I just purchased a 42" Texaco double sided Porcelain sign, so now I will be on the lookout for the Shepard pole. My question is this: Would anyone know how big and deep the footing were for these. I know in my area I would have to go below the frost line,( 4 ft. in Michigan) but how about diameter? I seen the plans here on oldgas for the footings for the 6 ft. sign which I plan to follow for that one, but most old time pictures from what I can till is there is not much of a footing if any at all on the Shepard Pole. I find this strange since for a 6 ft. it is a large footing, and the rules that one engineer gave on here for the reason on the 6 ft. sign footing was based on the pressure from high winds that would make it fall over. Wouldn't one think the same design for the footings be the same for the 42"sign since this sign is fixed to the pole as the 6 footer is? Would the reason be that the 42" sign has a two inch air gap for most of the way around the post where the 6 footer does not? On another note how rare is the number nine post and the usage of this type of post at Texaco stations in the early years. The worth of one of these in mint condition? I seen some of these in pictures, but it seems that the Shepard Pole is a lot more common. Was it the price or availability of these post? Lastly I what to make some sort of gas station front this year and I have the hexagon post,(still looking for the sign) the 6 ft. sign with post, and the 42" sign ( looking for the post) would anyone here on oldgas have any opinion or seen anyone display all three of these? My thoughts are to have the concrete in a three sided formation (sides are at a 30 degree angle) with the 6 footer in the center with the 42 inch to the left of center, and the hexagon to the right. Does anyone have any thought on this or a different design. I can do my own work so I will e able to save a few dollars , I am open for any ideas. I know this thread is long, but while I have anyone's attention.....