Royal model 72

[OrganGrinder]

Hi y'all!

I'm not a collector, but a man of varied antique interests. I've casually perused the Web for antique cleaners, but never acted until I came across this model 72 last week. I like the look of these machines, and would be far more interesting to use on the hardwood and area rugs.

I've looked around the site for the past few days looking for answers on my own, and also raising a few questions. I couldn't find a Rosetta Stone of serial numbers (perhaps just not using the right search terms), is there a resource I'm missing that could nail it down to a specific year? Probably right in front of my face! I've gathered it's post 1928, possible early to mid 30s?

The cord, rubber insulated, covered in cloth, with a rubber sheath is decidedly rotten. Could this have been original, or were cloth covered cords out of vogue by this time (I'm pretty new to antique appliances)? If replaced, it was either done by a shop or a capable home owner as it was very neatly installed (I've since removed it).

The bag, I assume was a replacement, as the connector doesn't fit properly requiring a slight build up of what looks like masking tape to make a snug fit. The clip was pretty loose, and a peice of news print front 1973 was used to wrap over the end before the clip was slid back on. I was able to squeeze it back by hand, fatigue may just be the culprit there. When would this bag date to?

I attached a short cord, just to bump the motor, which does work. Although, the shaft does not spin freely and has some resistance. I assume lack of lubrication, perhaps build up inside the housing. When I have more time I will dig into that. Am I wrong in assuming these motors are oil lubricated?

The bristles on the brush bar are worn to nubs, but replacing those with new bundles shouldnt be too difficult. The rubber handle grip is partially there but cracking off. Are there any generic modern replacements that would suit here?

The original bumper rubber is still there, although starting to break off. I'd hate to loose the molded "Royal" front and center, and will figure out some way to just stabilize that.

Sorry for all the questions, especially if they are already answered elsewhere. If there are links anyone could provide, it would be most appreciated!

Cory

 

[OrganGrinder]

Edit: I should clarify, the shaft does not spin freely by hand. You can feel resistance, as in being gummed up. It does run when voltage is applied.

All in all, I'm looking forward to ripping into this. My first one, should be an education!

 

[hygiene903]

Cory,
You are correct, it is post 1928. Royals built before 1928 had the bag outlet on the other side of the fan case. And yes, it does need oiled. You should find 2 oil ports, one toward the back of the motor and the other just behind the fancase. Remove the caps with a screwdriver and put several drops of oil in each port. Since it apparently has been a long time since it's been oiled, you will probably need to do this more than once--fill the ports, let it settle in, then try to manually turn the shaft. Repeat as necessary until the shaft turns freely. DO NOT attempt to run it again until you have freed it up. As for what oil to use, I recommend 3-in-1 Electric Motor Oil. This is NOT regular 3-in-1 oil, but a special formulation for electric motors. Should be readily available at stores such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Menard's, or your local hardware. Good luck,
Jeff

 

[OrganGrinder]

Thanks Jeff!

It's a nice day to be in the garage, so I've decided to tear into it and try and get it cleaned up and working again.

I asked about oil or grease, as these look like grease fittings, and what's inside there looks like grease as well. Of course, it could just be oiled "dust" as well. I am have a slight problem in that, I would like to open the motor housing, but am unable to get the impeller off the shaft. Is there a secret to this? I don't want to break it, as it looks like pot metal, is this threaded, or just a pressed fit? Some Kroil freed the left handed thread nut and the end of the shaft. I've had plenty of motors apart before (pipe Organ blowers), but this little thing isn't shedding it's secrets readily.

I'm having fun regardless.

 

[OrganGrinder]

I ended up getting the pig off there. What a pain! They must have had something in their motor shop to pinch the shaft at both ends to keep it from moving (only way I can see). Between Kroil and long needle nose to stick Into the housing to grip it, I was able to get it off.

Judging by the dirt that was packed inside that motor, I assume it got well used, and then some!

My journey continues!

 

[OrganGrinder]

[No message]

 

[OrganGrinder]

She's all put back together, buffed and pished. Now to get a new cord and puthe her into service cleaning my wood floors! I've really had a lot of fun with this. Shiney things you know.

 

[charleskirby66]

Wow that looks gorgeous. This coming from a die-hard Kirby fan. Bravo!

 

[hygiene903]

Excellent work Cory! She's beautiful! Did you use Mother's Mag?
Jeff

 

[OrganGrinder]

Thanks Charles. This is the first cleaner I've ever torn into, also the first one I came across in my travels that wasn't priced like someone sucked some diamonds and ruby's into the bag. It was a fun learning experience, would probably do it again if I come across another! Don't know much about the different brands, but I've a feeling I'm gonna learn.

Jeff, I attacked it first with some fine steel wool and Prism polish. A friend of mine is a distributor for it, mostly marketed towards marine applications. It does a great job as a metal polish, also plastic, fiberglass, painted surfaces. I tried it alone at first, but the crust on the Royal was very thick and dense. Using it as a lubricant for the wool worked great. Following that I buffed it out with some white Rouge and wheel.

Only thing I have left to do is replace the bristles on the brush. They were worn to less than nubs. Once I find a proper donor, I'll snip, stuff and trim. I'm strangely looking forward to that!

All in all, this was fun. I'm glad I picked it up!