Good Price for a Rainbow?

[tase]

For my birthday I want to get a Rainbow vacuum. My budget is no more than $250, but I'd really, really like to keep it under $200 or less.

I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rainbow-Vacuum-SE-/331021129594 ... Would this be a decent price? If not, what would and if you can, could you find one that would be good?

I'm really stuck as I don't know too much about Rainbows.

 

[suckolux]

Looks nice, I am sure someone here can tell you how old it is and what they are worth. Good luck

 

[super-sweeper]

What I can tell you,

Is that appears to be a D4C, Mid 1980s.


It also appears to be missing a power-nozzle cord cable, and the transparent tan lenses that go over those shiny silver strips on the power nozzle. This unit has minor paint scuffing, although those will come of easily with a Magic Eraser.


 


I'm not sure on the price-wise scale, though. For that I'll let the expert step in.


-Alex.

 

[rainbowd4c]

It's actually a...

D3 model. This was from the early 80's. It doesn't look like it has all the attachments. I think the opening bid is a little much because it's missing the general cleaning attachments.

Good luck with bidding. From my own personal experience I have found that the opening bids start high, and if you find one with a low opening bid you end up in a massive bidding war.

 

[dysonman1]

One word of caution...

You cannot check the motor on that now 30 year old vacuum before you buy it. You have no idea of its condition. I've worked on hundreds of D3 Rainbows, they are now so old that many people don't know how to work on them anymore. Be prepared at the least to replace the lower bearing, the upper bearing and plate, as well as the carbon brushes. You'll also for sure need an R-747 flange, flange screws, flange gasket, and air deflector. These are the parts normally replaced in a 'full service' of a Rainbow motor. Be also prepared for a 30 year old power nozzle motor (new ones are not too expensive - about $50), as well as a new brush roller (CWP's replacement brush roller makes the nozzle clean better than the genuine) and belt.

 

[tase]

So I'm assuming that the problem this one is having would be the power nozzle motor?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rainbow-Tec...281166218464?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item4176d004e0

 

[tdembroidery]

Rainbow

$145 seems a little steep for that machine.

I would check craigslist before going to ebay. I bought my D4SE on CL for $150 and it came with all of the attachments, the power nozzle and the aquamate shampooer.

Shop around. I think you should be able to try before you buy especially if you're treating yourself for your birthday.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[tase]

Yeah... I understand. I only went to eBay as the Rainbows on Craigslist are either priced way too high, or are gone in about 5 minutes.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Would any of you recommend a D2, D2A or D3A today, if it had the Eureka-made R-1024 power nozzle?

~Ben

 

[vacuumman206]

The 1st one I wouldn't pay that. No attachments, no guarantee of a clean motor. The D3 (in my opinion) is a nice machine, but hasn't reached the point of vintage value like the D2 and prior, but isn't 'modern' enough like the D4 to fetch a price like $145 for just the machine and power nozzle. The second one is a little more reasonable in price, but at that price you could find another D3 with all the proper attachments and wheeled dolly. the sound the seller speaks of sounds like dry brush bearings, which could easily be fixed with some oil.
I would recomend a D4SE with the performance (PE) power nozzle. I have an SE, but don't use it enough to warrant buying the PE nozzle, even though I'd like one.