Goodwill find: Alva 880

[daftbronyg5]

Got this beauty for only $25! I was amazed to find it there as my Goodwill never has any vacs, let alone vintage machines. She seems to be in great shape. I did however have to wash the bag as the disposable had a rip in it, resulting in a huge mess of dirt inside. So that's now drying out in the garage. I checked the disposable bag all over and I can't seem to find what type it is. Looks like a F&G style but I'm pretty sure you can use Hoover type C bags. Could I get away with using the type C temporarily or should I just go out and buy a pack of type A Royal bags? Can't wait to see how this machine compares to my G5!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

DaftBronyG5

Congratulations on finding this Alva-branded Royal!

Yes, the disposable bags for this model were originally Royal type A's but they had been discontinued for awhile, and yes the Eureka type F/G disposables will work on your machine.

May I ask you what the serial number is for this machine? It is found on the same nameplate with the model number, which is on a label affixed to the back of the nozzle by the front wheels. Example: Model 880, Serial No. B85D074801, Amps 4.5.

~Ben

 

[daftbronyg5]

KirbyClassicIII

Thanks! This was one of my favortie machines as a child. I'm ecstatic to have one back in my collection! The serial number appears to read A84D68155

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

DaftBronyG5

Dan,

Your machine was built in January 1984.

Sadly, the business caught fire in 1988 due to some stupid boy playing with his lighter.

~Ben

 

[super-sweeper]

Nice find! Great seeing you back, too, was wondering what became of you! 

 

[hygiene903]

Nice Find!

I've never seen an Alva branded Royal before! Looks just like my Electro-Hygiene 903, built in Feb. 1983. Here's a pic, with attachments.
Jeff