would be called a z-shape with two legs on one end of the "z".
buttercup, if we've brought this thread in an entirely wrong direction, let us know.
Posted 2009-04-24 2:06 PM (#103897 - in reply to #103886) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
I don't think there is any controversy. If this isn't the info buttercup is looking for, surely somebody is. But, I won't call you Shirley anymore.
I have found that the stores like Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes in my area do not carry the aluminum extruded shapes necessary for a nice-looking job. It's probably a regional thing, so others may find them easier. Obviously, gard was not trying to lead anybody astray.
Posted 2009-04-24 5:49 PM (#103916 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Pacific northwest, BC
Sorry I must have been tired when I posted but of course if I'm inquiring about doing it I need to know where to get the material. Guess great minds (or like minds!) think alike... appreciate all the info and I mean ALL the info. I am thinking about doing it myself rather than paying someone and the hubby is not really into it - I burned him out long ago! So here's my next dum question.... would this attach with screws and if so, what kind and size?
Posted 2009-04-27 8:22 AM (#104012 - in reply to #103916) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
Originally written by buttercup on 2009-04-24 5:49 PM
would this attach with screws and if so, what kind and size?
You could use something like a #8 self-tapping screw, which is what I used to attach the track to the ceiling of my trailer. On the outside of the trailer, I thing that rivets would look better, which is what my CM trailer has.
Posted 2009-04-27 8:06 PM (#104051 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Saskatoon, Canada
I got the plexi at a sign shop, I wanted something smoked, brown not grey, and a little thicker than what they had at Home Depot. As far as the track I went to 20 different places and just couldn't find what I wanted so I found the H-trim at home depot and cut one leg off to make a h-trim so you have one leg to fasten and two legs for the plexi. I can get some pictures when I get home in a couple of days.The H-Trim I used is for Plastic Lattice.
Posted 2009-04-28 5:33 PM (#104137 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Pacific northwest, BC
Walbern what thickness of plexi did you use? Double D Trailers suggested I try a machine shop for what is called Z-tracking which comes in a couple of different sizes (I haven't had a chance to go have a look yet) but I need to have an idea of the thickness of the plexi first. Did you run the plexi past the air gaps a couple of inches and put some tracking from top to bottom on the 'front end' to help keep water out? How did you fasten the back end or the end you slide it out from so that it stays in when traveling?
Posted 2009-04-30 11:28 AM (#104217 - in reply to #103856) Subject: RE: tracking for plexi
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Saskatoon, Canada
I used 3/16" (.187"). I had a lip at the edges of the air gap so I ran it inside the opening. I had a very small amount of snow get in over the winter. The "Z" channel would work, I just couldn't find any locally.
tracking for plexi
