Thread Number: 9932
Air-Way Model 55 restoration guidance
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Post# 108118   9/10/2010 at 17:52 (4,977 days old) by wwh ()        

I recently bought an Air-Way 55 and would like to clean it up and use it. However, I've never fixed up a machine this old before, and have a few questions.

First, do the bags for the newer Air-Ways also work in the Model 55?

Does anyone know of a readily available paint that's a close match to the original turquoise? This machine has decent looking paint, but there are some chips, and it's flaking off of the bottom.

Is there a special trick to removing the switch? There is a hex nut on the inside of the button, but it doesn't seem to loosen anything.

The (original?) hose it a bit stiff, but doesn't feel like it has any major leaks. However, the fabric is stained. Can I just hand-wash this using laundry soap?

Inside the base, the fan chamber was wrapped in a fabric bag (post-motor filter?), which had mostly deteriorated. Is this worth replacing?

Fortunately, it seems to run well. The motor is quiet and the suction is decent.

Pictures follow.

Thanks for your advice.

- Bill


Post# 108119 , Reply# 1   9/10/2010 at 17:53 (4,977 days old) by wwh ()        
As purchased

Reasonably clean and didn't smell funny.

Post# 108120 , Reply# 2   9/10/2010 at 17:54 (4,977 days old) by wwh ()        
Dirt included

Old (?) bag about half full of vintage dirt.

Post# 108121 , Reply# 3   9/10/2010 at 17:54 (4,977 days old) by wwh ()        
Pieces

No nasty surprises inside.

Post# 108122 , Reply# 4   9/10/2010 at 17:56 (4,977 days old) by wwh ()        
Reassembled

Cleaned and back together with new cord.

Post# 108124 , Reply# 5   9/10/2010 at 18:37 (4,977 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture
That's very cool. I'll be Crevicetool and others can give you advice about painting. Some day, I'd like to try my hand at restoring a vacuum brand/model with a painted finish. So I'd be very interested in seeing what you do.

Post# 108146 , Reply# 6   9/10/2010 at 20:24 (4,977 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        

That is a replacement hose so there's really no point in keeping it unless you're just absolutely in love with it. The original hose is maroon with gold tracing, and there are matching maroon caps on both metal ends.

Here's not the best photo in the world of one, but it's the only one I've got.


Post# 108248 , Reply# 7   9/12/2010 at 19:41 (4,975 days old) by wwh ()        

Good to know about the hose. I guess I'll just clean it up so I can use the machine.

Post# 108278 , Reply# 8   9/12/2010 at 23:35 (4,974 days old) by powertank ()        

Wow, IMHO the original hose is butt ugly compared to what is on it right now. That blueish-grey matches the vacuum a lot better.


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