Air Way question.

[shag]

I found this vacuum sitting at the curb. I must admit, I haven't been taking notes about Air Way on this site. Now that I have one, I would like to know more. I like the style of it. I looked on the net, and really couldn't find that much about Air Way. It was mostly about the company closing.
One problem. The vacuum works and has suction, but has a burning electrical smell and sounds like a blender chopping ice.
Is it worth fixing, where would you take it and can you still get attachments?
It reeks of smoke and has that great nicotine sheen to it. PU.

 

[aeoliandave]

Very nice find!

Brian, i have a crapload of info and pictures on air-way at home. Will email you tonight. What you have there is...duh...a mark v, one model I don't have. But I do have the means and spares to get yours up and running nice.
Dave at work

 

[crevicetool]

The wiener dog is looking at the machine a little apprehensively.....

Nice find!

Rick

 

[kirbykid63]

Replace the motor

Lamb makes the motor in your vacuum,you can get a new motor for a reasonable price if you want to fully restore your machine.

 

[powertank]

You might get away with new bearings and brushes, but I'd just go with a new motor.

Nice find BTW.

 

[aeoliandave]

Mmm, a Mark V with sputnik runners, not the wheels and cordwind/foot as I would have expected.

Mottled iron gray base?
Is that a PN socket I see on the side near the front corner?
Is the white body painted or textured vinyl?

These details with help date it.

"Is it worth fixing, where would you take it and can you still get attachment"

Yes...bring it to Davy's Vacuum Restoreum next time you're in Stratford...I have extra nozzles for you. You're fortunate to have the two aluminum J wands.

It may well be it is not a total motor loss - maybe it's last duty was sucking up plaster dust with a split bag. A thorough cleaning & lubricating of the motor may make it right as rain again. These are powerful vacuums pulling in the 75-80" range.
The extra long hose says 'original equipment' and the fact that wheeled Mark V's do not have the holes in the top trim to insert the four runners makes this a curiosity I've not seen before.

A Canadian variation?

Hopefully Air-Way Lady Tanya and Air-Way Charlie will have a few moments from packing up for the Convention to chime in with history and known facts.

Dave

 

[luxlife]

Count your blessings.....

The only Air-Way machines I find in Texas are pre-power nozzle models, most without wheels. I never figure out what it is is about the distribution of certain brands in certain regions of the U.S. I've got access to more Kirbys, Luxes, FQ's and Royals than I ever care to see again. The Air-Ways are so hard to find.......

 

[shag]

I got a chance to really check out the machine and clean it.
It smelled so bad of smoke, I could smell it down in the basement. The hose was just caked with nicotine. The inside was cleaner than the out. A solution of Mr Clean and Tide and a toothbrush brought amazing results.

 

[shag]

I am amazed at how good the hose looks. The floor tool is in great shape. The bristles are like brand new. I think I will be heading to Stratford to Dave's Vacuum Clinic.

 

[airwaylady]

"Air-Way Restoration"

Hello!

Great find on this Air-Way! It is worth restoring and getting a new motor as it looks wonderful all cleaned up and will be like a "New" vacuum when you get the motor.
If you need any tools for it let me know as a have some left.

Happy Vacuuming!
Airway lady (Tania)