Thread Number: 5232
1955 Lewyt Big Wheel Model 77 within grasp. |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 58247   1/14/2009 at 22:31 (5,552 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I think this is the first Big Wheel model? Oh, I am soooo excited. 8 days after my 3rd message the Lady Cathy in Waterloo contacted me this afternoon. I am going to pick it up on Friday morning. She seems leery of meeting strangers at her home, will not give me a phone number and we have an appointment at a Tim Horton's parking lot. That's fine with me - she has my cell number now and her number is of course in the received list. Sounds like a lovely and cautious housewife and amazed that anyone would want this old thing. I will be sure to get any stories she has to tell about it. Thank you, Guy Allen aka funvacfan, for the selfless and generous heads-up. OMG, this is her Kijiji picture...!!! |
Post# 58248 , Reply# 1   1/14/2009 at 22:34 (5,552 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58249 , Reply# 2   1/14/2009 at 22:51 (5,552 days old) by kirbyotronic ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
What a great find! That was really nice of Guy to give you the heads up. Also, is it just me, or does the symbol on the hubcap look like the Mercedes symbol? lol ~Alex |
Post# 58287 , Reply# 3   1/15/2009 at 16:13 (5,551 days old) by rugmaster37 ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
What's your current status on your very sweet BIg Wheel? Werent you getting it today? I'm just curious... And heres my address to send it once you've cleaned it per our agreement...LMAO Chad |
Post# 58299 , Reply# 4   1/15/2009 at 18:21 (5,551 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Sometimes time flys and other times she takes sooooo long. I've been pins and needles all day, crossing fingers we don't get some sudden blinding snow storm overnight for I am off to Waterloo Friday morning to rescue this homeless baby. Been doing my research today, when not obsessing over the XXXLX - This 1955 model 77 had an optional aluminum snap on tool bin that was replaced with the cast built on 3-tool holder bracket on the 1956 model 88, and an inner louvered dustbag basket that was eliminated on the 1957 Model 90. The 77 also appears to have an actual step on switch paddle - labeled SWITCH - rather than the subsequent exposed toggleswitch. And that looks like an unopened box of Pine Chlorophyll Scent Tablets to be inserted inside the exhaust flap plug... I'm all a-quiver to lay eyes on this well preserved relic... Dave |
Post# 58319 , Reply# 5   1/16/2009 at 04:41 (5,551 days old) by edgar (Belgium)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58335 , Reply# 6   1/16/2009 at 13:00 (5,550 days old) by funvacfan (Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58361 , Reply# 7   1/16/2009 at 16:58 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Off to Waterloo in the frigid morning light...drifting and snow squalls under a clear blue sky. Perfect adventuring weather. To forestall intimations that Dave is about to be a big tease...there is a big difference between a Tease and a Flirt. A Flirt puts out! I do have the Lewyt 77 so be patient while I display a few other things that hopped in the car... |
Post# 58362 , Reply# 8   1/16/2009 at 16:59 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58363 , Reply# 9   1/16/2009 at 17:01 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58364 , Reply# 10   1/16/2009 at 17:09 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I can't stand the supense!!! Group shot of vacuum and robotic related devices found at Bibles for Missions. A swiveltop vacuum from Eatons - probably a Viking? the decal is worn away. An all chrome GE floor polisher. Oh, why not, eh? An early Roomba with charger and two barrier transmitters. Yes, it powers up. I've never wanted a Roomba but for $5 home it comes. No model number on it...anyone recognize it? A Radio Shack robot butler. |
Post# 58365 , Reply# 11   1/16/2009 at 17:12 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58366 , Reply# 12   1/16/2009 at 17:13 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58367 , Reply# 13   1/16/2009 at 17:14 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58368 , Reply# 14   1/16/2009 at 17:20 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58370 , Reply# 16   1/16/2009 at 17:46 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
It is as complete and lovely as hoped for. Original and supple cord & plug including the red cord clip. Appears to be barely used - the tools are virtually scratchless, as are the aluminum wands. Magic Eraser will be liberally applied tonight to the lavender crevice, dusting brush and upholstery tools. Gray & Blue cloth woven hose is slightly leaky but still very supple. Latex me asap, please, Dr Dave... Dig those snazzy whitewalls. BUT, it was used for de-mothing and I think crystals were left in the basket. The only rust to be found is in the basket bottom and the aluminum bag inlet is corroded through in places. Also, the exhaust plug is missing so I can't use any of the Pine Chlorophyll tablets that came in the box. Yet. Yes Doug, that is an additional Model 97 Owners manual. I will first scan it and then send the manual to you, if you like. |
Post# 58371 , Reply# 17   1/16/2009 at 17:49 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58372 , Reply# 18   1/16/2009 at 17:57 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The bottom has been dragged around and left in water perhaps. Doug, did this model not have a back caster? It seems to be the remains of a rubber button. There was no exterior Optional Tool Basket and there's no evidence it was ever fitted with one, ie: no marks on the shell. Golly Doug, would you maybe have a spare exhaust plug? Take a picture of what the 77 bottom would have had where a caster was later put? Must go have some dinner now...then I will fire it up and test vacuum levels and clean a few tools and get pictures of what's in the box and... Dave |
Post# 58378 , Reply# 20   1/16/2009 at 19:14 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hey Dave: Thanks for the manual. My machine isnt in much better shape - the exhaust cap is missing on it too. The accessory kit was actually a removable / optional piece and the rear caster was part of the kit. I'm including some pictures of it here so you can see what it was like. It was held in place by a clip that went under the cord holder at the top and two spring clips that went into the exhaust vents at the bottom. Doug |
Post# 58379 , Reply# 21   1/16/2009 at 19:16 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58380 , Reply# 22   1/16/2009 at 19:18 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58381 , Reply# 23   1/16/2009 at 19:20 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58383 , Reply# 24   1/16/2009 at 19:35 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Just as a final thought for tonight - You're right - the machine you picked up at Bibles for Missions is an Eatons Viking Model D190 from 1966. It was made by Switson Industries and sold for $49.95. The label must have been very poor on them as mine is flaking off as well but it says Viking Mark II. Here's a picture with the full tool set. Doug |
Post# 58394 , Reply# 25   1/16/2009 at 21:39 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I see exactly what you mean, Doug. The button on the bottom is a screw on felt pad held inside a hammertone cup and the felt has worn or compacted flat to the cup. Saving it to an envelope, I found a perfect diameter thicker hard rubber button that I have screwed on. It levels out the vacuum body and allows a tilt of about 3/16". Obviously the caster was a much better idea and fully incorporated with a 2-tool rack & clip on later Big Wheels. They should have used that middle space above the castor for something...and they should have kept the step-on switch paddle. :-) Motor runs smooth and strong so I ran the vacuum test with the good vinyl hose from the model 120 and it pulls 64". The cloth weave hose which gives a reading of 40" leaks only at the wand end where it has been crushed - I may remove 3" of hose since it is otherwise so tight. We'll see, mustn't rush things. Opened up the lid filter and it's clean as clean can be. I was mistaken that the inner basket has ventilation louvers - it is only open at the top. Interesting that air flow is out the top of the gasketed inner basket, through the lid with the suction adjustment dial and down the outside of the basket. Eliminating the basket certainly simplified things...but now where do you put the Paradichlorobenzidrine...I mean Paradichlorobenzene Crystals? Not that this 77 needs any - it is suffused with the odor of moth balls and I like it. :-) |
Post# 58395 , Reply# 26   1/16/2009 at 21:44 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
More exciting still, there's a date stamp inside the lid! Tomorrow I will hit the hardware stores looking for just the right size rubber sink stopper to modify to plug the exhaust outlet. There should be a well that will hold the scent tablet nicely, too. Man o man, except for the bucket rust this Lewyt is in primo condition. Dave |
Post# 58399 , Reply# 27   1/17/2009 at 04:51 (5,550 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58412 , Reply# 28   1/17/2009 at 16:39 (5,549 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Prototype exhaust plug - a gray rubber sink stopper with lip. I wanted something that would hold the 3/4" Pine Chlorophyll tablet tight. The Lewyt exhaust plug has two side lugs that turn and hold the plug in place. I used a 1/8" aluminum rivet nail. With a nasty razorblade I tried to skive the edge of the rim so it would lay flatter. |
Post# 58418 , Reply# 29   1/17/2009 at 16:45 (5,549 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The center protrusion for the plug chain ring is great for turning the new plug but sticks out too far and touches the floor. Cut in half it is too small to grip. So, cut it completely off and substituted two brass upholstery brads set into the inner ring that holds the tablet, that gives your fingers purchase for turning the plug in place.
|
Post# 58431 , Reply# 30   1/17/2009 at 16:54 (5,549 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The piece cut off was trimmed into a dowel plug for the original hole that holds the flap from being lost. Everything lies flat and clears the floor by 3/16". Now all the exhaust exits upward through the muffled motor slots as intended and the scent of pine, chlorophyll and eucalyptus drops co-mingles with the heady aroma of Mothballs. Making a second one for the Model 120. Never a dull moment Dave |
Post# 58519 , Reply# 31   1/18/2009 at 11:34 (5,548 days old) by funvacfan (Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58524 , Reply# 32   1/18/2009 at 12:54 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58525 , Reply# 33   1/18/2009 at 12:57 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58530 , Reply# 34   1/18/2009 at 13:00 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58533 , Reply# 35   1/18/2009 at 13:04 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 58537 , Reply# 36   1/18/2009 at 13:42 (5,548 days old) by electroluxxxx (……)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hey Dave what type of meter is that. I mean what is it called? I have been trying to look one up on ebay and cannot seem to find one Mike |
Post# 58544 , Reply# 37   1/18/2009 at 16:45 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
It's a Vac-U-Tronic Vacuum Tester Model 21 made by the Christensen Mfg. Company in Chicago. This one dates from 1952 but I have seen one dated 1963 so they made them for a long while. I've seen 5 go on eBay over the past two years, so keep watching. Most old style 1-2 man Vacuum Service Shops I've visited usually have one in back on the workbench. Besides the electrical section that tests wiring continuity & measures motor amperage under running load conditions, the back panel lists vacuum lift readings for many popular vacs of the day when brand new. |
Post# 58547 , Reply# 38   1/18/2009 at 18:47 (5,548 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Dave your Lewyt is a really nice find. I agree with you about Sally Ann getting expensive.So is Value Village.There are very few finds or bargins there.I was in your end of the swamp today.I went to the Olde English Parlour hotel for a Cornation Street brunch. After I went to the Goodwill store.I didn't find any diamonds in the ruff,but at least their prices are more realistic.I haven't been in Stratford for quite awhile. I had forgotten how beautiful it is.Your chrome floor polisher is pretty sharp looking.
|