My latest restoration project - late 1940s wringer washer...

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

bradross

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Messages
734
Location
New Westminster, BC., Canada
First, here's a reference to a previous thread from "rpms" showing an advertisement in the Eaton's catalog for a similar washer, although he stated that he did not know the brand. (Ref.: Thread # 50833 Post# 731273)

I picked up this machine yesterday - a late 1940s model manufactured by Fairgrieve and Son, Ltd, of Toronto (1885-1971). This company had the contract with Eaton's department store for wringer washers, including the "Viking" brand (not to be confused with Viking brand ranges.)If anybody can help out with the name of this model, please speak uup!

My biggest challenge in the restoration is the "stupid" spigot drain. Why manufacturers chose this design, rather than a drain hose, is beyond me! The screw is made of aluminum and the spigot of an apparently cheap metal that has rusted extensively - so much so, that it's going to be a challenge getting the screw stopper out. I've already broken off a chunk at the top in an attempt to loosen it. I think I'm going to have to resort to drilling out the stopper, fearing any irreversible damage to the spigot/pipe.

Of particular interest (for me) on this machine is the cast aluminum 3-vane agitator with an attractive crown-shaped brass cap.

The motor is a Delco, and the transmission is direct drive.

The last photo in the set is from the Craigslist advertisement.

bradross-2018081120531003607_1.jpg

bradross-2018081120531003607_2.jpg

bradross-2018081120531003607_3.jpg

bradross-2018081120531003607_4.jpg

bradross-2018081120531003607_5.jpg

bradross-2018081120531003607_6.jpg
 
Very nice machine

Brad,

congrats.

Tt looks great !

To see things such as this encourages myself, vis-a-vis my antique Hoover wringer project for 2019
 
Congratulations on a job well done! That machine looks spectacular. Really like what you did with the wringer head and the idea of putting a control on the drain.

I recently picked up an old McGraw Edison wringer and I've been tinkering with it a bit. Although in good shape the white paint isn't great on parts of the Lovell wringer head so I may do what you did and give it a coat of paint. Did you use a chemical paint remover to get the old paint off or just the wire brush?

Once again great job!
 
To answer some questions...

Gary ... yes, the agitator does produce fairly good rollover, although not as good as a Maytag. I found as long as it's not loaded too heavily, the rollover is fine. Love that agitator with its decorative bronze cap shaped something like a crown!

James ... for paint, I used Rustoleum's Appliance Epoxy. If you're careful in your application, the result is a very professional, almost factory-like appearance.
 
Further to James' question ...

To remove old paint, I use a bench grinder with a wire wheel, and also some hand sanding. A small wire brush head on the end of a drill works well for hard-to-reach corners and grooves.
 
Hey Mike ... no, this one's not for my collection, unfortunately. It's going to a friend who lives on a farm. This is my first "commissioned" work, although I'm not making any profit on it, as I'm not charging her for my labor. She's really excited about finally getting a wringer washer!
 
Back
Top