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  #16  
Old 07-24-2017, 10:54 PM
Solid_State Solid_State is offline
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Lightbulb Fluorescent Lamp for the sign

I take it you have the whole sign since you are asking about the lamp it takes?
I wound think a 36" (3' F30T8 or F30T12) Fluorescent tube would fit it. the ballast should also state the tube that is needed if the label is there and still readable


Anyway awesome sign!
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  #17  
Old 07-24-2017, 11:02 PM
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  #18  
Old 07-25-2017, 11:21 AM
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F40T8 or 12 (40") or F48T8 or 12 (48") are the standard sizes - got a tape measure? Tombstone to tombstone measurement will tell, or post a pic of the innards.
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  #19  
Old 07-25-2017, 12:54 PM
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  #20  
Old 07-25-2017, 01:06 PM
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I notice that at least on one side the connectors are spring loaded. With the springs compressed is it at 48" length? (if not, then what?)...If that is the case you could install one bulb end at an angle, get the bulb inside the frame, compress the spring slip the other end in and be done.

I think you also have the wrong style of Tube(bulb) in your picture. Most spring loaded florescent fixtures take the type of tube that has a single large electrical contact nub on the end instead of one with two small prongs like yours....Perhaps those come in more sizes too. Sorry not to have numbers/names for the style, but my fixtures are at home and I am not.

If I were you I'd drag the frame and electronics (but not the valuable/breakable graphics) to my nearest big box hardware store and start checking different types of tube in it.
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  #21  
Old 07-25-2017, 02:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Electronic M View Post

If I were you I'd drag the frame and electronics (but not the valuable/breakable graphics) to my nearest big box hardware store and start checking different types of tube in it.
I'd convert to LED....conversion eliminates the ballast, any starters, and about 25-40 watts of power - two 48" tubes, in soft or bright white, will use about 30-40 Watts total, instead of the 60-85(HO fluorescents....commonly used in signs) would use. Not to mention that the bulbs last a whole lot longer and run cooler.
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  #22  
Old 07-25-2017, 03:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Findm-Keepm View Post
I'd convert to LED....conversion eliminates the ballast, any starters, and about 25-40 watts of power - two 48" tubes, in soft or bright white, will use about 30-40 Watts total, instead of the 60-85(HO fluorescents....commonly used in signs) would use. Not to mention that the bulbs last a whole lot longer and run cooler.
A valid approach assuming the OP is not a stickler for originality. I'm lazy and often kind of a stickler so I'd probably just hunt for the correct tubes...
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  #23  
Old 07-25-2017, 04:14 PM
Solid_State Solid_State is offline
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OK sorry I forgot it was a commercial grade sign (I was thinking of a Spencer Gifts home display type sign)

Anyway it looks like the F48T12 The tube is 46" and is a Recessed Double Contact base (Commonly referred to as RDC) Fun fact: the RDC base is just an adapter (Removable on most brands of tubes) that fits over the standard G13 Bipin base AKA the normal fluorescent two prong base
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  #24  
Old 07-25-2017, 10:56 PM
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  #25  
Old 07-25-2017, 10:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Solid_State View Post
OK sorry I forgot it was a commercial grade sign (I was thinking of a Spencer Gifts home display type sign)

Anyway it looks like the F48T12 The tube is 46" and is a Recessed Double Contact base (Commonly referred to as RDC) Fun fact: the RDC base is just an adapter (Removable on most brands of tubes) that fits over the standard G13 Bipin base AKA the normal fluorescent two prong base
Yes it is looking like a F48T12/d/ho tube will work. On a high output tube they look to be 2 inches shorter

Tubes are Sylvania F48T12HO

Last edited by oldtvsandtoy; 08-06-2017 at 06:47 PM.
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  #26  
Old 08-05-2017, 12:36 PM
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The guy I bought the sign just told me this sign came from The Gateway Motel 3781 N Oceana Dr, Hart, MI 49420 And he gave me some pictures of the Motel.
The new owner bought the motel in 1996 He found the sign in the garage. Sign should be done tonite, I will post pictures when it is.
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  #27  
Old 08-06-2017, 09:11 AM
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Done

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  #28  
Old 08-06-2017, 11:49 AM
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Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green with envy! Great job!
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  #29  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:50 PM
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Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green with envy! Great job!
You forgot orange, black, and white.
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  #30  
Old 08-08-2017, 09:06 AM
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How cool is that? Great.
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