Thread Number: 878
Latest restoration project . 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 9001   2/4/2007 at 18:54 (6,288 days old) by davortho10 ()        

Since I finally remembered to take some "before" pics. I thought I'd post a couple. I will take more as I go and post some of them too. Jay

Post# 9002 , Reply# 1   2/4/2007 at 18:56 (6,288 days old) by davortho10 ()        

and another

Post# 9115 , Reply# 2   2/5/2007 at 21:00 (6,287 days old) by davortho10 ()        
beginning dissassembly

 Hi, hope some of you find this interesting,...lol. It's a lot of fun for me. This is the 1st time I've remembered to take pics during the process. Jay

Post# 9136 , Reply# 3   2/5/2007 at 23:17 (6,287 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
Hey Jay!

 Great pictures...!

I'm looking forward to watching the process!

I'm very interested in the restoration process of these older cleaners, as those are the machines in my collection that I have the least amount of experience servicing, and would really like to bring back to their original splendor.

I've had a few apart... and pretty thoroughly serviced my model 300--but nothing as in-depth as you are doing here, or as in-depth as I've taken newer machines (60-series, Convertibles, etc...).

One question thoguh... How did you get the receptacle out of the bottom of the handle? I've often wondered how that would be removed.

~Fred

Post# 9141 , Reply# 4   2/6/2007 at 00:13 (6,287 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

It's held in place by a little peg - push this through from the side, and once the wires have been disconnected from the switch, it's usually pretty easy to work the whole thing loose and get it out...sometimes a little WD40 is needed! You can replace the internal wires with modern plastic-coated ones for safety, and also access the retractable bag spring to replace the strap.

Post# 9167 , Reply# 5   2/6/2007 at 10:09 (6,286 days old) by davortho10 ()        
handle and socket pic

 Hi Fred, thanks. That's correct about the receptacle. I use a small piece of wooden dowel to tap it out so it doesn't get damaged. A fine tip pair of needle nose pliers is helpful in getting the socket out, sort of pull and twist and be patient. The wires I'll replace with modern reproduction cloth covered ones. You can also see the bag hanger spring and strap. I'll try to show each step as I go through it.

Post# 9170 , Reply# 6   2/6/2007 at 11:30 (6,286 days old) by ahzeks ()        
Great Thread!

 Thanks for sharing! Very interesting and informative! I love the photos.

Post# 9180 , Reply# 7   2/6/2007 at 12:50 (6,286 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
BRAVE

 thunderhexed's profile picture
You're a brave man!
Anything that involves messing with electrical wiring makes me nervous! Looks like it could be kinda fun though!

Post# 9183 , Reply# 8   2/6/2007 at 13:28 (6,286 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        

Hi Jay I cant wait to see your Hoover done. A lot of hard work ahead. Good luck Doug

Post# 9283 , Reply# 9   2/7/2007 at 08:03 (6,285 days old) by davortho10 ()        
new wire on socket

 Here's the 1st part done. I used a little liquid electrical tape on the insulator cap since it was so brittle,and on the screws just to insure they don't loosen, just a little safety insurance. I used the colored tape since there were 3 wires, avoids confusion later.

Post# 9284 , Reply# 10   2/7/2007 at 08:07 (6,285 days old) by davortho10 ()        
finished view

 Cap down on socket, and knot tied in wire.

Post# 9328 , Reply# 11   2/7/2007 at 15:52 (6,285 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()        

This is going to look great! I am glad to see you are using "official" wiring...with the cloth wire and all. Good luck to 'ya!

~~K~~

Post# 9383 , Reply# 12   2/8/2007 at 08:15 (6,284 days old) by davortho10 ()        
the motor

 Hi, here is the motor with the fan removed, then the bottom plate and bearing. You can see the retainer clip for the bearing, and 70+ years of dirt. The grease in the bearing is dryed out and filthy. I'll clean it in solvent and repack it. Thanks for the interest and words of encouragement, I do really appreciate it. Jay

Post# 9384 , Reply# 13   2/8/2007 at 08:17 (6,284 days old) by davortho10 ()        
bottom plate and bearing

 Here's the other view.

Post# 9412 , Reply# 14   2/8/2007 at 19:58 (6,284 days old) by davortho10 ()        
motor and bearings apart, and motor reassembled

 Here are the lower and upper bearings and the motor apart. Then, after cleaning and put back together. Hope this isn't boring anyone. I'm in the process of moving, so this is taking awhile. But, it's something relaxing to do in the evening. Jay

Post# 9413 , Reply# 15   2/8/2007 at 20:06 (6,284 days old) by davortho10 ()        
etc.

 Bearing and plate clean and ready to reassemble.

Post# 9414 , Reply# 16   2/8/2007 at 20:08 (6,284 days old) by davortho10 ()        
upper bearing

 Upper bearing and rotor out of motor.

Post# 9415 , Reply# 17   2/8/2007 at 20:11 (6,284 days old) by davortho10 ()        
And finished

 All back together. Cosmetics come later, if anyone was wondering.

Post# 9419 , Reply# 18   2/8/2007 at 20:30 (6,284 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Fabulous!

 compactelectra's profile picture
Send these pictures to me and I will put in the first Restoration montage under that category. These are great! Thanks so much. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Fred
The Webmaster

Post# 9423 , Reply# 19   2/8/2007 at 20:50 (6,284 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
?

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Boring? On the contrary! This is great!

Post# 9431 , Reply# 20   2/8/2007 at 21:32 (6,284 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()        
Very Nice!

 Awesome work! I wish all bearings were that easy to take apart...If so, I would have all of my bearings for my Rexair model B already cleaned and repacked. Nice pictures, too! I cannot wait to get an old Hoover. :-) Let's hope it works!

~~K~~

Post# 9432 , Reply# 21   2/8/2007 at 21:43 (6,284 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
Bearings...

 What did you soak the bearing in to clean it? And did you just pack grease into it when you put it back together?

Are you going to clean the commutator plates on the armatrue, and put new carbon brushes in it, too?

This is really very fascinating... I didn't realize that those bearings came so far apart... I will be tearing into one of mine one of these days!!

~Fred

Post# 9433 , Reply# 22   2/8/2007 at 21:47 (6,284 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()        

Hey Fred!

To clean bearings, use an auto part cleaner, like carb cleaner, brake cleaner...something like that. There is also a product called Chem-Dip that is used just for this kind of stuff. It has a little screen in a paint can that you put your stuff into, and then submerse it in the chemical. This will dissolve all of the old grease. When repacking, try some state-of-the-art Moly grease! It is great stuff! It never dries out, and due to the fact that it bonds to the metal, somewhat, it will last for an extremely long time. It is also very smooth. And do note: not all bearings come apart as easily as this Hoover can. The bearings on my Rexair model B are all sealed up...which I hate. I love working on my vacuums. That is one of the greatest things for me about collecting: fixing stuff! Even fountain pens are fun to fix...and write with! Good luck to 'ya!

~~K~~

Post# 9434 , Reply# 23   2/8/2007 at 22:01 (6,284 days old) by vacjwt ()        

vacuumkid3 I love repairing vacuums antique radios I love it allmost as much as useing and seeing the finished product boy do I love it and maybe one day thare will be a vacuum club in evry state

Post# 9435 , Reply# 24   2/8/2007 at 22:08 (6,284 days old) by convertible68 ()        

Hi Fred,

When it comes to bearings and removing old grease, Varsol will do the job just fine. Chem-Dip IS a type of carburetor cleaner and is overkill for this type of use.

--Austin

Post# 9439 , Reply# 25   2/9/2007 at 00:18 (6,284 days old) by hoover28 (Oneida N.Y.)        
bearings

 most older hoover bearings dont come a part, they must be greased with a speical hoover grease nozzle tip that ataches to a grease gun. the tip fits into the bearig and the grease workes its way into the bearing. part of the tip also comes off to grease the brush roll bearings.


chris

Post# 9442 , Reply# 26   2/9/2007 at 08:19 (6,283 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
Hey Chirs...

 Yup, I have one of the grease gun nozzles of which you speak... Used on all of the convertibles, and 60-series machines when they went to a lower ball bearing in the motor.

~Fred

Post# 9447 , Reply# 27   2/9/2007 at 09:38 (6,283 days old) by hoover28 (Oneida N.Y.)        
fred

 yes I use it on all my old hoovers, wen I find them that is the first thing I do is cleane the fans and grease the bearings. like on the old constellations and 28s 61s convertibles ect. on the 1930's and older I have found that I need to put a layer of black tape on the nozzle tip to make it fit tighter into the bigger bearings on the older hoovers.

chris

Post# 9450 , Reply# 28   2/9/2007 at 10:33 (6,283 days old) by marukap (Saint Louis, MO)        
I'm in Hoover Heaven!

 Thank you for such an INSPIRED thread, Jay. Believe it or not, I'm about to start restoration on my 750 and you've just made my life a whole lot easier! Thank you.

I've wrestled with restoring handle wiring and internal bag support springs before. I'm VERY impressed with your use of reproduction cloth covered wire. I used vinyl coated wire, figuring it was OK to go "modern" when the final product is hidden from view.

I too have become a big fan of aerosol, non-flammable electric motor and brake cleaner (the stuff that smells like dry cleaning fluid). It does a great job on gunked up bearings, carbon laden armatures and field coils. Just be sure to use it outdoors and try to keep it off of your hands.

Looking forward to the next chapters,

Marty

Post# 9453 , Reply# 29   2/9/2007 at 12:41 (6,283 days old) by davortho10 ()        
Wow!

 Thanks for all the responses, guess I'm a little suprised. In a good way though, and I'm very glad if all this helps anyone else with their projects. Fred "compactelectra" I would be more than happy to send you the photos when I'm done, thank you for asking. About the bearings and commutator, etc. Fred, I used a very low tech solvent. Lighter fluid, the kind made for zippo lighters and handwarmers. It's cheap and works extemely well in combination with a small brass bristle brush, fine bronze wool, felt, and paper towels for cleanup. Anything left damp afterwords I let evaporate off in an open metal container, in a safe place, before disposal. I did clean the commutator plates gently with a piece of felt dampened in solvent, although they were in great shape, no wear really. I learned not to get to aggressive on those, that's why they're still discolored where the brushes touch. Also cleaned the armature shaft top and bottom with the bronze wool dampened in solvent. The brushes were in excellant condition, which was a surprise. I do have replacements though if needed later. Also, a small 1/2", stiff, cheap paint brush works great for getting all the caked on dust loosened. Oh, and of course, I almost forgot...lol a vacuum. I could use some help with one thing. The rubber handle grip is completely gone. If anyone has a picture of the handle they could share for reference that would be Great! More pics. to follow tonight, hopefully. Jay

Post# 9468 , Reply# 30   2/9/2007 at 16:45 (6,283 days old) by davortho10 ()        
oops, forgot

 I did pack the bearings when I reassembled them using a tongue depressor and a small syringe. I used a multipurpose black high pressure bearing grease, same thing I use on my '30 Desoto. You can soak the felt pads in solvent too, and squeeze them out on a paper towel or rag. When dry, wet them with 30 weight oil. Just a few drops.

Post# 9489 , Reply# 31   2/9/2007 at 18:10 (6,283 days old) by davortho10 ()        
Next

 So I could do all the painting at one time, I decided to keep working on motor. I drilled out the bumper rivets on the lamp hood, and kept them so I could try to reuse them. Started polishing the hood and motor top, so there won't be to much polishing left after I paint the inside of the hood. I'll paint that and the handle at the same time so the paint can cure for a few days.

Post# 9494 , Reply# 32   2/9/2007 at 19:23 (6,283 days old) by davortho10 ()        
etc.

 Another view.

Post# 9495 , Reply# 33   2/9/2007 at 19:53 (6,283 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Here are some views of the handle grip...I have never taken one down this far...they are very well built...best of luck in your restoration....these are such classic machines.

--Tom

Post# 9496 , Reply# 34   2/9/2007 at 19:53 (6,283 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Here is a closer look...forgive the pic...I am sorry that they are not clearer.

--Tom

Post# 9499 , Reply# 35   2/9/2007 at 20:02 (6,283 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Jay

 compactelectra's profile picture
Do you reuse the carbon brushes?

Post# 9501 , Reply# 36   2/9/2007 at 20:20 (6,283 days old) by davortho10 ()        
pictures

 Tom, thank you so much, that will help. Not sure yet how I'll try to replicate that, but it gives me an idea. Guess I'll save that till everything else is done.

Post# 9502 , Reply# 37   2/9/2007 at 20:23 (6,283 days old) by davortho10 ()        
brushes

 I do reuse them if they're in good shape and have a lot of length left. No chips or burn marks or anything like that.

Post# 9510 , Reply# 38   2/9/2007 at 22:08 (6,283 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Thank You For Sharing

 hygiene903's profile picture
the photos of your project with us. It's almost as if we were watching the progress over your shoulder!! With the attention you are giving to all the details, you are going to have one fantastic Hoover when you are finished.
And you have a 1930 DeSoto?? Hope you post some pictures of that sometime, too.
Jeff

Post# 9524 , Reply# 39   2/10/2007 at 02:07 (6,282 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
Another Question...

 Where'd you find that cloth covered wire? And was it difficult to re-wire the handle socket? How are the wires attached in the plug at the bottom of the handle? --I've never seen one apart...

~Fred

Post# 9539 , Reply# 40   2/10/2007 at 09:31 (6,282 days old) by davortho10 ()        
To Jeff

 Thanks, I'm really glad about the interest from everyone. I posted a picture of me and my car in the Off Topic Forum under the other "odd" collections thread. Jay

Post# 9541 , Reply# 41   2/10/2007 at 09:40 (6,282 days old) by davortho10 ()        
To Fred

 There's a hardware store here that sells some cloth covered wire, and also an online supplier. I'll look up the online address and let you know. The handle is fairly easy to rewire, the wires attach with screws to the socket, and switch. I'll take a couple of pics. this weekend. If anybody wants to email me directly about anything, that would be fine. I'm on call this weekend, so I'm not sure how much time I'll have to work on this. :( Jay

Post# 9579 , Reply# 42   2/11/2007 at 00:13 (6,282 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
DeSoto

 hygiene903's profile picture
Jay,
I saw the picture of you and your DeSoto AFTER I sent the message. What a BEAUTIFUL car!!! And I'll bet it runs as good as it looks, too! Thanks again for sharing,
Jeff

Post# 9586 , Reply# 43   2/11/2007 at 03:56 (6,281 days old) by vacjwt ()        
sundial wire

sundial.com go thare I love the wire they sell it is grate and may be the place you all are looking for it is grate and you dont have to wory about that old wire with this stuff hope this helps john tyminski

Post# 9608 , Reply# 44   2/11/2007 at 09:19 (6,281 days old) by davortho10 ()        
plug/socket and new wire

 Hi, didn't get much done yesterday. Had to work most of the day and evening. I took pictures of the switch, the wires attach to the back of the socket with screws just like they do on the switch. If you look at the previous pictures you can see the insulator cap that covers the back of the socket. The wires were tied in a knot, so after you untie them you can slide the cap back and access the screws. Since this model is 2 speed, there are 3 wires in the handle. That's why I used the colored tape, just makes it easier later on so you don't make a mistake. Hope this helps. Jay

CLICK HERE TO GO TO davortho10's LINK
Post# 9611 , Reply# 45   2/11/2007 at 09:21 (6,281 days old) by davortho10 ()        
another view

 Other side of switch

Post# 9831 , Reply# 46   2/13/2007 at 21:32 (6,279 days old) by davortho10 ()        
Finally, back to the project.

 Not much done over the weekend, got called in to work alot, but I'm back into it. I mask off the lamp hood and handle, and will paint them tommorow I hope. It'll be good to let them cure for a few days. Next, I removed the front wheels at their attachment to the chassis, so all those parts can be cleaned. Unfortunately the bumper was much more brittle than I thought, and it just crumbled while I was doing this:(. So, guess that has to be replaced also. When I remove the rear wheels I'll show how the lock rings come off. Hopefully I'll have more to share tomorrow.

Post# 9833 , Reply# 47   2/13/2007 at 21:37 (6,279 days old) by davortho10 ()        
Wheels

 Front wheel removed

Post# 9834 , Reply# 48   2/13/2007 at 21:38 (6,279 days old) by davortho10 ()        
etc.

 Another view.

Post# 10189 , Reply# 49   2/19/2007 at 17:48 (6,273 days old) by davortho10 ()        
Hey, how is everyone?

 Sorry I haven't added anything for a nunber of days. I'm in the middle of trying to move into a new house, now that it's ready. I'll try and take pictures of the newly painted parts soon, and try and get back to working on this asap also. Hope everyone is well.


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