My Own Chrome Dome

[eurekastar]

After seeing photos of other Chrome Domes on the Forum, I felt compelled to get my own.  This was the most difficult motor I've ever serviced.  Not only were the parts hard to find (but not impossible), this thing also has a much more complicated motor setup when compared to other Rainbows.  I just about lost my religion on this one!  LOL!  I'm not quite sure about what accessories go with this model because it came with some duplicates, including a "dusting brush" upholstery tool. 

 

[eurekastar]

The original two prong cord was in marginal shape, so I replaced it with a new grounded cord and grounded it to the motor.  I feel like a grounded cord is safer since there is so much metal AND the motor in this model is more vulnerable to water intrusion.  The paint and chrome are in excellent shape too. 

 

[goadie12]

Wow very nice I will have to post some pictures of my rainbows when I get home from the cabin for the long weekend. It's nice to see vacuums being properly taken care of and rebuilt back to their original condition thanks. Zach

 

[goadie12]

P.S can't wait to see how your rainbow D3 fans turned out in the dishwasher thanks. Zach

 

[goadie12]

P.S can't wait to see how your rainbow D3 fans turned out in the dishwasher thanks. Zach

 

[compactelectra]

The Chrome Dome

Has to be one of my favorites.  Bought on in about 1977 and then found a brand-new in the box specimen just recently.  Great machines!

 

[eurekastar]

@ Fred

Your Chrome Dome is really beautiful!  Someday, I hope to have a PN model too. 

 

[eurekastar]

@ Zach

I'm waiting on parts to arrive.  As soon as they do, I'll post photos of the reassembly process.  I kind of think most people aren't as fascinated as I am with the rebuilding and servicing aspect, so I try not to post too much about all the stuff that I do.  For me, it's not just about collecting.  It's also about taking something and discovering what's wrong and learning how to fix it.  I wish I had the skills that some have with paint and other restoration techniques. 

 

[goadie12]

@eurekastar

Oh no I must disagree with that, I love it when you and others post picture and stories of rebuilds, it is just so interesting. I rebuilt vacuums all the time and I am always looking for easier ways of doing things and when I saw you were planning on washing the fans in the dishwasher I was fascinated and I can't wait to see the final product. I love restoring all kinds of machines and most of my collection has been restored by me and like I said I love to see others doing the same thanks. Zach

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I kind of think most people aren't as fascinated as I am with the rebuilding and servicing aspect, so I try not to post too much about all the stuff that I do.

OMG, that couldn't be farther from the truth! I say if you have the know-how, and the capability to take pictures and post a restoration process or motor teardown -- by all means, DO IT! Other VL members will soak it up. I know for sure I do, anytime someone posts all of the steps involved in doing something like rebuilding a motor. Not only is it fascinating, but we can all learn from one another.

Love your Rainbow threads, by the way. I'm itching to tear into a Rainbow I recently picked up. You're inspiring me to tear it apart and give it a rebuild! Never worked on one before -- there's a first for eveerything!

~Fred

 

[compactelectra]

Be Careful Fred

Those Rainbows can be very tricky.  That Chrome Dome is particularly problematic to take apart and get back together with the three fan stages.  Bought one new in about '77 and just had to take it apart in the townhouse in Chicago.  Never could get it back together correctly and took it back to the Rainbow dealer on Cicero Ave with my tail between my legs. They put it back together perfectly with no questions asked.  OMG!  Just checked and they are still in business 35 years later at the same address!  Something to be said for that.



http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q...b=1&gl=us&hq=rainbow+vacuum+cicero+ave&hnear=

 

[goadie12]

Well here are my rainbows thanks. Zach

 

[eurekastar]

Those Rainbows can be very tricky

You're right!  The motor on the Chrome Dome was the most difficult motor I've ever serviced.  But I took very detailed photos when I took it apart, so I'd know for certain how to reassemble it.  I had a really difficult time getting the fan stages apart too.  On the D3, Rainbow designed each stage with a small lip, making it easier to tap them off with a screwdriver.  The motors on the later models are quite easy to work on when compared to the D and D2 models. 

 

[eurekastar]

@ Zach

That's a very nice collection!