Mileage Badge Holder on the cheap.
Background:
The idea was to order the magnetic version of the Volvo high mileage sticker and build a holder for the grill. I wanted magnetic so that when I purchase the next level, I just replace the mileage badge. On the same holder.
You can easily make more of these as you add badges.
Items needed:
1. Magnetic Mileage badge from Dave Barton (see link)
http://www.davebarton.com/VolvoStickers.html
2. Soda/beer Aluminum can bottom
3. Vegetable Steel can bottom that has a ridge (so the magnetic badge will stick)
(if you go with a plain sticker, still go after a can bottom that has a ridge it looks better)
4. 2 machine screws with flat heads and nuts
5. 2 lock washers
6. Black Spray Paint
Tools needed:
1. Can opener
2. Scissors
3. Nail with hammer or drill
4. Slot screw driver
How to:
1. Order the appropriate magnetic mileage badge from Dave’s site.
2. Once arrives, find a vegetable can bottom that the magnetic mileage badge fits in. It should have a ridge. Test fit to be sure. Ridged can bottom works best.
3. Using a can opener, cut the bottom of the vegetable steel can.
4. Using scissors carefully cut the bottom off an aluminum can.
5. Paint the inside of the aluminum can bottom Black
6. Paint both sides the ridged side of the steel can Black
7. Once dry, use a nail and hammer or drill and put 2 holes in each can bottom. Make sure they line up. Easiest way is the put on top of each when making the holes.
8. Thread the machine screws in the holes in the steel can bottom.
9. Align the steel can bottom with the 2 machine screws on the grill location.
10. Once threaded through the grill, attach the aluminum can bottom (black side) via the 2 holes.
(Make sure the Aluminum can bottom is concaved like a “C”)
11. On each of the machine screws, put on the washers and nut. (outside of the aluminum can bottom)
12. With the screwdriver, while holding the nut, carefully tighten both screws. You want to evenly tighten both screws until the aluminum can bottom reaches the grill. Do not over tighten but make sure it is tight. The Aluminum can bottom will give and form around the grill slats.
13. Once tighten, put magnetic mileage badge on the steel can bottom.
14. The ridge makes a nice seam and prevents the badge from blowing off and looks like it belongs.