Thread Number: 29600  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
New member looking for Universal info/parts 		[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 330073   7/25/2015 at 02:22 (3,196 days old) by chad (texas)        

I'm new to the forum, but not the passion of repairing antique appliances. I lost my collection in a house fire, so I'm trying to find our some information to repair a Universal e720 upright that was in my shop. It s a really nice looking machine, but I need an armature and the round front bearing housing. It looks like the bushings froze, and someone tried to take a hammer to it to get it apart. The armature is dated 1924. This model does not have a beater bar. It's too nice not to repair, and I reckon what I need to know is if there are any other names that universal went under that I could buy for the parts. I figure I would be happy to spend 50-60 bucks for the parts, or a whole unit, even if it means the unit won t be worth 15 bucks. It's kind of like a phoenix rising from the ashes for me.

Post# 330217 , Reply# 1   7/27/2015 at 00:31 (3,194 days old) by crevicetool (GA )        
Parts...

 Unfortunately, it is not likely that you will be able to find parts for your machine but may be able to find a complete unit. They do pop up on auction websites on occasion - but are by few and far between. The E720 Super Straight Suction Vacuum was the company's first model with production beginning in 1919. The scans below are from a 1928 company issued catalog (which is very thick and cannot be disassembled - thus the poor images), and was the only model offered until the introduction of the 125B Hand Vacuum, followed by the Motor Driven Brush/Ball Bearing Cleaner #'s E580, E585, E585B. The E720 must have gone out of production by the time my 1937 catalog was issued because the straight suction cleaner was now #E435 and was identical to the 580 series except lacking a brush roll.

As far as other names for the company's uprights - I have only seen one example where they did not use the "standard" trade mark, that being Whirlwind. The company's tank cleaner offerings were an entirely different story as they made machines for different department stores, sewing centers, and vacuum shops. President, Super Chief, Super Dynamic, Modern Housekeeping(I think), Whirlwind (oddly enough), Atlas, even Regina.

Tank and canister models made by the company to be sold through "their" dealers were: RotoVersa, Clean Air Cleaner, Jet99, Landers, (a lower-tier model), and the the "Univ....." Super Dynamic (I believe the name is - I have only seen one example of this machine - similar to a Royal or Saniway)...

The 720 has a very unique handle attachment system whereby when the handle is assembled to the motor unit the electrical connection is automatically made eliminating a separate plug or other electrical connection.. A brilliant engineering feat, and very much so overbuilt to last. The two machines I have incorporating this handle are still very much intact and show no signs of wear. I have a E720 and a Whirlwind E610 - both employ this method.

The E720 and other machines offered by the company did have an alloy (bronze I think) sleeve bearings and they did seize up quite readily. However, they can be "massaged" apart, and reconditioned to original condition and operate very well. I have done this several times - if they previous owner of your machine didn't destroy the unit, you may be able to make necessary restorations using the parts you have.

See the scans below - notice that attachments were available, also see a link to a recent auction - (this brand does show up from time to time - and rest assured - I have twenty examples representing the entire line offered by the company, so it's not likely I will be bidding on any that do....).

CLICK HERE TO GO TO crevicetool's LINK on eBay


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 330221 , Reply# 2   7/27/2015 at 02:03 (3,194 days old) by bnsd60m9200 (Akron OH)        

bnsd60m9200's profile picture
chad where do you live in texas? i may be able to point you to some vacuum shops that carry older motors and field coils for antique vacuums. the shops arent in texas, but have some good rapport with various owners to help you start over with your collection. i restore vintage vacuums here in dfw as a collector since 2011.

Post# 330453 , Reply# 3   7/29/2015 at 14:43 (3,191 days old) by chad (texas)        
texas

 Some very good information there. Yes, mine has the cordless attachment at the handle. Unfortunetly, the previous owner took a hammer it looks like to the armature on mine. My armature is completely messed up, and the front bearing support is busted. Other than that, it is a really nice machine. Mine doesn't have a roller nor beater bar, and it is dated 1924 on the armature. I live in Dayton, Texas, which is East of Houston.


Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      


Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members Click Here To Sign Up.



                     

automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
 Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals 		Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy