"Gray Ghost" Maytag wringer washer - finally!

[bradross]

Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 1

Here are four shots taken today after painting the two front legs ... I decided, at least for the time being, not to detach the legs for painting. In an apartment, I have such limited working space, I think this is the easier method for now.

However, not sure how I'll get the tub re-painted with wonderful results without removing it entirely. Will cross that bridge later!

BTW - thanks to those who recommended "Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish" - it really works wonders! Just look at the shine on the cap of the gyratator and the crown of the tub!

 

[bradross]

Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 1

Photo # 2

 

[bradross]

Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 3

Photo # 3 Note: the pulley/belt shroud was initially painted with Tremclad "RV White" rust paint, as it was the only stuff I had around at the time and I wanted to see the effect. It matched the beige lower roller in the wringer, which is an interesting look. However, I'll probably paint it green later.

The bakelite knob for the gear shift is in transit - hope it comes soon!

 

[bradross]

Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 4

Photo # 4. Doesn't the "on/off" plate look amazing, all shone up!

 

[geoffdelp]

That really looks AMAZING, Brad! That on/off plate is beautiful! Magnificent job on the crown!! Mother's polish is the best.

You would think that there would be something to make that paint adhere to the tub, wouldn't you? I mean ... Maytag had a way of painting those cast parts; why wouldn't a primer work and then the paint?

 

[bradross]

Painting the tub

Geoff - I'm actually very pleased with the results of that "Valspar" paint from Lowe's. I sprayed it pretty heavily on the lid, so it took about 5 days to really harden, but it's fine now.

Regarding the challenge of painting the tub - I have no concern about the Valspar paint adhering to the aluminum. I just think it would make for a more "even" paint job if the tub was off and painted. But I think I'll just go ahead and do it with the tub attached.

When I've got that done, I'll order the decals from the guy in Ohio.

 

[e2l-arry]

LOOKS GREAT BRAD!!!

How do you spray paint in an apartment? I couldn't do it in my basement. I did some in the garage then found white paint dust had settled on everything. I did the rest in the back yard. That's the reason I used a roller in the body. Keep up the good work. She's gonna look sweeeeeet!!

 

[mickeyd]

Hello Brad

This eighth video was so satisfying, seeing a 79 year old struttin' his stuff like a teenager, hearing you admit how well it removes stains, and watching the colorful load in clear water turn over so rhythmically. How quiet, a hush! The stroke looks just a bit slower than that of the offspring--Yes? The new pix are dazzling. Love the ON OFF and the stick shift. Never really gave Gray Ghosts a second look, nor appreciated them till now. So thanks.

 

[wringer]

This was my

first view of vid 8. I do believe maybe that mickeyd may be correct in thinking the gyratation may be a bit slower than the newbies. It actually has a great roll over to it. The green paint job is awesome Brad. I know that I am not the only one who is envious of you . I also live in an apartment and can't paint. I can't wait to see her all done and labeled adorning your kitchen. Keep up the good work !!

Jim

 

[geoffdelp]

Correction on Gallons Held ...

Hi again, Brad ... Can't wait to see that tub painted; I'm sure it will look incredible!

I was going through some data on earlier machines last night and found that the Model 30 held 17 gallons of water up to the knurled line on the agitator and 22 gallons if filled up to the crown (not sure why they included that measurement but what the hey!).

So ... they made the Model E wider and added a gallon more in water capacity. I guess the wideness gave the extra clothes capacity. So now I wonder about the water capacity in the AMP models; it HAD to be more than 12 gallons ... probably more like 15 or so.

Fun, fun stuff!! Enjoy and I can't believe you're able to paint in your apartment, either!!

 

[bradross]

Tub capacity

Hi Geoff ... thanks for that bit of info. You beat me to the punch as I was going to post a note today after doing a couple of loads in the old beauty. I emptied the tub with three-and-a-half 5-gallon buckets, so I was thinking it must be around 17 gallons as well.

As far as the painting in the apartment goes - fortunately I have a corner unit and get a good cross-draft. Otherwise, I don't think I'd be able to do it.

I've included a pic taken today - the underside of the lid has polished up beautifully with some elbow grease, sandpaper, and finally Mother's Mag Polish. The inside of the tub is more of a challenge, but it's coming along slowly. I'm using both 100 grit sandpaper and after a wash, I scrub it with SOS pads.

 

[stan]

100 grit sandpaper?

or do you mean 1000 grit?
100 grit is mighty course!

 

[oldwasherguy]

Maytag wringers

Hi Bradross, Your washer looks amazing and I have enjoyed your videos. I used valspar paint on my model 90 from 1927 and it has really held up great over the years.

 

[jetcone]

Nice job Brad

I really like that green, never knew they had that. I'd always seen flat gray around here. Can't wait to see the tub painted. I think everyone should have a wringer in the collection, my Easy was lying on its side in a barn for 30 years. It took me two years of polishing to get the copper back up to a shine but it looks great now.

I cheated and used white vinyl contact paper on the rollers but after 30 years it still looks good and works well.

enjoy!

 

[runematic]

Great resto & videos!  I wish I had the time to redo one of mine.  Speaking of that......[COLOR=#ff0000; font-size: large]If anyone is traveling to central PA and would like to purchase a project grey ghost let me know.  I have probably 25-30 in my warehouse that I will never get to.  I need to move them out CHEAP![/COLOR]

 

[bradross]

Parts from your warehouse Todd?

Wow! 25-30 in your warehouse! Maybe you'd consider parting with a few parts?

I need the bushing that goes on the non-drive end of the bottom roller. It appears to be made of pot metal and mine broke, although I've repaired it somewhat with epoxy.

My list goes on ...

- bakelite knob for the on/off lever ... I received a replica that I ordered from an eBay seller specializing in old vehicles (Model A Ford had the same knob), but the threaded end won't fit.

- gasket for the drain pipe (the "elbow" that joins to the rubber drain hose at the bottom of the tub).

- castors?

Let me know! Thanks Todd.

 

[runematic]

Brad, let me see what's laying around up there.  I'm going to an auction tomorrow, but I am putting in more OT on Sunday so I'll see what could be parted out.

 

[jetcone]

someone needed a foot?

Mike?? Here are four.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAYTAG-WRINGER-WASHER-STEEL-CASTERS-ORIGINAL-VINTAGE-/170909854810?pt=Washing_Machines&hash=item27cb056c5a

 

[bradross]

Update - Video # 9 now released on YouTube

Hey there, everybody...did some more painting today, so all I've got left to do is the tub,wringer housing, and bottom portion of the wringer differential (the bulging part mid-way on the rear left leg, if that's what it is in fact called.)

I was excited to get the replacement replica knob for the gear shift. Not the exact replica, as it should be "mushroom" shaped, but this will do for now. Already spent $15.00 on it through an eBay seller. Maybe I'll find the real McCoy later.

Posted video # 9 on YouTube.

 

[wringer]

Hay Brad,

A price can't be placed on this beautiful gal. You have done a super job restoring her. LOVE the color. Didn't know they made one that color till you informed us. Can't wait to see more vid's. I still can't believe you were able to do all of this work in your apartment. Best !!

Jim