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.

 

[Skulldigger]

Interesting update on this A2 Series 184. Another one has been discovered and it is 12V. It was originally thought that perhaps the A2 designation was for the early 6v, but apparently that is not the case. The A2 12v is identical to the 6v. The only differences between the A2 and A3 is the cross hatched axle and the tag (stamped vs embossed). Seems minor items for a series designation change. It does continue to raise the question of did an 184 A1 exist?

Tranfan 1980 contacted me through Youtube about his 184 A2.

 

[stansdds]

Seems to me there was a Signal Stat rebadged Federal 184 Series A1 on eBay last year. I was not willing to spend the money for it, I think it was priced too high. After finding a Series A1 Model 14, I have no doubt that there was a Series A1 Model 184. I'm guessing the Series A1 versions were only available for the first year or two before design changes brought about the Series A2. Plenty of Model 14 Series A2's out there, not as many Model 184 Series A2's, but it seems that Series A1's are very few and far between

 

[dmathieu]

Federal's Series changed quickly until all of the bugs were worked out. FB-1 Serial 1/2A10, 1/2B10, 1/2A12 all happened from August 1956 into 1957. The changes were numerous. Serial 1/2A12 stayed the same for 16 years, from 1957-1973, with no substantial engineering changes.