Thread Number: 5522
Tristar
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Post# 61138   2/26/2009 at 15:56 (5,509 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

There is a Tristar I have no pictures and no model number for 30.00 should I get it? I have e-mailed the seller for more info and so far he has said he got it 10 years ago. I asked him if it had a power nozzle. He hasn't responded yet. What do you guys think?

Post# 61173 , Reply# 1   2/26/2009 at 18:36 (5,509 days old) by brandon_w_t ()        
YES YES YES!!!

Considering most tristars are selling for $200-$3000 depending on their age, its WELL WORTH IT!!!!!! I am very jealous..... I cant find anything near Tristar quality for that cheap!!!

Even if it has no power nozzle, its still worth it. Buy a nozzle on ebay and save $100s


Post pictures when you get it!!!!!!


Post# 61184 , Reply# 2   2/26/2009 at 20:29 (5,509 days old) by dsmiler ()        

Get it and if you bring it by my shop in Allen we can go through it. If it needs anything I should have it there. Awesome price and even if it is in need of help you shouldn't have to put much into it.

Post# 61199 , Reply# 3   2/26/2009 at 22:03 (5,509 days old) by animasinsulin ()        
DUDE!!!

You GOTTA get it!!!!.....Bill....

Post# 61200 , Reply# 4   2/26/2009 at 22:10 (5,509 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        
Here's a pic

Here's a pic of it! He still hasn't told me if there's a power nozzle or what with it.. lol

Post# 61201 , Reply# 5   2/26/2009 at 22:11 (5,509 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Danger, Will Robinson!

There is one potential problem in buying a used TriStar; the price of parts. While bargains are certainly out there to be had, list prices for TriStar stuff are very high. List for a genuine hose is $160, the rug nozzle is around $95, wands are about $25 each. If you're buying this to put back in really complete condition, it can get expensive if much is missing. I tell people that used TriStars are kind of like used Volvos; you can buy one cheap, but it can cost you to put one back in the shape it should be in.

Get all the info you can before making a decision, and do some research on the cost of anything that's missing, would be my advice. Here's what a later TriStar should have:

Canister: Should have a cloth bag, a motor filter and an afterfilter on the exhaust. The TriStar emblem should be present and intact; since it mounts through holes in the canister body, a missing emblem leaves holes that will affect suction. A cord-winding clip should be present on the bag door.
Hose: Should have a pigtail on the canister end and should attach directly to the power nozzle on the wand end, if it's a genuine hose. Aftermarket hoses often have a pigtail on both ends.
Power Nozzle: Should have two wands, with uncracked/unbroken plastic cord channels.
Tools: Floor tool (aluminium, will say "Cyclonic" on it), crevice tool, upholstery/drapery tool (should have a little snap-out grille in it), dusting brush. There should also be either a plastic piece that fits onto the floor tool to convert it to a rug tool, or an aluminium rug tool that says "Cyclonic" on it.
Other: Plastic tool caddy (snaps onto wands; holds crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery/drapery tool), owner's manual.

Hope this helps a little.


Post# 61202 , Reply# 6   2/26/2009 at 22:18 (5,509 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
So Far, So Good:

I didn't see that pic when I posted the above. That machine is either a DXL or an EX-20; these are the last two machines TriStar made. It could be anywhere between 1993-1998. That appears to be a genuine hose; if it's in good shape, that will save you a bunch of money. There also appears to be a genuine dusting brush present. That afterfilter on the exhaust is a Filter-Fresh afterfilter, not the standard afterfilter. It's meant to trap even more than the standard filters do, but I've never found it necessary, so you could replace it with a standard afterfilter when it needs changing, which would save you some money.

If this thing has a power nozzle (with the wands), it's a very decent deal even if nothing else is included.


Post# 61208 , Reply# 7   2/26/2009 at 23:49 (5,509 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
You say that these are the two machines Tristar made. Who makes the EXL-MG1? I didn't know there was an EX-20 I only knew of the CXL-DXL and of coarse the newer ones that aren't as good. ( just my opinion

Post# 61209 , Reply# 8   2/26/2009 at 23:50 (5,509 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
sorry I meant the LAST two above

Post# 61224 , Reply# 9   2/27/2009 at 09:22 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Sorry!

I didn't mean to say that the DXL and the EX-20 were the last two machines that TriStar made; that was a bad edit. I meant to say they were the last two Compact-style machines that TriStar made. After the EX-20, TriStar introduced the all-new MG series that they still make today. TriStar is no longer made by Interstate; the company is now owned by the same corporation that owns Aerus.

Apologies if I confused anyone.


Post# 61225 , Reply# 10   2/27/2009 at 09:55 (5,508 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        
The seller sent me this e-mail

NOW I AM EXCITED!

"We have the carpet power brush that I mentioned earlier, then the little brush that was in the picture, that long nozzle thing that that fits on the end of the hose for tight spaces, and an attachment to vacuum floors that you put on instead of the carpet sweeper. Also I have about 12 vacuum bags and will give you the papers I have with it."


Post# 61227 , Reply# 11   2/27/2009 at 10:11 (5,508 days old) by animasinsulin ()        
Tri-Star

Hi Eric, That's the exact same model I have.....Bill...

Post# 61236 , Reply# 12   2/27/2009 at 16:27 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
You Need:

To CLOSE. THAT. DEAL. Since the machine is substantially complete, you will not run into heavy restoration expenses. The price is really, really good - you won't find a better deal soon, if ever.

Congrats, and let us know how this turns out. When your machine comes, I'll be happy to put you in touch with some TriStar resources that will make it easier for you to access parts diagrammes, etc.


Post# 61237 , Reply# 13   2/27/2009 at 16:36 (5,508 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        
** UPDATE **

He also told me that he bought it in 1996 for 900.00 and it has a 25 year warranty on it. Does anyone know if the Tristar warranties are transferrable? Do they have a rebuild program like Kirby? Sorry I do not know much about the Tristar company other than it is now owned by Electrolux right?

Post# 61239 , Reply# 14   2/27/2009 at 17:05 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Hi:

So far as I know, TriStar warranties are not transferable, but it's not like you're going to need it - the machines are close to bulletproof. Inside the canister, what you will find is a motor, a fan, and some wiring - as basic and simple as it gets. The motors in that generation of TriStar are Ametek (no longer true on the newer MG series of machine). Everything about the machine is heavy-weight and high quality, based on a design dating back to 1949.

To give you an idea of how solid these machines are, my mother bought a Compact C-2 (pretty much the same machine you have, minus the power nozzle, which hadn't been invented yet) brand-new back in 1954 or so. She is known in the family as the Appliance Killer, because she is unbelievably rough on things. That Compact went thirty years before it gave up the ghost - with zero maintenance, and no use of paper bags to help protect the motor; she only ever used the cloth bag, which I do not recommend. Now, if a machine can hold up to that for thirty years, think how great it will be with an owner who takes care of it!

I doubt that your machine will need any rebuild work; it should just be plug 'n play. If it needs any motor work, Nathan ("Electrolux-Dude") here is familiar with TriStars and can advise or help by doing the work for you. Your machine is only around fifteen years old, and if it has been taken care of, it is just getting broken in good.

Go do the deal, and keep us posted.


Post# 61240 , Reply# 15   2/27/2009 at 17:26 (5,508 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

Cool! Also I heard that you can put a Vibra Groomer brush roll in the power nozzle. Anyone know where I can find a fairly cheap one. I really like the VBI but will settle for a VBII or III.

Post# 61241 , Reply# 16   2/27/2009 at 18:09 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Eric:

I do not recommend putting any kind of brush roll in a TriStar PN except the factory replacement. TriStar PNs will squeal and rattle if they're not in good shape, with all the little nylon spacers and the felt dust seals in their correct places. My machine's PN had missing pieces and an aftermarket brush roll, and it was noisy and didn't clean as well as I expected. After putting everything back the way TriStar built it, the PN became a whole new experience, very quiet and capable of grooming the carpet extremely well.

When you get your machine, what you should do is to go to the TriStar Canada website (www.tristarvacuumscanada.com...) and download the parts diagrammes for the EX-20; they're in PDF format. You can then take your PN apart and compare what you find to the diagramme. A lot of people go into the PN to replace a belt or whatever, and they don't put everything back where it belongs; that's probably what happened to mine.

With a TriStar PN in good shape, you will not need any kind of a special brush roll, trust me. Your carpet will be fluffier than it has ever been, with no heavy grooming tracks like a lot of PNs leave.

You might like to know that I recently got a Bissell ProHeat 2X carpet cleaning machine, which is famous for pulling big wads of pet hair out of carpet. A lot of people who use a ProHeat for the first time cannot believe how much pet hair pulls up, and they complain about having to stop and pick up ginormous wads of pet hair. I have a cat, and he sheds, but I picked up almost no hair with the ProHeat; my TriStar was not leaving hair in the carpet. It's that good, okay?

Of course, you do have to get behind it and push! ;-)


Post# 61243 , Reply# 17   2/27/2009 at 18:50 (5,508 days old) by dsmiler ()        

Some of the Tristar pn's were made by Eureka and those parts are getting rare. I can fix you up with bags, belts just about anything and I am local. If there is anything you need just let me know. I have a lot of parts in stock. There is not alot to them and they are easy to work on. I have several in the store that I have restored.

Post# 61244 , Reply# 18   2/27/2009 at 19:32 (5,508 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

Hey do you happen to have the small head attachment for a Kirby Heritage? I would be interested in that!

Post# 61249 , Reply# 19   2/27/2009 at 20:10 (5,508 days old) by dsmiler ()        

I don't have much in the way of Kirby. I have left that to the Kirby dealer in Plano.

Post# 61253 , Reply# 20   2/27/2009 at 21:20 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Eureka PNs

Those were made earlier than the PN that would be on a DXL or EX-20. There are two late TriStar PNs - the 2-102 (smooth drive wheel on the brushroll and smooth belt) and the 2-101 (cogged drive wheel and belt).

Both are essentially similar, except for the drive wheel and belt. The important thing is to be sure they're complete with all their little spacers and dust seals.


Post# 61255 , Reply# 21   2/27/2009 at 21:41 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
My CXL:

Eric:

Just thought you'd like to see my CXL. This was the model before yours. You can see both the floor and rug tools, as well as the owner's manual. There is an extra set of wands, so I don't have to remove the wands from the PN to use the floor or rug tools. On the wands, you'll see the tool caddy, which holds the dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery/drapery tool.


Post# 61257 , Reply# 22   2/27/2009 at 21:45 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Closer View:

Here's a closer shot of the canister, with the cord wound on the cord clip:

Post# 61258 , Reply# 23   2/27/2009 at 21:50 (5,508 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

awww I hope mine looks that great!

Post# 61259 , Reply# 24   2/27/2009 at 22:01 (5,508 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Eric:

It will. All it takes is a little work. Mine was not as complete as yours is when I got it, although Nathan did a great job putting the motor back in good shape and included a lot of tools. I had to buy a hose, a rug tool, a new bristle insert for the dusting brush, the tool caddy, the extra set of wands, and the owner's manual. That was last year. This year, I rebuilt the PN with a new motor, new belt, new brushroll, new spacers, and new dust seals.

It sounds like a new machine, and it does not have any dusty smell when you use it. Carpet fluffs up like new with the PN.


Post# 61294 , Reply# 25   2/28/2009 at 14:51 (5,507 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

WOW I JUST USED IT THIS THING IS SOOOO POWERFUL!

Post# 61310 , Reply# 26   2/28/2009 at 22:11 (5,507 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        

I will tell you I used a Compact for years to clean empty
houses, apts. and condos in the 80's here in Columbus, Oh.
It was the only machine other then a Kirby that could take the
new plaster and building dust and never loose suction. Plus
cement dust in new basements and garages.
So it will be a great machine for regular house hold cleaning !
Norm


Post# 61349 , Reply# 27   12/31/2069 at 18:00 (19,811 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
If Ya Got It, Flaunt It!

If you have the machine already, please share pics!

P.S.: You're right about the power; TriStars really can dredge out the dirt.

Congratulations.


Post# 61482 , Reply# 28   3/2/2009 at 15:32 (5,505 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

I will try to snap pics this evening with my cell phone.. I lost my digicam in Austin :-(

Post# 61487 , Reply# 29   3/2/2009 at 16:54 (5,505 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Looking Forward...

...To seeing pics! I hope you're as happy with your TriStar as I am with mine.

Post# 61819 , Reply# 30   3/6/2009 at 19:50 (5,501 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        
**UPDATED PICS**

So as I said in a previous post, I saw Scott today and he gave me a VGII to go in the Tristar. Now I have made a "MAN" out of my Tristar. HAHA Ref Eric's video! I got the VGII for 10.00 at Scotts store and then the Tristar with all these tools all for 30.00 on Craigslist! Find of the Century, I tell you!

Post# 61820 , Reply# 31   3/6/2009 at 19:51 (5,501 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        
2

2

Post# 61821 , Reply# 32   3/6/2009 at 19:51 (5,501 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        
3

3

Post# 65233 , Reply# 33   4/6/2009 at 19:26 (5,470 days old) by ridgidvac ()        
long-time happy owner

My family bought a new Tri-Star in 1985 + it outcleaned the other vacs until the motor burned out after 22 yrs of HEAVY USE. Got out ALL dirt the Lux left behind then used Turbotool rug washer + no hair on shampooer. We even used it as a garage vac (when cleaning out/replacing shop vac filter) NOT EVEN MY RIDGID WD-1670 blower/vac can match the Tri-Star's power!

Post# 65247 , Reply# 34   4/6/2009 at 20:29 (5,470 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Becomming common as the dirt it is more than a match for.

aeoliandave's profile picture
Boy oh boy, those mottled silver Tristars are popping up like Spring crocus' tese days. That's what, 4 that have been featured in these forums in 4 weeks?

Love mine and of course took it to the MiniMeet. Then found a second PN & wands at the Junqutorium. :-) that plus the spare one that came with the first one means a PN for every pn enabled Compact/Tristar I have in the Compact Compound.

Dave


Post# 65261 , Reply# 35   4/6/2009 at 21:39 (5,470 days old) by tristar ()        
Original After-Filter...

I've made some headway on the original after filter design (the massive wart looking thing)

If you have the original filter element, you can actually revive it to near-new condition by running it through your washing machine on the gentle cycle. I tried it last night and both the washer and the filter came out unscathed! The filter still has a grayish cast to it, but it breathes like new and you can see light through the paper.

If you actually want to replace the filter, I found a K&N air filter that is the exact dimensions as the original filter element. It is a custom size, but the part number is a K&N E-3220.

I've been unable to find a paper element that's still made that will fit, but the K&N is the EXACT same size as the original. It costs $30, but you'll NEVER replace it again. I'm tempted to try it...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO tristar's LINK


Post# 65263 , Reply# 36   4/6/2009 at 22:04 (5,470 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Brilliant sleuthing, Eric. Thank you for the link & info. I gave mine a blast with compressed air at work and only a mere puff of dust came out. But then Compacts do run so clean anyway. The only time I find the cloth bag gets slightly dusty is when the paper bag is old, over used or torn.

The Skylon Warthog looks best, and appropriate, on an older Compact with the vertical exhaust port, imho.

Dave


Post# 65510 , Reply# 37   4/8/2009 at 21:11 (5,468 days old) by methodistbill ()        
Sandy is right!

Well, Sandy is right about the brushroll. I placed an aftermarket brushroll on my Tristar power nozzle and it did ok. However, I just installed a genuine Tristar brushroll and I can honestly say that its performace is far superior to the aftermarket item. First, it is much quieter. Second, the brushes are stiffer and do a noticeably better job of grooming the carpet. Third, carpet vibration is more noticeable too, so I know it's doing a better job of cleaning.

Post# 65516 , Reply# 38   4/8/2009 at 21:23 (5,468 days old) by tristar ()        

The factory brushrolls are definitely better than the generic aftermarket models. That said......carpet vibration? I've got 2 TriStars and neither one vibrates my carpet even one bit with the original brushroll. Now with that VGII.......that's in a league of it's own!

Post# 65521 , Reply# 39   4/8/2009 at 21:59 (5,468 days old) by ericaustin (Dallas, TX)        

LOL: MAKE A MAN OUT OF YOUR TRISTAR!


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