Well, that cleaned up nicely! a.k.a. My first Atlas!

[midcenturymike]

After dismantling, washing, polishing, and waxing the unit, dismantling, cleaning, and lubricating the motor, installing a new hose, hand washing the gaskets, bag, and disk filter, and straightening out caster mounts that were bent due to inadequate cushioning during shipment, this machine is ready for another 50 years!

Despite detail cleaning and re-lubricating the bearings, the motor still does not sound as good as it should. Are there any other vintage motors that will act as a substitute?

I would have liked to keep the original hose on the machine, but it was perhaps the leakiest woven hose that I have ever encountered, in addition to having several crushed sections.
When I placed my hand over the end of the original hose with the machine running, the pitch of the motor didn't even change! I have retained the original for future display purposes.

Overall I am quite pleased with it, and am quite enjoying the 360 swivel hose mount. As an added bonus, I was able to find paper bags to fit this locally.

Michael

 

[vinvac]

Nice job and the hose is a perfect fit...goes very well with the machine. Perhaps the bearings are just dry...run it for a while and see if it works itself out.

Morgan

 

[suckolux]

Compact/Tristar bag perhaps?

 

[gottahaveahoove]

impressive!

I also like those floors and that woodwork.

 

[hygiene903]

Excellent Job Michael!

And a great find! Congrats on a job well done!
Jeff

 

[midcenturymike]

I am glad that it meets your approval!

At 6.75" in diameter, the paper bags for this are larger than those for Royal Powertanks, Airways, Electrolux XXX, etc, but smaller than those used in Compacts/Tristars, which are closer to 8". I believe they were at one time known as Eureka "J" canister bags, although they have been obsolete for some time. These bags also fit the larger diameter old red Royal tank vacuums.
The hose adapted well with a sharp knife and a heat gun. I tried to be as true to form as possible with the color. I am so pleased with the results that I think I will search for another red hose to retrofit my Canadian Electrolux, whose hose is also quite leaky.
My father put a lot of work into custom trim and hardwood floors throughout the house, thanks for noticing John

Michael

 

[electroluxxxx]

are these machines powerful? I always wondered

 

[crevicetool]

Great job on the Atlas Michael!

You made a fine choice with that hose too.


Rick

 

[crevicetool]

Rats!

I clicked send before I was done.

Design flaw notice -

Don't you think it's odd that you have to push on that button to open the lid, and doing so makes it almost impossible to open the lid???

Whoops!

The Jet99's button is on the handle side of the lid. The weight of the hose opens the lid all by itself.