Posted 10 years ago
mdklingerman
(3 items)
Advice please.... I'm restoring this Indian sign that came off of a dealership demolition in the Barstow CA area years ago. The "I" and the entire red cover were stolen at some point after it closed. With the help of a savvy graphic designer friend, I was able to create an Illustrator file to fabricate the "I" perfectly to size (see pic). I'm subbing out that fab to professionals.
As you can see the sign has cleaned up almost like new with some effort. Not sure if I should light the sign with neon as it was originally? I was thinking of lighting it with LED's for lots of reasons (fragility, ease of install, energy efficient) but don't want to depreciate the sign. It's all hidden by plexi. Normally I would rather keep original but there are 13 individual pieces that complete the sign including the dot for the small i. Who knows where this sign will end up. Moving, shipping, or hanging could be a neon nightmare. I was going do the INDIAN cover in brick red plexi with a black border and a white detail between the two to match MOTORCYCLE part.
One more thing, I don't know a lot about the value of signs. Can someone please offer some insight regarding this? I don't want to OVER fix it beyond what's reasonable to the value. Thanks in advance for any input, please feel free to correct me in any aspect... I don't want to screw it up!!
I think you know what the purists are going to say. It can also depend on your cash flow & skills. I am a purist with experience who learned what compromise is and when you are the only one who will ever know the difference. I suggest you do what you are comfortable with. Just remember, when in doubt, - don't. Really do love that sign.
Thanks blunderbuss.. your advice guided me in the "right" direction regarding a couple decisions.... so I've revised my post. Obviously I'm still on the fence regarding neon.
That neon decision is, of course, all yours. I couldn't make my mind up on that either.