1955 Lewyt Big Wheel Model 77 within grasp.

[petek]

What neat stuff. Coinkydink on the Roomba I picked one up today at XS cargo. After running less than 5 minutes it stopped and started beeping. I figured it needed emptying which it did badly. It was a nightmare trying to get the dog hair dethatched from the brushroll and around the wheel hubs. Then it wouldn't restart, so I started my car and took it back for a refund.

That old Conn organ looks interesting, how much did they want for it?

 

[collector2]

Hey Dave:

Thanks for the manual. My machine isnt in much better shape - the exhaust cap is missing on it too.

The accessory kit was actually a removable / optional piece and the rear caster was part of the kit. I'm including some pictures of it here so you can see what it was like. It was held in place by a clip that went under the cord holder at the top and two spring clips that went into the exhaust vents at the bottom.

Doug

 

[collector2]

picture 2 - without the parts on it

 

[collector2]

picture 3 - removed from the machine

 

[collector2]

picture 4 - from the back of the kit

 

[collector2]

Just as a final thought for tonight - You're right - the machine you picked up at Bibles for Missions is an Eatons Viking Model D190 from 1966. It was made by Switson Industries and sold for $49.95.

The label must have been very poor on them as mine is flaking off as well but it says Viking Mark II. Here's a picture with the full tool set.

Doug

 

[aeoliandave]

I see exactly what you mean, Doug. The button on the bottom is a screw on felt pad held inside a hammertone cup and the felt has worn or compacted flat to the cup. Saving it to an envelope, I found a perfect diameter thicker hard rubber button that I have screwed on. It levels out the vacuum body and allows a tilt of about 3/16".

Obviously the caster was a much better idea and fully incorporated with a 2-tool rack & clip on later Big Wheels. They should have used that middle space above the castor for something...and they should have kept the step-on switch paddle.

Motor runs smooth and strong so I ran the vacuum test with the good vinyl hose from the model 120 and it pulls 64". The cloth weave hose which gives a reading of 40" leaks only at the wand end where it has been crushed - I may remove 3" of hose since it is otherwise so tight. We'll see, mustn't rush things.

Opened up the lid filter and it's clean as clean can be. I was mistaken that the inner basket has ventilation louvers - it is only open at the top. Interesting that air flow is out the top of the gasketed inner basket, through the lid with the suction adjustment dial and down the outside of the basket. Eliminating the basket certainly simplified things...but now where do you put the Paradichlorobenzidrine...I mean Paradichlorobenzene Crystals? Not that this 77 needs any - it is suffused with the odor of moth balls and I like it.

 

[aeoliandave]

More exciting still, there's a date stamp inside the lid!

Tomorrow I will hit the hardware stores looking for just the right size rubber sink stopper to modify to plug the exhaust outlet. There should be a well that will hold the scent tablet nicely, too.
Man o man, except for the bucket rust this Lewyt is in primo condition.
Dave

 

[hygiene903]

Nice Find, Dave!!

And so complete, with the instruction book, attachment box, and all. The rust in the basket may be a common thing with them, my model 90 has a little on the bottom, too. I know it's going to be a beautiful machine after the Davey Spa Treatment! Congratulations,
Jeff

 

[aeoliandave]

Simple solution to vexing problem.

Prototype exhaust plug - a gray rubber sink stopper with lip.

I wanted something that would hold the 3/4" Pine Chlorophyll tablet tight.

The Lewyt exhaust plug has two side lugs that turn and hold the plug in place. I used a 1/8" aluminum rivet nail. With a nasty razorblade I tried to skive the edge of the rim so it would lay flatter.

 

[aeoliandave]

The center protrusion for the plug chain ring is great for turning the new plug but sticks out too far and touches the floor. Cut in half it is too small to grip. So, cut it completely off and substituted two brass upholstery brads set into the inner ring that holds the tablet, that gives your fingers purchase for turning the plug in place.

 

[aeoliandave]

The piece cut off was trimmed into a dowel plug for the original hole that holds the flap from being lost. Everything lies flat and clears the floor by 3/16".

Now all the exhaust exits upward through the muffled motor slots as intended and the scent of pine, chlorophyll and eucalyptus drops co-mingles with the heady aroma of Mothballs. Making a second one for the Model 120.

Never a dull moment Dave

 

[funvacfan]

Very crafty...

indeed Dave! Glad you got it and enjoy it.

Guy

 

[aeoliandave]

After more testing I decided to shorten the hose slightly. I mean, it is 8 feet long from handle to coupler. Most of the leakage was at the wand end where the coil had rusted and broken. I was wrong above and it was giving a reading of only 30".

 

[aeoliandave]

I'll keep this piece in the Tools Carryall to show how bright blue it was when new. Almost but not quite a match to the cloth LX hose.

 

[aeoliandave]

So I lost about 3.5" length but it passes the thump test at the low end. Suction reading of 49-50". Now it can be latex lined inside without coming through the weave.

 

[aeoliandave]

Full 64" reading with the vinyl hose.

Thankyou so much again, Guy for directing this Lewyt my way. Heaven, I'm in Heaven...

Dave

 

[electroluxxxx]

Hey Dave
what type of meter is that. I mean what is it called? I have been trying to look one up on ebay and cannot seem to find one

Mike

 

[aeoliandave]

It's a Vac-U-Tronic Vacuum Tester Model 21 made by the Christensen Mfg. Company in Chicago. This one dates from 1952 but I have seen one dated 1963 so they made them for a long while. I've seen 5 go on eBay over the past two years, so keep watching. Most old style 1-2 man Vacuum Service Shops I've visited usually have one in back on the workbench.
Besides the electrical section that tests wiring continuity & measures motor amperage under running load conditions, the back panel lists vacuum lift readings for many popular vacs of the day when brand new.

 

[shag]

Dave your Lewyt is a really nice find. I agree with you about Sally Ann getting expensive.So is Value Village.There are very few finds or bargins there.I was in your end of the swamp today.I went to the Olde English Parlour hotel for a Cornation Street brunch. After I went to the Goodwill store.I didn't find any diamonds in the ruff,but at least their prices are more realistic.I haven't been in Stratford for quite awhile. I had forgotten how beautiful it is.Your chrome floor polisher is pretty sharp looking.