Neon Beer sign help needed

[CorCentral]

When you pull the cord to turn it on, you have to hold down the cord to keep it lit. If you let go, it shuts off. As long as you have the cord pulled tight, it?s fine.

I?m wondering what the problem is (starter?) and if it would be cheap to fix? If so, how much would it be if I took it somewhere to get it fixed?


In the movie I have the cord weighted by a hammer in the back to stay lit.
PIC
MOVIE

 

[Black88GTA]

Is it the kind where you pull the cord once to turn it on, and pull it again to shut it off? If so, probably just a bad switch. Whatever mechanism holds it so it stays "on" is worn out. You can probably buy a replacement pull switch at Home Depot, or wire up some other sort of switch.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Is it the kind where you pull the cord once to turn it on, and pull it again to shut it off? If so, probably just a bad switch. Whatever mechanism holds it so it stays "on" is worn out. You can probably buy a replacement pull switch at Home Depot, or wire up some other sort of switch.

Yes, it seems to be the type you pull then it stays on. This looks like a project to pull this thing apart though. Here's a nice closeup pic from the back.....
Back of Neon Sign

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: CorCentral

Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Is it the kind where you pull the cord once to turn it on, and pull it again to shut it off? If so, probably just a bad switch. Whatever mechanism holds it so it stays "on" is worn out. You can probably buy a replacement pull switch at Home Depot, or wire up some other sort of switch.

Yes, it seems to be the type you pull then it stays on. This looks like a project to pull this thing apart though. Here's a nice closeup pic from the back.....
Back of Neon Sign

Yeesh...looks kind of like a nightmare to pull apart. Who knows, may be easier than it looks...

I'd probably find a way to get it apart, take that pull switch crap out entirely and solder + tape the wires together. Then install one of those rotary switches on the power cord. Lots more reliable, and easier to replace if it goes bad again...plus you don't have to worry about tugging the switch too hard or at a funny angle and have the whole sign come crashing off the wall

 

[CorCentral]

It does'nt look like the transformer cover snaps off. I would need to unwrap each of the 7 copper wires that hold the outside Neon tube and unscrew each of the 6 screws which sit "right under that Neon tube. Even then, the tubes on the inside/middle, connect to the transformer from the outside................ More than meets the eye! **LOL**

Any suggestions on a repair shop? If I can spend about $50.00 on this, that would be fine by me. Even $75.00 would be reasonable for this piece.

I've seen these go for at least $300.00+ in working condition.

 

[mobobuff]

Looks like it would play hell on your electric bill.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
Looks like it would play hell on your electric bill.

Not sure what the costs run. Is it much higher than normal lighting? (incandescent)
:music: Shine little glow worm glimmer glimmer, hey there don't get dimmer dimmer :music: