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#332210 Sun Jun 10 2012 12:30 PM
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I bought this arrow the other day and when I electrify it, the bulbs will light up but no blink. The blinking comes from this little motorized assembly inside the sign. It has an electrical motor and some bumpy type wheels that open and close a couple sets of points!
I'd like to make it work again but where to go with this? Anyone have any experience with these signs? There must be a newer electronic type blinker assembly that could be installed? To find parts for the old assembly has to be impossible!
Thanks to anyone that can offer advice!--KEVIN

Lighted Arrow.JPG Cities sign & arrow motor 001.JPG Cities sign & arrow motor 006.JPG Cities sign & arrow motor 007.JPG

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Please use For Sale forums to sell

Please - NO offers to Buy or Sell in this forum category

Statements such as, "I'm thinking about selling this." are considered an offer to sell.
K W FRITH #332213 Sun Jun 10 2012 12:42 PM
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I'm sure Ricks's Restorations could make it like new for you..........for about 7-8 grand!
Seriously, that's pretty sweet.

bkcraun #332215 Sun Jun 10 2012 12:53 PM
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Call your local sign supply, they'll sell you a brand new one to work like a champ.


Collector of Illinois Oil Company, Iowa Oil Company, Round Outboard Motor Oil Quarts, St. Louis Gas Pumps, Double Cola, and anything else awesome.
iowaoil #332225 Sun Jun 10 2012 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted By: iowaoil
Call your local sign supply, they'll sell you a brand new one to work like a champ.


TRUE, but it will most likely be electronic/digital in this day and age.


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Im confused as to how it works?
The big disc in the back is made of copper(I think) and it has gears on it that turn the shafts hooked to the wheels that open the points. BUT--there is NO CONNECTION between the electric motor looking thingy and that big wheel.The black piece on the left in the last picture has fine copper windings and looks like an electric motor field.
Am I wrong and its not an electric motor and is really an electromagnet type device that propels the big wheel? If thats the case, maybe it could be replaced?


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K W FRITH #332234 Sun Jun 10 2012 01:57 PM
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Contact Osbeck. I bet you he can tell you what to get.

Notchcad #332242 Sun Jun 10 2012 02:38 PM
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For what it's worth, the motor looks exactly like the motors Marvy used in their barber poles until a few years ago. The only thing to go wrong with the motor would be the coil.
Your mechanical stuff looks to be in pretty good shape and you may wish to keep it original. If that's the case I would first change the coil and see where you're at.
Here's an eBay # for a seller of those, 310405718965

open wheel #332247 Sun Jun 10 2012 02:55 PM
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Kevin, this is what you need. Best to go solid state, better more efficient and reliable technology. e-Bay item number 350384723106.


Dave GILL,
Dave's Garage & Memorabilia, Inc.
Dave's Garage #332248 Sun Jun 10 2012 03:07 PM
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Wow! With all the time I spend on ebay, you'd think that I would have brains enough to type in "flashing arrow"??????
Not this time---maybe it was because I was so confused as to how it works. That coil must spin the disc somehow?
I'd like to do it original but the points are pretty rough and I would have to manufacture the little spoked wheels that open the points, as they are a fiber material and are kinda worn down?
Unless someone has a complete unit to sell, its probably best to go the solid state way!


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K W FRITH #332251 Sun Jun 10 2012 03:17 PM
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After finding Mechanical Chaser Swt, MUCH cheaper to go Solid State;
http://www.actionlighting.com/search.php?search_query=3+circuit+mechanical+chaser&x=15&y=5

Dave's Garage #332256 Sun Jun 10 2012 03:24 PM
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Cool arrow sign! While what Dave is recommending will work, it will not match what you had exactly. The solid state unit on ebay is a 2 point flasher with 70 flashes per minute. The one you have in your sign is a 2 circuit chaser with 8 alternating lobes which generates 240 flashes per minute per circuit (it WILL get your attention).

The unit you have is still made today, and I would recommend replacing the whole flasher rather than just the coil - although you may get by with a coil? I prefer to replace and know it's going to work well for another 50 years. These mechanical flasher units are very reliable - and it would be a quick, easy replacement wire for wire. You can get one from a local sign supplier or PM me and I can get one for you.

To answer your other questions, it is indeed an electric motor, the large disc is a flywheel which gives it the smooth, trouble free functionality these are known for. A little contact burnishing every 5-10 years and you are good to go again! For anyone else working on something similar and considering a solid state flasher - watch your loads -the one in discussion here from ebay is rated for 600 watts, while this mechanical flasher will handle 1150/circuit in this configuration.

You might find a solid state unit that emulates this same action - but I find that the mechanical units work well, are original to the sign, have a cool old "sound" to them, and you don't have to worry about some chip going bad.....

Hope this helps - I love flasher/chaser signs. My favorite is the big chasing arrow on the Dog n Suds sign. Similar but larger chaser running 4 circuits. Fun! Enjoy.

Dick Bennett #332257 Sun Jun 10 2012 03:28 PM
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what Dick is showing is more than what you need for this application. The one you need should be about 1/2 of that (around $100). Yes, the solid state unit will be cheaper - but I'd still recommend the mechanical unless you really prefer it to be quiet or want to save money. Just my opinion. Thx

Signs&Neons #332260 Sun Jun 10 2012 03:43 PM
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Signs and Neons, I sent you a PM

I agree that I'd like to stick to original as much as possible.Its good to know that this stuff is still available! My local sign company could probably handle it but they are terribly slow with stuff.


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K W FRITH #332285 Sun Jun 10 2012 05:19 PM
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Cool!!


Looking for gas,oil related clocks,especially neon and spinners .clock repair available. Mick
K W FRITH #332329 Sun Jun 10 2012 06:58 PM
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Looks like you got the correct advice ! I replaced the "chaser" assembly in mine & then sold it.....kinda wish I would have kept it frown cool light for sure ! Z

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