Dear All,

I have been working on this project radio for some time. I finally got it to work but I need some advise on how to "colorize" the lamps for the tuning. The GE set up is, as I see it, a replacement for a tuning eye. I installed all new lamps but I am not sure how to color them red/green.

Here is the previous post/thread. I had all the tapped bleeder resistor problems noted but was able to find replacement resistors at the proper rating. Mounted them to a small PC board and will tuck it into the chassis on the back panel.

As always, any help or guidance is greatly appreciated.

Terry F

PS here is the link to the previous thread:
http://www.nostalgiaair.org/forums/Messages/333/M0026333.htm

Terry: Those candohm resistor strips are a bugger in that radio. I had to mount my wire wound replacements in special clips that heat-sinked the high temps to the chassis wall. As for the Colorama bulbs, most of mine were still good, and only replaced a couple with clear. I don't think nail polish or regular paint will hold up to the bulb heat. I wonder if a high temperature paint (like engine paint) diluted with a little thinner would work. I can't remember if they were completely opaque or semi-transparent. You could try dipping them till you get the color you want. I found the color-shifting lights more of an annoyance than a tuning aid.
Steve

Steve,
Many translucent colors are available at better craft/hobby/model shops. The candy-apple model colors usually have a translucent layer over the base coat.

marv

:Terry: Those candohm resistor strips are a bugger in that radio. I had to mount my wire wound replacements in special clips that heat-sinked the high temps to the chassis wall. As for the Colorama bulbs, most of mine were still good, and only replaced a couple with clear. I don't think nail polish or regular paint will hold up to the bulb heat. I wonder if a high temperature paint (like engine paint) diluted with a little thinner would work. I can't remember if they were completely opaque or semi-transparent. You could try dipping them till you get the color you want. I found the color-shifting lights more of an annoyance than a tuning aid.
:Steve

Marv: I thought of that too when I did my E-105, but I didn't think those hobby paints would stand up to the bulb heat. Maybe they're tougher than I thought. Always worth a try I guess.
Steve

Steve,
Sometime a while back I saw little silicon rubber booties of several colors for bulbs, but don't remember where. Of course there are always LED's, but thats another story.

marv

:Marv: I thought of that too when I did my E-105, but I didn't think those hobby paints would stand up to the bulb heat. Maybe they're tougher than I thought. Always worth a try I guess.
:Steve

:Steve,
:Sometime a while back I saw little silicon rubber booties of several colors for bulbs, but don't remember where. Of course there are always LED's, but thats another story.
:
:marv
:
Marv, thanks for the tip. I found this website that specialized in bulb covers:
http://www.marcospecialties.com/items.asp?Cc=PFLD-LCOVER

Terry F

Terry,
Good find, and that name seems remotely familiar

marv

::Steve,
::Sometime a while back I saw little silicon rubber booties of several colors for bulbs, but don't remember where. Of course there are always LED's, but thats another story.
::
::marv
::
:Marv, thanks for the tip. I found this website that specialized in bulb covers:
:http://www.marcospecialties.com/items.asp?Cc=PFLD-LCOVER
:
:Terry F

:Terry,
:Good find, and that name seems remotely familiar
:
:marv
:

Marv,

I ordered these today. When they come in I'll reply to the post and let everyone know how they work.
Thanks agin for the lead. The "bulb caps" work on #44 lamps which is very close to the #40 used in the set.
Terry F

::Terry,
::Good find, and that name seems remotely familiar
::
::marv
::
:
:
:Marv,
:
:I ordered these today. When they come in I'll reply to the post and let everyone know how they work.
:Thanks agin for the lead. The "bulb caps" work on #44 lamps which is very close to the #40 used in the set.
:Terry F

I used green and red magic markers...

Terry J,

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that, too. I think I have a green.

Terry F

Hardware stores also sell transparent paint.

On a side note, it's amazing how many department stores sell colored glass candles. When you wash them, all of the color comes off. Sad. I want real colored glass.

T.

For tinting lamps,I've used automobile dash illumination bulb covers (diffusers). They don't fit tightly against the bulb envelope,allowing it to stay cool and promote long bulb life. Pontiac uses red,some others use orange,many others use blue-green. They're plastic caps that can be spot-glued to the tip of the bulb and if you know someone at an auto recycling joint, you can get a selection for cheap.

I put the radio togther and it plays fine. The Colorama lights work very well. I used a combination of bulb covers as well as glass paint. Paint is definately cheaper, so I'll see which one endures the test of time.

Thanks to all who have particpated, including Rene for the lead on the paint (Michaels Crafts for $1.99)

Terry F