I Installed a Real Traffic Light in My Garage 🚦

In this video, I will show you how I mounted the very first traffic light that I added to my collection - an MTS (McCain Traffic Supply) 12-8-8 pole-mount signal - in my garage.
I got this stoplight back in the 1990s, and it once guided traffic in Gary, Indiana. It is a steel-body signal, whereas today's signal bodies are polycarbonate. It's a 12-8-8, meaning that the top red signal lens is 12" in diameter, and the bottom two lenses are 8".
The slip-fit at the bottom of the signal is original to the light, as is the thick power cord that comes out of the bottom.
I spread this project over the course of 4 days or so, with simple tools that I already had, and supplies from Lowe's. The project was multiple days mainly due to the application 1 1/2 cans worth of spray paint for the post, (a PVC pipe) and waiting for it to dry thoroughly.
Here are the tools needed:
* Tape Measure
* Level
* Drill with standard drill bits
* 1" drill bit
* Level
* Stud Finder
* Ratchet set or Wrench Set
Here are the supples needed:
* (2) 3" x 1" wood plank, cut into 12"-long pieces
* (2) Yellow Spray Paint
* 4"W x 5"L PVC Pipe
* (2) 3/8" x 6" Lag Screws
* (4) 5"L Wood Screws
In short, I mounted the slip fit onto a 5' PVC pipe with a 1/4" thick edge, which is enough weight to hold the heavy signal. Instead of building a base, I mounted the PCV pipe directly into wall studs. The bottom of the wall has a 1/2" deep trim, so I used two spare pieces of board to create a base that sits behind the PCV pipe, giving it additional support.
You can see more photos of this light, and the rest of my street sign and traffic signal collection, on my other social channels:
Facebook:
/ signpicker
Instagram:
/ signpicker

[@bizzaritablet9264]

i have a 8 8 12 and a 8 8 8

[@Jeff97405]

Have a traffic light thats within 10 years old....there using the tube out the back of the signals...thanks???

[@CubeNotFunny]

Looks great!! I’ve been waiting for this video!

[@henrys3629]

Never thought about PVC pipe. Cool idea. My swap meet "sign guy" was a no show due to the hot weather this summer. Hopefully next year.

[@SignPicker]

I know PVC is not authentic, but it gets the job done. This one is about 1/4” thick, so it holds up the signal very well. I used PVC once to mount a cross street name sign that had a slip fit on the bottom.

[@DeTrafficStreetBeatz]

Wow amazing video and nice signal 🚦

[@SignPicker]

Thanks!

[@gustavoemmanuelescotodiaz359]

how many traffic lights do you have?