Amazing Airway find

[kloveland]

It’s a long story. Here is the short version. As Chad Cunningham was leaving my house this morning he stopped by Tally's restaurant to eat breakfast (I had to be at work by 10:00 a.m.) On the backside of the restaurant there is a small antique mall that I’ve never visited because I didn’t expect to find anything in there.
Lo and behold Chad found an Airway Mark V sanitizer. He called me and informed me of the Airway while I was at work.

On my lunch break I went to pick it up. There is major construction on 11th street so I couldn’t park close to the mall. I ended up carrying the Airway a distance through a couple of parking lots. I’ve never seen an Airway here in Tulsa Oklahoma. I’m wondering if Airway had a dealership here at one time. I consider this Airway to be a rare find regardless of its condition.

It needs a new front wheel and the motor doesn’t sound quite right. It’s extremely noisy but the suction is fantastic.

 

[kloveland]

My 88 is no longer alone

I've been looking for one of these for quite a while and found one within three miles of my house. Eventually, I would like to have a white Douglas power nozzle (like Dave Olsen’s in my profile pic). Chad already has a hose for me. I couldn't be happier!

 

[paul]

Kenny,

<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Awesome find--good for you (and Chad)!  </span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Just wanted you to know if you're more than passively curious about whether Tulsa used to have an Air-Way dealership you can consult your library's reference section and look through the old city directories (including homeowners' and business owners' addresses).   Generally, these are/were published annually for each U. S. city (smaller ones typically being included in nearby larger cities' volumes).</span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Paul</span>

 

[kloveland]

Thanks Paul. That's a great suggestion. I would like to know if Tulsa had one. I know Airways were more common in places like Wisconsin where our VCCC Convention happens to be this year!!!!!!!!!

 

[paul]

Kenny,

<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">You're welcome.  I've done my own research using the directories, and it works pretty well.  The exact years, though--like regular phone books, may be off a bit.  For example, if a directory were published in September 1965, and a business opened in October 1965 it wouldn't have been listed in the 1965 directory.  </span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Hope you find your answer.</span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Paul</span>

 

[singingrainbow]

Nice

You just gotta love it when a neat machine like that just pops up in your back yard! That is a very nice find!


Scott

 

[kloveland]

Thanks Scott. One more question: Took the Airway apart last night and it had a GS Electric motor in it. I thought these were supposed to use lamb motors. The entire Airway is louder than its supposed to be. I couldn' t find anything wrong with the motor.

 

[rugsucker]

Kenney,

Great Air-Way.Just think,the next person in that store probably wondered why they never have an AW.I do have some nozzles,both AW & Douglas.You probably didn't see as you were only here 2 days.And one is NEW in box.,Happy Vacuuming,Jimmy

 

[kenkart]

Black and white Airway

I worked at a vac shop in Boone NC in the early to mid 80s and we sold that same machine, That Panasonics and Princess 2s.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Wow Kenny, that's pretty sweet! I remember seeing a black nozzle when we were at Odowd's in Omaha

 

[thermokid]

Black and white Airway

I have two of those one is a Centurion 2000 (new In the box) that I was lucky to buy from Airway Charlie. I don't use that one however the other one is a Mark 5 Sanitizer. That one needs a new motor and I have no clue as where to get one. I want a motor as close to the original one as I can get. You guys have any suggestions?? I also need the curved metal wands so I can use the attachments with the vacuum... Help!!! Dan

 

[tolivac]

I have an all black "Air Way" labeled as "Vita-Vac"My question-is how do I get inside to check the cord,switch,and motor?The machine does not start.I don't want to cause damage trying to get it apart.Got it from a vac dealers trade in pile.Power nozzle works.