That is a neon sign transformer and the input power switch. Should be relatively easy to fid a decent replacement if you have the neon tube made the place that makes the replacement should also have the transformers.

I'll try contact the signing co next week or so, I need a transformer and tube, and it seems the tube is shared with at least one other machine (which makes sense).

I hope to be able t get a non switching transformer or I will contact someone making my audio transformers (probably will end with a seriously over engineered transformer for neon but hey) as I hate the switching stuff in my home grid...

The neon transformer is in no way a switching transformer. A simple oil burner ignition transformer will do it and is overkill.

I know this one shown ain't one, but I'm pretty sure whatever is made new might be a switching supply. Had to look hard to find a mostly tube plasma tweeter kit to start off my experiments....overkill does not exist for me since my Le Monstre amp

I'll reach out to some neon people to see what they suggest. One determining factor will be what the owners want to invest in the project and what I remember from researching neon for the '52 was it was rather spendy.

I'm happy with the warm florescent I put in it.

Thanks

David

Now trying to get the element nuts off. Got one off after about a half hour, using a Dremel cut-off wheel, copious amounts of Liquid Wrench, a hammer and punch, and vice grips. Picking up a torch tomorrow, so hopefully the rest will go quietly...

Can anyone recommend a reasonably price nut breaker of decent quality?

I have found nut breakers to be less than useful as it is almost impossible to get them properly mounted on the nut. Cutting slits in the nut with a dremel and then heating the nut, applying Kroil, allowing nut to completely cool to ambient and then applying a 3/8 electric impact wrench carefully gets them off without any collateral damage.

Picked up a torch and the nuts came off without too much of a struggle.
The element was rather ugly, it passes continuity checks so hopefull a good cleaning is all that's necessary.


The boiler, however, is another story. Was also surprised to find it had water in it. Gonna need a looooong soak.

This might be among the worst boilers I've seen on this forum. That looks like to be multiple kg of STUFF.

That is what happens when you use water with a high mineral content and never even attempt to keep it descaled.