SignalTraffic Forums

OK--now that I'm back in Pittsburgh, I have a little something in the family garage I need to work on!



This is my only signal. Chances are it will be the only one I have for a long time, as I'm likely in a 1BR apartment until I get married (and even then, it will be tough to find a gal who appreciates signals the way I do--thankfully I'm still young at 26 so the chance is still there). I'm also a little short on room in the apartment since I operate my business out of the living area (thankfully I'm on the road and online so I don't need a huge space but I do need a separate desk/filing cabinet just for work).

I bought this signal from the local police department two years ago. It had been taken out of service sometime around 2007-2008 (I actually know exactly where this signal used to be, right down to its position at the intersection, but am drawing a blank on when it was replaced). I also bought a Lights to Go T3 but have yet to install it.

From what I know about this signal:
--Crouse-Hinds 8"
--Believed to be installed in the late 1960s
--Appears to have all original parts intact, including lenses (although the red visor looks like a replacement)
--All three sections are incandescent, no LED modules
--Has two mounts installed (it was on a pole)
--Paint is badly faded, especially on the back, and there are black spots on the light in places (I blame this on weathering Pennsylvania for 40 or so years)

As you can see from the picture, this is still "fresh off the pole" in terms of condition. Here are the questions I have:

1. How do I wire this thing for home use? I know there are wires sticking out from under the bottom mount. I'm not sure yet if I want to keep the mounts on there since they won't let me drill at the apartment. I'm OK with wiring--admittedly not the most experienced or greatest with soldering, but I'm sure I can figure it out.

2. 40W or 60W bulbs? I want to grab a bunch of incandescents soon since they're obviously the way to go here and nobody will be selling them soon.

3. Cleaning and painting--what should I do and how should I do it? Is there a particular paint that would match what is currently used on signals?

4. Where can I get new visors? These are sort of warped. I've seen a few online but prices aren't always listed. I want good quality ones (if possible, I'd like cutaways).

5. How do I remove the mount and get this thing to stay upright like the lights I have seen in game rooms at at TGI Friday's (prior to remodel)?

6. I think I can figure out the T3 once I get the power cord installed--should I buy any wire though?

7. Bedroom or living room for the new home of this guy?

Any sort of diagrams with step-by-step instructions would be highly beneficial. I know a lot about different lights but can't say I'm the best with the nuts and bolts part. I really do want to get this thing restored as a weekend project sometime soon, preferably before fall hits!

1. How do I wire this thing for home use? I know there are wires sticking out from under the bottom mount. I'm not sure yet if I want to keep the mounts on there since they won't let me drill at the apartment. I'm OK with wiring--admittedly not the most experienced or greatest with soldering, but I'm sure I can figure it out.

From the way the T3 looks in pictures, this diagram I just drew up should do the trick.

2. 40W or 60W bulbs? I want to grab a bunch of incandescents soon since they're obviously the way to go here and nobody will be selling them soon.

Personally I'd say 40s. In close quarters, 60 will be a bit bright, not to mention hotter. Plus, you save a little on electric.

3. Cleaning and painting--what should I do and how should I do it? Is there a particular paint that would match what is currently used on signals?

The lenses can be cleaned a variety of ways with varying efficiencies, best to look them up using the search bar up top and making your own judgments. The signal itself just needs a good rinse. I usually use paint stripper on mine. The strongest version of Klean Strip's stripper works in 15 minutes or so, but if you wait too long, it goes back to normal. The Citristrip takes longer but doesn't smell and can sit for a few days before drying and reverting. If you want to try black, go with quality black, not the 97c quick-spray. Rustoleum makes an oil-based spray that's a nice match to new signal yellow, but keep in mind oil paints require much longer drying times than latex or acrylic paints and they'll smell, so let them sit somewhere ventilated. They also make a water-based Hunter Green or Dark Hunter Green, depending on which brand your local Home Depot carries. The water-based sprays are branded with Rustoleum Painter's Touch, while the oil sprays are a bit more basic in design. Primer is usually a good idea.

4. Where can I get new visors? These are sort of warped. I've seen a few online but prices aren't always listed. I want good quality ones (if possible, I'd like cutaways).

Make a Wanted thread here. That, or Ebay, if you're lucky. You could also bang out the ones you have on a strong surface or so with a mallet.

5. How do I remove the mount and get this thing to stay upright like the lights I have seen in game rooms at at TGI Friday's (prior to remodel)?

You can use 1-1/2" floor flange screwed on a small piece of wood. Then use 1-1/2" piece of pipe or signal hardware and get 1-1/2" nuts for conduit to hold the light in place. I do that for my Art Deco to make sure the bottom doesn't take too much beating up.

6. I think I can figure out the T3 once I get the power cord installed--should I buy any wire though?

Some basic 14 or 16-gauge stranded wire would be useful to have just in case.

7. Bedroom or living room for the new home of this guy?

If you go with a mobile stand, living room when no one is around and bedroom when you have people over.

I had my first signal in the bedroom for years.....when I moved to a string of rentals it was always displayed in the front room/common area. All of my signals currently use 25 watt clear bulbs. They provide plenty of light!

I wouldn't replace those visors.

I agree. 25W bulbs is the way to go. You'd be hard pressed to find nicer visors from that photo...I'm not sure I'd "restore" that one, clean it up and display it. It looks good already.

Hard to tell from the picture but the tunnels look like later 70's. to Id the year I would need to see more pics

Looks great! I'm not too big on restoring my signals either; I like the off-the-street condition best. I have a couple that I have restored, but they were in pretty bad shape (which yours is not).

khardy wrote:Why would anyone have a working traffic signal in their bedroom?

I had one in my room when I was living with my parents all the way through college.

I have used the cleaner Greased Lightning on signals. Makes that faded paint look almost new!

khardy wrote:Why would anyone have a working traffic signal in their bedroom?

I've got 6 signals in my bedroom right now......

Econo101 wrote:

khardy wrote:Why would anyone have a working traffic signal in their bedroom?

I've got 6 signals in my bedroom right now......

(what he said)

ME TOO, plus 3 peds and a handful of assorted other "not reading lamps"...

are we really that strange?? What about Larry's bedroom???