Model 700 (See Photos)

[Jukeman]

Hello All,

I found a clean, original model 700 that's fantastic except for one small problem. The rubber bumper that goes around the base of the machine sags down in the back corners. It's in tact all the way around and doesn't seem to be necessarily hurting anything, it's just saggy.

What should I do? Leave it alone? I'd hate to risk damaging it or making it look ugly by attempting a repair. Can't glue it anyway, there's too big of a gap. Have you all seen this happen before?

Thanks.

 

[vintagefox]

Bumper details

That doesn't appear to be the original bumper. I have a model 700 with part of its original bumper still installed. These machines have 6 rivets on the bumper, one on the front left and one on the front right. Then toward the rear of the machine at the ends of the bumper, there are two rivets on both sides.(As pictured on my machine)
The bumper that's currently installed on your machine could have been replaced by a vacuum shop in the 50s-60s.

I would suggest replacing the saggy bumper with a new replacement. A local vacuum shop could install one for you or if you have the tools, you could install a new one yourself. Its not my machine so the decision is up to you.

One thing you can do if you don't wish to remove the saggy bumper is to install some wedges of wood, folded felt or any other substance to provide a little tension on the bumper so its taught against the machine.

-Alex