Some of my restoration projects

[gsheen]

First up a Columbus b30 3 brush suction polisher was in terrible condition.


 


The paint was flakin motor bearings shot, missing its bag and cord 

[this post was last edited: 5/17/2022-17:41]

 

[gsheen]

Hood was stripped and painted, colour matched to the underside atmy local auto paint shop.


 


the b30 and b33 machines were basically the same machine but marketed to different stores, b30 has a slightly red er orange colour and  black bag, b33 was more orange and had a brown bag and tan handle.


 


At first both machines came with a push down auto switch on handle release but this was later updated to a  metal handle neck and pedal system due to reliability issues with the pasltic handle neck on the push down model.


 


I was very lucky to be able to meet one of the guys who was heavily involved with Electrolux and Columbus ( called Electrocol  ) back in the days when these were being made 


 


 

 

[gsheen]

The motor needed some new bearings, the bakalite housing is almost show worthy on its own when all cleaned up.


 


It helps to date a machine when the armiture has its date stamped onto it, 16 aug 1974 

 

[gsheen]

Motor reinstalled on the base

 

[gsheen]

All back together but somethin is missing and so started a epic bit of fun in recreating the hood sticker 

 

[gsheen]

At the same time I was busy with this I was busy with a whole bunch of other restoration projects that needed new labels.


 


With these a Friend who is a graphics wizard recreated not just this label but the progress one too, the problem was we had to print a run of them as this chrome label was special order. so I have a life time of labels for these and other machines 

 

[gsheen]

The final finish machine incl the cat Lucyfurr

 

[ohiovacuums]

Amazing work

Looks like new !
How did you come up with the bag ? I see the script "Columbus"....must have used
a programable sewing machine ?

 

[hornet]

Great job gsheen
It looks great considering the shape it was in to begin with.
It always interests me when I see a fellow restorer taking the vacuum down to its bare components and taking the time to do it right the first time and showing the process ,it’s a great learning process for the new guys out there who want to get into restorations and keeping the spirit alive.
Keep up the good work looking forward to see more of your restorations.

 

[gsheen]

Thank you guys 


 


The bag was old new stock I ot from my mate who worked for Electrcol in those days, I got two or 3 pickup loads of parts, mostly new old stock. it helps with restoring these old gems. 


 


Restoring vacuums is my true passion. I love to take a complete wreck and make it new again. 


 


 

 

[vinvac]

Amazing restoration.

Never seen a vacuum like that. Does it have good airflow?

Morgan

 

[gsheen]

Hi Morgan 


 


I don't think i mentioned it that this one is a 3 brush suction floor polisher. I will edit that now 


Below is the Vacuum version , a Electrolux 404 . Both these machines were designed and manufactured here in South Africa, 


The vacuum has a plastic hood and a bigger fan on the motor, The air flow is amazing I love how the bag blows up. My Gran had one of the vacuums when I was a little one and I loved the bag. 


 


Its also a very big machine , see other pics for reference 

 

[gsheen]

Some plastic restoration this time.


I got this lovely National vacuum in a amazingly good running condition, not even bearing wind down which is odd for its age but cosmetically it was nasty.


 


So off to the workshop with buffing soap and some finishing creams and multiple buffing wheels 

 

[gsheen]

I wish i had taken some during photos and a photo of what I looked like afterwards, covered in polish splatter 


 


 

 

[rugsucker]

Looks great!

I like the design above much better than any similar types I have seen.Any attachments?

 

[gsheen]

Hi Jimmy 


Thank you 


 


I got teh hose but thats all, Still looking for the other parts 

 

[vacuumman]

National

That National vacuum appears briefly in the end of the most insane vacuum commercial ever made.

 

[paul]

Awesome resto's of the Columbus B30 and the National, Gareth. How fortunate that you have been able to put to use some NOS.

 

[gsheen]

Vacuumman


That is one eppic commercial, Thank you for posting it I now know what fittings it uses. 


My old  neighbour had the other model many years ago


 


Paul 


Thank you very much , its the part of vacuum collecting I enjoy the most