How old my my royal 801?

[nubz3760]

Hey guys im new to the forums but I've had a thing for vacuum since I was very young. I came across this royal model 801 about 4 years ago. some people were moving out and i was helping empty their basement when I saw this old royal. I asked if I could have it. the guy was hesitant but said I could have it if I took good care of it. I know it was made before 1970 because of the style of serial plate and the fact it shows 350 watts instead of amps. I was just wondering if you could tell exactly when it was made? The serial # is 801-29468

It runs very well and with the exception of the bag being ripped where the chain is supposed to go and the logo wore off its in good shape. I am curious about the oil ports though, most royals have a red cap for the oil but this has a screw where it should be. upon removing the screw I can see the bolt is hollow (obviously for oil). maybe that could give a clue about its age. there also appears to be an oil screw for the front bearing.

I have to say I really love the old style and the fact it was built to last, to be repaired instead of replaced like cheap junk these days.

 

[nubz3760]

pic 2

 

[nubz3760]

pic 3 yes those are safety pins lol

 

[nubz3760]

pic 4

 

[nubz3760]

pic 5 serial # 801-29468

 

[nubz3760]

pic 6

i take it those 2 screws are for adding oil?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

About that nameplate, two patents are not there that would signify the unit as being a 1969-70 model: D209131 and 3444582.

The latest patent shown on your machine is 2851717, which was first filed on 10/27/55 and issued on 9/16/58.

D209131 was first filed on 11/26/65 and issued on 11/7/67.

I'm guessing yours must date between 1956 and 1965. Because of that, the original bag on your machine would've been tan and red in color (see picture below).

~Ben

 

[nubz3760]

wow! this baby is REALLY old then. I'm amazed at how good it runs. The only issue is sometimes after running it for a while and the brushroll will slow down. not the motor, just the brush; I noticed the belt was running slightly towards the end of the shaft as this was happening. do I just need a new belt? The brush spins pretty freely by hand and I dont think its binding up..

Also, any idea where I can get an original bag and chain?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

I don't know about the bag, but as to the belt, the replacement part for it is #1043260001.

A replacement brush roll for your machine would be part #2059721000.

To correctly install a belt on any Royal metal upright, you will need to mount it using Royal's special plastic belt lifter tool, or a slotted-head screwdriver. Per instructions:
1. Remove belt cover (or Adjust-O-Rite) from front of cleaner (feature may vary depending on model).
2. Insert belt lifter tool (or slotted-head screwdriver) through belt loop, being sure to hook the belt around the lip of the belt lifter tool from the left. Using the tool as a pry bar, slip the belt onto the motor shaft until the belt lifter base meets the shaft. Gently turn the tool to the right (clockwise) to ensure proper belt placement. Remove tool.
3. The front of the belt will be to your right when installed properly. Snap belt cover (Adjust-O-Rite) over the belt access opening.

~Ben

http://www.tommytuckers.com/docs/vacuum/royal_mry8300.pdf

 

[nubz3760]

What is the difference between the belt for this and the newer royals? I think im gonna buy some mothers polish and shine it up, how common are these 801's? Im pretty geeked that I had such an old model and didnt know it.

I may post a video of it running sometime this weekend when everyone leaves because they will think im silly haha

Im really impressed by the knowledge on this site, I might have u guys teach me a few things

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Please do post a video or two of your 801.

In the meantime, here's a video by @Aleroluver on YouTube, and his 1973 801 (with the 1977-86 880 bag) is among those used. It is not a strong performer compared to the other Royal metal upright, the 89103 90th Anniversary Edition upright (the former uses a 400-watt motor while the latter uses a 6 amp motor; the latter also has a 9-blade impeller fan while the former uses a 6-blade impeller fan).

The belts used on the post-1991 Royals are knurled whereas the pre-1992 models use smooth belts and their brush rolls have hex ends. They are not interchangeable. #1672260001 is the newer knurled belt, and cannot be used on models whose brush rolls have square ends.

~Ben

 

[nubz3760]

Yea i noticed with a kirby belt the knurled side would make it sound like it had a bad bearing, whereas the smooth side was quiet. And i can agree with it not being a extremely, as it cant even pull the adjust o rite button all the way in. I still think it picks up better than most modern vacuums regardless.

 

[nubz3760]

Not being extremely powerful** sorry for typos

 

[kenkart]

Royals pictured above...

Those are mine and the 801 is in fact a 58, the pink 975 cannister is a 63, im glad those pics were posted..It would take me half a day to find my pictures! LOL!

 

[kenkart]

801 performance!!

I disagree that it is not a strong performer, it is very quiet running, but dont let that fool you, the nozzle design on these is to my mind superior in every way to the later Royals, I have a like new 880 from 1977 and the older 801 will clean rings around it, it is lighter and easier to push also, the 801 is the ONLY upright I use on a regular basis.

 

[nubz3760]

I do love how quiet my 801 is, it makes a happy little whir I love using it just because of its age; it runs so sweet for being twice my age. just goes to show that things were made better before china took over.

I use it more than my sentria. I dont like the plastic handle on the sentria, it bends when you carry it and just feels cheap for a $1500 machine. its WAY heavier than my royal too. I'd say the royal is my lightest (and quietest) upright. it makes me wonder why kirbys are so heavy since royals are all metal and are half the weight. it must be the tech drive. also, metal fan B-)

 

[nubz3760]

Just thought you guys should know I took a couple videos of my royal and kirby. they are uploading now, should be up later. its in 720p so its gonna take a while.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

YouTube

Nick,

What is your YouTube channel? So that I can stay up to date on your videos...

Thank you,



Ben

 

[nubz3760]

my username is nickloss. It may not be the best content lol