My Summer of Vintage Washer Rubber Reproduction

[Unimatic1140]

Hi everyone, a few years back many of you may remember when Bud (sfh074) began making beautiful reproductions of Frigidaire rubber agitator parts. Then John E. (gyromatic) reproduced the rubber bladder for the Whirlpool combo transmission, enabling them to spin again. I knew that, at some point, I wanted to do something similar. This spring and summer, I finally took the time to learn how to make silicone molds to reproduce the original rubber parts that so many vintage washers use. My molds are made out of silicone rubber and the parts themselves are made out of urethane rubber with fillers to achieve the look and feel of the original parts.

The learning process came with its challenges, and I had to invest in some new equipment. One of the hardest tasks was getting the colors to match very closely to the original colors. To achieve this, I studied color theory and figured out how to do it consistently so that all the parts match every time.

Here are the parts I’ve started with:
- GE Filter-Flo Mounts 1955-1959
- Kenmore Scrubber Caps 1959-1968
- Frigidaire Detergent Caps 1959 & 1960
- Lint Chaser Rings 1958-1964
- Circulator Rings 1958-1964

 

[Unimatic1140]

The GE Filter-Flo mounts are just beautiful when brand new. I had an unused, new-old-stock Filter-Flo replacement mount to use as the original model to make the mold. The pan is held firmly and does not slip at all.

Here is one of my new reproduction mounts on Ben's gorgeous 1958 GE...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Kenmore Scrubber Caps in the Original Gray and Other Fun Colors...

I just love these Kenmore caps! While they originally came in dark gray and harvest gold, now we can make scrubber caps in any color we wish. These were the outer covers mounted on a special plastic cap made specifically for the scrubbers. I had an original in excellent shape, except it was missing 17 nubs. I was able to glue 17 good nubs from another cap onto my model for making the mold. It actually turned out really well, even though I wasn't sure what to expect. The turquoise is so pretty, but it almost feels naughty using it, lol.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Frigidaire 3-Ring Agitator parts:

I’ve got the 1959 detergent cap made as well as the 1960. However the 1960 mold needs to be redone as there are some imperfections that I’d like to correct. The Lint Chaser and Circulator rings have come out well. I’ve also made a clear demonstration cap to see all the splashing inside the detergent dispenser without having that cap off. I call it “all the drama without the mess”. Having the cap off during agitation with the lid open is way splashy and water goes everywhere lol.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I had to buy some new equipment to make these parts look and feel as professional as possible: an air compressor, vacuum chamber and pump, pressure pot, vibration table, and a high-accuracy scale. I spent over $5,000 on equipment and experimenting with liquid polyurethane rubber to get the look and feel as close to the originals as possible. While I will likely never recoup the $5K, I do plan on selling some of these parts to help cover some of the setup costs. Obviously, I didn’t do this for profit—my main goal was to restore all the old, discolored, and cracking rubber parts for my machines.

 

[pulltostart]

Robert,

This is just awesome!  What an achievement, for each item.  I love the fire engine red scrubber cap in the pink Kenmore - sexy!

 

I know of one 1958 Filter-flo that now resides in Texas that needs the appropriate Activator cap.  Hopefully Melvin will grab one from you.

 

Congratulations on a swell job.

 

lawrence

 

[syndets2000]

I guess u have already been asked about westinghouse boots, right ? Lolol

 

[pulsator]

Robert!!!! These are stunning! How exciting to be able to make these parts again for even mintier vintage machines! That turquoise Kenmore cap is awesome!

 

[repairguy]

Great job Robert! I’m glad that you have experimented with remaking these parts to the point of perfection. I was hoping someone that enjoys our hobby would get into this.

 

[peteski50]

Rubber Reproduction

Robert this is really great - I like all the colors
Peter

 

[gyrafoam]

That takes a good bit of work. Those came out beautifully. Those of us who have large collections of machines can always use some of these. I can use some of all three! Just advise when you are ready to sell some!

 

[chestermikeuk]

Vintage Washer Rubber Reproduction

Wow Robert - You have been busy & creative, they look fabulous, will you switch out all the original parts and use these new ones now ?

Would be interested to see how the process is completed at some point , I`m sure a certain "Lincolnite" will be interested in the process Lol..

 

[petek]

Fabulous

I wish I had one iota of your drive.

 

[angus]

This is literally amazing. Such a labor of love - given the amount of research, expense and attention to detail you had to embrace to make this effort successful. I think a standing ovation is in order. Truly in awe.....

 

[sambootoo]

IMPRESSIVE to say the least. As always, thanks for your attention and dedication

 

[reactor]

kudos on your achievement

Robert, rarely am I at a loss for words, but I can't come up with the necessary superlatives to describe your achievement of the reproduction of those vintage parts.

That truly is phenomenal. Those parts looks indistinguishable from the original. The ability to teach yourself the process and master it speaks volumes of your abilities.

You might be surprised at the marketability of vintage polymer parts. There is one man who I have purchased from, who makes just replacement rubber rings for vintage Sunbeam vacuum coffee pots.

Another gentleman made a very nice supplemental income from selling reproduced parts in general (eg. circuit boards, etc.) and services (eg. motor rewinding, bearing replacement) for General Electric "Elec-Trak" Lawn Tractors. I purchased many things from him.

Just we members on Aw.org could keep you knee deep in orders, as you expand your line, lol.

Whether you choose to do this fabrication on a limited basis or expand with an online market, I commend you on the quality of your product and the dedication of the time and energy to learn and master the process.

 

[qsd-dan]

Now, That's Dedication!

Amazing job on those recreations, learning the entire process, and getting it down pat.

Wouldn't have guessed you had one of those newfangled Kitchenaid dishwashers in your collection (KDS-20)

 

[gansky1]

 

 

Yes Chef!

 

I never had any doubt you'd crack the recipe and get these parts as good as or better than new.  I can't wait to see them in person.

 

[golittlesport]

Oh my gosh! Amazing! Your attention to detail is unmatched, as is your dedication to maintaining your spectacular collection. I love the fun colors on the Kenmore scrubber caps! Thank you for always taking the time to document and share what you've been up to.