vacuumfreeeke
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2006
- Messages
- 1,997
I wasn't looking for a vacuum, and this was the last one I ever expected to see or buy, but I was at a thrift shop today and this guy followed me home. It was 20 bucks, and I think that's a bit much for one, but I think these are becoming rare because they are kind of fragile, so I got it. I loved the original Fantoms as a kid and convinced many people to buy them. I was sad when then went out of business, and I don't have any Fantoms in my collection except this one now.
I like the burnt orange color and it is really light weight. Not too loud, and not very powerful, but still a fun unique vacuum. I love the off set handle! It also has a bare floor feature and the brushroll doesn't engage when the handle is upright.... I think that is cool because those features weren't as common back then as they are are now. No height adjust, hepa filter, or headlight. I think it's from the late 90s if I remember right.... somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. The only filter is above the dirt bin (in a similar location to the one on the Dyson DC 14). It looks like it is made out of the same material as the filter on a stove hood vent fan! Is that right, or did someone bojack this thing?
I didn't set out to add a bagless plastivac to my collection, but with Fantom being out of business, I figured this was part of vacuum history, much like a Regina Housekeeper.
I like the shape of the handle release pedal and bare floor rocker.
Anyone know anything else about these? It didn't come with any attachments, but I am curious as to what the little twisty hook thing on the hose handle is... if anyone knows, please share with me.
I know this model was also sold in a green color, and later as the Westinghouse unplugged cordless upright.
It's harder to push than I thought it would be, given its weight and big back wheels, but that's probably due to a lack of height adjust. The brushroll for this thing still spins, but it's tiny! Does anyone know if belts are still available or what kind it takes, or if it had a permanent belt?
Thanks for any info!
By the way, the thrift shop had several vacuums to choose from today and not all of them were bad.... an original green Hoover Windtunnel bagged canister with power nozzle (I sold the blue one at Sears, this one was a hunter green that almost matched the original S/P W/T upright), a green Hoover Tempo looking upright (missing the handle cap, why does Hoover do that?), bagged as well, and a post Euro Pro takeover Fantom Twister looking upright in maroon. The also had the purple Kenmore Direct Drive bagged, and this is the one that I used to sell at Sears.... I love it and have wanted one for a while, but the cord had been replaced and the handle release was broken, so at 25 dollars, I passed it up. They aren't so rare that it would be impossible for me to find one in better condition for less money.
This of course is before the clean up.... I haven't started that yet.... it came from smokers or pet owners or something because there is a dreadful smell perfumed when it's running, so it will probably take several days of soaking to make an impression on that. I know I finally got my Dyson to stop smelling like dogs after several weeks.... I expect to have soaking Fantom Wildcat parts strewn all over the apartment for about the next week. I can't wait to take plastic polish to that dull power foot plastic housing!
I like the burnt orange color and it is really light weight. Not too loud, and not very powerful, but still a fun unique vacuum. I love the off set handle! It also has a bare floor feature and the brushroll doesn't engage when the handle is upright.... I think that is cool because those features weren't as common back then as they are are now. No height adjust, hepa filter, or headlight. I think it's from the late 90s if I remember right.... somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. The only filter is above the dirt bin (in a similar location to the one on the Dyson DC 14). It looks like it is made out of the same material as the filter on a stove hood vent fan! Is that right, or did someone bojack this thing?
I didn't set out to add a bagless plastivac to my collection, but with Fantom being out of business, I figured this was part of vacuum history, much like a Regina Housekeeper.
I like the shape of the handle release pedal and bare floor rocker.
Anyone know anything else about these? It didn't come with any attachments, but I am curious as to what the little twisty hook thing on the hose handle is... if anyone knows, please share with me.
I know this model was also sold in a green color, and later as the Westinghouse unplugged cordless upright.
It's harder to push than I thought it would be, given its weight and big back wheels, but that's probably due to a lack of height adjust. The brushroll for this thing still spins, but it's tiny! Does anyone know if belts are still available or what kind it takes, or if it had a permanent belt?
Thanks for any info!
By the way, the thrift shop had several vacuums to choose from today and not all of them were bad.... an original green Hoover Windtunnel bagged canister with power nozzle (I sold the blue one at Sears, this one was a hunter green that almost matched the original S/P W/T upright), a green Hoover Tempo looking upright (missing the handle cap, why does Hoover do that?), bagged as well, and a post Euro Pro takeover Fantom Twister looking upright in maroon. The also had the purple Kenmore Direct Drive bagged, and this is the one that I used to sell at Sears.... I love it and have wanted one for a while, but the cord had been replaced and the handle release was broken, so at 25 dollars, I passed it up. They aren't so rare that it would be impossible for me to find one in better condition for less money.
This of course is before the clean up.... I haven't started that yet.... it came from smokers or pet owners or something because there is a dreadful smell perfumed when it's running, so it will probably take several days of soaking to make an impression on that. I know I finally got my Dyson to stop smelling like dogs after several weeks.... I expect to have soaking Fantom Wildcat parts strewn all over the apartment for about the next week. I can't wait to take plastic polish to that dull power foot plastic housing!
