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Old 12-28-2020, 07:47 AM   #1
nkaminar
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Default Using magnets instead of holes

I know a lot of owners are opposed to drilling holes to mount accessory things like the flasher for turn signals. Me too. I learned a new trick, for me anyway, when I bought my present car. The previous owner had used magnets to mount devices. High power magnets can be bought on the internet. I buy mine from McMaster Carr. They have ones that are coated so that they do not scratch the surface. Or tape can be put on the ones that are not coated. I glue them onto the devices I want to mount on the firewall or on the bottom of the fuel tank or elsewhere. I use a silicone or epoxy adhesive depending on the device.

I have used double sticky back tape in the past but that leave a residue when removed. Plus, the magnets allow the devices to easily be removed for service or re positioned.
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Old 12-28-2020, 07:56 AM   #2
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

very intelligent, thank you. I had never heard of anyone else doing that!
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Old 12-28-2020, 08:47 AM   #3
Ray in La Mesa
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

I know a Fordor owner who used 4 rare earth magnets to mount his dome light temporarily because the wood needed to be replaced , a future project. Imagine the surprise when something stuck to the outside of the body when it got to close.
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Old 12-28-2020, 09:00 AM   #4
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Default Using magnets instead of holes

I’ve successfully used magnets like this to mount a terminal buss for my turn signal connections in my Victoria.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-3-4...Magnet/3115767

No problems so far.


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Old 12-28-2020, 10:43 AM   #5
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

Yes, I used a phone magnetic device to hold the GPS onto the dash.
It is DS taped to the GPS and the mag has an adjustable joint/ball to make the screen easier to read. Available on amazon for under $10

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Old 12-28-2020, 11:56 AM   #6
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Be aware that they will scratch finishes even by small vibrations
If u care
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Old 12-28-2020, 12:03 PM   #7
Russ/40
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

Can the magnets conduct electricity to an unpainted surface?
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Old 12-28-2020, 12:12 PM   #8
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Originally Posted by Oldbluoval View Post
Be aware that they will scratch finishes even by small vibrations
If u care
Yes, I found that out when my Trico "Window Defroster" scratched my dash from slight movement even tho the Magnet had a plastic coating. Not happy. I now only put it up when parked at shows.

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Old 12-28-2020, 12:15 PM   #9
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

I have used magnetic wire fastners throught out my car and have been very satisified with the results, no need to drill holes. They come in several sizes and are a bit pricey but work well. I get them from Speedway Motors.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mag-D...ack,80882.html
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Old 12-28-2020, 12:18 PM   #10
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Yes, I found that out when my Trico "Window Defroster" scratched my dash from slight movement even tho the Magnet had a plastic coating. Not happy. I now only put it up when parked at shows.

I like your gear shift knob, it's the little fun things that make your car, your car.
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Old 12-28-2020, 02:00 PM   #11
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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I like your gear shift knob, it's the little fun things that make your car, your car.
I totally agree. That glass door knob was given to me by my Grandma ~54 years ago.
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Old 12-28-2020, 04:05 PM   #12
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

I've used Velcro both on the bottom of the gas tank and the firewall to mount things.
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Old 12-28-2020, 04:18 PM   #13
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

I've been doing this for years. As for double sided tape leaving residue when it is removed, try using a little mineral Turpentine on a rag. I put button magnets on all of the oil drain plugs too.
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Old 12-28-2020, 04:50 PM   #14
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

For fender covers, I use bath towels, held in place with rare earth magnets. Also have one in the sediment bowl to pick up contaminants.
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Old 12-28-2020, 05:12 PM   #15
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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I totally agree. That glass door knob was given to me by my Grandma ~54 years ago.
That makes it even more special.... I like it!
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Old 12-28-2020, 05:46 PM   #16
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Can the magnets conduct electricity to an unpainted surface?
Are you asking if the magnets are conductive? Most neodymium magnets are made from sintered metals so probably are. There may be a non-conductive paint coating though.
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Old 12-29-2020, 12:23 AM   #17
Russ/40
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Are you asking if the magnets are conductive? Most neodymium magnets are made from sintered metals so probably are. There may be a non-conductive paint coating though.
Yes that is what i was asking. There may be some voltage drop I expect. Thinking I may be able to add turn signals with only one physical wire.
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Old 12-29-2020, 05:48 AM   #18
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

I wouldn't trust a magnet to hold a turn indicator light on. It will end up on the road, for sure - or in someone's pocket.
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Old 12-29-2020, 07:37 AM   #19
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Can the magnets conduct electricity to an unpainted surface?
It depends on the material of the magnet. If it is an alnico magnet, which is all metals, it will conduct electricity. It it's a powdered ferrite magnet, it will not conduct electricity - at least not very well.
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Old 12-29-2020, 12:07 PM   #20
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Default Re: Using magnets instead of holes

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Yes that is what i was asking. There may be some voltage drop I expect. Thinking I may be able to add turn signals with only one physical wire.
If you want to experiment, get a magnet with a pre-threaded hole. Rare earth magnets are typically brittle and can't be easily drilled or tapped.
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