|
Thread Number: 42096
"Gray Ghost" Maytag wringer washer - finally! |
[Down to Last] |  |
| Post# 619890 8/24/2012 at 21:17 (4,255 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
I finally made it to the Hardware Hank store in Early, Iowa while on a 2-1/2 week road trip throughout the mid-west. Bought a model 30 that seems to be in good physical shape but is not running. Now the job of restoring it to hopefully working order. First off, I need the bakelite control knob... any ideas? Then I'll need to get a new motor. Unfortunately, the proprietor, Dick, doesn't have the inventory he once had. Some of you may remember a thread showing his yard FULL of old wringer washers.
| ||
|
| Post# 619901 , Reply# 1 8/24/2012 at 22:02 (4,255 days old) by qsd-dan (West) | ||
Motor If it's an original GE motor, those are very reliable. Take it apart and see if the brushes are still good.
I scored a 1921 Model 80 that sat for over 50 years. Still had the original GE motor. Filled up both oil ports with turbine oil and let it soak in while I installed a new cord. Fired right up and ran very quiet and smooth.
Finding the Bakelite knob might be chore, but I see parts for those Model 30's on Ebay quite often. | ||
| Post# 619919 , Reply# 2 8/24/2012 at 23:13 (4,255 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
HI Brad, HI Dan | ||
| Post# 619937 , Reply# 3 8/25/2012 at 00:42 (4,255 days old) by launderall (Minneapolis, MN Orig home to Listerine & pop up Toastmaster) | ||
Ford Model A | ||
| Post# 619941 , Reply# 4 8/25/2012 at 00:50 (4,255 days old) by qsd-dan (West) | ||
|
If I remember right the transmission gear shift is the same knob Ford used on the Model A.
Wow, now that you mention it, I think it was!
It sure looks the same as the gear shift knob in my grandfathers old '32 Model A. | ||
| Post# 619951 , Reply# 5 8/25/2012 at 01:16 (4,255 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
Brad  | ||
| Post# 619952 , Reply# 6 8/25/2012 at 01:29 (4,255 days old) by eddy1210 (Burnaby BC Canada) | ||
 | ||
| Post# 620015 , Reply# 8 8/25/2012 at 11:44 (4,255 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
|
Thanks, Jim | ||
| Post# 620101 , Reply# 9 8/25/2012 at 16:00 (4,254 days old) by wringer (x) | ||
|
??? New foot for the Cadillac???????????????? That went over my head LOL. I need further splanation as Ricky would say LOL Jim | ||
| Post# 620129 , Reply# 10 8/25/2012 at 17:50 (4,254 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
|
Jim How bout a "low-jical splanation," as that crazy Cuban would say. The machines have names: Commander, etc. Even the Blue Bell has a military name. I don't know them, so I just call my TOL a cadillac: you know, chrome switch, aluminmum crown, pump, hinged lid, the Caddy of the Maytags.
The machine is held up on one leg by a nice brick because one of the legs is missing a wheel, and the stump that slides into the leg. High time I broke down and got a new "foot" or tire is probably what I should have called it for my cadillac. If someone reveals the military names, I'll learn them this time.
dddddricky dddddricardo. | ||
Post# 620162 , Reply# 12 8/25/2012 at 19:52 (4,254 days old) by gansky1  (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
||
You were this close and didn't stop?? Awww, it would have been fun to meet you and see the Hardware Hank again. :-) Did he say what happened to his inventory? He used to have a huge storage "warehouse" a few blocks from the store, did he show you that? Perhaps that's gone now, they had a pretty bad storm and tornado a couple of years ago and it's been ages since I've been up there.
There are lots of these Gray Ghost washers still around, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the parts you need. | ||
| Post# 620184 , Reply# 13 8/25/2012 at 20:47 (4,254 days old) by qsd-dan (West) | ||
|
Just in case the motor is a lost cause... CLICK HERE TO GO TO qsd-dan's LINK on Saltlakecity Craigslist | ||
| Post# 620611 , Reply# 14 8/27/2012 at 12:23 (4,253 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Great info everybody!
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and info! I'll keep you all updated with the restoration progress. Also, will post some pics when I get home. Eddy - I see I missed your call. I'll call you Tuesday. Greg - sorry I was pressed for time and couldn't stop on Omaha... I did think about it since I was so close. Hopefully another time.
| ||
| Post# 622560 , Reply# 15 9/4/2012 at 14:40 (4,245 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Update on the restoration of the Model 30
Amazingly, as Dan suggested, the motor fired right up after spraying some "Liquid Wrench" around the pulley and drive shaft. This particular motor is marked "Maytag - Mfg for the Maytag Company built by Delco Products Corp., Div. of General Motors Corp, Dayton, Ohio".
The original belt is still serviceable, although a little frayed. Not bad for 79 years! After cleaning the pulleys and lubricating a few points, the agitator works just fine. However...potential big problem with the wringer gear assembly. The drive shaft for the lower wringer is seized. I'm trying to loosen it up with Liquid Wrench. Also, the hexagonal drive shaft on the bottom roller is stripped - not sure how I'm going to deal with that, short of sourcing a new roller. I'm going to check with a local machine shop to see if it can be repaired. I've ordered a new bakelite knob from a dealer on eBay - the same as on a Ford Model A gear shift! Photos and video of the restoration will be in a new Flickr album ... link attached. CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK 
| ||
| Post# 622868 , Reply# 16 9/5/2012 at 20:27 (4,243 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Video of new acquisition - Model 30 "Gray Ghost"
For anybody interested, I've posted a preliminary video of the Model 30 I recently acquired.
I'll post another video soon, showing the agitator in operation. CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK | ||
| Post# 623432 , Reply# 17 9/8/2012 at 13:51 (4,241 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Part 2 - Restoration Video
Hello everybody...just did a second video of the restoration process, showing the old washer in action!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK | ||
| Post# 623468 , Reply# 18 9/8/2012 at 18:18 (4,240 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
|
So far so good! | ||
| Post# 623531 , Reply# 19 9/9/2012 at 03:13 (4,240 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Video Part 3 now on YouTube
Washing a load! Drove down to Bellingham, Washington today to get two wringer assemblies from Lehmann's Maytag store - incidentally, the oldest Maytag dealer on the west coast and 4th oldest in the U.S.A. Third generation owner, Terry Lehmann, was most helpful and enthusiastic about my restoration project. He happened to have some parts from old machines hanging around, so I bought 2 wringer heads. Switched out the gear box and attached it to my existing wringer head and it works like a charm.
Part 4 will be uploaded to YouTube tomorrow - it shows the wringer in action. That will be all the video for a while - now that it's operational, I'll concentrate on aesthetic aspects of the restoration - shining up the aluminum, sanding off old paint, etc, in preparation for painting. Not sure yet what I'll do for paint - probably use something like Krylon. Can't imagine I'll be able to match that authentic gray/green color. Enjoy the vids! CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK 
| ||
| Post# 623588 , Reply# 20 9/9/2012 at 10:51 (4,240 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO) | ||
|
Hi Brad I used something called Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish on the crown of my E2L and it really worked great at finishing it out after you've used steel wool, SOS or whatever else the gets the top layer of gunk and corrosion off. You can buy the stuff at any Auto parts store. The project really looks good! Larry | ||
| Post# 624438 , Reply# 21 9/12/2012 at 11:52 (4,237 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Amazing paint color find -
Just had to post this, I'm so excited! Didn't think I'd be able to come close to matching the original Maytag green color, short of having the machine custom painted. Amazingly, "Valspar" spray paint makes a color called "Leaf Rising" which is almost identical to the original color.
I've painted the lid (easy part!), now for the rest of the machine (hard part!) 
| ||
| Post# 624450 , Reply# 22 9/12/2012 at 12:57 (4,237 days old) by mixfinder () | ||
|
Gasoline Grandma bought her first Maytag with a gasoline engine from a door to door salesman in 1933. Years later it was converted to electricity and it was my mom's first washer when we got running water in 1963. | ||
|
Post# 624461 , Reply# 23 9/12/2012 at 13:33 (4,237 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
||
 | ||
| Post# 624537 , Reply# 24 9/12/2012 at 19:52 (4,236 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
|
Brad | ||
| Post# 624597 , Reply# 25 9/13/2012 at 02:07 (4,236 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Stan
I did completely sand off the old paint and corrosion off the lid. The Valspar paint goes on very smoothly and dries quickly. However, I think it will take several days to completely "cure", as it still seems slightly soft - as in, it will scratch with a finger nail right now. Hopefully it will cure completely hard. I'll keep you posted!
| ||
| Post# 624599 , Reply# 26 9/13/2012 at 02:34 (4,236 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
|
Brad
I'm guessing that this paint is new to you, and I'm also guessing that your going to wait to see how the lid turns out before moving on to the body LOL
A suggestion would be to sand and "prime" (maybe a scratch filling primer) a section, on say the back part of the wringer, or some small part, and then paint. Just to see if it affects drying and curing, and of course final look! Great color match! do you have decals for it! Had a chance to get one of these a few years back for $20.00 and passed it up because of the gravity drain. The next day I thought OMG I could have added a electric pump, with a hidden switch! Now I want one (model 30) just make that happen LOL | ||
| Post# 625158 , Reply# 28 9/15/2012 at 11:28 (4,234 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
Nice catch, Brad. There is always something neat about the Ghosts! I, too, will be watching with interest how the great paint experiment ends up as there is a good possibility that a gas powered Ghost may be in my future ( fingers crossed here...).
If anything, it's a great find as you managed to get the elusive Mr. Delp to make a rare appearance! We miss ya, Geoff! Please don't be such a stranger ;^) RCD | ||
| Post# 625252 , Reply# 30 9/15/2012 at 20:15 (4,233 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Decals
Thanks for the info Jim - and yes, I've already been in touch with Kevin the "decal guy". Will be ordering in the weeks to come.
For those interested, I'm posting Vids 7 and 8 showing a load washing and rinsing. CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK | ||
| Post# 625517 , Reply# 31 9/16/2012 at 20:50 (4,232 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
|
Hi Brad | ||
| Post# 625532 , Reply# 32 9/16/2012 at 21:38 (4,232 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
|
| ||
| Post# 625544 , Reply# 33 9/16/2012 at 22:56 (4,232 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
|
I think | ||
| Post# 625546 , Reply# 34 9/16/2012 at 23:14 (4,232 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO) | ||
|
The E2L Holds 18 gal while the J and the N hold slightly less at 16 gal. | ||
| Post# 625558 , Reply# 35 9/17/2012 at 01:02 (4,232 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Model 30 tub capacity
From what I can tell, the "gray ghost" model 30's tub capacity is the same as the E2, so that would make it about 18 gallons.
On another note, does anybody know the reason why Maytag went from the tall center post design (as in the Model 30) to the low post in post-war models (as in the E2, J2, N2)? | ||
| Post# 626015 , Reply# 39 9/18/2012 at 21:56 (4,230 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 1
Here are four shots taken today after painting the two front legs ... I decided, at least for the time being, not to detach the legs for painting. In an apartment, I have such limited working space, I think this is the easier method for now.
However, not sure how I'll get the tub re-painted with wonderful results without removing it entirely. Will cross that bridge later! BTW - thanks to those who recommended "Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish" - it really works wonders! Just look at the shine on the cap of the gyratator and the crown of the tub! 
| ||
| Post# 626016 , Reply# 40 9/18/2012 at 21:57 (4,230 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 1 | ||
| Post# 626017 , Reply# 41 9/18/2012 at 22:00 (4,230 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 3
Photo # 3 Note: the pulley/belt shroud was initially painted with Tremclad "RV White" rust paint, as it was the only stuff I had around at the time and I wanted to see the effect. It matched the beige lower roller in the wringer, which is an interesting look. However, I'll probably paint it green later.
The bakelite knob for the gear shift is in transit - hope it comes soon! 
| ||
| Post# 626018 , Reply# 42 9/18/2012 at 22:01 (4,230 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Pics of the paint job in progress - Photo 4 | ||
| Post# 626025 , Reply# 44 9/18/2012 at 22:49 (4,230 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Painting the tub
Geoff - I'm actually very pleased with the results of that "Valspar" paint from Lowe's. I sprayed it pretty heavily on the lid, so it took about 5 days to really harden, but it's fine now.
Regarding the challenge of painting the tub - I have no concern about the Valspar paint adhering to the aluminum. I just think it would make for a more "even" paint job if the tub was off and painted. But I think I'll just go ahead and do it with the tub attached. When I've got that done, I'll order the decals from the guy in Ohio. | ||
| Post# 626026 , Reply# 45 9/18/2012 at 23:12 (4,230 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO) | ||
|
LOOKS GREAT BRAD!!! How do you spray paint in an apartment? I couldn't do it in my basement. I did some in the garage then found white paint dust had settled on everything. I did the rest in the back yard. That's the reason I used a roller in the body. Keep up the good work. She's gonna look sweeeeeet!! | ||
| Post# 626027 , Reply# 46 9/18/2012 at 23:26 (4,230 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
|
Hello Brad This eighth video was so satisfying, seeing a 79 year old struttin' his stuff like a teenager, hearing you admit how well it removes stains, and watching the colorful load in clear water turn over so rhythmically. How quiet, a hush! The stroke looks just a bit slower than that of the offspring--Yes? The new pix are dazzling. Love the ON OFF and the stick shift. Never really gave Gray Ghosts a second look, nor appreciated them till now. So thanks. CLICK HERE TO GO TO mickeyd's LINK | ||
| Post# 626459 , Reply# 49 9/20/2012 at 22:31 (4,228 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Tub capacity
Hi Geoff ... thanks for that bit of info. You beat me to the punch as I was going to post a note today after doing a couple of loads in the old beauty. I emptied the tub with three-and-a-half 5-gallon buckets, so I was thinking it must be around 17 gallons as well.
As far as the painting in the apartment goes - fortunately I have a corner unit and get a good cross-draft. Otherwise, I don't think I'd be able to do it. I've included a pic taken today - the underside of the lid has polished up beautifully with some elbow grease, sandpaper, and finally Mother's Mag Polish. The inside of the tub is more of a challenge, but it's coming along slowly. I'm using both 100 grit sandpaper and after a wash, I scrub it with SOS pads. 
| ||
| Post# 626489 , Reply# 50 9/21/2012 at 01:08 (4,228 days old) by stan (Napa CA) | ||
|
100 grit sandpaper? | ||
| Post# 626511 , Reply# 51 9/21/2012 at 05:09 (4,228 days old) by oldwasherguy (Ladson SC) | ||
Maytag wringers | ||
|
Post# 626513 , Reply# 52 9/21/2012 at 06:56 (4,228 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
||
Nice job Brad
I really like that green, never knew they had that. I'd always seen flat gray around here. Can't wait to see the tub painted. I think everyone should have a wringer in the collection, my Easy was lying on its side in a barn for 30 years. It took me two years of polishing to get the copper back up to a shine but it looks great now.
I cheated and used white vinyl contact paper on the rollers but after 30 years it still looks good and works well. enjoy! | ||
| Post# 626529 , Reply# 53 9/21/2012 at 09:14 (4,228 days old) by runematic (southcentral pa) | ||
 | ||
| Post# 626573 , Reply# 54 9/21/2012 at 13:31 (4,228 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Parts from your warehouse Todd?
Wow! 25-30 in your warehouse! Maybe you'd consider parting with a few parts?
I need the bushing that goes on the non-drive end of the bottom roller. It appears to be made of pot metal and mine broke, although I've repaired it somewhat with epoxy. My list goes on ... - bakelite knob for the on/off lever ... I received a replica that I ordered from an eBay seller specializing in old vehicles (Model A Ford had the same knob), but the threaded end won't fit. - gasket for the drain pipe (the "elbow" that joins to the rubber drain hose at the bottom of the tub). - castors? Let me know! Thanks Todd. | ||
| Post# 626600 , Reply# 55 9/21/2012 at 15:56 (4,227 days old) by runematic (southcentral pa) | ||
|
| ||
|
Post# 626735 , Reply# 56 9/22/2012 at 08:08 (4,227 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
||
|
someone needed a foot? | ||
| Post# 627558 , Reply# 57 9/25/2012 at 19:54 (4,223 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
Update - Video # 9 now released on YouTube
Hey there, everybody...did some more painting today, so all I've got left to do is the tub,wringer housing, and bottom portion of the wringer differential (the bulging part mid-way on the rear left leg, if that's what it is in fact called.)
I was excited to get the replacement replica knob for the gear shift. Not the exact replica, as it should be "mushroom" shaped, but this will do for now. Already spent $15.00 on it through an eBay seller. Maybe I'll find the real McCoy later. Posted video # 9 on YouTube. CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK 
| ||
| Post# 762805 , Reply# 60 6/10/2014 at 15:22 (3,601 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
|
That is indeed a Model 30...
Hello T,
Congrats on your antique model 30 acquisition! I think they are a fantastic testament to American engineering and reliability of an era long since past. They are built like tractors! Essentially with care, one should last indefinitely - mine is from 1935. To address a couple of your concerns: 1). The splashing - 180 degree arc in the agitation sounds right. Did you fill the tub to the water line indicated on the agitator? If not, it certainly would splash more than mine in the video. 2). The "drive block" is the square part on top of the post - it is typically loose, and in fact, if the machine is running without the shift lever engaged, and the agitator is removed, you will notice the drive block actually moves ever so slightly back and forth (in spite of not being engaged.) As for the rounded shape on top, that is the design. Personally, I wouldn't mess with it. 3). Removing scale on the washtub and agitator - I used SOS pads followed by fine-grit sandpaper. Then, fill the tub with extremely hot water and add a non-corrosive / non-oxygenated detergent (such as Original formula Tide). Agitate for a few minutes, or for that matter, do a load of whites while you're at it. Periodically, I would suggest polishing with "Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish" - it is amazing for polishing the crown and agitator to a mirror-like finish. | ||
|
Post# 762843 , Reply# 61 6/10/2014 at 18:37 (3,600 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois) |
||
|
Brad HI Kid, Love you washer; you did a superb job of restoring that. I hope all is well? Gary | ||
| Forum Index: |
| Other Forums: |
|
|
|
|
|
Comes to the Rescue!
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}