Thread Number: 3866
Salvation Army Thrift Store Red Day |
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Post# 44005   6/16/2008 at 21:34 (5,785 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Pursuing close-to-home means to get my boat's engine lift hydraulic pump fixed I was in Woodstock today and stopped by the Sally Ann. It's embarrassing how little these cost. Flawless Fairfax with Fax-A-Matic power nozzle. I have an earlier chrome model with no power outlet. Slightly paintchipped maroon & speckled gray Tristar & matching power nozzle - with the sexy Compact shape before Tristar redesigned it in tghe 1990s. There's no model number (how about C-10?) so I'm assuming it is right around 1986 to 1998 because of the wider bumper band? The paper bag was full to the top with dirt, sawdust and plaster dust that has hardened into a solid mass. Had to chip at it carefully to get the bolus out but all is well. Cloth bag still good and unstained, suction fantastic as Compacts are. Found the red Electrolux floor brush inside the bag compartment, under the bag. I remember Doug Smith & I saw this colour model in a Regina Vacuum Shop, in for repairs. It was pretty bashed up with an industrial cord and missing wheels - they said it was used regularly on a Canada Forces Cargo Transport, I think. Doug? |
Post# 44007 , Reply# 1   6/16/2008 at 21:42 (5,785 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Oh lucky day! Flawless unscratched or dented two shelf - with shelf paper - chrome breadbox & canister set. plastic base Sunbeam Mixmaster 5 speed/burst-of-power with beater storage on the handle. Groovey space shape. No bowls - no problem. :-) Incredible PHILCO dual power portable tube AM radio. Has a roll top type cover for the dials and display. All wood and leatherette. Astounding condition. Also has a plug inside for a portable record player. |
Post# 44008 , Reply# 2   6/16/2008 at 21:43 (5,785 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44010 , Reply# 3   6/16/2008 at 22:00 (5,785 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Bear in mind that ALL of this, from vacuums to this hideously executed pseudo FLW/Arts&Crafts 4-bulb monstrosity of a table lamp, came to a grand total of just under $50!!! Now then, I see tasteful possibilities for this lamp base. It is actually pieced together soldered foil wrapped glass, btw. Must have been a pricey item when new. So, I will remove the ridiculous double shades and the schmancy shade supports and replace them with short square tube. 'Design' an 'appropriated from the FLW design book' new long rectangular shade (made up by a good friend here who can de-construct the octagonal shades reusing the rectangular banding strips as a border under green glass panels) that fits low to the top of the base frame. It'll always be an obvious fake but it will look 'Wright' LOL |
Post# 44043 , Reply# 5   6/17/2008 at 06:39 (5,784 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44044 , Reply# 6   6/17/2008 at 06:54 (5,784 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)   |   | |
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Post# 44052 , Reply# 7   6/17/2008 at 10:15 (5,784 days old) by petek (Ontario)   |   | |
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Golden Horseshoes with that radio!!!!!! I've got to get over to Woodstock.. just drove by the other day but couldn't stop with mom and sis in the car, her having spent the week in T.O. hospital.. they wouldn't understand LOL |
Post# 44053 , Reply# 8   6/17/2008 at 10:32 (5,784 days old) by logan ()   |   | |
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Those red Tristars are hard to find. Congratulations. I always thought that was a very "fitting" color for a Tristar. It makes it look very classy. |
Post# 44090 , Reply# 10   6/17/2008 at 16:52 (5,784 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)   |   | |
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Post# 44101 , Reply# 11   6/17/2008 at 19:32 (5,784 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()   |   | |
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What a RADIO! Man, you are lucky! The Fairfax and Tristar look excellent as well! Good for you! (You always seem to get some great finds going thrifting!) ~~K~~ |
Post# 44126 , Reply# 12   6/17/2008 at 23:11 (5,784 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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pPhillip, you might be right as this Fairfax is all chrome with no vent holes at all in the solid Powerdome, excepting the exhaust port. My other Fairfax has a concentric ring type heat vent slotting in the very top of the dome only and no power socket. I have a manual for the Fairfax with the white tub and scalloped vents around the dome, that shows the power nozzle. Pete, Logan and Sandy...the very first vacuum I ever paid for - $5 - way back in the 1970s was/is a bashed & trashed mustard yellow flower power Compact (C8?) in very sad condition. I dragged that sorry looking vacuum around everywhere from first rooming house to apartments to lofts to this house as I moved onward and upward as the daily driver, even as other vacuums joined the parade. Back in 1987 I sandblasted and painted that pig Hammer tone gray and it continued as the daily driver, kept at the ready under the ironing board. Man, those Compacts can suck and have been a favorite rugged vacuuming beast! So yeah, I have a few now all gathered together up in the Pig Pen Palace in the attic with cousins Vortech Force and Halley's Comet. The two turquoise ones are different shades, btw. I agree the red Tristar is a classy colour combo and its the only other one besides the C-8 that takes a flower nozzle. Kyle, it ain't always just dumb luck - it's getting down on yer hands & knees under dark filthy tables and following that hose. :-) DSandy, thank you so much for the overview. It is marked CXL and has 3 star shapes printed on the side - the nameplate is infortunately missing, as is usual. I cannot find a two speed switch, tho. On the vacuum's bottom a long metal plate screws on to a channel carrying the power cords to the socket, I expect. "if you have to go inside it for service, you will find what you should find inside a vacuum cleaner- a motor, a fan, a switch, and some wiring, period. No hinky electronics, no weird-science suction controls, just the pieces you need to get the job of vacuuming done." Quite right, Sandy, and as you know I strip down every vacuum that comes in to this house, give it a good going over and a carwash before it proudly joins VacuumVille's happy citizenry. |
Post# 44130 , Reply# 14   6/17/2008 at 23:50 (5,784 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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and vacuuming, of course. Kyle, I took it into work tonight, checked it over, plugged it in, turned it on and after a 60 second wait the tubes warmed up and it trumpoeted forth! Tuned it to our local Cracker AM station and wow...that's how AM radio is supposed to sound. Full rich warm mono filled the room. You can't turn the volume past halfway 'cause it's too loud for the indoors at that point. LOL but I did and it doesn't distort...it's simply too loud. So this is the perfect beach party/camp ground shindig radio. It's a Davy Keeper. It'll be fun researching what year it came out and what battery voltage is required...when you route the power cordt hrough the lid slot and close it, it trips a catch that switches the radio from battery to AC. |
Post# 44163 , Reply# 18   6/18/2008 at 12:51 (5,783 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()   |   | |
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That's great, Dave! That radio will bring you years of good service! It is very stylish and definitely is a keeper, especially since it works! Be sure to take some pictures of your cleaned up finds! :-) ~~K~~ |
Post# 44204 , Reply# 19   6/18/2008 at 20:29 (5,783 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44206 , Reply# 20   6/18/2008 at 20:33 (5,783 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44209 , Reply# 21   6/18/2008 at 20:55 (5,783 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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...Miss CXL dares to show up in a red dress, no matter how shabby or long-in-the-tooth, at the Compact Cotillion...fracturing the composure of the Pastel Debutants and their disapproving steely-eyed Governess on the right who just sighs and looks away. Your feckless Composeur similarly fractures the pan shot.
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Post# 44211 , Reply# 22   6/18/2008 at 22:18 (5,783 days old) by danemodsandy ()   |   | |
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...of a vacuum named Jezebel, who did wrong in the sight of the Lord..." Bette Davis fans will get that one. |
Post# 44213 , Reply# 23   6/18/2008 at 22:32 (5,783 days old) by camelotshadow (Valley Village)   |   | |
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they look like easter eggs You got a C4? I haven't gotten to use mine yet Darn when I do I;ll probably be spoiled again looks like one next to Ms Jez the canada site shows a 82 to 85 red tristar |
Post# 44251 , Reply# 25   6/19/2008 at 07:34 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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The red vinyl bumper stripe is like a big rubber band that seats in a groove in the white bumper. I imagine quite a few of those got lost after a few hard scrapes with an immovable object... Compacts & TriStars, like Filter Queens, are renowned for their extraordinary suction - this one pulls a hefty 81" water lift - with the 3 side emblem holes open. :-). I'll be ordering from TriStar Canada, if not taking a run over to Woodbridge Ontario one of these days. "You have a bit of a fortune in floor tools alone - current list price for those things is nearly $125 USD. Yes, each." !!! I had no idea! As I hinted, I paid Woodstock Sally Ann an embarrassing $5 for this CXL. The dance line here is CXL, C6, C7, C6, and a repainted C8. I missed out on a three wheel C4 - it has one central front ball caster instead of two at the sides. |
Post# 44312 , Reply# 28   6/19/2008 at 19:10 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Sandy, these are the two versions of Interstate floor tools I have, other than the complete set in green styro for the apple green Compact. The older set has Interstate and a friction fit that I've assigned to the 'good' Turquoise Compact with the woven hose, while the later set has Cyclonic and the hole & blister and I have them paired with the 2nd beater Turquoise and the Cyclonic Turbinette nozzle...for display purposes. I know this is incorrect and I should put the Turbinette with the Green Compact set and consider the floor tools expendable. Is Cyclonic the only version with the button hole? Have you seen the later set with Interstate on it...in the States? Is the new tool on the website labeld Tristar? So many questions... In our quest for authenticity I'd like to provide you with the correct nozzle - which machine do you have in mind? My dilemma is that I didn't consider the late set as extras...until today. But since the CXL and C-8 use power nozzles and I have a complete later blistered set give me a couple weeks to hunt down Cyclonic spares. I have a 'twingle' they are out there. Perhaps Pete will spot some on his thrifting runs... In the end we will see to it you get one. With your knowledge can you comment on the wands I have the tools leaning against? They came as a pair with the beater Turquoise. The end wand has a friction taper, the hose end is friction also but they mate perfectly to each other with a dimpled slot and that securing thumbscrew. Interstate or some other vacuum make? Dave |
Post# 44313 , Reply# 29   6/19/2008 at 19:18 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Was running the Fairfax and the Fax-A-Matic power nozzle was making a horrendous racket. Took it apart to find the motor had 'ovaled' out its rear bronze bearing. The motor is held in place with two screws through the top of the case, under the Fax-O-Matic stick-on top panel. I knew I had in the parts bin a very similar power nozzle that has other issues like warping and cracks. Lo and behold, it's a Hoover branded Powermatic of exact same construction with an intact motor. Time for a motor swap. But the Fax-A-Matic has a three wire cord and plug. |
Post# 44314 , Reply# 30   6/19/2008 at 19:23 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44315 , Reply# 31   6/19/2008 at 19:33 (5,782 days old) by vintageroyal611 ()   |   | |
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Coincidence? I think not! |
Post# 44316 , Reply# 32   6/19/2008 at 19:34 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Better yet tho is...both have a Hoover metal beater brush bar exactly the same other than paint color. So, to the credit of Fairfax, with Hoover's help, the Fax-A-Matic will be brushing, beating and cleaning the carpets again tonight. :-) Gawd, I luv these details and the thrill of learning something new. Oh, the Hoover motor has a metal lug I can attach the green ground lead to. This Fairfax has a 3 wire system because it is also intended to be used as a wet pick-up vac with the optional manditory Water Valve you put in without a paper bag, which I don't have but appears to be a plastic cone similar to a Filter Queen. Anyone got one of those lying around available? I do have the Fairfax Wet Pick-up floor nozzle. dave |
Post# 44330 , Reply# 37   6/19/2008 at 22:02 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44331 , Reply# 38   6/19/2008 at 22:09 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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This must be the Guy's side at the Cotillion, sizing up the Interstate gals across the room. To the right of the Fax-A-Matic you can see the Hoover Celebrity II 'Estate' powernozzle - once again, same construction, different color combo. That's why they're hastily grouped together beside the Swiveltops. Oh, I must re-tape that Hoover hose with white tape... |
Post# 44338 , Reply# 40   6/19/2008 at 23:05 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Oops, I'm confusing you with someone else who's somewhere around the same age as us - apologies to that person. in Columbus OH? :-( Well, it still works for me as that's how I deduce and confirm my opinions - observe, question, collect, compare, compare, compare. Dave, working on unearthing a shiny Compact rug nozzle... |
Post# 44340 , Reply# 41   6/19/2008 at 23:08 (5,782 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44348 , Reply# 43   6/19/2008 at 23:57 (5,782 days old) by danemodsandy ()   |   | |
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Dave: Not to worry- after all, you confused me with somebody nice! I really appreciate the photo of the rug tool, BTW- it's nice to have that to look at, and anticipate... |
Post# 44363 , Reply# 48   6/20/2008 at 00:59 (5,782 days old) by camelotshadow (Valley Village)   |   | |
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My C4 has 2 wheels in back 2 bumps in front I found a site listing the models & dates once Stupidy didn't bookmark it & ccan't seem to find it again I thought it was part of the TriStar site I thought the anniversary model he is speaking of was 67 I've seen a few of those |
Post# 44390 , Reply# 50   6/20/2008 at 13:09 (5,781 days old) by camelotshadow (Valley Village)   |   | |
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been looking for that lil devil So c4 is 54 to 58 nice to know so it was made 4 years Wonder how you can narrow it down to a year Got to get bags n filter for it & get that baby back on the rug LOL |
Post# 44403 , Reply# 54   6/20/2008 at 19:50 (5,781 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Pawing through the User manuals file I came up with two Compact manuals, one for the 1956 C-4 and the other for the 1964 Electra. Both manuals have copyright dates but more telling, they have sale dates inked inside. So, first we have a Model C-4 sold on October 28, 1958 in Williamsport PA. Second, we have a Compact Electra sold July 19, 1965. The illustrations are large clear photographs which make it easy to identify certain features of the year. Also helps me identify which woven hose goes with which machine, by pattern. The 1958 Compact comes with two tapered end friction fit wands with one rolled rim,, no buttons, dimples, slots or holes. The 1965 Electra tho' has the wands I showed up above (mine's lost its knob & has been replaced with a wingnut). That is, one tapered tool end wand with a slot cut into the center of a dimple at the blunt-cut opposite end. The hose wand has a corresponding protruding bolt with a knurled knob, that engages with the slot and you tighten the knob to lock. This hose wand has a rolled rim to accept the hose handle. Both vacuums illustrated have the side rear angled heat vents. The C-4 manual has pages on using the MagicDisc and the Polish-Aire. It shows the C-4 with two knobs instead of ball casters yet features the gorgeous 'spinning disc speed lines' graphic, same as my beater turquoise has. The 1964 manual shows the 'world globe' side graphic, which I believe my good turquoise has partially worn away. Yet both my turquoises are clearly stamped C-6 on the bottom. Mmmm... I'm at work but would be more than happy to scan & post both manuals after midnight, if anyone likes. Dave |
Post# 44408 , Reply# 56   6/20/2008 at 20:30 (5,781 days old) by danemodsandy ()   |   | |
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So your wands are really Interstate issue, Dave. Good to know, and yes, some scans would be great info if and when you get the time. |
Post# 44418 , Reply# 57   6/20/2008 at 23:34 (5,781 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 44419 , Reply# 58   6/20/2008 at 23:45 (5,781 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Parts page for the 1964 Compact Electra sold July 19, 1965. See the locknut knob on the top wand. However the manual shows the bottom wand in a reverse position. The lady is pictured with the wands assembled correctly - note the knobbed wand has a rolled top end but the lower wand does not. Checked the beater Compact and it's a duplicate model 6 with anniversary decal but both are unreadable now. I have this hose courtesy of Doug Smith. |
Post# 44856 , Reply# 60   6/24/2008 at 23:43 (5,777 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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This showed up on eBay today - it's the two speed model. The handle is quite different and looks to have been done that way to protect the switch from being accidentally tripped. The same seller has also listed a Turquoise C-6 :-) CLICK HERE TO GO TO aeoliandave's LINK on eBay |
Post# 44868 , Reply# 61   6/25/2008 at 01:29 (5,777 days old) by danemodsandy ()   |   | |
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Bit rough and bojack-y, wouldn't you say? The turquoise C-6 is a bit better, but also needs work. CLICK HERE TO GO TO danemodsandy's LINK on eBay |
Post# 44871 , Reply# 62   6/25/2008 at 02:18 (5,777 days old) by camelotshadow (Valley Village)   |   | |
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Agree with Sandy Bo ba bo ba boo jack....red & the C6 looks like its on its last leg |
Post# 44885 , Reply# 63   6/25/2008 at 08:23 (5,776 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Yes, Christine & Sandy, they're both pretty banged up & filthy and I wasn't suggesting anyone should jump at them. Especially not at that starting price! Let's see, we got here one curved Hoover wand, generic plastic accessory nozzles with short plastic hose, and a sloppy silicone repair to a splt power cord dongle on the powerhose. The all gray power nozzle is from a later Tristar model. LOL The handle is an interesting variation and appears genuine. and now we have a clear picture of the speed switch. I sure like mine better - at least it still has the red rubber bumper insert and the power nozzle matches. :-) Sure sign this CLX has been taken apart at some point - the bumper fuse seam has been carelessly placed at the rear side. Not easy to do since a bumper removed retains the oval shape of the vacuum, so this one was forced on with no thought. Starting at $50? I think not. |
Post# 44908 , Reply# 64   6/25/2008 at 11:24 (5,776 days old) by danemodsandy ()   |   | |
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I agree. Both machines would be lovely to find in a yard sale or thrift, but I wouldn't like to pay even the opening eBay bid plus shipping on either one. |
Post# 45272 , Reply# 65   6/30/2008 at 12:10 (5,771 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 45693 , Reply# 67   7/4/2008 at 19:59 (5,767 days old) by briankirbyclass (Eudora Kansas)   |   | |
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Thanks Sandy,,,im glad i dont have one! lol About the little knob on the top PN,,,what exactly does it do,,,i notice that my TriStar PN has this knob, and ive tried using it pushed to one side, and then the other, but dont see any difference in the suction or performance of the vac or PN. I dont see any difference in how the PN grooms the carpet, or how it acts,,,what gives? |
Post# 45695 , Reply# 68   7/4/2008 at 20:40 (5,767 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)   |   | |
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All the slider knob does is open a topside port allowing air to enter the brushroll area from above. Essentially, it's a suction regulator to make the PN easier to push along on a low nap carpet it otherwise leeches itself on to, Compact / Tristars being among the most powerful suctioning (80") vacuums out there. That makes sense. At least that's how it's marketed. It also may help explain why the Filter Queen 'shoebox' PN is such a beast to push around, FQ repeatedly being the water inches Pull Champ of Domestic vacuums. 90-100". I noticed Rainbow markets theirs as pulling in disturbed airborne dust stirred up from the agitator action, in the air above the pn. But then, their slider port venting runs the full width of the brushroll:-) Whateverrrrrr.... Dave |
Post# 45859 , Reply# 70   7/7/2008 at 23:24 (5,764 days old) by briankirbyclass (Eudora Kansas)   |   | |
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