Vendo 81 Bulb

[jnshetler]

I'm tearing into the front door of my Vendo 81A tomorrow. Need to replace the fluorescent bulb. I'd like to pick up a new one on the way home from work before I take the machine apart. Can anyone tell me the exact bulb type this machine takes. Size, length, Cool White or Day-Glo. Thank you!

[SIGNGUY]

I just take the old one with me to the hardware store.. I usually pick up the cool white or daylight , they seem brighter than the warm glow.

I've replaced nearly a hundred of them but off the top of my head couldn't tell you the size? sorry.  it's a standard size I want to say 18" but

just bring the old one with you.. or measure the opening and you'll be good to go.

[jnshetler]

A board member was kind enough to PM me about the bulb: The correct one is F13T5  21" Daylight. Thought I'd list it in case anyone searched posts in the future looking for the same info. The "color" rating is up to the user, but seems "Daylight" was original spec. I have to open up my door for a new ballast as well, so a little more complicated job. One thing to mention to anyone doing it for the first time. You must loosen the screw holding the stainless strip across the center of the glass diffuser. Other wise it will not come out (without breaking).

[MoonDawg]

      If you are removing the inner liner of the door to replace the ballast, beware that the old liner is cracked around almost all screw holes and will be very difficult to re-install. This may be the best time to order a new gasket and liner.

[Slapshot42]

      If you are removing the inner liner of the door to replace the ballast, beware that the old liner is cracked around almost all screw holes and will be very difficult to re-install. This may be the best time to order a new gasket and liner.

I would also replace the hot wire that goes to the ballast that comes out the bottom of the door from the bottom.  I made the mistake of not replacing it, re installed the door liner than when installing the new wiring the door light wire was brittle and  needed to be replaced!

[BrianS]

I'm not in front of my machine right now - ie I'm sneaking a look at today's posts from the office, but I would measure before going to the hardware store.  I am almost positive that the bulb is 18" long like John mentioned above. 

[MoonDawg]

      I just checked my stock............21" is correct.

[msanborn]

make sure you have good working switch as well, as long as you are replacing ballast. 

[Marvin]

The one in my 81D is a F13T5 cool white 21"  Part number on the package is 49333

[bmw90w]

Also if you weren't already planning on it, replace the ballast with a modern one. They are pretty cheap but you have to go to an electronics dealer to get one if you don't use one of the sponsors.