First Time Building a Pylon Sign. Need some help!

[Th3Ex3cutiv3]

We have an opportunity to build a small pylon sign. It is for a single tenant and only 9.5' tall. Sign is a 6'x4'.

**Backstory - I have basically said no to these projects for the last 5 years. We started as a print / wrap shop & few years ago we started
doing face replacements and building cabinets and things. We have done some freestanding signs using wood posts. I feel we are ready to
move into something a little bigger. This is a walk in the park for most of you on here, but to us we want to skip making simple mistakes.

I am starting my information search here as you guys are always extremely helpful & knowledgable.

Questions
1) Is there a resource somewhere that shows the entire fabrication process?
2) Best way to mount to a single 5"x5" square post if building the cabinet from EX extrusion?
3) Is there anything I should know that I am probably not thinking of in this process?

 

[JBurton]

EX extrusion?

1. What's this exactly?
2. weld a saddle out of 2" steel angle, paint it, then bolt it into your (presumably) aluminum cabinet. One top and bottom. We'd make the opening at around 5 3/16". Weld to pole on site.
3. Lots of factors here, particularly engineered footing since you're up north. As far as how to build the cabinet in an easy to digest manual, no chance. I have minimal documentation for the extrusion we use, but eve it has a lot of information missing.

 

[Gino]

Is this single or double sided ??
Is this backlit ??
Is a dedicated service to the site already ??
Are you licensed electricians ??
Are you properly insured to build and/or instal a sign as such ??
Have you gotten permits to build the sign where it is to be placed ??

 

[Billct2]

What does the town require for permits?

 

[pro-UP]

Do you have a resource for stamped, engineered drawings? These are often required for permits. You'll also need to do a utility check. Have you researched that your client can have a sign that size and height and in a space that would tolerate that height?

Have you outsourced these types of projects in the past? Or is this the first one of this type you have worked on in any capacity? It may be a good idea to buy this from a wholesaler, saving you a lot of learning on the job through trial and error. There are many experienced wholesalers that can help you with this project.

I'm not sure you'll find the depth and exactness you need to successfully do this job through a forum conversation. People provide great resources on here, but this seems like a recipe for disaster if you go it alone. I've often seen people under spec and under bid projects with which they are unfamiliar. Maybe you can find someone willing to mentor you on this journey? I wish you all the best and hope you keep us posted on what you decide. Good luck!

 

[McDonald Signs]

Purchase the sign from a wholesaler and then you do the install. A lot goes into making a pylon / Cabinet sign that will withstand the wind and weather.

 

[GraphixGirl79]

We have an opportunity to build a small pylon sign. It is for a single tenant and only 9.5' tall. Sign is a 6'x4'.

**Backstory - I have basically said no to these projects for the last 5 years. We started as a print / wrap shop & few years ago we started
doing face replacements and building cabinets and things. We have done some freestanding signs using wood posts. I feel we are ready to
move into something a little bigger. This is a walk in the park for most of you on here, but to us we want to skip making simple mistakes.

I am starting my information search here as you guys are always extremely helpful & knowledgable.

Questions
1) Is there a resource somewhere that shows the entire fabrication process?
2) Best way to mount to a single 5"x5" square post if building the cabinet from EX extrusion?
3) Is there anything I should know that I am probably not thinking of in this process?

You probably won't find a manual anywhere. we build pylon signs all the time at our shop. We are in Canada, so i'm sure we have different standards for constructing such things. Normally we build the sign can out of sheet metal, angle iron and aluminum extrusions. As far as attaching to your pole, there are different methods. Usually the pole will have top and/or bottom plates welded to the pole and the can is "bolted" on for easy removal and/or servicing, but we also have done sleeve throughs, so it all depends. Are you planning on direct burial for your pole or a concrete pier with anchor bolts? Concrete peier with anchor bolts, you will have a baseplate and support gussets welded to the pole, with direct burial usually you jsut have the plate at the top of the pole connecting your sign header. Usually a new pylon sign will require permits from the town/city and/or state/province and an engineered structural drawing for approval by an engineering company prior to construction. But like i said, maybe if your american, things are done different down there. Best of luck!