Signs of the Times - April 2012 - (Page 75)

(Top) Sandblasting companies in the area balked at working on the sign; many claimed working in such a high-traffic area could pose problems. (Bottom) Dobrich found a contractor who chemically stripped the surface, repaired the metalwork and repainted the structure with water-based, exterior paint. (Above) Another contractor provided scaffolding and sheltering plastic sheeting, which concealed Canada Lighting’s work from the public. DeBellis proudly threw the switch to relight the sign for a public ceremony. for turquoise, green and blue accents; and 12mm, double-bent, gold tubing for the brightly shining star. Our bender was very efficient, and minimal tube overage was required. We installed 15, Allanson CPX 120V/30mA transformers. The powersources feature three automatic resets, which eliminate nuisance tripping, and a 29-minute, bypass switch for efficient fault protection. More delays By last June, we were ready to renovate the sign and repair the main structure. We contacted numerous contractors, who refused to get involved because of either their workload or claims that sandblasting in a high-traffic area would prove problematic. After three months, I finally approached the owner to say we couldn’t find a satisfactory sandblasting contractor. We hoped his building-trade contracts would generate a suitable vendor. After approximately a month, he found a contractor who offered to chemically strip the structure, fix the metalwork and repaint the structure with a water-based, outdoor-grade paint. Within four weeks, they’d painted the sign, and we began work. We situated the tubes and components on large, flat sheets and transported them carefully on a flatbed back to the site, where, to prevent breakage, they were installed immediately. We began installing new GTO wiring, repaired all of the broken standoffs and glass housings, and handled small, structural repairs. While we did this work, a heavy tarpaulin concealed us; no one could see the repairs being done. Also, another contractor erected a scaffold, which made our work easier. The original, metal columns were still stout, so these only needed minor prep and repainting. Even though the original structure didn’t include framed faces, they were installed over the neon through the years for protection. The owner decided to continue using such faces. A triumph for all Dobrich decided to have a relighting and unveiling ceremony; many local residents anxiously awaited seeing the old sign bright again. In the weeks prior to the unveiling, there was much fanfare about the sign. Local newspaper and radio stations were present for the relighting. I threw the main switch, and the multi-colored sign gloriously lit the night and delighted everyone. The Yorktown Square sign was our first, large-scale restoration project. We’re proud that we met all challenges head-on, and delivered a sign that will be appreciated by Windsor residents and visitors for years to come. n SIGNS OF THE TIMES / APRIL 2012 / www.signweb.com 75 http://www.signweb.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - April 2012

Signs of the Times - April 2012
Contents
ST Update
Technology Update
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Technology Review
Software Update
Sign Museum News
New Products
Times Square Update
That Sign is Fine (Art?)
Victory at Yorktown
Temporary, with Permanent Appeal
The Value of Signs
Anatomy of an M&A Failure
Industry News
Advertising Index
Editorially Speaking

Signs of the Times - April 2012