More Collection Updates

I've been busy buying/selling vacuum cleaners over the past couple of months but finally got around to sharing what I've gotten in the past 1 1/2 months. I recently met a vacuum collector in my area that to my surprise, has a TON of vintage machines. Not only that, but he has several RARE machines. They are scattered around his basement and attic in a sea of parts. He was very generous to gift me these four machines that he managed to pull out of the mess. A B.O.L Kenmore Twin Fan, Birtman Kenmore Upright (Missing bumper), Universal Upright and a Watermatic Filter Magic III. He doesn't collect much any more but used to go out all the time and has amassed a lot of vacuums that are quite a site to see. He has literally as least one of everything that would be considered "vintage." I've never seen another Universal upright like this. He didn't know if the Kenmore or Universal ran because the cords were cut off, but I spliced cords on and they powered right up. The light on the universal still works. It appears that the only thing that's missing is the bumper. It really is like a slightly "sleeker" Hoover model 28 but with a disposable bag. I plan to go back there at some point and pick up some more machines. In an hour, I saw MAYBE half of what he has, not even up close.
Other finds:
-Eureka Hand Vac- bought at local benefit sale for a couple dollars. No attachments and it's missing the tool port cover. It works though.

-Bissell Sweeper- I've never seen one quite like this one. A neighbor gave it to me after they found it in their relative's house. It works surprisingly well but these things flare up so must dust when you use them.

-Fairfax- Ebay find. Works perfectly but missing the powerhead and tools. washed all the filters and fit a Kenmore O HEPA bag onto it, giving it much better airflow and filtration.

-Rainbow E2- Craigslist find. Came with all the basic tools and powerhead but no shampooer. Replaced HEPA filter and belt. Works perfectly. Bought a new separator and now it's somehow gotten stuck to the spindle. Any thoughts? I'm going to have it serviced within the next couple months because I like it's filtration and cleaning ability enough that I'll use it quite a lot.

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 6 View Full Size


Forum Topics & Rules Manuals & Literature	New users Click-here to sign-up

Post# 337931 11/22/2015 at 14:59 (3,069 days old) by FantomFan (Rochester, New York)
Checkrate/Likes 2 I've been busy buying/selling vacuum cleaners over the past couple of months but finally got around to sharing what I've gotten in the past 1 1/2 months. I recently met a vacuum collector in my area that to my surprise, has a TON of vintage machines. Not only that, but he has several RARE machines. They are scattered around his basement and attic in a sea of parts. He was very generous to gift me these four machines that he managed to pull out of the mess. A B.O.L Kenmore Twin Fan, Birtman Kenmore Upright (Missing bumper), Universal Upright and a Watermatic Filter Magic III. He doesn't collect much any more but used to go out all the time and has amassed a lot of vacuums that are quite a site to see. He has literally as least one of everything that would be considered "vintage." I've never seen another Universal upright like this. He didn't know if the Kenmore or Universal ran because the cords were cut off, but I spliced cords on and they powered right up. The light on the universal still works. It appears that the only thing that's missing is the bumper. It really is like a slightly "sleeker" Hoover model 28 but with a disposable bag. I plan to go back there at some point and pick up some more machines. In an hour, I saw MAYBE half of what he has, not even up close. Other finds: -Eureka Hand Vac- bought at local benefit sale for a couple dollars. No attachments and it's missing the tool port cover. It works though. -Bissell Sweeper- I've never seen one quite like this one. A neighbor gave it to me after they found it in their relative's house. It works surprisingly well but these things flare up so must dust when you use them. -Fairfax- Ebay find. Works perfectly but missing the powerhead and tools. washed all the filters and fit a Kenmore O HEPA bag onto it, giving it much better airflow and filtration. -Rainbow E2- Craigslist find. Came with all the basic tools and powerhead but no shampooer. Replaced HEPA filter and belt. Works perfectly. Bought a new separator and now it's somehow gotten stuck to the spindle. Any thoughts? I'm going to have it serviced within the next couple months because I like it's filtration and cleaning ability enough that I'll use it quite a lot. Photos... < > Photo 1 of 6 View Full Size

Post# 337960 , Reply# 1 11/23/2015 at 04:17 (3,069 days old) by fantomfan57 (Central Texas)
Checkrate/Likes *Is that tape on....* your Orange handvac? I fashioned a plug from a sink drain plug for mine. I took off the ring and shaved down the ring nub.

Post# 338007 , Reply# 2 11/23/2015 at 21:32 (3,068 days old) by kenkart ()
Checkrate/Likes *UNIVERSAL!!* Beautiful!

Post# 338019 , Reply# 3 11/24/2015 at 06:30 (3,068 days old) by FantomFan (Rochester, New York)
Checkrate/Likes *Thank You!* I'm very proud to have that. Now all I need is a Universal canister! The light still works too. I'm going to try to find a substitute for a plug on that Eureka Hand Vac. As much as I hate tape on vacuums, it will have to do for now.

Post# 338099 , Reply# 4 11/25/2015 at 23:22 (3,066 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)
Checkrate/Likes Great finds, diggin' the Kenmore!

Post# 338105 , Reply# 5 11/26/2015 at 08:09 (3,066 days old) by FantomFan (Rochester, New York)
Checkrate/Likes *Super-Sweeper* Which one? The white Birtman-built one or the green Twin Fan?