Air-Way DirtMaster

[air-waycharlie]

I was lucky enough to buy from club member Tim Fuller, (we finally saw him again after a 5 or 6 year disappearance!), an Air-Way Model 39, "DirtMaster", on Monday after the Kirby tour.

Well, I now have my two "Holy Grail" vacuums! The twin motor Air-
Way upright, "The Chief" and the DirtMaster. Both are extremely rare vacuums, especially the DirtMaster.

It needs some help and I did just a little today to get started. I'm going to have an outer bag made as I have one genuine Air-Way wood pulp cellulose DirtMaster bag for it. I need to find the original bag rods and will be inquiring. I know of at least one member that has one that is not in running condition.

I did some repairs to the ends that hold the brush roll and spent some time on the phone with the Gates belt people trying to find the correct v-belt that turns the fan. A Rainbow belt can be used for turning the brush roll.

Here is a before photo:

 

[air-waycharlie]

And after some minor touch up work...........

Later the whole base will be polished and new screws put on the bumper.

When I have the new belts in place, I will remove the hood and show where they go and how they work. It was a very unique design.

This is the model Air-Way was manufacturing when they were sued by Hoover and effectively shut them down till after WWII was over.

Charlie W.

 

[rugmaster37]

Wow a "real" live DirtMasteR 39

Dang Charlie, you hit the jackpot there. What a wonderful thing to find. And like the Apex, next year It's sure to win an award. Hopefully your able to bring it with you. to wherever the 2009 events will be held.

Do you have an owners manual?

Congrat's again...

Chad

 

[normvac]

Charlie, was the Hoover law suit over the Dirt Master having "beater bars on the roller"?
Norm

 

[luxg]

Charlie, I can't wait to see this beauty when you are done with it!! Keep us posted as you progress.

 

[charles~richard]

Yes, this is definitely one of the vintage vacuum cleaners that fall into the "over the top" category -- Singer R series, G.E. RollEasy, Kenmore Imperial (Bug Eye), etc. etc.

I hope you'll take more photos, Charlie, from 3/4 and side views so people who have never seen one of these can appreciate its low profile and very streamlined design.

 

[clarkecombi]

WOW!

One lucky dude..say could u shoot a video of it running when u get it workin....id love to hear what it sounds like

 

[air-waycharlie]

When it gets working...

There will be pictures from all sides with the motor cover off so you can see the belts in play.

I'm in the process of having a new outer sewn bag since I have two genuine paper bags ready to go.

I'm discussing with a number of members of how to make the bag just right.

Pictures will be forthcoming when we are a bit better planned.

Charlie