Kenmore Automatic Part 2

[vacmadman]

As some of you may know I have a Kenmore Automatic that I restored using two Kenmore's to complete one. I just got another Automatic that I bought for parts. This old Automatic has everything I needed to bring mine as close to original as I can.

I needed the handle with the handle grip intact. The nozzle bumper trim, cord, and, last but not least the original bag. I think these parts will clean up well and won't require painting, which again keep's it more original.

The bag looks good with no holes and the Kenmore logo looks good as well. I think it will clean up nicely. The bumper trim shows cracks throughout but is holding together. The rubber handle grip is pitted and has lost its smooth finish, but I think it will still look good ones cleaned up. This even has the small clip used to hold the plug end in place when stored away.

It also came with the attachment tool and the hose with one of the attachments. I didn't know this model came with this set-up, so this was a nice find. In the last 2 pictures is my Automatic as it looks now. I'll post more pictures when she's done....again.

 

[kirbylux77]

Best of luck with the Kenmore Automatic project, Jim. Based on your past restorations, I am sure it will turn out great!

BTW, your restorations are good enough that they're equally as good as the ones Myvacsrock, Kyle Krichbaum, does. Have you ever thought of restoring and flipping vacuums for profit on Ebay? Just a thought since you are so talented at restorations.

 

[vacmadman]

Thanks

kirbylux77

Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. Personally, I must say that I think Kyle's work is better than mine, I love his work but thank you again. I don't like selling on eBay any longer with the new $600.00 tax rule. I'm only interested in restoring these vac's for my own collection and not profit. Having said that, I have sold a few extra Kirby's in the past but I'm lucky if I break even after costs.

Jim[this post was last edited: 6/24/2023-08:45]

 

[dysonman1]

Gorgeous. Beautifully done.

 

[vacmadman]

This is more like it.

I got my Automatic changed over with the Automatic original parts I bought. All I did was clean the parts up, I did not repaint the handle it was in good condition for this old vac, and again I wanted to keep it as original as possible. The bag cleaned up nicely but did have a few holes at the top of the bag under the bag clip, but I was able to repair them.

It's always great to find the right parts to complete a project There are a number of Vacuums in my collection that I still view as a work in progress. Again The last picture is my "updated" Kenmore group shot.

 

[eurekaprince]

Fascinating! So surprised to see the name “Automatic” on another upright vacuum cleaner….I thought Eureka was the only one. I wonder if Kenmore ever sued Eureka for using the name in the 1950’s.

 

[justjunque]

Another beauty, Jim!
I love the "Kenmore" spelled out on the bumper.

Barry

 

[vacmadman]

Thanks

Thanks Barry! I thought I would take some pictures of the Automatic with its hose attachment. I found a Sears catalog advertisement that it said came from a 1948 issue. It shows the attachment set. With the brown Bakelite cover Kenmore.
Someone tried to seal it better using gasket goop, so I had to clean it up a bit. I hooked it all up and turned it on and I must say it did not work very well at all.

 

[rugsucker]

NICE Kenmore!!

Could the "gasket goop" be the original sealer or in place of it?The push button latch buttons seem ahead of their time for this deluxe feature.

 

[justjunque]

That's what I was thinking too.
It seems like there's supposed to be some sort of rubber or foam gasket there, to make a seal against the body of the vacuum.

 

[vacmadman]

I agree

I'm going to buy some gasket material from my local auto shop and try to make a gasket for a better seal. I wish I could see how it originally came.

Jim