History Channel: American Restoration

[mrb627]

I rolled over in bed and the TV was on the History Channel. I was watching a show called "American Restoration" and they were restoring an old Kelvinator Refrigerator. Has anyone else seen this show? In front of the showroom they have a Maytag Wringer that I assume they have restored.

Malcolm

 

[autowasherfreak]

I haven't seen, but it sounds interesting.

 

[toploader55]

Yes !!!

I stumbled upon it.
If the show takes off, That will be the end of $50.00 Vintage Machines. People will want $500.00 and up for a non working model.

Just my doom and gloom side of the story. Imagine if AW.org got hooked up with this show ???

 

[mrb627]

Who Will Lead Us?

Well, I think some of our more gifted members should begin to restore older machines and up them for sale. Who wouldn't want a machine sand blasted and restored to perfection white glove delivered to their doorstep?

Malcolm

 

[toploader55]

What I mean is...

I picked up a KDC 18 about a month ago. Nice Older Couple I thought. He wanted $160.00 which I told him that was ridiculous price . He said the machine was worth every penny. I took my handtruck and was on my way out the door when he stopped me and I paid $80.00. Which was still overpriced.
I guess my point is once the word gets out there is a market for older machines everybody is going to think they have a gem and ask outragious prices for older machines.

BTW the Custom was in tough shape. It looked clean on the outside, I was in a rush and he had the door taped closed which should have been the first Red Flag. There is a little rust in the sump where I found an accumulation of broken glass that was probably grinding away at the porcelain for years. Why don't people check the sump more often and clean filters ???

 

[goatfarmer]

Yeeeccchhh....

It's an offshoot of "Pawn Stars". That's the guy Rick always takes his items that need restored to.
I also agree, the price of vintage machines is going to go up when people see this kind of show. That old rusty 'fridge in the basement that someone couldn't give away is now going on Craigslist for $500.00, with "restored, it's worth thousands"! or similar.
He looks on the internet, where the guys in Arizona or Georgia restore appliances, and think his are worth the same. But the difference, this guy in Vegas used the original compressor, where the other guys use all new. And the Vegas guy made a freezer door for the Kelvy, where I think the other guys use original parts.
I had a 47 Firestone 'fridge that I sanded and painted, removed the dents, new gasket and wiring, polished the emblems, etc. I felt lucky to get $100.00 for it.

BTW, I had that exact same Kelvy 'fridge that I scrapped about a month ago. I'm gettng too many, needed the room. Mine was a bit more rusty, but it was complete with all the shelves, drawers, etc.

 

[mrb627]

Parts

He did say that he tries to locate parts on the internet and if unsuccessful, he has to manufacture them.

I would like to see how he would handle rebuilding a Kenmore FrogEye...

Malcolm

 

[toploader55]

Hi Ken

That's exactly what I am trying to say. Somebody might have a KD 10 that's got rusty Racks and a seized Wash Arm finds out about AW and the next thing they are trying to sell it for $400.00.

BTW just fired up the Whirlpool... Still running beautifully.

 

[polkanut]

I happened to stumble across this show last night as well, and I have to agree that prices may start to skyrocket. The Maytag in front of the shop was a Model N2LP from what I could see.

But, you have to admit that Rick Dale does a fantastic job considering what some of the stuff looks like when it comes into the shop.

 

[danmantn]

Lehman's (sp?) already sells reconditioned Maytag wringers...fo nearly $1,000. I would love to buy some old washers that were thoroughly reconditioned, but not really any place to buy them.

 

[paulg]

It'll be a fad

Personally I think that there will be a rush to buy old stuff and refurb it by the general viewing public... for a while.
Rebuilding this stuff... and seeing it through... and KEEPING it working takes talent and dedication... I don't think the general populous will take to this hobby for very long. After their first seized bearing or busted bolt, they'll go running away.
I do hope it sprouts new talent though - especially those who have a passion for this stuff like the inhabitants of this website.

 

[whirlcool]

I think those people who add the "would be worth $1,000. restored" should restore it first. Then they would see how true their statement really is.

We already have enough people gouging for worn out vintage appliances. We don't need anymore!

Greed, pure and simple.

 

[appnut]

bit more rusty, but it was complete with all the shelves, dr

Kenny, did you save any of those "complete" parts, especially the ones which have a tendency to be "missing" from most other units or are hard to find period?

 

[goatfarmer]

I saved what I could, the drawers, the control, the freezer door.