Joe Niedzielski from Michigan here.....

[Joe Niedzielski]

I've have some major projects on the horizon. I am interested in gaining knowledge in metalworking because I will be restoring some classic neon signs. Back in 1984, I saved the screen tower sign from the demolition site of the Gratiot Drive-In in Roseville, Michigan. The Gratiot Drive-In was, in my opinion, the greatest Drive-In theater ever built. The screen tower had an enormous three tier waterfall. The sign, which was mounted on top of the 115 foot tower, fell to the ground along with the entire superstructure. The neon tubing on the porcelain coated sign was completely shattered and the steel sustained major damage. The sign is HUGE! It's approximately 50 feet wide and the letters vary in height. There's a lot of steel there, but I believe it's possible to restore with a whole lot of work! I'll post some pictures when I learn my way around the website.
I have acquired another iconic neon sign from a the Eastgate Center shopping center in Roseville. It dates back to the early 50s. It has individual block letters spelling EASTGATE CENTER and was originally criss crossed with flashing neon "atomic orbits." It will require a lot of restoration, but not the degree metal work the Gratiot Drive-In sign does.
Additionally, I have been a collector of Edsel automobiles since I bought my first on back in 1972. The first one was a complete rust bucket, but with loving care and determination. I created many metal patch panels with crude tools and determination, and gave it many more years of life.
I think I may have to invent some tooling to accomplish the work on the Gratiot Drive-In sign as the pieces are very large and cumbersome.

[Peter Tommasini]

HI Joe welcome to the forum
Peter

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi Joe and welcome !