Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

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Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby somuchtoseeanddo on Wed Jun 19, 2013 12:52 am

I acquired what was the last bent tube Econolite ped in service in these parts about 4 years back. I have photos of it in service.

This light has its original, now oxidized paint job and a decal of a cat on the visor. I have also left the "original" dirt on the lenses, which can also be seen in the pictures I took of it while it was still in the field. I realize that it is a matter of preference, but Is this going too far?
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby BigTbird1974 on Wed Jun 19, 2013 1:01 am

somuchtoseeanddo wrote:...Is this going too far?


Depending on the particular "cat decal" (only slightly, though) I'd be inclined to say NO...

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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby pyth on Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:21 am

Personally, I would clean out and fix up whatever's rotted or old on the inside (like bare wires :roll: ), but the outside would look great as it is.
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby SignalLab on Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:29 am

pyth wrote:Personally, I would clean out and fix up whatever's rotted or old on the inside (like bare wires :roll: ), but the outside would look great as it is.

as it relates to your find Steve, I second AJ post. Make it safe for operation and if the patina does not annoy you, leave it-you can never replicate patina!! :thumbsup:
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby somuchtoseeanddo on Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:28 am

OK, I decided to leave the field dirt and grime on the lenses. I will post a shot of this in service soon.

Image
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby SignalLab on Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:46 am

somuchtoseeanddo wrote:OK, I decided to leave the field dirt and grime on the lenses. I will post a shot of this in service soon.

Image

:drool: I am digging that apostrophe
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby vaughn on Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:55 pm

I like signals both ways really. Some look great in there original coats and others look fantastic restored like they came outa the factory, the ones I see here look better than factory. I'm still up in the air about restoring a particular signal so I wouldn't say you've gone to far if left alone. It's a big decision :panic: that needs time, money, and patience if restored to factory new.
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby DFWSignals89 on Sat Jul 13, 2013 7:38 am

A lot of my Dallas signals still have their street dirt on the lenses! My 8-8-8-8-12 turn signal has so much dirt on the green arrow that part of the top of the arrow is covered up. I like the dirt and it really gives it that off the street character that would be impossible to recreate if I ever tried.

Here it is in service with the green covered up.

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Walnut Hill @ I-35E by dallassignals, on Flickr

Also left this brittle poly Safetran as is too! Melted lenses and all!

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Safetran 8'' by dallassignals, on Flickr

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Central Expressway by dallassignals, on Flickr
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby cjsebes on Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:05 am

I'm a proponent to leaving the "history" on the signal. But I am working on a project now in which I will have to repaint the yellow signals that were painted green back to yellow. Because of the nature of what I'm doing, I'm excusing myself from my rule-of-thumb. But I do admit that the restored signals many of the member have here are incredible. I just like preserving the history of the signal.
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Re: Can One Go Too Far with "Leave It Alone?"

Postby TheHOODLUM on Mon Jul 22, 2013 10:59 pm

I would prefer to at least clean the road dirt and filth off if they are going to be kept indoors.
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