Radko's Bubble Light Repair

[Skipper]

Hi:

I have purchased many of the Radko Bubble Light strings this year. I have had some problems with the lamps burning out. You can very easily take out the old lamp but it is difficult to find a replacement lamp that has the proper physical characteristics that will fit. The normal replacement that can be bought from lionsdenantiques has a rounded top. The one that comes from Radko is flat on top. The small difference in height between the round and flat top is critical for the bulb not hitting the bubble tube. The bubble tube could be raised to allow for this difference except I have not found a way to successfully remove or loosen the tube without distroying the plastic base or the bubble tube. The glue is the problem. My question is does anyone know how to soften the glue that is used or does anyone know where replacement bulbs might be found. I've tried to soften the glue using hot water without any success.

Thanks for you help !

[jonathan cassiday]

Have you tried using hot water to soften the glue? i know this works well for the older bubble lights when removing the tube for repair. i would think that they would use a simular glue in the newer bubble lamps but am not too sure. I WOULD NOT USE SOLVENTS of any type as they could damage the plastic.

Jonathan Cassiday

[markie4now]

I have an instant "boiling" hot water dispenser in my kitchen sink.  If I put some in a cup and let the Radko tube soak for a few minutes, it comes out; but, you have to "wiggle" the tube back and forth to remove it from the plastic.