Air-Way 80th Anniversary

[williamr1248]

We won't see any more like this vacuum! All metal construction,polished aluminum and chrome,scratch-proof paint. The dirt just jumps out of the carpet when you use the beater bar Rugmaster. This was #8 off the line in 2000. I got her out of her box for the first time in several years. It sounds like you are using a floor sander when someone uses it upstairs and I go to the basement! the only other vac I own that makes that sound is the old Hoover 28. It's fun to watch the dirt just jump to the top of the carpet as you use the Air-Way and yet the brushes are very gentle on the carpet.

 

[eluxomarty]

Daily driver

I have one of these models and it is one of my daily drivers. I love this machine!! Mine says its a Centurion 2000 model, serial number 29786. Don't know where this is off the assmbly line.

I bought mine on ebay from a guy who was getting married. He had the Air Way and his fiance had a Miele which she wanted to keep as their household vacuum. He had to get rid of his so he sold it, to me, yay! Funny thing is he emailed me shortly after the sale just to let me know he sure missed The Air Way. He thought it was a more solid vacuum than the Miele.

Marty

 

[normvac]

Rob
What a great vacuum! Wish I had a more recent Air Way
with a power nozzle!
Happy Anniversary to a great machine !
Norm

 

[williamr1248]

Air-Way 80th Anniversary

Marty,
Your story is what makes the collecting fun.
Norm,
This power nozzle is much better than the power nozzle that my parents have with their 88 Air-Way. It has 2 rows of soft brushes and a beater bar. Shows that you don't need stiff plastic brushes to clean a carpet. It really makes the grit jump and it grooms the carpet without leaving "streaks"

View attachment 3-4-2009-05-22-18--williamr1248.jpg

 

[chuffle]

Where is everyone getting bags???

I have the same model, though I don't remember what number is etched on the plate (the machine is packed away at present). I don't use it, as I am out of bags. Anyone have advice as to where I can find a stash of bags for this machine?

Joe

 

[williamr1248]

Air-Way 80th Anniversary

Here is the bottom of the power nozzle

 

[williamr1248]

Air-Way 80th Anniversary

Joe,
Contact Charlie Watrous for bags. He is a club member. He has gotten them for me and some other people who have Air-Ways and are not vac collectors. They fit perfect and work great.

 

[sleepdoc]

Bags

The tragedy is that the original Air-Way bags were cellulose. I had some pale green generic bags, but they didn't filter like the originals. There was dust in the machine after the first use, and that didn't happen after decades of use with original bags. So, I regard Air-Way, unfortunately, as a complete loss unless someone has a supply of original bags.

 

[kirbysthebest]

Did I not hear that Vita-mix bought Air-way?

 

[chuffle]

More about bags...

Thanks on the info about possible bag replacements.

My fear is that what is out there today won't filter like the originals. My machine is as clean inside as it was the day that I got it from the factory.

Joe

 

[xraytech]

Rob,

Your Air-Way is gorgeous, it makes me think I may want to find one. I love the Power Nozzle too, it looks similar to the Kenmore powernozzles of the 90's.

Sam

 

[pr-21]

air way bags

I use a air way saniclean in the garage with genuine air way bags and the fine dirt from the garage floor tracked in by the car goes through even the genuine bags which makes me wonder if they are as good as everyone says. I was absolutely shocked after changing the bag since I have always heard they leaked no dust. ps the bag was not torn in any way.

 

[hoover28]

Air-Way bags

I use the Air-Tec bk2000 bags thay are a cloth 3ply hepa type bag and thay work great. I also use them in my Handy-Way sani-clean vacuum.


Chris

http://www.air-tec.com

 

[dsmiler]

That power nozzle is a Panasonic same as the Kenmore and you can still order original bags from Vita Mix but they are expensive.

 

[williamr1248]

Air-Way 80th Anniversary

Patrick,
Try those air-tec bags. Charlie got some for 3 members of my family that have Air-Ways. So far they are all very pleased with the bags.
A friend of mine (non-collector) had the same bad experience with the "fake" green bags. They were sold to him as the real thing but they were very inferior.
My parents have been using the Air-Tec bags and when I checked their machine it is very clean.
Rob

 

[sleepdoc]

OK, thanks. I didn't realize any replacement bags existed besides the green ones, which, as I said, I disliked enough to not use the vacuum at all.