eurekastar
Well-known member
Very, very nice!
Must be something in the (Rainbow) water...?
- Thread starter hoovercelebrity
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mark40511
Well-known member
So cool!
I didn't realize they had the 14 foot hoses with the older machines, but I do know one thing, they are GREAT! Glad you ordered one. You can literally park the rainbow and get everything high and low as far as dusting & you don't need to keep switching outlets as well. Did you put anything in the water for scent?
I didn't realize they had the 14 foot hoses with the older machines, but I do know one thing, they are GREAT! Glad you ordered one. You can literally park the rainbow and get everything high and low as far as dusting & you don't need to keep switching outlets as well. Did you put anything in the water for scent?
williamr1248
Well-known member
Must be something in he (Rainbow) water
Dear Fred,
What a beautiful job! It was great to see all the pictures of the guts.
As you remember I have the very same machine. I agree with Bud. My machine and power nozzle are very quiet.
When I did he Rainbow test and ONLY used my Rainbow SE for 1 year,I was SURE that the power nozzle wasn't doing much but at end the end I used my Kirby and Hoover Windtunnel and they pulled almost nothing from the thick carpet so I found the power nozzle was doing a better job than I thought. My power nozzle was also very easy to push on the thick carpets.
On the down side, I hated all the different pieces,hoses and the fact that the dolly did not lock on the machine. I never used the attachement holder or the dolly.
I think you will get about same reults with any Rexair but that new machine is worlds apart from the older SE in user features.
The trouble is once you get used to not having to dust anything and not storing the dirt and filth it is hard to go back.
The door storage rack and the fact that the new machine stores right back on the lock on dolly and ONE set of hoses and wands makes it much more user friendly.
I have been told by several Rexair experts that the SE was one of the bettter Rainbow models and I never had any problems with mine. I bought mine in fall of 1993.
Now, that Rainbow just does not look right in your house of beautiful Hoovers!
Thanks for sharing all the pictures.
Rob
Dear Fred,
What a beautiful job! It was great to see all the pictures of the guts.
As you remember I have the very same machine. I agree with Bud. My machine and power nozzle are very quiet.
When I did he Rainbow test and ONLY used my Rainbow SE for 1 year,I was SURE that the power nozzle wasn't doing much but at end the end I used my Kirby and Hoover Windtunnel and they pulled almost nothing from the thick carpet so I found the power nozzle was doing a better job than I thought. My power nozzle was also very easy to push on the thick carpets.
On the down side, I hated all the different pieces,hoses and the fact that the dolly did not lock on the machine. I never used the attachement holder or the dolly.
I think you will get about same reults with any Rexair but that new machine is worlds apart from the older SE in user features.
The trouble is once you get used to not having to dust anything and not storing the dirt and filth it is hard to go back.
The door storage rack and the fact that the new machine stores right back on the lock on dolly and ONE set of hoses and wands makes it much more user friendly.
I have been told by several Rexair experts that the SE was one of the bettter Rainbow models and I never had any problems with mine. I bought mine in fall of 1993.
Now, that Rainbow just does not look right in your house of beautiful Hoovers!
Thanks for sharing all the pictures.
Rob
floor-a-matic
Well-known member
How about an AquaMate to shampoo the carpet & squeegee & squeegee adaptor to wash the floors? I'll bet that'll be a COMPLETE Rainbow vac; no Rainbow SE is complete without an AquaMate.
vacman117
Well-known member
That turned out absolutely beautiful! As of right now, I really do not have the confidence to do a tear down like that, so I applaud you on that! I do have one question, when you ordered the 10 foot electric hose, did the handle come attached? I would like to get one for my SE, but I would want it to have the trigger handle like my regular hose has.
Thanks and Congrats!
Chase
Thanks and Congrats!
Chase
floor-a-matic
Well-known member
hoovercelebrity
New member
Chase -- The hose did not come with the handle attached. I had to swap the handle and all of the parts inside of the handle. I did order new handle halves, as the ones on the hose which came with the machine were cracked/broken.
The 12' hose without the handle attached was $94 bucks... vs. the one in the link above which is $146, complete with handle. It wasn't the easiest handle to swap over, but I've certainly encountered ones that are more difficult. I may buy all of the parts to put a trigger-handle on my hose, that seems like a smart idea.
I don't think I want to mess around with an Aqua Mate. I have a Hoover SteamVac that has suited me well for years. I don't want to have to hook something up to the sink and deal with that. I might get the squeegee eventually, but I have a Haan steamer that does an incredible job on the floors.
I did put a few drops of "clean air" into the tank, but didn't really smell it while I was using the vacuum. I probably should have used more. Next time.
The water was pretty black. I should have probably emptied and refilled halfway through. Next time.
I may replace some parts on the powerhead, motor included. It just doesn't sound very healthy. I'm also curious to try the aftermarket agitator with all bristles. I may also need to adjust the gasket on the bottom plate. The old one was dried out and crumbled when it went through the dishwasher. I had put some closed-cell foam back in its place, but might not have it seated exactly where it needs to be.
I may also at some point get the larger water basin. But that's low on the priority list. More stuff to store. I still haven't figured out where this one is going to live. All of those hoses and wants.. It's a lot to keep in one place. I need the hanger to mount on the back of a door.
The collection is getting pretty full -- I'm going to have to part way with some machines soon... Just not enough room for all of them!
The 12' hose without the handle attached was $94 bucks... vs. the one in the link above which is $146, complete with handle. It wasn't the easiest handle to swap over, but I've certainly encountered ones that are more difficult. I may buy all of the parts to put a trigger-handle on my hose, that seems like a smart idea.
I don't think I want to mess around with an Aqua Mate. I have a Hoover SteamVac that has suited me well for years. I don't want to have to hook something up to the sink and deal with that. I might get the squeegee eventually, but I have a Haan steamer that does an incredible job on the floors.
I did put a few drops of "clean air" into the tank, but didn't really smell it while I was using the vacuum. I probably should have used more. Next time.
The water was pretty black. I should have probably emptied and refilled halfway through. Next time.
I may replace some parts on the powerhead, motor included. It just doesn't sound very healthy. I'm also curious to try the aftermarket agitator with all bristles. I may also need to adjust the gasket on the bottom plate. The old one was dried out and crumbled when it went through the dishwasher. I had put some closed-cell foam back in its place, but might not have it seated exactly where it needs to be.
I may also at some point get the larger water basin. But that's low on the priority list. More stuff to store. I still haven't figured out where this one is going to live. All of those hoses and wants.. It's a lot to keep in one place. I need the hanger to mount on the back of a door.
The collection is getting pretty full -- I'm going to have to part way with some machines soon... Just not enough room for all of them!
gsheen
Well-known member
Fred ,
First off nice work on the rainbow, you have given me the motivation to get one that has been sitting in my shop for ages out and rebuild it.
BTW we use a large Indesit dishwasher to wash all the body partsof the vacuums we work on , however we do use it on heat but I have fitted a new lower temp element into it as the original one got very hot, it never melted anything but would dryout the plastic, especially on lavender colour parts.
If you don't mind me asking what do you do for a living
Gareth
First off nice work on the rainbow, you have given me the motivation to get one that has been sitting in my shop for ages out and rebuild it.
BTW we use a large Indesit dishwasher to wash all the body partsof the vacuums we work on , however we do use it on heat but I have fitted a new lower temp element into it as the original one got very hot, it never melted anything but would dryout the plastic, especially on lavender colour parts.
If you don't mind me asking what do you do for a living
Gareth
williamr1248
Well-known member
Therre Must Be Something in the (Rainbow) water
Fred,
I just checked the date on mine and it was 392.
Can you imagine that Tom was surpriesed when I bought that new Rainbow back in 1992!!!
I have the Aquamate for my SE that hooks up to the sink. I would not bother with one as mine is a real pain to hook up and use. Also, I never liked or messed with that stupid attachment holder and cord holder. That is just a personel preference.
I do love the squeegee. You need to find a door rack if you keep the SE.
It really simplifies all the storage.
I need to replace the foam seal on my power nozzle too. I did replace the origianl beater bar with the newer style all brush. It does a better job of grooming the carpet but I have tried both the brush and the beater bar and with the sand the beater bar seemed to work just as good.
If I could not get a HOover or my Kirby to pull dirt on my rugs after a year,the Rainbow was doing a good job.
There is not even a close comparison between the old power nozzle and the new design.
Now what ever you do DO NOT TRY THE NEW BLACK RAINBOW or you will want one.
You did a beautiful job.
Rob
Fred,
I just checked the date on mine and it was 392.
Can you imagine that Tom was surpriesed when I bought that new Rainbow back in 1992!!!
I have the Aquamate for my SE that hooks up to the sink. I would not bother with one as mine is a real pain to hook up and use. Also, I never liked or messed with that stupid attachment holder and cord holder. That is just a personel preference.
I do love the squeegee. You need to find a door rack if you keep the SE.
It really simplifies all the storage.
I need to replace the foam seal on my power nozzle too. I did replace the origianl beater bar with the newer style all brush. It does a better job of grooming the carpet but I have tried both the brush and the beater bar and with the sand the beater bar seemed to work just as good.
If I could not get a HOover or my Kirby to pull dirt on my rugs after a year,the Rainbow was doing a good job.
There is not even a close comparison between the old power nozzle and the new design.
Now what ever you do DO NOT TRY THE NEW BLACK RAINBOW or you will want one.
You did a beautiful job.
Rob
eurekastar
Well-known member
Long hose
I'm curious about the loss of suction and airflow with the longer hose. I guess it's not significant; otherwise, Rainbow wouldn't offer it.
I'm curious about the loss of suction and airflow with the longer hose. I guess it's not significant; otherwise, Rainbow wouldn't offer it.
mark40511
Well-known member
Eurekastar
I don't think it's significant. I can speak for the 14 foot non electric hose as it wants to inhale everything in its path. I didn't bother buying the longer electric hose since I'm only getting carpets with that and not high places, but I guess the suction loss due to length would be minimal. I do know they also sell a 30 foot hose! Can you believe that? I mean, that's like a central vacuum hose!
I don't think it's significant. I can speak for the 14 foot non electric hose as it wants to inhale everything in its path. I didn't bother buying the longer electric hose since I'm only getting carpets with that and not high places, but I guess the suction loss due to length would be minimal. I do know they also sell a 30 foot hose! Can you believe that? I mean, that's like a central vacuum hose!
hoovercelebrity
New member
Now what ever you do DO NOT TRY THE NEW BLACK RAINBOW or you
Too late, Rob! I already want one. But I'd order mine with the longer hose.
I'm really itching to get my e-Series up and running now... I need a powerhead and powerhead wand for that one. It also could use a new set of regular wands and a bare floor tool.
I'm excited to use the SE again!
To those of you who have one of these, how wet is the gasket supposed to get? I feel like when I'm done, and empty the machine, that gasket is a little damp. Not sopping wet, but damp enough.
Too late, Rob! I already want one. But I'd order mine with the longer hose.
I'm really itching to get my e-Series up and running now... I need a powerhead and powerhead wand for that one. It also could use a new set of regular wands and a bare floor tool.
I'm excited to use the SE again!
To those of you who have one of these, how wet is the gasket supposed to get? I feel like when I'm done, and empty the machine, that gasket is a little damp. Not sopping wet, but damp enough.
I don't know about your Rainbow model but on my model D, the gasket is dry after vacuuming. Are you putting too much water in the basin? It should not go over the top of the centre post.
Gary
Gary
williamr1248
Well-known member
There musdt be soemthing in the (Rainbow) water
Fred,
The gasket on my SE always is a little damp after use (not soaked)and has always been that way since it was new. I don't think this is the case with my "d" or the new machine.
Fred,
The gasket on my SE always is a little damp after use (not soaked)and has always been that way since it was new. I don't think this is the case with my "d" or the new machine.
eurekastar
Well-known member
Wet gasket
I'll have to check that out the next time I use one.
I'll have to check that out the next time I use one.
floor-a-matic
Well-known member
I meant this AquaMate (the blue one) All you need to do is change the cord & it should work on the older Rainbows like the D4SE & earlier.
U can also get the squeegee blade for it too, to do bare floors.
http://rainbowsystem.com/accessories/aquamate/
U can also get the squeegee blade for it too, to do bare floors.
http://rainbowsystem.com/accessories/aquamate/
dial-a-nap
Well-known member
I'm way behind on my V-Land! Very nice restore, Fred!!
I see Rainbows all the time on CL here, but $50 was a great price.
I see Rainbows all the time on CL here, but $50 was a great price.
eurekastar
Well-known member
I vacuumed tonight with a D4 and afterwards checked the gasket. It was slightly wet on one side. That made me curious so I latched an empty water basin onto the motor unit and did a visual inspection. What I found was that the mouth of the water basin doesn't line up perfectly with the gasket. There's just a little overhang and that's where the gasket was wet.
floor-a-matic
Well-known member
The gasket on my SE is getting brittle & flaking off, so I'm going to need a new one soon. Even with a worn gasket, the SE still has full suction.
hoovercelebrity
New member
Used it again tonight... I needed to unwind after a long day at work. I'm continually impressed with the constant airflow of this machine. It's nothing I didn't know about (the fact that Rainbows have great airflow) -- I just haven't really ever used one over any regular length of time before. It's quiet (which Robert appreciates), and just feels like a quality vacuum when you're using it.
I put a bit more scent in it tonight (I got a 3 oz bottle of "Fresh Air" to try) -- so we could actually smell it this time. ;-)
I took it upstairs, to vacuum the carpet. I had adjusted the gasket on the bottom plate of the powerhead a bit. It seems to groom the carpet a little better than the other day. It's still has a little "rattle" to it, and is still a bit on the noisy side. But I do think it's doing a better job of cleaning than I think it's doing. That powerhead really does vibrate the floor.
Got Robert to snap a picture of me using it... (with proper Rainbow form, of course! The machine behind me, hose held in my right hand, coming around my back and letting the tools do the work!)
I put a bit more scent in it tonight (I got a 3 oz bottle of "Fresh Air" to try) -- so we could actually smell it this time. ;-)
I took it upstairs, to vacuum the carpet. I had adjusted the gasket on the bottom plate of the powerhead a bit. It seems to groom the carpet a little better than the other day. It's still has a little "rattle" to it, and is still a bit on the noisy side. But I do think it's doing a better job of cleaning than I think it's doing. That powerhead really does vibrate the floor.
Got Robert to snap a picture of me using it... (with proper Rainbow form, of course! The machine behind me, hose held in my right hand, coming around my back and letting the tools do the work!)
hoovercelebrity
New member
Here's the gasket after I was done using the machine. Not dripping wet, but pretty damp. I don't think it's anything to worry about. It dries quickly.
I do have to say, also -- I'm amazed with how dirty the water is. It really gets pretty nasty, pretty quickly. I'll be interested to see if the dirtyness subsides after a few uses. It is kind of a pain to fill up and empty, dump out, rinse, then wipe dry. But it's also part of the process, so I don't mind it too much. I like seeing what I pick up, and I like that it's not airborne again when I empty it like there is with a dry bagless machine. I usually empty those outside.
Both clips that hold the water pan on are starting to crack. Something else that i need to order... hopefully that will be it for a while!
I do have to say, also -- I'm amazed with how dirty the water is. It really gets pretty nasty, pretty quickly. I'll be interested to see if the dirtyness subsides after a few uses. It is kind of a pain to fill up and empty, dump out, rinse, then wipe dry. But it's also part of the process, so I don't mind it too much. I like seeing what I pick up, and I like that it's not airborne again when I empty it like there is with a dry bagless machine. I usually empty those outside.
Both clips that hold the water pan on are starting to crack. Something else that i need to order... hopefully that will be it for a while!
briguy
Well-known member
Thanks again Fred for sharing all your rebuild photos & thoughts on the Rainbow.
I have enjoyed reading your comments & getting to see all the great pics you have taken. It has me thinking that I might need to add a Rainbow to my collection!
I have used one in the past, but have not had alot of experience with them. I guess my biggest "hangup" about them is the perceived hassle I see with filling the water, changing it periodically & emptying & drying it out after every use. But I still think I could get past all of that to enjoy such a nice machine. LOL
I have enjoyed reading your comments & getting to see all the great pics you have taken. It has me thinking that I might need to add a Rainbow to my collection!
I have used one in the past, but have not had alot of experience with them. I guess my biggest "hangup" about them is the perceived hassle I see with filling the water, changing it periodically & emptying & drying it out after every use. But I still think I could get past all of that to enjoy such a nice machine. LOL
shelly
Active member
My gasket looks pretty much like that too. You look very handsome holding your SE.
mark40511
Well-known member
Fred
I'm pretty sure seeing that wet is normal. My E series has a different gasket type material (almost like a really hard rubber type material) and it's a little wet when I'm done. Glad you're not letting the little extra effort get to you. I'm going to have to look "fresh air scent" up......not sure what it is. Personally, I'm addicted to the essential oil scents.
I'm pretty sure seeing that wet is normal. My E series has a different gasket type material (almost like a really hard rubber type material) and it's a little wet when I'm done. Glad you're not letting the little extra effort get to you. I'm going to have to look "fresh air scent" up......not sure what it is. Personally, I'm addicted to the essential oil scents.
williamr1248
Well-known member
There Must Be Something in the(Rainbow) Water
Fred,
I was looking at your gasket on the SE and it does look much wetter than mine but your gasket my be of a different material or it may just be the angle of the picture.
If you have any trouble with the dolly catching on door sills or area rugs make sure you have a set of wheels located UNDER the hose connection when you set the machine in the dolly. When you lift the hose slightly, it will allow the dolly to roll onto the next surface.
I am still fighting SAND every day from the new walks around the house and it has separated the performance with my different vacuums. I can use the Rainbow first or last and it pulls so much more SAND out of the carpets every day.It took me about 2 months before I really saw the difference when I was doing the Rainbow test but now I DO believe what Ken Bashford told me about constant air flow. After a while you will start getting less carpet fuzz and then you can see all the fine sand and grit it pulls with the constant airflow. If you let the water stand a while when you are finished the sand will drift to the bottom of the basin.
Fred,
I was looking at your gasket on the SE and it does look much wetter than mine but your gasket my be of a different material or it may just be the angle of the picture.
If you have any trouble with the dolly catching on door sills or area rugs make sure you have a set of wheels located UNDER the hose connection when you set the machine in the dolly. When you lift the hose slightly, it will allow the dolly to roll onto the next surface.
I am still fighting SAND every day from the new walks around the house and it has separated the performance with my different vacuums. I can use the Rainbow first or last and it pulls so much more SAND out of the carpets every day.It took me about 2 months before I really saw the difference when I was doing the Rainbow test but now I DO believe what Ken Bashford told me about constant air flow. After a while you will start getting less carpet fuzz and then you can see all the fine sand and grit it pulls with the constant airflow. If you let the water stand a while when you are finished the sand will drift to the bottom of the basin.
blackheart
Well-known member
Very nice!
You did a good job restoring that rainbow. The water in them does get dirty quite quickly as you've discovered by now. It is nice to be able to see the dirt without the flying dust issue though
You did a good job restoring that rainbow. The water in them does get dirty quite quickly as you've discovered by now. It is nice to be able to see the dirt without the flying dust issue though
floor-a-matic
Well-known member
Where can I find the latch applique? Are they still available or will I need to buy the plain latches?
