Recent content by bob_smith

I've had very mixed results with soaking old rubber parts in Methyl salicylate and Isopropyl alcohol. Its the same minty "blend" used in many commercial rubber restorers. Caution does need to be taken when initially making your mix, as its toxic stuff in concentrated form. It all depends on the...

This is the vacuum page out of a 30's era Wards Catalog I came across. I was curious if anyone has the models featured here, feel free to share if you do! Bonus points for the toy hoover.

Forgot to post the hose, whoops. Huskyvacs, I see what you mean about the condition of yours, whoof. Still, I can picture the jewel under all that rough! Glue down the leatherette, re-align the cylinder, substitute wheels...maybe try and bend a new switch cover from sheet aluminum, etc. Its...

Some of you might recognize this vacuum from ebay. Here's the results, post-rejuvenation. Given a clean, nicotine tar removed, polished, regreased, etc. I was surprised to see a filter capacitor inside, which I consider a calling card of high end appliances. Completely optional, yet added as...

The shape of that handle makes me think it has one of those circular ceramic switches inside, the kind that were so popular in the 20's. Its unusual that it would have such little power, since these are some of the strongest straight suctions you could find, from what I've read at least. Whats...

Excellent piece! I like the way the handle pivots over the wheel frame, quite a quirky design. The loss of plating is unfortunate, but a drop in the pond compared to having one of two known examples. Still, if one had the means, it would be more than worthy of replating, in order to further...

I believe we went to the same fair, based on that poorly done Kenmore Commander lamp, with the 150$ price tag. Someone must have nabbed that electro-hygiene however, as I went both days and never saw another vacuum. All in all, such things are based around furniture and yard art being sold at...

I have a good condition Airway Sanitizor 55A that is missing its "working" parts, as is typical of vintage canister vacs. I'm seeking a compatible hose, wand, and nozzles. Not looking to completely fill it out, or have it 100% original, just have it be functional, I.E. I'm fine with later model...

With my schedule, I finally found the time and chance to cobble together a satisfactory bag. I used corset fabric, and a 1 ½” rubber PVC connector to attach it to the old bag collar. One flaw in the original bag’s hardware is that the support ring for the open end is spring steel, making it...

I would like to finally post an update on this restoration, several months later. Life got in the way, and prevented me from working on anything for a good while, but I finally got it all back together this week. All that remains is to fabricate a bag and touch up some small details here and...

I recently found an absolute treasure trove of an old book. It is titled "Electrical Appliance Servicing", By William H. Crouse, published in 1950. Over 800 pages of information on all sorts of vintage appliances, including many photos as well. I hope to scan and upload the entire book online...

HuskyVacs, I don't prepolish the metal, I only give the surface a good cleaning before starting, nothing extreme. You could achieve a decent shine with a buffing wheel, but it'd take a lot more time to achieve the same results.   The principle behind the sandpaper is to remove oxidation...

2011hoover700, I used the bristles off a nylon arbor wheel, cut to size. The exact wheel I used is sourced from McMasterCarr, but I got the same thing from an ebay seller. The individual bristles are slightly larger in diameter than the originals, and I can’t speak as to the long term...

I have taken on the daunting task of rejuvenating this neglected Regina Model 50. I knew what I was getting into, and its certainly been that expected handful so far, from the protective spring for the motor wires falling apart from rust, to the rubber bumper's screws shearing off in the...

Rugsucker, Thank you, I'm quite proud of how it turned out. The model 66 is certainly another spectacular looking vacuum from Air-Way. The company's offerings sure had a record of amazing form and amazing function through the years. Regarding the possible parts you mentioned, I am very...