Brought home more "Junque"

There's a couple of pieces of Kenmore mixed in. But, for the most part, this is all parts of the eight year old PowerForce bagged.
I'm sure, to many of you, this would be child's play. But, I'm kind of concerned that I won't be able to get this all put back together correctly.
I got it for free, and it wasn't useable the way it was. So, realistically, if I ruin it, I'm just out for the cost of the replacement parts that I've ordered. And, I suppose I could always try to resell those.
I'm trying to look at it as a learning experience. But, I will still be very disappointed if I'm unsuccessful, because my goal was to save it from the landfill, and give it a little more life. I'm honestly kind of impressed that such an inexpensive vacuum, used and abused as this one was, still runs so good after eight years. Honestly, I didn't know the 1739 had been around that long!
At least Bissell was thoughtful enough to use simple Phillips screws, and almost all of them are exactly the same size. So, that eliminates one of my fears.
Parts of it have a definite wet dog smell that I'm hoping I can eliminate. And, I'll put either a Febreze scented bag in it, or a HEPA bag with some sort of fragrance added.
It's going to be apart for a little while, until the bits and pieces I ordered get delivered. And, I still need to choose a replacement brushroll. I don't know if I should buy genuine Bissell, or generic. Same with the belts.
I apologize if most of you aren't interested in these cheap, Chinesium vacuums. But, it's all I really have going on right now. And, I think it helps a little with my depression/anxiety to share with you guys.
Thanks for reading!

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Post# 469613 2/15/2024 at 15:43 by JustJunque (Western MA)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Yup. I did it again. Living up to my user name. I saw a Craigslist post for a couple of fairly late model, plasticrap Bissells that were going to be tossed. They both supposedly run, but that's about it. I actually haven't verified that yet. One is a 1739, bagged PowerForce, like I already have a new one of. This one is from 2016. Besides being filthy, it's missing its upper hose, its height adjustment carriage, and the wand and crevice tool. Oh...and the previous owner's dog clawed or chewed on the base, so it's all gouged. I took it apart to bathe the parts that could go in the tub, and discovered that the brushroll appears to be badly bound up. It will turn, but not easily. I'm sure I'll end up acquiring all the parts it needs, and being into it for more than it's worth, because I like these. The other one is also a Bissell, but it's some sort of little stick vac. The model # is 38B1-L. It might be what they call a "3 in 1". I know the handle can come off, and it looks like the floor nozzle can, as well. That one is just beat. Missing wheels. The dirt cup doesn't stay on, because the latch is broken. I really shouldn't even try with that one. But, I probably will. I've said it before. I ain't right.

Post# 469633 , Reply# 1 2/15/2024 at 22:00 by cam2s (Nebraska)
Checkrate/Likes 1 When I lived at the last apartment complex people would throw away Bissels and other cheap Walmart vacs. I often would pull them out, bring them back to life and sell them. Usually they just needed a good cleaning and general maintenance. The one you have sounds pretty beat up, but I guess if you like a challenge.

Post# 469647 , Reply# 2 2/16/2024 at 08:08 by JustJunque (Western MA)
Checkrate/Likes Yeah. I'm pretty sure at least the PowerForce can be saved. Of course, I'll be in over my head again. But, I like saving vacuums that were bound for the landfill. The little 3-in-1 might be too far gone. And, I don't really see any secondary market parts. I guess, when a vacuum cost $20 or less brand new, people aren't really doing major repairs on them.

Post# 469702 , Reply# 3 2/19/2024 at 15:58 by JustJunque (Western MA)
Checkrate/Likes 1 There's a couple of pieces of Kenmore mixed in. But, for the most part, this is all parts of the eight year old PowerForce bagged. I'm sure, to many of you, this would be child's play. But, I'm kind of concerned that I won't be able to get this all put back together correctly. I got it for free, and it wasn't useable the way it was. So, realistically, if I ruin it, I'm just out for the cost of the replacement parts that I've ordered. And, I suppose I could always try to resell those. I'm trying to look at it as a learning experience. But, I will still be very disappointed if I'm unsuccessful, because my goal was to save it from the landfill, and give it a little more life. I'm honestly kind of impressed that such an inexpensive vacuum, used and abused as this one was, still runs so good after eight years. Honestly, I didn't know the 1739 had been around that long! At least Bissell was thoughtful enough to use simple Phillips screws, and almost all of them are exactly the same size. So, that eliminates one of my fears. Parts of it have a definite wet dog smell that I'm hoping I can eliminate. And, I'll put either a Febreze scented bag in it, or a HEPA bag with some sort of fragrance added. It's going to be apart for a little while, until the bits and pieces I ordered get delivered. And, I still need to choose a replacement brushroll. I don't know if I should buy genuine Bissell, or generic. Same with the belts. I apologize if most of you aren't interested in these cheap, Chinesium vacuums. But, it's all I really have going on right now. And, I think it helps a little with my depression/anxiety to share with you guys. Thanks for reading! View Full Size

Post# 469703 , Reply# 4 2/19/2024 at 16:21 by Human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes 1 When I lived in an apartment complex I would see vacuums out by the dumpsters toward the end of the month, when people were moving. Most often, they just needed a bag, a belt, and a general cleaning. The best one--which I still have--was a Kirby Gsix, which needed the above. The bag was so full when I rescued it that it must have weighed five pounds, yet it still sucked up dirt like crazy. That started my Kirby obsession.