Rubens Transmission (Closed)
Thermal, CA
Photo courtesy G.M. Panter Photography

The old signs for Ruben’s Transmissions were already looking tired when this photo was taken in Thermal in 2006. Years beneath the desert sun had faded the paint, and parts of the display were slipping into disrepair. Even in that worn condition, the signs still had the sort of roadside character that made a small repair shop easy to spot.

Ruben’s operated from a large automotive and industrial yard along Harrison Street, the old Highway 86 route through Thermal. It was a longtime stop for drivers in the southern Coachella Valley, sharing the property over the years with other vehicle-related businesses, including Armor Towing. Nothing fancy here, just a working desert repair shop with a sign that had seen plenty of hot afternoons.

Rubens Transmission
Palm Springs, CA
Photo courtesy G.M. Panter Photography

By 2006, the lettering was becoming harder to read and the sign appeared to be nearing the end of the road. These old garage signs rarely receive much attention until they are gone, so it is a good thing the camera stopped by while this one was still hanging on. 06-06

UPDATE: Ruben’s Transmissions has closed. The large Harrison Street property is now used by multiple commercial tenants and has been offered for sale. Whether the weathered transmission signs still survive at the site is unknown. 09-26