1981 Sanitaire SC686A

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Joined
Jun 6, 2025
Messages
6
Location
Wheatland, CA
Hello everyone it's been awhile since I've posted here. This is a new to me aquision from another collector. Made in 1981 according to the stamp on the base. Would like an OEM bag for it but for now this DVC F&G setup will do.
 

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Nice machine! That was my first Sanitaire. I picked it up at Goodwill about seven or eight years ago for $10. This seems to be a somewhat rare model. In looking for parts and reading lists of models here on Vacuumland, the SC686 seldom appears. Fortunately, I've had 100 percent good luck with parts for an SC886, and even used some of those spares to fix up my S645 (blue professional series), which I acquired later. Yours seems to have had good care. The brush roll has been upgraded to a VibraGroomer II. Mine came with the original VibraGroomer, but the bearings were shot, so I similarly upgraded mine.

Unlike you, I hate dump bags, so I converted mine to an F&G setup. I've still got the original dump bag, minus the spring at the top, which I needed for my S645. Otherwise, it's in really good shape. If you want it, it's yours for the cost of shipping. Just let me know. I shook it out as best I could when I took it off the machine but any original dirt remaining inside will be included at no extra cost ;)
 
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Congratulations, VacmanSpencer1982; looks like it's it's been well-maintained. Hopefully you'll find an original-style bag for it. Btw, even though the base is stamped 1981, that is technically only when the base was made—at least that's how Eureka operated. That's not to say the complete vacuum cleaner was assembled later, but it is a possibility as I have seen on Eurekas before. Just something for you to keep in mind if you happen to get more Sanitaires and may find supposed inconsistencies in feature updates or whatever.

Here's a 1979 ad for it and other commercial uprights:
 

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  • 1979 Nov 8 ST. PETERSBURG TIMES - Sanitaire models SC699, SC686, Hoover Commercial, & Eureka m...png
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Nice machine! That was my first Sanitaire. I picked it up at Goodwill about seven or eight years ago for $10. This seems to be a somewhat rare model. In looking for parts and reading lists of models here on Vacuumland, the SC686 seldom appears. Fortunately, I've had 100 percent good luck with parts for an SC886, and even used some of those spares to fix up my S645 (blue professional series), which I acquired later. Yours seems to have had good care. The brush roll has been upgraded to a VibraGroomer II. Mine came with the original VibraGroomer, but the bearings were shot, so I similarly upgraded mine.

Unlike you, I hate dump bags, so I converted mine to an F&G setup. I've still got the original dump bag, minus the spring at the top, which I needed for my S645. Otherwise, it's in really good shape. If you want it, it's yours for the cost of shipping. Just let me know. I shook it out as best I could when I took it off the machine but any original dirt remaining inside will be included at no extra cost ;)
How much for shipping? My zip code is 95692
 
Looks like USPS Ground Advantage will be $16.65. I've attached a few photos for you. The bag is in great shape, with a couple of very minor rust stains, but no rips, tears, or fading. It is missing the spring at the top, but you can move the one from your F&G bag over to it, either the spring itself, or just slide the entire bag header off and move it over.
 

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Looks like USPS Ground Advantage will be $16.65. I've attached a few photos for you. The bag is in great shape, with a couple of very minor rust stains, but no rips, tears, or fading. It is missing the spring at the top, but you can move the one from your F&G bag over to it, either the spring itself, or just slide the entire bag header off and move it over.
Do you have a way I can send the money electronicly?
 
Congratulations, VacmanSpencer1982; looks like it's it's been well-maintained. Hopefully you'll find an original-style bag for it. Btw, even though the base is stamped 1981, that is technically only when the base was made—at least that's how Eureka operated. That's not to say the complete vacuum cleaner was assembled later, but it is a possibility as I have seen on Eurekas before. Just something for you to keep in mind if you happen to get more Sanitaires and may find supposed inconsistencies in feature updates or whatever.

Here's a 1979 ad for it and other commercial uprights:
Paul,

The only other way to determine the true age of the product is to look at the date stamps of the armature and field coil, but these can be replaced at times.

~Ben
 

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