Air-Way Sanitizor Model 77 Wands...

[airway77]

Hi All....

Long time guest here; finally decided to join based on my recent turn of events concerning a vacuum...

I just purchased an Air-Way Model 77 off of eBay which runs like a top. Years of research leads me to believe that the tools are all original (they are all Air-Way branded/design), however, the lower wand simply refuses to fit into the floor tools. I've tried everything except destructive force to make it fit and it simply won't budge.

I read somewhere that the original Sanitizor (Model 55) had a different wand fitting. Is it possible I could have received those wands instead of the proper ones?? The locking ring is literally "too big" to fit inside the opening of the attachments.

The machine runs GREAT, and I have no complaints whatsoever with it. I have been raised a loyal Aerus-Electrolux owner and I must say that I would put the Sanitizor head-to-head against my grandmother's prized Lux Marquis any day in the straight-suction department.

Any help is gladly appreciated!

 

[dysonman1]

Would you please take a picture of the lower wand, specifically the flange. Also please take a picture of the upside down rug tool, showing the latch.

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

Here they are.

Hope this helps!

 

[electrolux137]

~
~


Hmmm.... Are these wands invisible?! hahaha

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

Way to go my wonderfully stupid PC.....

Here they are for real

 

[dysonman1]

This is what it should look like.

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

That is DEFINITELY not what it looks like.

Crap.......just my luck.

Do any of you know where I can find the proper lower wand??? I called three semi-local major vac shops only to learn (while being laughed at by one) that they don't even stock bojack bags, let alone anything else. I need the lower wand to use it in it's "proper" form; I'm using a metal Eureka lower wand and a $12.99 vac-shop special carpet tool (which isn't the greatest) and I really would like to use the proper Air-Way floor tools with it.

As for electrolux137, I hope Samantha and Endora can keep Mrs. Gladys Kravitz occupied so she won't be peeking in my window at my Air-Way .

If anyone has a lead on said wand...please let me know here in the thread!

Thanks!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

i think Jimmy Martin (Rugsucker) Has wands

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

Thanks vacuumlad1650...

I will contact him tomorrow.


Also, I have to ask a question meant for anyone who can answer...

If (Good Lord in Heaven please forbid) the motor should decide to malfunction beyond the realm of worn carbon brushes, are there replacements? I know that the Air-Way Company we all knew and loved is no more, but are there aftermarket models available (preferably Ametek-Lamb)? I know GE made the motors but the golden age of GE is rapidly fading in the rear-view mirror as well. I don't think I've ever used a Domel so I can't speak for their reliability, performance stats, noise level, etc. unless I have and didn't know that was the motor type...

Anyone who can answer (and I'm certain someone on here probably can) feel free to respond here in the thread!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Calling Charlie Wotrous! AirWayCharlie, are you there??

 

[jimjimmunster]

For Parts, Your Best Choice Would Be...

For parts, I would suggest looking for a junker. an old beat up airway that is cheap, that would keep it close to original and not cost a fortune. best place to find those is in the garage of an estate sale or on eBay.

 

[electrolux-dude]

I might can help

Hey Tania this is Nathan, Electrolux dude, I think I have some wands for an Airway. If I recall correctly I'm thinking they are what you'd need. I'll be going out to "Vac-A-Ville, TX population 200-300, and I'll look and see if I can find those wands and get a picture of them. I've got at least a dozen or more of Airway machines. I can be reached by email at: [email protected]. Sincerely, Nathan L. Thomas
Electrolux-dude

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

No offense BUT....

I'm not Tania Voigt....nowhere close. Please do not compare my rookie collector and enthusiast little self to the Goddess of the Vacuum Collecting world.

Concerning the motor question...

Air-Way isn't too common in my part of NC (or NC in general from what I can tell) so yard/estate sales are slim pickings (unless it's Aerus-Electrolux...they're everywhere!!). What about ESSCO or similar sites? As always, eBay is a good place...that's where I bought the Air-Way to begin with!!

Also, where can I find decent bojack bags? Based on past experience with bags sold on Amazon I'm extremely wary of the bags there unless I have no good alternative option.

Thanks! Please let me know here!

 

[rugsucker]

AirWay

In Toms picture 2 above that 'dent' in the edge of the wand is not because it was dropped but is one of many clever reasons that 'AirWay was the best Way'.When the wands are twisted sideways a pin under the edge of wand is pressed down causing the spring mounted bristle strip to extend further downward for picking up threads,etc.
airway77,
"my part of NC"If you are in western NC you would be close to me and LOTS of vacs and parts including much AirWay.I am very easy to get to from Asheville,Charlotte,Hickory,Boone and other areas.I know where most AW parts are and have 3 at the bench & 3 more in center hallway.Also many 55 & 66.Even so it might take some searching for some items.Best to call.
Jimmy--423-268-4841

 

[kirbysthebest]

Bags can be found on Ebay.  I have even purchased Old stock originals at times.


 


Tom Gasco directed me towards the Eureka Direct Ebay store a few years ago.  You can purchase replacement bags that are fair performers for Air-way,  double layered, microlined.  Nowhere as good as the orginials. 


 


Tom has also given instructions on how to save the top of the bag and use the Tacony bags as replacements.

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

Rugsucker...

I'm in the Piedmont....near Greensboro and Winston-Salem metro area.

Solid two/two and a half hours driving time from Boone and even further from Asheville.

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

Hi All...

Anyone who knows where I can find the lower wand OR if you have one that you are willing to sell to me please contact me via the email address in my profile.

I checked eBay and Craigslist with no luck....

Thanks!!!

 

[kenkart]

Re Piedmont..

I'm in Mocksville and work in Winston. I don't think I have any Airway spare wands. but I do have a bunch of vacuums you might like to see.Hans

 

[airway77]

Air-Way Sanitizor 77 Wands...

Kenkart....

Mid-century canisters???
I'm intrigued.....

I've always found the RCA/Whirlpool and their badge-engineered Kenmore counterparts interesting....

What Air-Way machines do you own?