Search results

Oh, I would never dream of using oven cleaner! It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen! By the way, I have always been the kid who finds a bottle that says, "Don't use this on aluminum" and go outside and find out why. I'll tell you why they don't recommend using it: it totally eats away...

That's great, Dave! That radio will bring you years of good service! It is very stylish and definitely is a keeper, especially since it works! Be sure to take some pictures of your cleaned up finds! :-) ~~K~~

Dave, I know what you mean about following that hose! I do it every time! I guess most people in my neighborhood have disposed of their antiquated vacuums and gotten brand new T.O.L. ones instead. That radio is an excellent find! Does it by chance work? Do you plan on restoring it if it...

I'll chime in a little bit here... I am a vacuum collector. I don't use many new vacuums. To give you an idea of my newest vacuum in my collection, it's a 1990s Riccar that was given to me as a gift. It's great for a beat-up vacuum to get quick messes and with a hose and on-board tools...

What a RADIO! Man, you are lucky! The Fairfax and Tristar look excellent as well! Good for you! (You always seem to get some great finds going thrifting!) ~~K~~

Well...those microfiber cloths are good, or even just a little white towel. Used T-shirts are good...the white kind, that is. Any kind of power tool (small buffing pad/wheel) would accelerate the process, so I say go for it! Let us know what you did and how it works! ~~K~~ Here's a picture of...

Oh! I just remembered! I think I read somewhere that when Kirby rebuilds vacuums, they take every metal piece off and sandblast it. Talk about abrasion! I'd hate to be the one to polish that afterwards! I was able to play around with a sandblaster once. I sandblasted a penny I found on the...

Exactly! That's why you have to polish it afterwards. If I am not mistaken, those "liver spots" are pits in the metal where some aluminum compound (aluminum oxide, most likely) has built up. Using a buffing wheel, you can simply stick to a heavier polish and then work your way up. Try some 0...

I think the only thing you can do is actually sand it with some 500 or higher grit sandpaper and then polish that out. Charles is definitely correct, though...buying a buffing wheel is one of the best investments for keeping polished aluminum vacuums looking great! Someone gave me a motor, and...

Kirbys have always been my favorite, as my first vacuum was a FrankenKirby. I will never get rid of that vacuum for sentimental reasons, of course. But, my favorite of my few Kirbys would have to be my Dual Sanitronic 80, simply because it works like a dream and is in A+ condition! It also has...

When was the last time a pre-102 Hoover went on eBay? I tell you...for all of my 6 years of vacuum collecting, I have never seen more than one on eBay! Those ads, though, are amazing! Thanks for taking the time to scan them, everyone <br ~~K~~

Yes, I'd say it is a rather good test, and slightly realistic, for vacuums. Some people suck up live embers from fireplaces and pretty soon, the bag catches on fire! My friend across the street bought a Sanitaire at a fire sale...and it still works great, other than the icky, sticky handle grip...

Happy Birthday Hoover! Here's a model that came a decade or so after Spangler's first model! Still ran like a top before I restored it, and still does! (Special Model N! <br ~~K~ <br P.S. Charles: VERY well done! I almost thought that was the original for a second! You even got the shadow...

Check this out! Anyone have any clue as to what exactly it is? ~~K~~ http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-ELECTRIC-VACUUM-CLEANER-TOLEDO-MAID-CO-OHIO_W0QQitemZ260244982752QQihZ016QQcategoryZ12QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I think that's a bit newer than '60s. My guess is '80s or '90s. Looks good! Good luck! ~~K~~

Kenny, That was the same mistake I made my first time, as there is that hole where the belt pulley is. You should find that the pulley and fan come off together. You'll get the hang of it! ~~K~~

"Lefty tighty, righty loosey" is the case here. Are you turning the fan clockwise? If you have the nail inserted in the hole behind the cooling fan, then just try as hard as you can turning the vacuum fan clockwise. Good luck, and I hope this helps! (I just got through taking off the fan to my...

Charles, you always do a fantastic job! Can't wait to see the final product! I have a 519 that I will painstakingly restore. It needs some polishing and some cleaning, but it'll look nice. I am going to shoot you an email about some parts I need soon! :-) ~~K~~

'Tis just another gimmick these days. You might as well put it on a shelf with "magic weight loss supplements" and other such things! :-) ~~K~~

I was able to get a $30 (yes, thirty!) one with all attachments and manual, in almost brand new condition, off eBay! It is probably one of my favorite and best PURCHASES...many of my more uncommon vacuums I have gotten for free. Here's a picture! I didn't have to do ANY polishing, which...