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)!

 

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The spread!

 

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The machine.

 

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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!))

 

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Away we go!

 

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Top cover off!

 

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Motor!

 

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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?

 

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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/