Suggestions?

[fantomfan57]

My Sears Kenmore Magicord Canister is the new "restoration" focus this week.

There is much to do, but I noticed the silver/white lettering images on the top against the wood grain has faded considerably.

I wondered about how I can restore that.

I thought about very complicated taping off the lettering, lines and symbol to isolate them and either "chrome" painting them or even silver leafing them back.

There is a produce where you can metal leaf items that I found at Hobby Lobby.

What do you suggest besides leaving it alone?

Looks like this.

 

[madman]

"Chrome" paint never looks right, and it's a pain to work with, though I suppose it'd probably look close enough to the original silver. I wonder how those water-activated emblem application thingies work/ how they are made. There's probably some kind of printing service that would let you make those. Honestly don't know the proper name for those. That might be your best bet.

It looks like the part with the lettering is completely flat. You could put it on a flatbed scanner and use the scan to remake it and order it printed as one of those things, or a regular sticker.

Other than that, you could painstakingly repaint it by hand with silver paint and a paint brush with like one hair in it.

 

[huskyvacs]

There's always a way to do something, the challenge is just figuring out what way that is. lol

For me I'd just leave it be, but other than a metallic paint marker (not sharpie - might look tacky) not much else I can think of other than perhaps there is a way to copy or replicate the lettering via a decal shop/sign maker. I know for classic cars/trucks/boats people can get decals of old logos and trim names copied off all the time and have replicas made - but I do not think I have ever seen it be done with a vacuum.

there's a random thread here from 2007 that talks about someone trying to get a trailer decal remade and there is a discussion with some options given. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/good-source-for-decal-replication.197462/

Of course 13 years later I'm sure there's even more options now. I've never seen it done before either so this is all new to me too.

 

[human]

To me, some things are just better left as they are and let the defects stand as a testament to its authenticity.

 

[fantomfan57]

Thanks all,

I may very well leave it all alone. I have a set of paint markers, maybe I may try something.

G.

 

[kirbyklekter]

I agree with human

about just leaving it as is. I've got three of those and I could never make it look "factory" applied on there. Do you have the tool caddy that snaps on to the lid?

 

[fantomfan57]

Tool Caddy,

yes, I do have it. The tools I got with it are white. Not sure that is correct. I also has that elaborate square filter cover for the motor. What I wish I had, was the correct PN. I paired it with a perfectly functional later version.

In addition to all this, the color on the unit has really changed from the original. I can tell because of the inside of the lid and the inside of the motor compartment.

I like the wood grain, but I think I may restore the colors to closer to the original.

 

[kirbyklekter]

Color changes

I've got the avocado two tone with wood grain on top as you do. I guess the lighter color was originally almond but it seems to be headed towards a soft yellow as time goes by. I don't smoke and the vacuum is stored out of sun light so I guess it's just the kind of plastic they used.The attachments haven't yellowed but the caddy has. I like these as they are well built and relatively quiet! Yes,the filter cover for the motor is huge. Does yours still have the big sticker under the lid with all the specs? Quite informative.I like the blue on yours. Good luck with the restoration!

 

[fantomfan57]

Yes,

the sticker is still there. I carefully gave it a coat of clear gloss so I can wipe the inside of the lid to clean it at any time.

The 'Sears Best" sticker was long gone leaving a lighter blue oval where it was located.

I found a local craft store that carries lettering stickers. Each sheet has 3 fonts versions of each letter.

The labeling on the hood is both negative & positive graphics/lettering. Then of course there is the "wood grain".

I still may see if I can restore the graphics. I will try to take progress pictures.

 

[fantomfan57]

"Progress"

So I was playing around with a method and this is the result. The silver paint pen is Uchida Marvy DecoColor Premium. That plus Frogtape.

I am at a standstill until I check out the sheets of latter stickers from the Craft Store.

 

[rivstg1]

I like it! clever thinking

 

[fantomfan57]

Ta da!

Purists, please forgive me, I repainted this vacuum. The uneven discoloration really bothered me. After the cleaning, I painted the bottom Nantucket Blue and a light blue for the top. Masking off so that the wood grain stayed as original.

I am redoing the large rectangular pre-motor filter, but used a std. Lamb filter cap until I find a better filter material for the original filter box.

I found a Kenmore logo and very close font for the wordage on the top and plan to print on Avery Glossy Clear Sticker Stock, everything I can reproduce. The only exception is the "Magicord" graphic logo.

Would anyone like to email me a good image I can maybe shrink down?

Please let me know.

 

[lesinutah]

Woa

I remember having a blue one of those growing up. I could pick up more by hand than it picked up. It had an issue for sure.
It's the vacuum that made me appreciate good vacuums.
If you type in Google I'm sure you may be able to get the logo. I have no idea what the logo looks like or I'd try to find one.
Les

 

[fantomfan57]

Oops,

I meant to include these pictures....:}

 

[lesinutah]

Dang

If I had that vacuum growing up I'd be in heaven.
I like the work you've done. It's a nice looking vacuum.
Les

 

[gregvacs28]

A++

Excellent work.


 


In 1981 I persuaded my parents to buy me, a 14 y.o., the then equivalent version new from Sears.  At that point they were beige and brown or beige and slightly lighter beige.  I actually found the original receipt a couple years ago. I should scan it. 


 


Although,  they had the same graphics, I think the wood grain was more of a burl oak or pine and the metalic stencil was polished brass or gold  in appearance. 


 


The power nozzle was the same as the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">later</span> blue versions.  By that I mean the rubber bumper was wider and it had a reset button.  Though by 81 they got rid of the manual edge cleaning switch. 

 

[fantomfan57]

Thank you, thank you....

I will eventually get the correct PN and finish the graphics on the top, but Monday I vacuum!

 

[fantomfan57]

Umm,

so I was moving around and consolidating Electrolux parts, Misc. parts, PN's and stuff this morning and noticed a tub marked Vtg. Kenmore vac.

Seems as though I have another Whirlpool? built Kenmore. Here are the pictures.

I think this is one I got a couple of years back that was on Craigslist. I apparently cleaned it but must have shifted to another project.

As you can see the discoloration, UV damage that is may also be why I stored it. I will most probably mask off the graphics and repaint this one as well. I notice this tool tray and one other feature inside this model's housing are different.

NEW PROJECT!

 

[gregvacs28]

You and your projects

Nice vac but not too nice 

discoloration.


 


Was this one smoked around?


 


Its got to be a chemical reaction because not all plastic parts (that are known to discolor on vacs) are discoloring.  Certain plastic parts on Electrolux metal body vacs have been know to discolor like this, also.


 


I would suspect it has to be exposure to UV and/or excess heat build-up because the inside which never gets light, is fine.