DIY solar overview

[WVvan]

One thing I'd add about VHB tape. It doesn't reach full bond strength until 72 hours after application (temperature dependent).

Here's the full scoop:
VHB Application Techniques

A question to Mike. What thickness tape did you use? I'm also going to go this route and wondering which others have used.

[Skywagon]

If one uses the thicker tape, do you think it would adhere to the later SMB roofs? (The stippled ones with bed liner or whatever it is they spray on them).
Bill

[mjeffrey]

Sorry not to have added to this recently - working long hours lately.

WVVan, you asked about the thickness of the tape. I used the 0.090" tape on this page:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#8127a88/=7r08lw

The actual part number that I ordered should be highlighted in yellow on the page (if not, it's 8127A88). It's a 5-yard roll, but I've used the remainder for a million-and-one little jobs (like mounting my battery separator in the engine bay, and saving some scraped knuckles!)

Re: adhering to the stippled surface of the new tops, I'm afraid I can't say. The tape is meant to conform to irregularities (it's supposed to seep into the small cracks and bumps in a surface) but I'm not sure whether it can conform to such large bumps. Could you sand the surface down in the areas that you plan to mount the feet?

Cheers,
Mike.

[Roonie]

Thanks so much for the write up! I am going to tackle this project in the fall probably and very helpful to have a step by step how to. Looks to be a very straightforward process.

[AndrewST]

Originally Posted by mjeffrey

I really liked these ones that AndrewST got a picture of, but have no idea who makes them:

The product is made by a german engineer who does other technical items.
You can see a little more under: http://www.relleumdesign.de/html/solarmount.html

Will get one for me, if interest, can get some.

[saabman]

Looks to me very simple set-up to fabricate too... those little rubber mounts in front are just like exhaust hangers I have seen on some cars...