Thread Number: 5232
1955 Lewyt Big Wheel Model 77 within grasp.
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Post# 58247   1/14/2009 at 22:31 (5,552 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        
Love those snazzy hubcaps.

aeoliandave's profile picture
Judging from Doug Smith's site this is the complete set and those plastic/rubber tools really are a pale lavender color.

Post# 58249 , Reply# 2   1/14/2009 at 22:51 (5,552 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

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 ()        
Mister Dave.....????

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)        
15 hours 39 minutes from now...and counting.

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

edgar's profile picture
hi, fantastic find. It looks like the Holland electro toppy we have over in europe. indeed alex it looks like the mercedes star lol.

Post# 58335 , Reply# 6   1/16/2009 at 13:00 (5,550 days old) by funvacfan (Canada)        
Awaiting the new arrivial,

funvacfan's profile picture
on tenderhooks! I saw the advert, but the brand is not one that interests me really. It seems that Dave is more of a casister fan.

Guy


Post# 58361 , Reply# 7   1/16/2009 at 16:58 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Let's begin at the beginning.

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
I discovered a new Thrift Store - Bibles for Missions.



Post# 58363 , Reply# 9   1/16/2009 at 17:01 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Ok ok, it's too excruciating even for me to post these one by one.

Well, maybe not...

Bibles for Missions had no less than 6 organs for sale. This was the most impressive for $100. A CONN.


Post# 58364 , Reply# 10   1/16/2009 at 17:09 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        
Over to the Sally Ann

aeoliandave's profile picture
Sally is getting awfully expensive these days...

Post# 58366 , Reply# 12   1/16/2009 at 17:13 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
A Eureka Toolbox Vacuum...for only $49.99 !!!

Post# 58367 , Reply# 13   1/16/2009 at 17:14 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Cute, but I think not, thanks.

Post# 58368 , Reply# 14   1/16/2009 at 17:20 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
But they did have this unscathed 4 slice GE toaster and we do like shiny things.

Post# 58369 , Reply# 15   1/16/2009 at 17:36 (5,550 days old) by crevicetool (GA )        
O M G !!!!

Do I feel stupid! Every time someone mentioned "Sally Ann" on here, I thought there was actually a store called Sally-Ann, those of which we have NONE of in Atlanta. I didn't know it was a cute little name for the Salvation Army. We got those.

Sinking back into my own protective little world behind the woodwork....

Rick


Post# 58370 , Reply# 16   1/16/2009 at 17:46 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
LEWYT Quickies

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Moth Chrystal damage. Fortunately it is confined to the basket interior only. I will have to wire scour it and paint it up as close to a Hammertone blue shade as possible.

Post# 58372 , Reply# 18   1/16/2009 at 17:57 (5,550 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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# 58373 , Reply# 19   1/16/2009 at 18:20 (5,550 days old) by petek (Ontario)        

What neat stuff. Coinkydink on the Roomba I picked one up today at XS cargo. After running less than 5 minutes it stopped and started beeping. I figured it needed emptying which it did badly. It was a nightmare trying to get the dog hair dethatched from the brushroll and around the wheel hubs. Then it wouldn't restart, so I started my car and took it back for a refund.

That old Conn organ looks interesting, how much did they want for it?


Post# 58378 , Reply# 20   1/16/2009 at 19:14 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)        

collector2's profile picture
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)        

collector2's profile picture
picture 2 - without the parts on it

Post# 58380 , Reply# 22   1/16/2009 at 19:18 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)        

collector2's profile picture
picture 3 - removed from the machine

Post# 58381 , Reply# 23   1/16/2009 at 19:20 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)        

collector2's profile picture
picture 4 - from the back of the kit

Post# 58383 , Reply# 24   1/16/2009 at 19:35 (5,550 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)        

collector2's profile picture
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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        
Nice Find, Dave!!

hygiene903's profile picture
And so complete, with the instruction book, attachment box, and all. The rust in the basket may be a common thing with them, my model 90 has a little on the bottom, too. I know it's going to be a beautiful machine after the Davey Spa Treatment! Congratulations,
Jeff


Post# 58412 , Reply# 28   1/17/2009 at 16:39 (5,549 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Simple solution to vexing problem.

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        
Very crafty...

funvacfan's profile picture
indeed Dave! Glad you got it and enjoy it.

Guy


Post# 58524 , Reply# 32   1/18/2009 at 12:54 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
After more testing I decided to shorten the hose slightly. I mean, it is 8 feet long from handle to coupler. Most of the leakage was at the wand end where the coil had rusted and broken. I was wrong above and it was giving a reading of only 30".

Post# 58525 , Reply# 33   1/18/2009 at 12:57 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
I'll keep this piece in the Tools Carryall to show how bright blue it was when new. Almost but not quite a match to the cloth LX hose.

Post# 58530 , Reply# 34   1/18/2009 at 13:00 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
So I lost about 3.5" length but it passes the thump test at the low end. Suction reading of 49-50". Now it can be latex lined inside without coming through the weave.

Post# 58533 , Reply# 35   1/18/2009 at 13:04 (5,548 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Full 64" reading with the vinyl hose.

Thankyou so much again, Guy for directing this Lewyt my way. Heaven, I'm in Heaven...

Dave


Post# 58537 , Reply# 36   1/18/2009 at 13:42 (5,548 days old) by electroluxxxx (……)        

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)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
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)        

shag's profile picture
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.

Post# 58549 , Reply# 39   1/18/2009 at 19:16 (5,548 days old) by petek (Ontario)        

Value Village tends to be over-priced a lot of the time, after all they are in the biz for profit. Our GoodWill is very reasonable and very clean and modern, no scruffy stuff in there. Our Sally Ann is clean but a little dated, the prices are usually o.k...Bibles for Missions prices aren't too bad but I don't think they're well known so it's a surprise to find something in there. I did get the nice Electrolux 2100 and I think the red Elux floor polisher at BFM. The St.Vincent de Paul here is pretty useless


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