Mounting Motherboard to plexiglass

**vinsta18** · 07-06-2005, 10:24 PM

Hello all, I have been browsing these forums for about a month now, and I have my first Carputer Almost finished (just waiting on parts... and a worthy car.. lol!) and I am pretty much all set.

However, I do have one concern. How are you all mounting your motherboards to plexiglass? I have examined a few pics that give a view of the space between a mobo and the plexi and it looked as if they were using the standard brass standoffs that come with any case. Is this the case? How well do they stay in the plexi glass? What about stripping the hole in the plexi? Or do I just have the wrong Idea?

Just curious because I'd really like to mount my mobo on (or make a case out of) plexi glass, and the only thing stopping me is the whole mounting thing.

Thanks in advance!

**jzgt** · 07-06-2005, 10:48 PM

You could drill and tap the hole. I have done that in plexi before. You could also just drill and use an epoxy. I'm a fan of using a thicker piece on the bottom and tapping the hole. I'll have to measure the thread pitch if you go that route to get the proper thread. Maybe I'll google it...I don't know if I have a standoff here...

- Jeff

**thanatos106** · 07-06-2005, 10:51 PM

**jzgt** · 07-06-2005, 10:53 PM

Looks like the outer thread is 6-32.

Thread pitch for standoff

- Jeff

**rmjjensen** · 07-06-2005, 10:57 PM

I put a hole all the way through and used a screw from the bottom. I placed a nylon spacer on the screw so the board would stand off the base of the plexiglass case ....real easy.

http://www.expertwebcreations.com/pe..._02/bottom.jpg

**thanatos106** · 07-06-2005, 11:00 PM

I epoxy the nuts to the plexi.......

**vinsta18** · 07-06-2005, 11:07 PM

Ok, Thank you all for the speedy replies!!

1. So the plexi can take the screws being in there without cracking? Last time I dealt w/plexi, everywhere I put screws through, it cracked... I will be more careful and buy thicker plexi this time.

2. I think I'm either going to go the nylon route or a combination of epoxy/threading the holes (or maybe a combo of all three!)

3.rmjjensen and jzgt you both have very inspirational pics on your websites!

Thanks for the help!

**BADDERICK** · 07-06-2005, 11:08 PM

I just used regular standoffs, I drilled the holes almost all the way thru and then just applied a little presure with a nut driver and they threaded right in. I have had to take a few back out and it looks like they made perfect threads. They hold very well.

**RPI Geek** · 07-06-2005, 11:11 PM

I drilled the holes (very slowly and very carefully or else the plexi will split) and then I just chamfered the holes with a countersink bit. Then I put in flathead machine screws (I don't remember the dimensions off hand but I remember that they fit in regular standoffs, and I think they were #6-32 x 1/2"). Then I just used a nut as a spacer and used the foam that came with the motherboard as insulation / cushioning. Then I used a lock washer to keep them from shaking loose over time.
No pics and no exact dimensions because I'm not at home this week, btu I remember that it was about as close as it could possibly be.