Recent content by toastermike

According to Ben's information on commercial models of this time period, bags were grey but red and black bags were also used. This is definitely a commercial shake out bag and not a household model bag. It says commercial on it just below the Royal 5 graphic.

I've found this Royal 662 at the Goodwill outlet store a few years ago and bought it because it had a red shake out bag. It was made August 1988. I know that they usually have the traditional grey bag. The handle was bent, and I found a doner vac with the correct handle. I finally performed...

My Royal upright that has been my favorite to use is my 9700. It has the best balance power, quietness and pleasant sound from its 7amp motor, light weight and agility. It has the classic Royal look with nice features of some of the newer models. I like the red color, but I've always wanted the...

Stark's museum Thanks for posting these pictures of the old museum Ben. I occasionally would stop by Starks and check it out before they downsized the store. The new museum on the wall is nice but just not the same. I noticed in your 1998 photo there is a Kenmore Commander cart model top and...

Congratulations Ben! It's always great to acquire something rare and unusual, especially something you've been hoping to find for a while.

Mine does not have a tool caddy attached, it's part of the separate trolley. I've seen pictures of early models with the caddy attached. I suspect that the your separate trolley didn't come with your vacuum cleaner since you have modern castors on the machine. Mine does not have castors on it...

For many years I've hoping to find a nice Royal 231 canister for my collection, but they seem to be very rare. Last week at my local Goodwill Outlet Store I saw this one in someone's cart, unfortunate timing for me. I returned about 2 hours later, and spotted in in a bin of clothes! She changed...

Hi Ben Looks like you are building a nice collection! I have a few 500 series Kirby's that could donate parts. I'm sure I could harvest a fan for the 515, and, I'm not positive, but I might have a 408 that could help out your 505. I'll have to look. I'll keep an eye out for a brown collar at...

After I lost my Royal 880 purchased new in around 1974, I found this 881 at a local thrift shop for $7.00. It was missing the belt cover but was in good shape. I spent many hours hand polishing it by hand. I found a belt cover and tried to wash the bag. The graphics literally dissolved and...

Very nice job on a beautiful commercial Royal. It seems like a great combination of some of the newer Royal features such as the type B bag combined with the earlier look of the gray bag and red belt cover. I agree that the knob adjustment gives a superior fine height adjustment.

RESTORED 70 YEAR OLD KIRBY 5 years ago I found this 1949 Kirby model 509 at the local Goodwill outlet store for about $5.00, looking it's age, but with red trim and an aftermarket cloth bag. I began restoring it by dismantling it, removing the heavy scratches, and sending the aluminum housing...

10 Amp Royal Everlast's The Everlast 8300 has a 10 amp motor. I have an Everlast 8400 that looks identical to the 8300 but has an 8 amp motor. The 10 amp models are the "screamers" you hear about. The 8 amp motor is more relaxed sounding.

I have many Royal uprights ranging from 2.8 amp to 8.7 amp motors. I think the 6.0 and later 7.0 amp models are the best overall. Your beautiful 6.0 amp 886/887 offers a nice balance of light weight, strong performance, quiet running, and the attractive light blue color of the 880. Mike

Does anyone know for sure if the Legend II uses a 12v or 110v bulb for the headlight? Mike

I'm guessing that filter bags are probably not to be found. It had an original Eureka bag that had been duct taped and was falling apart. The cloth bag is still in good shape. I managed to fit a Compact/Tristar bag and it seems to seal.