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.

 

[foraloysius]

Oh you, you, you genius! lol

 

[washerlover]

I am speechless! What an amazing feat and the amount of time and effort you put in is stupendous! Thank you for sharing and keeping the lives of our appliances going strong.

Todd

 

[aussie-plugs]

Just amazing!

What a summer you've had with your hobby. Well done!

 

[rapidry1000]

Robert

Amazing work!

 

[bajaespuma]

I'm amazed.

 

That light pink scrubber cap on the Roto-Swirl is giving me a woodie.

 

[gizmo]

Absolutely amazing!

Wow Robert, that is amazing.

 

Can you give us an outline of the process?

Were the molds 3D-printed?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Morning all, thanks for the kind words!

I guess u have already been asked about westinghouse boots, right ?
Oh yeah, those are going to be really complicated due to their intricate shape but I'm sure it could be figured out in time.

will you switch out all the original parts and use these new ones now ?
Hi Mike, yes if the originals are cracked, hard and discolored since they look and feel so close to the originals.

Were the molds 3D-printed?
Hi Chris, no the molds are made of silicone rubber. They are called two part molds and there are a ton of youtube videos on how to make two part molds out there. You build a mold box and embed half the part in clay. Then you mix and pour the silicone over one half. You then take it all part and turn it over, remove the clay, rebuild the box and pour the other half. Here are some pictures of my first mold I made, although later molds I have removed those vent sticks you see in these pictures as I found they are not necessary.

 

[swestoyz]

Fresh appliance jewelry!

Hey gang - it has been an absolute pleasure watching Robert learn this craft, as well as testing out a few samples through the summer. It is exciting to know that the technology behind the urethane products from some of the suppliers is much more UV resistant now than it was just a few years ago, with the hopes that Robert's hard work of color matching lasts as long as possible, through normal use.

I cannot wait to see what else can be reimagined in 2024 and beyond, not just by Robert but by others as well! I'd love to toss my hat in the ring at some point, too, and learn from the master.

A few photos from testing throughout the summer. The last set of action shots from the '58, as well as the '61, were taken today (3 through 8). What is hard to capture is just how close the colors are, both in terms of how they match each other between the two sets, but also how close to the original source they are. Robert has really done his homework in this area, and they are perfect and look exactly the same as the first day they were put into use.

The camera color balance throws the shading off, depending on shadows, lighting source, etc. The yellow of the lint chaser ring is spot on between the two washers, as well as the darkness of the turquoise on the agitator cap. In person, the turquoise isn't nearly as dark as it shows up in some of the photos.

Ben

 

[bajaespuma]

Wish list

At some point will you be willing to manufacture some of these to sell?

 

I'd like to pre order a set of those Filter Flo mounts in every color. Also, would you be able to fabricate the GE Filter-Flo flumes that seem to be made out of the same material?

 

Is there a possibility of doing a live seminar/demonstration of these techniques?

 

[Unimatic1140]

At some point will you be willing to manufacture some of these to sell?

Hi Ken, yes absolutely I'd like to try and make back some of my set-up costs, so I plan to sell GE Mounts and Kenmore Scrubber caps for $75 + shipping. Unfortunately these parts are expensive to make. I realize I'll never make it all back, but that's fine I did this for my machines and not to make a profit from this.

The filter-flo flume is something that I would like to tackle, however it is more challenging to make as I believe it was made split in half horizontally and then the top and bottom halves were vulcanized together. I may be able to use a process of gluing the two halves together with strong waterproof clear epoxy. I'm going to have to experiment in how to do this. I also need a really good original to do this and I'm not sure I have that is in good enough shape to make a master from.

Doing a live seminar wouldn't be possible as it takes nearly 48 hours to make a mold with all the steps involved. However there are a ton of great videos out there on making 2 part molds. This video uses Monster Clay, the same molding clay that I now use...

 

[wigwag]

Wow

This makes me so happy, Great job Robert!