Lightbox converted to Flexiface

[Robert Lambie]

There are a good few flexiface systems on the market, the best ones "i think" are the pre-made boxes with the mechanism, but this obviously isn’t an option for you. you will find a list of flexface links on the sign toolbar should you want to go this route.

for the type of thing you are after then the likes of the proline system would "maybe" be an option, but i doubt there will be adequate fixing space on your existing lightbox for this to attach too. i also think it is maybe a little robust for what you need it to do. by that i mean, once you clamp the banner in place using their tensioning system, you may "pinch" the light-box in, in the middle over the length as regular light boxes tend to be a bit flimsy as opposed to flex-face ones. in fact this probably wouldn’t be an option… :lol1: http://www.proaluminium.com/index_en.html

i guess the least expensive option would be the spirit display banner tensioning system. (not a flexface system as such and only suggesting it as its for "your own use") i used this a few years back on a lightbox about the same length as yours but only 2ft deep. it worked very well and is still looking good today. bear in mind, this was more of a "to get by for now" option for the customer. but as i said, she still has it up and looks good.
the downside of this is how it is tensioned. its a simple process but should be fitted to the likes of a solid wall.
the banner is held over a small space on the trim lengths with a sort of length of plastic over that, then you simply hit it with the mallet and it snaps into place and traps the banner. you do this along the top, then the bottom and sides. once done you trim the excess banner material away with a Stanley knife. job done…
when i did it onto an existing lightbox after removing the trim. i found that hitting with the mallett didnt work as the box walls just flexed and absorbed the impact of the blows. in the end i had to snap it into place all around using my thumbs and it was bloody hard going! :lol1:
the idea for me to do this was… the existing lightbox kept getting smashed by the local kids. so i suggested trying this to see if it still would get abused/burst? if not it would be replaced by a proper flexi-face sign. typical customer… it worked but hasnt thought to shell out for the proper system yet, though they have ordered other signage. 🙄
from memory it was the C-section i used…
http://www.spirit-displays.co.uk/uk_spiritflex.html

[Gary Birch]

Rob
Thanks for that. The lightboxes we have are also about 2ft tall so I may stick with the acrylic panels. I just saw it as an opportunity to try the flexface as this is something I have no experience of.

I will have a think about it.

Thanks again for your help.

Gary

[Shane Drew]

For those in Oz & New Zealand, a company called VGrip in Western Australia (www.vgrip.com.au) do a system here that converts any size lightbox into a flexface system.

I’m not sure that they are exporting yet, but its a brilliantly simple system, that is sold as a DIY here via sign shops, as well as supplied as a complete package by fitters.

Cheers
Shane

[Guy Burt-Davies]

A good system to use would be the Insight Spectra system – http://www.insightsignsystems.com – their system can be retro fitted onto most extruded aluminium box systems.

[Gary Birch]

Thanks for the info guys, haven’t had a chance to look into it yet but will do and let you know how I go.

Cheers

Gary