1955 Lewyt Big Wheel Model 77 within grasp.

[aeoliandave]

I think this is the first Big Wheel model?

Oh, I am soooo excited. 8 days after my 3rd message the Lady Cathy in Waterloo contacted me this afternoon. I am going to pick it up on Friday morning. She seems leery of meeting strangers at her home, will not give me a phone number and we have an appointment at a Tim Horton's parking lot. That's fine with me - she has my cell number now and her number is of course in the received list. Sounds like a lovely and cautious housewife and amazed that anyone would want this old thing. I will be sure to get any stories she has to tell about it.

Thank you, Guy Allen aka funvacfan, for the selfless and generous heads-up.

OMG, this is her Kijiji picture...!!!

 

[aeoliandave]

Love those snazzy hubcaps.

Judging from Doug Smith's site this is the complete set and those plastic/rubber tools really are a pale lavender color.

 

[kirbyotronic]

What a great find! That was really nice of Guy to give you the heads up.

Also, is it just me, or does the symbol on the hubcap look like the Mercedes symbol? lol

~Alex

 

[rugmaster37]

Mister Dave.....????

What's your current status on your very sweet BIg Wheel? Werent you getting it today? I'm just curious...

And heres my address to send it once you've cleaned it per our agreement...LMAO

Chad

 

[aeoliandave]

15 hours 39 minutes from now...and counting.

Sometimes time flys and other times she takes sooooo long.
I've been pins and needles all day, crossing fingers we don't get some sudden blinding snow storm overnight for I am off to Waterloo Friday morning to rescue this homeless baby.

Been doing my research today, when not obsessing over the XXXLX - This 1955 model 77 had an optional aluminum snap on tool bin that was replaced with the cast built on 3-tool holder bracket on the 1956 model 88, and an inner louvered dustbag basket that was eliminated on the 1957 Model 90. The 77 also appears to have an actual step on switch paddle - labeled SWITCH - rather than the subsequent exposed toggleswitch.

And that looks like an unopened box of Pine Chlorophyll Scent Tablets to be inserted inside the exhaust flap plug...

I'm all a-quiver to lay eyes on this well preserved relic...

Dave

 

[edgar]

hi, fantastic find. It looks like the Holland electro toppy we have over in europe. indeed alex it looks like the mercedes star lol.

 

[funvacfan]

Awaiting the new arrivial,

on tenderhooks! I saw the advert, but the brand is not one that interests me really. It seems that Dave is more of a casister fan.

Guy

 

[aeoliandave]

Let's begin at the beginning.

Off to Waterloo in the frigid morning light...drifting and snow squalls under a clear blue sky. Perfect adventuring weather.

To forestall intimations that Dave is about to be a big tease...there is a big difference between a Tease and a Flirt. A Flirt puts out! I do have the Lewyt 77 so be patient while I display a few other things that hopped in the car...

 

[aeoliandave]

I discovered a new Thrift Store - Bibles for Missions.

 

[aeoliandave]

Ok ok, it's too excruciating even for me to post these one by one.

Well, maybe not...

Bibles for Missions had no less than 6 organs for sale. This was the most impressive for $100. A CONN.

 

[aeoliandave]

I can't stand the supense!!!

Group shot of vacuum and robotic related devices found at Bibles for Missions.

A swiveltop vacuum from Eatons - probably a Viking? the decal is worn away.

An all chrome GE floor polisher. Oh, why not, eh?

An early Roomba with charger and two barrier transmitters. Yes, it powers up. I've never wanted a Roomba but for $5 home it comes. No model number on it...anyone recognize it?

A Radio Shack robot butler.

 

[aeoliandave]

Over to the Sally Ann

Sally is getting awfully expensive these days...

 

[aeoliandave]

A Eureka Toolbox Vacuum...for only $49.99 !!!

 

[aeoliandave]

Cute, but I think not, thanks.

 

[aeoliandave]

But they did have this unscathed 4 slice GE toaster and we do like shiny things.

 

[crevicetool]

O M G !!!!

Do I feel stupid! Every time someone mentioned "Sally Ann" on here, I thought there was actually a store called Sally-Ann, those of which we have NONE of in Atlanta. I didn't know it was a cute little name for the Salvation Army. We got those.

Sinking back into my own protective little world behind the woodwork....

Rick

 

[aeoliandave]

LEWYT Quickies

It is as complete and lovely as hoped for. Original and supple cord & plug including the red cord clip. Appears to be barely used - the tools are virtually scratchless, as are the aluminum wands. Magic Eraser will be liberally applied tonight to the lavender crevice, dusting brush and upholstery tools. Gray & Blue cloth woven hose is slightly leaky but still very supple. Latex me asap, please, Dr Dave...

Dig those snazzy whitewalls.

BUT, it was used for de-mothing and I think crystals were left in the basket. The only rust to be found is in the basket bottom and the aluminum bag inlet is corroded through in places. Also, the exhaust plug is missing so I can't use any of the Pine Chlorophyll tablets that came in the box. Yet.

Yes Doug, that is an additional Model 97 Owners manual. I will first scan it and then send the manual to you, if you like.

 

[aeoliandave]

Moth Chrystal damage. Fortunately it is confined to the basket interior only. I will have to wire scour it and paint it up as close to a Hammertone blue shade as possible.

 

[aeoliandave]

The bottom has been dragged around and left in water perhaps.

Doug, did this model not have a back caster? It seems to be the remains of a rubber button.

There was no exterior Optional Tool Basket and there's no evidence it was ever fitted with one, ie: no marks on the shell.

Golly Doug, would you maybe have a spare exhaust plug? Take a picture of what the 77 bottom would have had where a caster was later put?

Must go have some dinner now...then I will fire it up and test vacuum levels and clean a few tools and get pictures of what's in the box and...

Dave