My latest restoration project - - - Maytag Model 90 Wringer Washer

[bradross]

Hello everybody,

Thought I'd share with those interested - my latest restoration project is taking place at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. I'm working on a Maytag Model 90, which has some significant differences from the Model 30, particularly those of the power unit (transmission) and shift lever, shape of the wringer assembly (it has a visible drain board below the lower roll), as well differences with the base and motor mount arrangement.

I'm still awaiting word on the manufacture date (thank you in advance, Geoff D!), but Model 90s were in production between 1927 and 1930.

There will be photos and videos documenting the restoration process, so that there will be a record not only for me, but also for the museum archives. This is sort of a dream-come-true for me ... doing what I love to do on somebody else's budget. Of course, I am donating my time, which I estimate will be about 48 hours.

Hope you enjoy viewing the progress!

P.S. If anybody has spare parts for the Model 90, I need to replace the wringer guide bar that clips onto the two screws at each end of the housing.

http://https//www.flickr.com/photos/44623676@N05/sets/72157651439960122/

 

[stan]

Hi Brad

I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress.
Do you happen to know if either the model 90 or the model 30 ever came with a pump option?

 

[christfr]

ITS GONNA BE AWESOME WHEN YOUR DONE

 

[bradross]

Pump ...

Hey Stan ... not sure if the Model 90 came with a pump option, but the Model 30 definitely did. I've been searching for one, but missed a couple on ebay, as they were too far away and price was too high.

I've attached a few pics of Model 30WP (W-with P-pump). Interesting, later Maytag dropped the "W" in the model numbers with pump (eg. E2LP, J2LP, N2LP).

 

[Ultramatic]

YAY!

 

 

Your restorations are always perfection. Looking forward to seeing this one step by step.

 

[bradross]

Thanks, Louie!

I do the best I can - but I can tell you that this project is especially fun as I have access to power tools! I'm working in a nice, warm workshop with access to grinders, polishers, sanders and more! And I don't have to put all my work away when I'm finished for the night.

One thing early on that I would like to share with those interested in old wringer washers - I was able to rejuvenate the top (soft) wringer roll that initially appeared to be disintegrated. Using a belt sander, I slowly rotated the roll, moving it also from side to side and just look at this before-and-after shot ...

The machine had been left in the hot sun and the top roller was literally bubbled and melted onto the lower one. By removing the outer 1/8" or so, I got down to perfectly good, sound rubber.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

You mean to tell me that your other restorations were without power tools? Now I'm REALLY impressed! Wow, that roller looks NEW!

 

[jeb]

Maytag restor.

Hello Brad. I too am restoring 2 Maytag "gray ghosts" models 72 and 90. I have a question about paint color. Many of the restorations use a darker grey color and the Maytag collectors sight shows a dark grey color for these models, but the original paint left on them is clearly a very light grey, even under screws and places that never had sun or a chance to oxidise. Did Maytag use different shades of grey for different models/years ? I also have a question about decal stickers. I have seen the same model with different decals in the same place. Did Maytag use different decals on the same model? I would like to use the appropriate decals but one of mine is completely gone and I can only make out the outline of the other. Thanks Jeff

 

[bradross]

Color shades and decals for the Model 90...

Hey Jeff ... to answer your questions, yes to both. To my knowledge, the color was always a light gray and from what I've learned, it changed to a grayish-green with the Models A and 30. That is why for this restoration, I have chosen a dove-gray shade, and I'll be using the red script lettering for the front decal.

Regarding decals, Maytag did change them within the same model number. Kevin Fisher is my source for authentic decals (he's a member of the Maytag Collector's Club). Here's the link to the list of decals for various models...

http://www.maytagclub.com/images/maytagdecals.pdf

 

[bradross]

The restoration is completed! Here are some pics ...

After 3 weeks, the restoration job is completed. I feel very honored in that the museum is going to have an official "unveiling" party on April 17, presenting my work to employees and fellow volunteers!

As a note, my original estimate of 48 hours work turned into 83 hours!

More pics and video posted on Flickr, should you be interested in seeing more.

http://https//www.flickr.com/photos/44623676@N05/sets/72157651439960122/

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

WOW Brad! Beautiful work as always. It's because of your detailed work  I so like Maytag wringers!

 

[gpevas]

Amazing!!!!!

 

[toploader55]

Incredible.

Gorgeous Restoration.

 

Flawless too.

 

[countryguy]

Wow, amazing job! Well done.

Gary

 

[stricklybojack]

Love to watch..

.
the transformation, thx for posting.

 

[bradross]

Thanks for all the positive feedback!

It was a "labor of love", and I'm pleased with the results too!

 

[rpms]

Do you think sanding the rollers would work on all wringers or just Maytags?
I have seen some sad rollers on good machines. It was always a deal breaker for me.

 

[bradross]

Sanding/rejuvenating rollers...

@rpms Brian, I think it would be worth a try for any rollers that have surface damage. As long as the shaft is still firmly attached to the roll, nothing really to lose in trying. In the case of this restoration, I thought the upper roll was beyond help and yet it turned out beautifully.

One thing I would caution against is sanding down much more than 1/8" (that makes a total reduction in diameter of 1/4"), as that could affect the effectiveness of the preset tension on a Maytag. Although, you could tighten the tension spring nuts to compensate.

I've also lightly sanded the rollers on my 1948 Kenmore and it made them look better, but then they weren't in bad shape to begin with.

 

[yogitunes]

OUTSTANDING JOB!!!

unreal of the night and day difference.....simply amazing Brad.....