Eureka 271 Upright!!!

[eurekastar]

I'm always happy to acquire a new vacuum to play with, but I'm really EXCITED about this recent Ebay purchase.  There was only one other bidder besides me, so my apologies to any club member if I was bidding against you! 


 


For its age, it is in excellent cosmetic shape too!

 

[eurekastar]

I really don't know the age of the vacuum but I'm guessing that it was made in the late 60s or early 70s.  I'm not sure, but the bag appears to be a replacement from the 80s or 90s.  I think the cord is a replacement as well. 

 

[eurekastar]

It has the tried and true 3.5 amp two speed motor.  This is the first two speed Eureka that I've ever owned.  Can someone tell which is the normal operational speed? Hi or Low?

 

[eurekastar]

The only issue is the brush roll.  It's making a lot of noise, so I'm guessing the problem with this end cap.  I'll have to address that soon.  Other than that, the motor purrs like a kitten. 

 

[eurekastar]

The Tools!!!

I'm really excited that it came with all the tools too! 

  It will be interesting to see how this 3.5 amp motor works with the hose and tools. 

 

[eurekastar]

The only other minor issue is this switch screw.  I have the screw, but threads are messed up.  I'll to fix that too. 

 

[eurekaprince]

Bill,

That is one very unique Eureka, in that it has all the trademarks of the later 2000 series Vanguard upright, but lacks a Rugulator or Dial-a-Nap height adjuster. These height adjuster features were definitely offered on every Eureka upright by 1970. But this 271 already sports the more modern hood shape seen on the later 2070 Vanguard.

Does the brandplate in front of the headlight come off? If it does, then this is the hose port that is meant for above the floor cleaning as was provided on most Eureka uprights since the late 1950's. Which also means that the tool set you got with this cleaner was from a later year and for a later model Eureka. It includes a pan converter for Eurekas that have no top side hose port.

If yours does have a removable cover for the top side hose port, then this is definitely one of the last models to feature it. Which puts this Model 271 right about 1968 or 1969 just about the same time as the Empress Two canister.

What a gorgeous bit of Eureka history you now own! Enjoy!

 

[constellation86]

Nice find! Congrats! Hopefully you can get the brushroll retainer fixed.
Nicholas

 

[eurekastar]

@ Brian

Thank for pointing out that the name plate is removable!  I hadn't yet noticed that.  Now, I'll need to find an original accessory hose! 

 

[eurekaprince]

Cool!!!!! . This is probably why you ended up with the later pan converter tool set. The original hose may have been a woven one that became damaged. Or perhaps this was a transitionary model and the original retailer had run out of the older tool set. Your newer tool set will work just as well on this model - airflow is not the best, but sufficient for light cleaning and even cleaning of bare floors with the nice Eureka brush provided.

The older tool set for the top side port would have also included a Bottom Plate - this was a plastic cover that snapped into the chrome brush roll sole plate underneath to close off the suction from the bottom so the top side connected hose would get 100% of the suction. It also protected floors and carpets and fingers and toes as you used the cleaning tools.

Another unique feature you have with the Stores-All Tool Caddy: later versions of this red caddy did not sport the Eureka name and "flying E" logo! This one does! Great find!

Thanks for sharing with us...

 

[eurekastar]

@ Brian

Thank you again for the additional information!  I did wonder about closing off the sole plate.  Now I know! 

 

[eurekaprince]

You're welcome Eurekastar!