Replies

1. 
   rlrefalo | Jun 05, 2008 11:52pm | #1

   What, and eliminate the service calls ?

2. 
   Danno | Jun 06, 2008 01:15am | #2

   Maybe something metalic looking would reflect the UV better and not deteriorate as fast. I was going to make a lot of funny, but stupid suggestions, but decided to leave the humor to someone else this evening.

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 06, 2008 01:55am | #3

   Gee Danno, you're just no fun at all! :)

   I'm thinking maybe something metal, since a metalic coating would only wear away in short time. But then, metal might get pretty hot with the sun beating on it all day.

   I tried searching for something online but, so far, to no avail. I just find it hard to believe nothing is out there. I mean, this is hardly the only place where the button is exposed to the sun all day. In fact, most of the north side of the street has this problem. There's gotta be something out there. --------------------------------------------------------

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1. 
   Danno | Jun 06, 2008 03:15pm | #6

   Okay, here's the humor--air conditioner for the doorbell. Or put a little umbrella up over it.

   Maybe you could convince the owners that what they need is an awning or small roof, or enclosed porch to keep the sun off their doorbell. Notice how I started small and worked my way up. Maybe convince them what they need is to tear the existing house down and turn the new one so the doorbell doesn't get so much sun. Or just remodel so the door is in a different place.

1. 
   Sphere | Jun 06, 2008 04:02pm | #7

   Maybe a car steering wheel with thumb buttons for the horn?

   They last in hot sun.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

   "We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 06, 2008 05:44pm | #9

   Good idea, but they're a bit elderly. I'd have to get an old one with the whole center of the wheel as the button. And while I'm at it I guess I should replace the doorbell with the car horn. I mean, their hearing is going to get bad eventually. May as well address that issue now while I'm at it. --------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

2. 
   Ted W. | Jun 06, 2008 05:41pm | #8

   Cool! I'll sell them on a SunSetter awning and if they don't care for that we can alter the location of the doorbell. But I don't think it's necessary to remodel or rebuild the house. Not when a house moving company can just lift it up and turn it around.

   Pros: Their front window will face the nice garden in the back yard.Good excuse to finally clean out that messy basement.

   Cons:There aren't any. It's the perfect solution!--------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   Danno | Jun 06, 2008 07:06pm | #13

   Hey, glad I could help.

   Seriously--you could put Armor All on the plastic (the stuff you spray on auto dash boards to keep them from being cracked from "drying out (UV destroys the plasticizers) in the sun). (Sphere got me thinking about that). Metal wouldn't get that hot--they shouldn't be holding the button down that long!

2. 
   Ted W. | Jun 06, 2008 07:30pm | #15

   There would be either of two downsides to the Armoral solution - either I'd be going there every few days to give it a little sprayin' or B) They'd be sprayin' it them self and not payin' me to do it every few days. Either way, that doesn't work to my benefit, selfish pr1ck that I am.

   On the other hand, I got this steering wheel and horn from the old '68 Cadilac that's parked in front of my building. If I don't use them for something I'd feel really guilty about 'borrowing' them. --------------------------------------------------------

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3. 
   Danno | Jun 06, 2008 07:54pm | #16

   There would be either of two downsides to the Armoral solution

   I thought you were going to say, "Their fingers would keep sliding off the button!" (That Armor All is slick! --spray your leather (or in my case, vinyl) seats and you can hardly stay in the car! Stop for a light and slide under the dash. Pull away from a light and slide up over the seat and end up in the back!

4. 
   Ted W. | Jun 07, 2008 04:37am | #17

   You stop for them lights? If you go really, really fast you don't have to.--------------------------------------------------------

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5. 
   Danno | Jun 07, 2008 04:54am | #18

   Maybe if I accelerate and decelerate gradually, and wear my seatbelt to hold me in place.

3. 
   Chucky | Jun 06, 2008 02:34am | #4

   http://www.fsbusa.com/accessories/3863

   http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sc-3-940-stainless-brass-bell-pushes.asp

   http://store.expressions-ltd.com/servlet/-strse-DOORBELLS-cln-Door-Bell-Buttons-cln-Stainless-Steel-Doorbells/Categories

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 06, 2008 04:22am | #5

   Thanks Chucky,

   I finally found some solid brass online, just wasn't using the rightr search terms. Those are some good sources too. Will add them to the list. --------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

4. 
   mrfixitusa | Jun 06, 2008 05:45pm | #10

   another option would be to remove the switch and just leave the two wires protruding from the house

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 06, 2008 06:50pm | #11

   Hmm... I like that idea. Think maybe I shoud up the amperage and get a 110V doorbell?--------------------------------------------------------

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1. 
   mrfixitusa | Jun 06, 2008 06:59pm | #12

   lol

5. 
   junkhound | Jun 06, 2008 07:10pm | #14

   That is not the sun in Chicago, it's the toxic politicians air.