Roto Dial Neon Clock
Restoration
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This large vintage neon clock was acquired in trade many years ago.After sitting in a garage gathering dust, it was time to finally do a restoration.
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It
took awhile to determine how to disassemble this vintage clock without
damaging the neon tubes, which amazingly, were still intact.![](../elegantline.gif)
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The transformer, probably an old replacement, was in good working condition. The two original neon tubes and glass lead-in insulators were carefully cleaned and stored for later assembly.![](../elegantline.gif)
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When
lit, there is 15,000 - 20,000 volts running through the neon tubes,
which is a bit of a scary proposition when working on these.
I rewired all the the electrical wiring and terminals, just to be on the safe side.
Also, the original clock motor was cleaned and lubricated.
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The 24 inch metal case was carefully stripped, primed and painted with a hammertone color very close to the original.The dial face and decorative front glass was carefully cleaned, as well.
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Because of the high voltage, neon tubes might 'flash' to a metal case if they touch, so I manufactured insulated standoffs, which you can see in the left photo. The original glass standoffs for the internal neon tube were re-used.The clock was re-assembled and it works as well as it looks.The clock really pops when lit up in a dark room!
BackCreated By Paul's Page's 2016