DesertUSA.com/mb3

And.....how long will the sign remain standing?

I love those roads where there is "absolutly nothing". One can always find something if you take your time!

I guess that sign was intended to be a time saver for those you have to see "something" in their travels.

Sandman, I'm sure the signs life expectency is that of any other sign. I once heard that the nicely enamaled signs in Mexico were being stolen regularly by the local citizens. It seems they make a perfect tortilla cooker when placed over a cook stove or wood fire. Not sure of the truth to that story, but it seems logical to me.

Have you notice that metallic or paint taste when you eat tacos?

Iggy wrote:Have you notice that metallic or paint taste when you eat tacos?

You won't find that with a good enameled sign, it's as good as teflon.

Iggy wrote:Have you notice that metallic or paint taste when you eat tacos?

The paint would burn off in no time at all. You treat it just like you would season a cast iron skillet. Build a camp fire, toss it in and let it burn all day then use a soft cloth and a little veggie oil. The longer you burn it, the better! I have cast iron that is 3 generations old and it still looks brand new. Although I don’t think sheet metal would last that long but I do believe it would be a better use then what that sign is doing right now.

Later,

PBiZ

castle wrote:
You won't find that with a good enameled sign, it's as good as teflon.

It's not enamel, it's a glass beaded paint. They have a plant in Kingman that makes the stuff. Once it get’s hot enough (a camp fire will do) it flakes right off.

But get them while you can, the newer road signs are plastic.

http://www.busytrade.com/hotkeyword/Road_Paint.html

Later,

PBiZ

They might be painting them now, but the older signs were enameled, or maybe I should say " Porcelain Enamel Signs". Much like bath tubs and sinks were done.

castle wrote:They might be painting them now, but the older signs were enameled, or maybe I should say " Porcelain Enamel Signs". Much like bath tubs and sinks were done.

You would have to find one made before the 30's, read the link.


http://www.thekingshighway.ca/signs.htm

"In the mid-1930s, the Department of Highways began experimenting with different types of reflective paint on both warning signs and King's Highway signs to improve nighttime visibility. "

Later,

PBiZ

Actually, both of you are right. Years ago, the signs were porcelain coated steel. I have indeed eaten many tortillas cooked on an old sign marking the town of Puertecitos. The intent was to make the signs last a lifetime before deteriorating to the point of needing replacement. Nowadays, they do use signs that can be seen better in low light conditions, and which reflect oncoming headlights.