Must be something in the (Rainbow) water...?

[hoovercelebrity]

All of this talk lately about Rainbows... I just couldn't stand it!  Most people who talk about their Rainbows absolutely love them.  I have a D2 that's in OK shape, but wanted something a bit newer to actually use for a while.  While I would love to purchase a brand new Rainbow, that's just not in the cards right now. Eventually, definitely. But just not now. I found an e-series a few months ago, but I'm missing too many attachments to justify spending the time rebuilding it. When I find a suitable set of tools, I'll invest the time and energy.

So, in the meantime, I've been browsing here and there.  Craigslist, eBay, etc... waiting for something to come along.  Something finally did that I thought would be good to follow up on.  It looked pretty complete, and had one of the boxes -- so that at least meant that they cared enough about it to keep a box.  More than most people do. 


 


So, after a few emails, I was on my way to pick it up last Sunday.  I was excited, and knew that I was going to need to tear into it sooner than later.  I did plug it in when I got it home, and it squeeeealed when it turned on and off.  Had a bit of a whine to it while it was running too.  So I knew it was going to require the full "tear-down and rebuild" that I would be giving it regardless. 

 


So, $50 later, I got myself a Rainbow D4C SE (but no cat)!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

The spread!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

The machine.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Manuals & Mini-powerhead - I'll rebuild that at a later date...

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Not un-fixable...

 

[hoovercelebrity]

So, on Wednesday, the 4th -- it was really nice, but HOT out.  Robert wanted to spend some time outside, "sunning" himself.  I wanted to keep busy with a project.  So I grabbed the Rainbow, a hand-full of tools, a few towels, a bottle of water (to remain hydrated) and pulled up outside for the initial tear-down.  ((We also had a blueberry pie in the oven -- that's what the timer is for!))

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Away we go!

 

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Top cover off!

 

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Motor!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Of course, I got really into taking it apart -- so this was the last picture I got while taking the motor apart.  Sorry. 

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Now through the Dishwasher!  I ran about 4 loads, some of the really dirty parts (like the fans, and motor stages) went through a few times.

 

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Everything's been run through and given a wipe down with a microfiber cloth.  Back outside drying!

 

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Here are the bearings... can we guess which one was the lower motor bearing, closest to the water?

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Here's the garbage pile.


 


I ordered many new parts -- everything that's in the picture below, and other items...including new bearings (ya think?)!  I placed my order on the 4th, got shipping confirmation on the 5th along with tracking info -- parts should arrive on Monday.  Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of re-assembly and its maiden voyage! 

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Oh, here's the Blueberry Pie!    It was delicious.

 

[kirbysthebest]

Fred,
Where do you order your parts?
I've been ordering from Hesco, and love them. But I am always interested in other venues to order.

I want to tear down my D2, but I scared.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

One word for this website.  Amazing.


 


No parts for models as old as the D2 though... I want to tear that one apart, too.  I'm working up to it!



http://www.goodvac.com/Rainbow_Vacuums_supplies_parts_and_accessories_s/1.htm

 

[jmurray01]

I must say, that Rainbow looks different to what I expected! I knew they were "water vacs" but had never seen one because we don't have them here in the UK and I'd never bothered clicking on any of the threads here. I thought they would be quite futuristic, but I'm pleased that they look traditional, much prefer that.

Now, onto the more important subject, that pie looks delicious... Don't have a spare slice, do you ?

 

[eurekastar]

You got a great deal!  It's so much fun to tear stuff down, clean everything, and then rebuild it.  I was afraid to run the main housing through the dishwasher because of the decals, but yours stood up to the challenge.  For those parts, I've been hand washing with laundry detergent and bleach.  But I think I'll give it a try in the dishwasher!  Parts for the D2 are a little more challenging to find, but not impossible.  Here's one site I've used.  Like goodvac.com, they are very reliable and ship quickly. 



http://www.rainvac.com/

 

[vinvac]

Fred,

I wish I had your talent...I can tear them down, but when it comes to the motors...I chicken out...LOL

That pie looks wonderful!

It has been too hot here to work on anything. I started taking a lux powerhead apart yesterday..was soaked clear through in about the time it took to take out the two screws...so I cam back in the house.

Morgan

 

[eurekastar]

D2 Parts

Here's another site that I've found reliable and helpful.  The D2 used two different motors during its production.  Parts for the newer motor are still available.  But I don't know if they are interchangeable. 



http://www.usavacuum.com

 

[rainbowd4c]

That's a good model Fred. I have a RainbowD4C that I use for everything almost everyday. The only difference is that my powernozzle hose are a different configuration. I have the old old school where the cord is strapped to the outside of the hose and it's one long cord that pluggs directly into the unit. I just recently bought new hoses that look a lot nicer. I hope you enjoy your new Rainbow. I love mine.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Looks like the parts came out great. That's the same model Rainbow that the guy demonstrates on Matlock by dumping sawdust on the carpet. LOL Didn't know those had a mini powernozzle.

 

[reginafan]

Fred,
Your skills are amazing! And that pie looks fabulous!

 

[williamr1248]

There Must Be Something in the (Rainbow) Water

Fred,
Thanks for sharring the pictures of the tear down!
That is the same mchine I have, although I don't remember you ever using it at the house.
Please don't judge the performance of the Rainbow on the old SE. There is really no comparison with the much stronger suction and air flow. Also the new machine is worlds apart with the single longer electric hose,direct connect wands and new power nozzle,new dolly system,new design of the hose handle and off/on/lock on control and suction relief.
Of course you will get the famous air breathing floor brush,sofa tool and the power nozzle is very easy to push. My old SE power nozzle was doing a better job than I thought but with the Rainbow it is all about no loss of air flow.
I cannot even imagine you using anything but a HOOVER! Oh my!
Rob

 

[goadie12]

Wow Fred I must say you got a good deal with that machine it is actually very clean considering it is an older model rainbow, the previous owners obvsiouly took very good care of it. Keep us posted on your progress thanks. Zach

 

[eurekastar]

Fred, when you run your parts through the dishwasher, do you use the heated wash and rinse options?  I know you said you don't use the heated dry (which makes sense).  Also, the pie looks great!  Wish I could have a piece. 

 

[raycarter]

Very Nice!

A friend of mine for whom I used to clean house had that same model. She had the full-sized power nozzle, but not the miniature, which would have been a great help in getting her pomeranian's hair off of her carpeted stairs! Looks like you really got your money's worth on that deal (and I certainly would have made an offer for the cat. He looks like a real sweetie!)

 

[briguy]

Fred, thanks for sharing your teardown process photos. I always enjoy seeing the process step by step & older machines given a proper thorough cleaning. On my next teardown & rebuild, I am going to try running parts thru the dishwasher. I usually wash parts down outside or in the bath tub. Been a little hesitant to use the dishwasher, but I guess as long as the heat dry cycle is not used then they should be fine?? Excited to see your reassembly photos when you post them!