Anatomy and Restore of a 184 Power Light.

[Skulldigger]

Thanks to Ex416, I found this FSS 184 Power Light Series A2, 6 volt. At first you might say "and ?". Until this time, I don't think anyone had ever heard of or seen a Series A2 184. We did not know it existed. Before this we though the 184 started off with Series A3. They were asking way to much for it, although, for a collectors point of view, it is important. The price dropped twice and then I made an offer and they accepted so I now have the light.

I was very curious as to how it would compare to the A3 and later lights so when it arrived I jumped right in and disassembled it. Other than being 6 volts I only see three notable differences from the A3. The Axel is smooth where the light holders mount, where in the A3 it is crosshatched. The tag is not embossed but stamped, which I haven't seen any Federal tags just stamped. It has four mounting bolts around the base which I suspect is for mounting to a plate and post.

Maybe someone else might notice a difference. I will post the process below for disassembly and show the components.

 

[Skulldigger]

This is how the light arrived. It did have a fairly new Dietz dome and the retaining band.



Removed the bulb holders. The base is chromed brass and the top has a lot of chrome missing,likely from a dragging bulb holder.



Plate separated from base.



Removed door from gear box. Very clean inside and in great shape. Looks almost new.



Removed gear box with motor attached. Thrust bearing is still on end of shaft.



Gear box showing motor and slot where thrust bearing sits.



Top of plate showing conductive plate with the spacer and brass bearing removed.



Bottom of plate showing the alignment flange and positive wire for the conductive plate.



Conductive plate removed. You cans see the top alignment flange with the non-conductive insulator between it and the conductive plate.

 

[Skulldigger]

Clean and reassembly





Note smooth shaft where bulb holder mount







4-0 steel wool with WD-40 to clean the chrome base



Brushes for the lights are in great shape



Finished product. Waiting on the 6 volt bulbs to arrive.



Tag. It is very faded.

 

[Skulldigger]

I believe this is how this light was mounted

 

[jph2]

Nice addition to your collection and great set of shots of the condition, innards, and cleanup!

 

[coop359]

Nice light. I have one that needs a cleaning. You made it shine with steel wool and WD40?

 

[Skulldigger]

You made it shine with steel wool and WD40?

Yep. That's all I did. 0000 steel wool.

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Looking at the gearbox makes me wonder if you could just as easily slap a 174 box in there...hmmm, a Super Power Light!

Great job @Skulldigger!

 

[Skulldigger]

wonder if you could just as easily slap a 174 box in there

That would be interesting. I have not seen a 174 box, but it is the same as the Model 17.

 

[kerry4951]

Ive recently cleaned up rusty chrome soaking the pieces in Coca Cola (Phosphoric Acid) and Apple Cider Vinegar. Then scrub with 0000 steel wheel. Really worked well.

 

[Skulldigger]

Have it all hooked up on the display.