Restoring A $30,000 Neon Sign From The 1940s | Refurbished | Insider

Howie Cohen is the owner of Just Neon Sign Co. He repairs valuable vintage neon signs in upstate New York. The pieces he works on often go into private collections, never to be seen again. Howie walks us through the steps for restoring a $30,000 Hudson neon sign from the 1940s.
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Restoring A $30,000 Neon Sign From The 1940s | Refurbished | Insider

[@jeshkam]

Mr. Cohen is such a wonderful story teller, I could listen to him for days. I love neon signs so much. We used to have so many of them here in Poland from the 1930s to mid 1990s, now though most of them are sadly gone...

[@kobalt.nogowsk]

do you know any places in poland where there’s a lot of neon sights?i know about wrocław but how about other neon havens?

[@jeshkam]

@@kobalt.nogowsk Sadly not a lot anymore. There are quite a few left in Poznań, with my all-time favorite being the bright red "Centra" atop the Jowita student house, another classic surviving one is the Rialto cinema neon. Still though there are two neon museums in Poland you can visit, one in Warsaw, another one in Wroclaw. Hope it helps. 🙂

[@hcohenful]

Thank you for the comment

[@jeshkam]

@@hcohenful You're welcome, Mr. Cohen. 🙂

[@eddiemendoza5010]

@@hcohenful please do more videos like this or with some kind of commentary!

[@brynnashcroft3734]

You can tell he loves his craft.

[@hcohenful]

Its really passion for me. I spent 33 years as a public high school teacher and tennis coach. I just love what I do.

[@December221995]

Love to see people delve into something they enjoy, notice how clear and well spoken he is and constantly makes contact with the camera

[@hcohenful]

After 33 plus years teaching high school students, it’s sort of natural for me. Thanks for the comment

[@BlenderStudy]

The neon sign looks brand new..!! That was an awesome job..!! (Thank you for the update, Insider..!!)

[@cannedheat2264]

I’ve always been fascinated by neon. It makes me so nostalgic. You can tell he loves his job dearly.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you. It’s certainly a passion for me

[@mrblond750]

Thank you so much for keeping neon lighting alive. Neon is so vibrant and has a very soothing characteristic that can’t be replicated by LED. I hate seeing this beautiful lighting system getting replaced by LED.

[@hcohenful]

Indeed. LEDs have their place. Every light bulb in my home is an LED bulb. And neon has its place. Thanks for loving the craft as much as I do.

[@mernokimuvek]

@@hcohenful I prefer fluorescent lamps over L**s

[@jimzucker]

it is so nice to see people who master crafts and are still passionate about it. This is something we've really lost.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you so much

[@kurtbarlow9402]

I'm currently attempting to recreate a 3/8 scale version of the Bates Motel sign from Psycho (1960)

[@IPreferLoLtbh]

He could absolutely do voiceover work or voice acting his voice is near perfect imo.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you so much. Would love to do that kind of work.

[@ivopires5116]

BEAUTIFUL!! ♥️

[@dananguyen6403]

I strive to have this wisdom and passion for something so beautiful in my life! thank you for your knowledge.

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

I really enjoyed listening to and watching this episode.

[@robdobson5056]

Beautiful!

[@Smokie1523]

I love seeing a real craftsman practicing their trade.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you. I just love what I do

[@hankpikuni7024]

Are the huge Budweiser horse lights worth anything? The ones that went over pool tables.

[@awesomeyeahroxs]

he has such a lovely voice. has he narrated other things?

[@hcohenful]

Thank you so much for those kind words. Love to do more projects. Involved with lots of new projects in the neon shop. Find me on Instagram to keep updated

[@awesomeyeahroxs]

@@hcohenful you rock!

[@hcohenful]

@@awesomeyeahroxs Thsnks a million!

[@armageddontools]

How do you change a colour ?Different gas inside tube? Different voltage?

[@hcohenful]

We use two gasses for the most part. Neon glows orange red and Argon glows a pale blue/violet.

[@DIESELISGREAT15]

This is what I want not those led to lights' flurecent styles, and always be the better option

[@rayisland23]

Lost Art, Beautiful

[@MurderBong]

Best one I’ve seen in a long time! I need to find this guys channel! 🎉

[@hcohenful]

Thank you. It should be easy to find on KZbin. If you have issues, drop me a line and I’ll send you a link

[@jonathanagnew]

"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” - Harry Cohen

[@3c3c3c]

There are sadly only a few ones left in my city and they are have a very faint glow because there is no one left to restore them

[@SolarWarden613]

Interesting

[@laurenramirez8511]

Great video.

[@thetruth3499]

All I thought about was Doc Hudson 😂

[@okmigente3985]

Bro this guys voice is so ducking suave I need him on a podcast or sum

[@hcohenful]

Love to!!

[@Kevin-wj4ed]

Awesome

[@bagelthug]

That’s amazing

[@FAMINE_R1]

As someone that used to build these signs for a small private company, $30k for that sign is a load of crap. I mean, c'mon, the craft is already cool enough without having to lie about the money involved

[@hcohenful]

Have you seen the signs sold at Mecum or Barrett Jackson? Some of the money is insane

[@travismiller5548]

$30k won't even get you in the door for a Daktronics or similar electronic message center. They start at about 40. You know, the LED signs every church or school has these days to tell you about the upcoming PTA meeting or bake sales? Commercial signage is stupid expensive if you didn't know, and then you'll (usually) have to have it installed by a licensed contractor. There's permitting, and sign law can be a real booger too.

[@sw3d501]

This is awesome. I would love this as a career.

[@Igerster80]

This guy should do voiceovers.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you. My mother-in-law has been saying that for years

[@SympathyM]

Anyone know the music played here?🧘‍♂️

[@mark-7089]

Please! Trying to find it myself

[@hawaiianpunch6534]

HUDSON Hornet

[@XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXXxXxxccx]

Excellent work my friend

[@hcohenful]

Thank you.

[@venom0237]

This is phenomenal… but… Ain't nobody gonna talk about that roach in the bulb?

[@lamMeTV]

the dude sounds like text to speech LOL

[@ElMencho.]

$30k? I’m sure it was only 3$ in the 40s even in this time I wouldn’t pay that much for that at most $100.

[@hcohenful]

You are so right. These signs were relatively inexpensive back in the day. Today they are highly collectible. There are a few things that make this collectible. 1: porcelain 2 neon 3 auto related topic 4 condition and 5 historic.

[@travismiller5548]

You'll be getting, at most, zero signs for $100.

[@jamesokeeffe4614]

Is this 33 coe? Can I use 33coe?

[@travismiller5548]

You'd want boro electrodes, but yeah.

[@jamesokeeffe4614]

@@travismiller5548 thanks. Will do

[@keripalajanata]

I love this guy.. another *smashes cup*

[@fillup40]

A lost art.

[@kaliboy09]

Neon is a dying art what a shame.

[@hcohenful]

It’s not that way in my shop.

[@eliascruz9757]

I can mame my 12 year old nephew Sam make the glass an all this in a week or so… Lol

[@bulldogneon]

snore

[@MachenLand]

lol $30,000.. to the only person willing to pay that.. ahhh disposable income..

[@ImARealHumanPerson]

You're upset at the wrong people. It's not their fault you're poor.

[@amimiami82]

Its not that shes poor. Considering a fcking sign not worth to buy for 30.000 dollars in not being poor. The fact that the moron that bought it has the brain to say " I will give 30.000 dollars for a sign" means that he shouldnt have so much money in the first place, if thats is his decision making. That money could have gone to many diff places that a damn 100 yo simple sign of a company u dont even have a relation with. Rich ppl hobbies, buying useless stuff that have been slapped a astronomical price for no reason only to flex it, since they have nothing personality or achievement-wise to flex

[@Legalize_All_Drugs]

wow, such cool art

[@CLB30ROX]

He sounds like the wood shop teacher that everybody loved in school. I love it

[@hcohenful]

I spent most of my adult career as a high school health teacher.

[@CLB30ROX]

@@hcohenful I knew it! That's awesome

[@louiearmstrong]

He sounds like Lewis Black's happy brother who doesn't need to shout and rant like Lewis

[@mgraemem]

Beautiful!

[@ladeseddy5994]

Mr. Cohen has restored a couple of my neon items. Most notably, a neon red/green pedestrian WALK/DONT WALK traffic signal from the 1940's. I believe it was his first one. It is beautiful.

[@hcohenful]

I remember that sign well. Thanks for reaching out. Hope all is well with you.

[@HiiPANDA_]

i can listen to this gentleman tell me all about the history of neon signs and be so thrilled to learn all of it.

[@pendaco]

He has the most soothing story telling voice! I need MORE!

[@liamnorth555]

Check out Baz Luhrmann- Sunscreen Song

[@hcohenful]

Thank you so much for the kind words

[@tonypridham1253]

I used to work in the signage industry and the highlight of my day was to go and watch the neon guys make up the glass letters, such an art form in itself. True craftsmen and I was very jealous wishing I could do what they do. The years of experience are now, sadly, all but gone, so its nice to see people like Howie keeping the industry going, if only in a small part. Much respect to all the people who keep all these dying crafts alive for us to enjoy.

[@skiracer8148]

What a legend, had him as a teacher in high school!

[@hcohenful]

Thank you Rob!!

[@007Julie]

@@hcohenfulthank you Mr. Cohen for sharing your knowledge with us, you’re a true master of your craft.

[@hcohenful]

@@007Julie Thank you so much. Insider may want to cover my next project. Just waiting to hear from them.

[@lucianoromero777]

I had him as my teacher in space class too

[@sophiaisabelle01]

That Neon sign should be preserved more. It contains history that should never be lost.

[@Anuhea_Silverheart]

Totally agree!

[@lou2408]

This man's voice makes me feel like everything is going to be alright

[@hcohenful]

Thank you for your kind words

[@Flaubert]

No LED can have the same magic as neon

[@Jason-ml3vs]

He is really a good narrator. I’d love to tour his shop and watch something be created.

[@hcohenful]

Next time you are in upstate NY, reach out to me.

[@boltonky]

I really hope he has had some apprentices or least taught classes cause you know a master/some one great at what they do when nothing is complicated and is very clear about it looks easy but its not

[@joesmith6972]

Very appreciative of him taking the time to share his craft. I miss seeing neon lighting and signs everywhere decades ago.

[@jaysato]

this was fun to watch. Mr.Cohen is so cool and i love the way he talks.

[@rn6380]

True Craftsmen like this are getting harder and harder to find these days.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you so much.

[@robertbragg9364]

Absolutely amazing. Definitely a lost art. I have 100s of porcelain signs and I'd love to have any one of them wrapped in neon. Great job 👏🏽 👍🏽 👌 🙌

[@hcohenful]

Call me anytime to discuss.

[@Maazzzo]

Fabulous video, thank you for posting.

[@Jabberstax]

Neon signs look so much nicer than modern-day LED signs.

[@patsquach4080]

I worked installing neon signs …. Always loved helping in the shop building them . Learning how to craft the neon tubing …was the most satisfying…. THANKS FOR POSTING THIS :o)

[@hcohenful]

You are so welcome. I have reached out to Insider to request another video. I have many signs on deck to be restored. Thank you again.

[@heavylogic4204]

The level of skill to restore neon signs! Nice video

[@GearsGirlsGuitars]

Dude you are a legend that was amazing!

[@hcohenful]

Thank you so much

[@DJYOUNGKT]

This man is good at what he does

[@hcohenful]

Thank you. Lots of broken glass and crappy bends to get to this point.

[@lindsaythomas2283]

Beautiful work. I love neon. I worked at Bellows Sign company in Akron Ohio from 1969 to 1973. I built 30' Firestone bowtie signs with neon lettering. (red with white lettering). They went to Firestone tire store all around the country. We built all types of neon signs. We had a separate glass room where they blew all the glass. Fond memories.

[@ericamoss1497]

This was great fun to watch. It really takes me back because I used to work at a custom neon shop in NYC back in the 90s. It's kind of a dying art today so I'm very glad to see it's still being done well by Mr Cohen.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you Erica. I appreciate those kind words. I am certainly trying to keep neon alive and well. It’s a daunting task but it’s working!!!

[@andrewreynolds912]

I absolutely love Neon signs I fell in love with them months ago and last Christmas, I got my own real gas glass real neon sign with it its letters saying in white glow *On Air* with a red retangle tube shape around the letters. It was in a rectangle box in a clear plastic I did the rest by painting the outside of the plastic in multiple coatings of black and good God it turned out so well! I love how the inside is all reflective with the glow of the neon sign from the transparent plastic while the outside is just black and stuff gosh it's amazing.

[@cziegle3794]

Yay top 46 comments. Love this content and this channel. Best to all.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Super cool.😊

[@amarley8863]

You need your own youtube channel, sir!

[@hcohenful]

I have one. Just Neon Sign Co

[@rightweaponry908]

Between the music and this lovely man passionately explaining his craft this felt like meditation.

[@hcohenful]

Come visit someday.

[@psychoween]

I love neon! When I bought my two pinball machines, I had to have a Game-room neon sign. It adds so much to the room.

[@hcohenful]

Love neon and Pinball too. I have the Willy Wonka CE. Love it.

[@Kales0505]

Please have him on this channel again! I love this! I am so intrigued 😊

[@hcohenful]

Reach out to Insider and request another video. I have many more projects on deck that would be really nice subjects.

[@Theupstateidiots]

Mr.cohen, your narration reminds me of "goodfellas". Beautiful craftsmanship. Love from Lake George, NY.

[@hcohenful]

Thanks for the comment. Love Lake George and some of the historic neon signs there. I remember working on the Montreal Motel. I think that’s the name. If you see a sign not working in Lake George, be sure to tell them about me. I can make it shine yet again. Cheers

[@13_13k]

I'm one of only a couple electrical contractors used by all the film and television studios and production companies in Hollywood / Los Angeles and a few year ago while working on Quentin Tarantino's last film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, one of the many projects I got to do was to get very large neon signs on top of buildings on Hollywood Blvd working again as well as the neon that ran around the marquees for a couple of movie theaters. The film was set in 1969 so a lot of restoration happened. I worked with a sign contractor and between one of the sign technicians and myself we were able to get the original neon signs and movie theater marquee neon and the original incandescent flashing and "running" lights working that were made in the 1940s, one was for the over 100 year old restaurant Musso and Frank, one of the others was for the Supply Sergeant surplus store, the Vogue Theater, Pussycat Theater, and the Vine Theater. A lot of work to get them working again.

[@glennjiles436]

You're not doing too bad I've been bending glass since 1975 48 years and still do it full time

[@liamnorth555]

I love this guys voice, reminds me of the guy who narrated The Sunscreen Song.

[@zainkhan5502]

great storyteller i see❤

[@robertrootes]

I drove by that place a few times when I lived in New Hartford

[@peterkiral]

I like the Krusovice beer sign :). Great video btw. Thank you for sharing it.

[@hcohenful]

That sign is for sale in my shop and for the few years that I have had it, you are the first to even recognize the sign. Is the beer tasty? Who makes it? Where?

[@Thelawncarenut]

Fascinating. Such artistry.

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

COOL! Not all the artists hold a paint brush. 😊😊👍👍

[@psych3009]

man his voice is magical, could listen to him talk for hours. He kinda sounds like Joe Pera.

[@hcohenful]

Thank you for those kind words

[@TheTarrMan]

Fascinating work. Glad to see theirs still market for it.

[@Jaydentylor-nb9xz]

I love neon sign and it has very good impact at night time. It's truely art and everyone can't do it. Mr. Cohen does good work and told nice story. I love the idea.

[@BigInjun05]

The west taghkanic diner has a huge neon Indian head sign from the 50s. The new owners want to get rid of It because it's not depictive of the native americans from this area. Well the citiots that bought the place surely aren't depictive of this area so maybe we should get rid of them. I'd love to have the sign though.

[@hcohenful]

I would be interested in the sign as a restoration project. Save that sign!!!

[@The.Half.Blood.Prince]

Doc would be proud. Doctor Huston Hudson

[@MrKidi39]

I loved hearing his story.

[@antoniocastilloiii3465]

He should do documentaries very awesome voice

[@hcohenful]

I would love to do more!

[@arsonfly]

Apparently neon signs are more expensive than I thought.

[@BigInjun05]

I thought for sure he was going to say hudson N.Y. I was gonna be like I live 20 min from there lol.

[@robruss0222]

Anyone else get mister Rogers vibes listening as well hearing the music in the background !

[@Epiphany380]

You see passion and love for what he does. He loves to share knowledge and I can listen for days

[@ooohsnap7016]

He was my old teacher and this shop is down the street from where I live

[@hcohenful]

Thanks for remembering me.

[@elbartoyoutube2915]

I'm was waiting for him to say "I have Spoken" 😅

[@hcohenful]

Funny!! Believe me, I am not the only one doing this kind of work out there but I certainly can tell you I do it with great passion. I spent 33 years as a high school teacher and yes, that gave me great satisfaction to see my students achieve but this gives me, dare I say, even more. Thanks for viewing.

[@hyperakt1v]

he should be a narrator great voice perfect clear precise pronunciation

[@sih1095]

Magical to watch.