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by **mcha9797** on Fri May 10, 2013 3:25 pm

Here's another thought on filling the holes in this signal, I read this topic...

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11806&hilit=filling+a+hole

I found it very informative, but in every example there was some sort of filler used to dress up the plugged hole. Since I'm having this signal powder coated, the guy said "no fillers" it has to be all metal.

I did some quick research and found that lead melts at approx. 620 degrees....the signal would be placed in a 450 degree oven to process the powder coat finish. Do you think that I could use the method mentioned above, except use solder to fill any small voids. It would sand easily and that way the patch/plug would be all metal.

What do you think??? :scratch:

by **Old-Timer** on Fri May 10, 2013 4:15 pm

What if it were TIG welded??? Would that powder coat? I had someone fill in and sand smooth a cast visor that looked like a great white took a bite out of it!!!

by **mcha9797** on Fri May 10, 2013 4:30 pm

Old-Timer wrote:What if it were TIG welded??? Would that powder coat? I had someone fill in and sand smooth a cast visor that looked like a great white took a bite out of it!!!

You really need to stop swimming in the ocean with your signals. :crazy:

I'm concerned about taking it to be welded, as long as they know what they are doing that would probably be the best route. I have this vision, that I walk in to have small holes filled in and leave with giant holes in it. :Phil:

I have a propeller repair shop not far away, they are used to welding thin aluminum. I'll give them a call and see what they think.

by **Magnetboy** on Fri May 10, 2013 5:29 pm

mcha9797 wrote:
Old-Timer wrote:What if it were TIG welded??? Would that powder coat?

I'm concerned about taking it to be welded, as long as they know what they are doing that would probably be the best route. I have this vision, that I walk in to have small holes filled in and leave with giant holes in it.

I have a propeller repair shop not far away, they are used to welding thin aluminum. I'll give them a call and see what they think.

Of course tig welding will powder coat. Just look at all the race cars and custom street rods with Tig welded frames, chassis, and roll bars. Powder coating is the gold standard of finishes on these types of vehicles. :yes:

I would say the prop shop would be a good bet. If they are proficient at welding thin aluminum then you can't ask for a more. Check out some of their prior work before handing over your prized light though. You might even find a cheap signal part with a similar wall thickness and drill a hole in it yourself. Give it to them to weld and see if you are happy with their work first. If you are pleased with the results, then give them the Novalux. :yes:

by **mcha9797** on Sat May 11, 2013 1:36 pm

The holes are gone. :yes:

I took it to a nearby prop repair shop, and the guy had no trouble at all filling the holes. He ground down the extra metal to just above the original surface, and I finished it up with sand paper when I got home. The media blasting at the powder coater should blend the smoother sanded surface with the rest of the body.

I'm leaning toward a very dark green, (the original color) instead of black on this signal.

Another decision would be high gloss, gloss, or semi gloss. :scratch:

by **jab8356** on Sat May 11, 2013 1:52 pm

That would look sweet in green. Gloss or high gloss would get my vote.

by **vaughn** on Sat May 11, 2013 7:12 pm

Geez, picking a color for my light was a very difficult decision for me. I think it took me a month before I settle on a color :roll:

by **signal man619** on Sat May 11, 2013 7:22 pm

Green Semi-Gloss :yes:

by **mcha9797** on Sat May 11, 2013 7:49 pm

I have all of the brass hardware soaking in ammonia, (heard this works well) everything is cleaning up well, but it looks like a good polish job is in line for all of these pieces. :yes:

More question's later on the reflector hardware, and some advice from a pro, (Gordon) would be nice on re-wiring the sockets, these do not come apart. :scratch:

by **jab8356** on Sat May 11, 2013 8:12 pm

Send the sockets to Gordon. He has done some GE sockets for me and they turned out awesome.

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