Q. I moved into Sun City about six months ago and would like to replace or repaint my faded address numbers. Is there anywhere that you know of where they can be purchased? If not, any hints as to what type of paint can be used for touching up the numbers?
Also: Can you tell me where I can purchase replacement numbers for my lighted house numbers? Mine are worn and yellowed and need to be replaced.
A. Replacement numbers are only available through the company that supplied them to Del Webb originally; however, they will only sell them by the case. An enterprising Sun City resident has filled this gap by buying numbers from this company and selling them and even offering installation. His name is Richard, and you can contact him at 224-210-6955.
The “font” of the numbers has changed, and the old block style is no longer available. The new font numbers have been installed on all new construction the past few years. Most of the homes south of the woodshop have this new font with black fixtures.
If you have a steady hand, you can repaint the numbers yourself. Use the black acrylic paint that comes in two-ounce bottles at hobby stores and a small paint brush. If when you are done you find your hand was not as steady as you thought it was, call Richard and get new numbers.
The lights are low voltage and they just plug in. If you have thicker fingers, you may have some problem in the tight space, but that is what neighbors are for. You can get the lights at any of the local hardware stores.
Q. My outdoor flashing light has stopped working. Where can I get a new flasher?
A. If your 911 locator light switch stops working, it may not be broken. There is a reset lever in the lower left corner of the switch. If the switch does not turn the outside lights on, try pulling this reset lever down with your fingernail and push it back up. If a power surge trips the switch, this reset should restore the switch to working condition.
If this does not fix the problem, you will have to replace the switch. If you turn on the lights and you see a bright flash in the switch, it has probablyzhe lights off, and you will need to replace the switch.
The original switch was made by Leviton, but they no longer make that switch. There is a replacement switch made by Pass & Seymour, model TM8LOCATORW, the last letter indicating switch color. The switch is available from:
Westside Electric Supply, Inc.
1530 N. LaFox St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-468-1000
The switch costs $34.52 and will fit right into the place of the old one. It is as easy to install as any light switch with two wires to connect. Be sure to trip the circuit breaker before removing the old switch. If you have never replaced a light switch, get someone who has to change this one for you.
Please do not use this switch to flash your outside lights to help the pizza delivery man find you house. It is only for 911 emergencies to help the vehicles find your house.
• If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
1 Comment
I’m looking to replace my faded numbers on my address box , they look to be tile pieces , but I’m not sure. Do you know where I can find replacement numbers? I live in Sun City Aliante in North Las Vegas Nevada