Picture framing a radiator?

[Steve Campbell]

Bit of an odd one. I’m trying to frame a race radiator in a picture frame. I don’t want to damage or drill the radiator at all.

I’ve made the frame out of mdf, and looking to find a way to clip the radiator in, using the edge flanges somehow.

This isn’t the frame itself but trying to show the position the mdf needs to be in to clip it in. Any bright ideas. Some kind of art framing clips ? They effectively need to “grip” or ‘hold’ the edge of the aluminium to keep it in place.

Thanks for any ideas or links to appropriate materials !

[Simpo Two]

I would make a rebate so it sits flush at the front, and think of a way to hold it from the back.

It will still look like an aircon vent though

[Steve Campbell]

LOL. It s not rectangular as it comes from an F1 car. It’s also not uniform thickness as part of it is double thickness.

Intent is for it to be approximately flush at the back where it’s pinned, and it will sit proud out the front so hopefully not too much like a vent !

Edited by Steve Campbell on Sunday 27th July 15:20

[Simpo Two]

Ah, well if the fastening is at the back that opens the options. Something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/pcs-Kitchen-Door-Connecti...

Or smaller - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DBZK32JC/

[Steve Campbell]

That 2nd smaller option looks promising…will investigate further…I would need to use 2 together to “pinch” the edge of the Al flange and hold it in place. Might therefore need something a bit longer with 2 screw holes to hold better.

[Actual]

I just about to hang a picture.

I'm using...

Essentials Flush Mounts Zinc-Plated 35mm x 37mm x 3.75mm 10 Pack (11423)
https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-flush-mounts...

Each pair interlocks to make a lift off mounting which is hidden behind the picture.

HTH

[Simpo Two]

Steve Campbell said:

That 2nd smaller option looks promising will investigate further I would need to use 2 together to pinch the edge of the Al flange and hold it in place. Might therefore need something a bit longer with 2 screw holes to hold better.

These would do it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flat-Brackets-Stainless-R...

Three screws into the frame with the last hole overlapping the radiator. Tighten the screws and it's not going anywhere.

[Steve Campbell]

I think definitely the right direction. The mdf is only 9mm so I need something with smaller screws !

I did consider 12 or 18mm mdf but it’s getting reasonably heavy the thicker I went. Could still make another frame if I can’t get 9mm to work.

[Simpo Two]

Steve Campbell said:

I think definitely the right direction. The mdf is only 9mm so I need something with smaller screws !

Shorter screws are available...

In fact you could make little rectangles of plywood and use those instead - they'd take longer screws and work just as well.

[JBW11]

Trailer number plate clips with the 'static' end cut off?

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/product/trailer-...

[Steve Campbell]

Just to close this off.. finally got some of these, they are frame clips.



…and radiator now mounted, just need to sort the plaque

[Simpo Two]

Well done!

[rinseout]

You've somehow managed to pick the most useless and boring thing to look at, to display.

I see your radiator, and I raise you a blank piece of a4 paper.

[Turn7]

rinseout said:

You've somehow managed to pick the most useless and boring thing to look at, to display.

I see your radiator, and I raise you a blank piece of a4 paper.

If you can’t say anything nice , don’t say anything at all….

[Steve Campbell]

Turn7 said:

If you can’t say anything nice , don’t say anything at all….

Indeed
I had the misfortune of visiting the museum of modern art in London last week….and I can tell you I’d rather look at this radiator on my wall than any single piece of expensive art in that place. In addition, the radiator was a gift from my son on Father’s Day and was acquired as he was working at the factory and this became available and he thought I’d like it. Options were “art” on the wall or coffee table. I chose art for now.

[Simpo Two]

Steve Campbell said:

Options were “art” on the wall or coffee table. I chose art for now.

You could make it into an a/c system for next summer