Replacement Guide Rails

[Rudy]

The aluminum guide rails on my two touchless automatics have finally worn out after 25 years.

Any ideas about how/where to find replacements.

Also...

Has anyone tried any alternative solutions?

Could you use a 6"x8" composite (or plastic) plastic beam bolted to the floor?

 

[mac]

I've been using plastic bumpers that you see in parking lots with good results. If you got 25 years out of the aluminum ones though you might want to do them.

 

[Rudy]

Thanks Mac....That's the direction I'm heading.

My biggest concern.....mounting them. I have floor heat, and drilling and installing wedge anchors scares me. Nicking a tube would ruin my day. I'm wondering about drilling down only a inch or so....and then epoxying in some stainless threaded rod.

Do you have floor heat....and how did you anchor them?

 

[Car_Wash_Guy]

Thanks Mac....That's the direction I'm heading.

My biggest concern.....mounting them. I have floor heat, and drilling and installing wedge anchors scares me. Nicking a tube would ruin my day. I'm wondering about drilling down only a inch or so....and then epoxying in some stainless threaded rod.

Do you have floor heat....and how did you anchor them?

Look into Hilti epoxies. They do have a anchor/epoxy system as well as just a sole epoxy. I'd be nervous about drilling. If they went light on your slab you could be looking at 3-3.5" . With a 3/4" tube in there...you just might hit the lottery.

 

[MEP001]

Thermal imaging cameras are pretty cheap now. You should be able to see and map out your floor heat tubes with one.

I doubt that a 1" deep hole will hold with cars turning into the rails.

I know someone who replaced his rails recently, and he just bought pipe and plate and had a welder make them. At least that way you can position the mounts so they'll miss the floor heat if you can trace it out on the floor.