First time poster, long time lurker I guess you could say. Should have joined long ago, but todays mishap made me realize I need some expert advice so here I am.
I recently acquired a Montgomery Ward "Signature 700" Canister. Made by Eureka, as you can see it is of the "Canned Ham" Style. I think it's of like 1973-1974 vintage, this is based on the listings in my Montgomery Ward Catalogs for those years....knew I would make use of those relics at some point!
It's in great shape, looks to have seen light use wherever it came from. Some scuffing on the bottom, but otherwise pretty pristine. It was dusty but that was easy to fix. The hose is in great shape too, no leaks!
I opened it up, and the cord itself is in perfect shape, for a cream colored cord its not even terribly dirty.....here's where I made a big mistake though...
It wouldn't wind, so I stupidly tried to wind it myself, (hence why I opened up the vacuum) and in the process I sprung the spring inside, and the metal reel became a sort of airborne slicing projectile.
Sliced up my hand and both legs pretty bad, thank god It was nowhere near my face!
All bandaged up now, I realize this thing is beyond my skill level, and I know that the odds of finding a replacement are pretty slim.
Can these things be repaired? In other words can the spring be fixed on the inside of this beast? I have another Wards Branded Eureka (will post later) with the same issue....both reels are of different design though.
This one is made by "Cordomatic of Philadelphia" which struck me as odd, being I thought they only made those shop lite cord reels that you'd mount in a garage or workshop. But a "Cordomatic" it is apparently. The contacts and all are good, and the cord itself is in good shape, but it won't wind obviously in any way since it decided to become a flying slicing projectile. Yes, I lost my grip on the thing....and I am lucky I didn't end up in worse shape.
Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea how to go about getting this fixed, and I don't trust any shop locally would know what they are doing. And I don't dare want to try and rewind the spring myself for obvious reasons...HELP!!!
I've posted a picture below, and I will try and add my two cents around here now that I am a member. Not sure I have anything super rare, but I do have quite a few machines. My family thinks I am nuts with my vacuum collecting, but its a fun hobby. If you've got an analytical mind and the ability to fix things, its quite entertaining. My name is Daniel by the way, looking forward to getting to know you all a bit better.
Until Later...
Post# 256083 , Reply# 1   11/11/2013 at 21:05 (3,789 days old) by sonnyndad ()  
There are lots of great people here, I am sure you will make plenty of new friends. Most of us have one or two brands that we gravitate to. I am partial to Kirbys. Someone in this club is sure to know how to fix your Montgomery Wards. Good luck!
Post# 256090 , Reply# 2   11/11/2013 at 22:21 (3,789 days old) by suckolux(Yuba City, CA)  
Hi Dan Welcome to our club. That vacuum looks bran new cord reals are not easy to service from what i hear sorry i cant help you as i am a upright vacuum man. Kirby being my first love then the older Hoovers when vacuums were made the way they should be.I am sure you will neet lot of good people here. If i can help with other vacuum questuions please ask. Take care Doug