Chambers 90C light bulb

[agrauman]

I just purchased a very nice white Chambers 90C high back that needs to have the bulb replaced. I contacted the Old Appliance Club and was told that they don't sell the bulbs but can sell me a conversion kit with a new cylinder socket, switch, plug, wires for $150. Is this the best solution? I took the old bulb out and one of the plastic clips is broken so I will definitely need to replace at least some of the parts. Can anyone tell me where I can get bulbs and parts, what I should buy, and what I can expect to pay? I'm very new at this so I appreciate the help! Arthur

[taheckler]

I just got a Model C90 in that still has the light in it. I haven't tried plugging it in yet to see how well it works. I had planned to sell this part on e-Bay, if you want me to keep you posted when it's listed.

[stoveman]

Try to find a very old hardware store or a lamp repair shop. Ask for "lumiline" bulbs, clips and sockets..Might be lumaline...good luck, Sam

[agrauman]

Thanks for the input. I like the idea of replacing the old wires because they look like they could be a safety issue. I've located several places that sell the GE lumiline bulb for around $25. The small plastic socket pieces that attach to the bulb are apparently harder to come by. I talked to Kenny at Hugh's Place in Louisiana, and apparently he has them--I'm not sure if they are new or used--and can rewire the whole unit for around $150. Does any one have experience with Hugh's Place? I like the idea of using the old incandescent lumiline bulb, but I may cave and just get the kit with the easy to replace less expensive bulbs. If anyone is convinced that the lumiline light bulb is worth the extra hassle and expense, I'd like to hear what you have to say. Thanks again, Arthur.

[taheckler]

(I decided to remove my post here on this topic - I was feeling bad about leaving unhappy comments about a restoration business who, as an old stove owner, I am grateful to have to rebuild these old parts, when ultimately I was happy with the work done - Besides, I prefer to do my part to make our Hostboard a pleasant place to visit.)

t.

<font color="#FFFFFF" size="1">[ July 22, 2005 12:51 AM: Message edited by: Tura Heckler ]</font>

[vtran265]

Tura,

Sam knows Hugh personally and I've spoken to Hugh also (regarding other stove stuff). Skip Kenny and go straight to the source. Keep asking for Hugh and don't take no for an answer.

Victor

[taheckler]

Thanks, Victor. I got the magazine back yesterday. Tonight I installed it again on my stove, and guess what - it works now!! I was told by Kenny that nothing was wrong with it, that maybe something "shifted" when it was mailed back to them. I figure ... hey, whatever, it works ... I'm happy ... good enough.

t.

<font color="#FFFFFF" size="1">[ July 14, 2005 09:12 AM: Message edited by: Tura Heckler ]</font>

[stoveman]

Hello Folks, I stand behind Hugh's work. He has been in this business longer than any other. I have seen his work on many different brands of ranges and it is always top notch. But, I also know that it is very hard to get good employees! He is in his sixties and has 6 or 7 employees. You have to deligate some of the work to the younger workers and cann't watch their every more or action. Tura, don't give up on Hugh, he may have never known of your situation.
Now, back to the original subject. Why not rewire it yourself if you are competent with messing with electricity. Don't even think about it if you wouldn't feel safe.
Here's what I have done. Remove all the old Lumilime sockets and install 2 new "intermediate' size sockets and bulbs. Install a new switch and power cord. Wire them up and that's it. You can get the switch, bulbs, power cord at Lowes or Home Depot. The socket is a little harder to find, I ordered mine from a lamp repair shop supplier, then later on the web. Total cost about 20 bucks. Good Luck, Sam

[agrauman]

Thanks, Sam. I bit the bullet and sent the light module off to Hugh's yesterday. I probably could have figured out how to rewire it, but I'm renovating my kitchen right now and just don't have the time to mess around with it. Hopefully, they'll do a good job, and I won't regret not having the original style lumiline bulb.

[cejesq]

Hi, Folks.

Been away for awhile, but it's nice to read the posts and see that the Famiglia Chambers is still plugging away.

As for Hugh's, I give 'em high marks. Hugh walked me through re-wiring my Miss Alma's light (C-90) and I bought my lumiline bulb through him. I've since found other (less expensive ... no shipping costs or risk of breakage) places to get the bulb, but the advice he gave me was way more valuable than the extra bucks.

One thing that's a ***** is finding the end clips. Be careful. There are two Leviton end clip types. the ones you want are #475 and they aren't made any more. I was lucky because Miss Alma came with a set. I had to rebuild the housing (with Hugh's good advice), but the result is super. My (biased) opinion is that the light from the lumiline bulb is way better than the new retrofits. It's really soft and has no hot spots. Note, the bulb you want is GE Lumiline Bulbs 60 Watts 120 Volts.

I also like the fact that Alma is still 100% original except for the oven pilot safety conversion.

Keep Cookin' with the Gas Off

-CJ