Phone man needed!

dapper · Apr 15, 2007

Evening all.
Know this is way off topic for this site, but i am looking for a phone man, or a person who knows anything about a phone booth. I picked up this gem, (see below) and am looking for information to restore. I know that there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site, and I am hoping that one of them also worked for the phone co. and might be of help for this project. All comments, or all links, welcome.
Thanks in advance.

dqdave1 · Apr 15, 2007

can't help with a phone man; but watch out for superman; phone booths are rare today and he may need it to "transform"

dapper · Apr 16, 2007

dqdave1,
This is secretly a trap! Was hoping to catch "Clark" dropping in, and ask for a few favors.

Podunkadunk · Apr 16, 2007

If I had bought a phone booth, I'd figure out where I wanted to sit it, then peruse the neighborhood or countryside looking for a local phone company truck on the side of the road.

Pull over and ask the guy if he'd like to make a little "side" money.

Pay him cash for hooking the wires up.

If you have it pre-positioned to where you want it, and all he has to do is hook up and run a few wires, it'll be easy money for him.

My .02 worth. Around here, there are always phone trucks on side of the road working on something. Give it a shot.

Podunk

kennyd · Apr 16, 2007

Resume':
*19 years with Verizon (formally Bell Atlantic and C&P Telephone)*
Presently, and for he past 14 years I have only worked on Fiber Optic Systems, including splicing and multiplexer turn-up and maintenance. Also extensive background in SCL (subscriber loop carrier) systems.

I worked for 5 years doing copper splicing and a spattering of residential repair here and there...

I have never worked directly with pay phone, but certainly have been around enough of them...What would like to know?

It looks like the one you have is missing the phone, or did you remove it?

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2007

Could you get this guy to work on it?

dapper · Apr 16, 2007

kennyd,
I also have worked for telecommunications for the last 35yr. Like you I have a lot of experience in the phone world, but never on pay phones. And especially not on Phone booths. I have collected all types of phones for at least the last 30yrs, and have way two many of them.

What I am looking for would be parts suppler for the phone booth. Any idea where I might find a good suppler? I have one glass panel missing from the side, but can probably get the tempered glass at local shop. I need information on restoring the overhead lighting, and fan. The ballasts are there, but I wouldn't even consider using them, and there are no bulbs. They look to be about 60w florescent circular. There should be a cover over the whole light/fan area. This is missing. The fan assembly looks complete, and may actually work when I hook it up, but not counting on it. I have to clean out the birds nests first.

I am looking for a tech manual on how to take this thing apart. I just picked this up, and haven't gotten into any of it yet, so can't say how much more I will need. Anything you can help with will be appreciated.

Thanks.

schmism · Apr 16, 2007

my suggestion? go hightech

a small linux based micro atx case hid in the celing, running a VOIP client with a wireless network link back to the house.

As long as you can get the WIFI link you can move it were ever you have power. no pesky phone wires to fool with.