Old Vacs and Polishers for Parts/Repair Restore

[vanboven509]

I am helping a friend who has a small barn full to the ceiling of vintage vacuums and polishers. Some of these are very old, probably from the 30's-60's. He was going to scrap them, and they have been in this barn for decades. He inherited this barn from his late father who was a second hand store owner as far back as the 50's. We are buying the barn, and moving it to our property, so everything has to be cleared out. This will not be a quick process, as it is nearing winter. But I thought I would check online for him, to see if there is any interest in some of these vacs and polishers. As I said, they have been in a barn, and not entirely protected from dirt, dust, and sometimes rain. It was raining when I went there today, but I pulled out a few and brought them home to take pictures of them. I have seen various models ranging from Royal, Electrolux,Hoover, Kirby, Airway, Singer, Kenmore, etc. I intend to pull everything out and anything that looks like it could be sold, or used for parts, I will set aside and take pictures of. If anyone is interested in a specific type or brand, please email me at vanboven509 @ gmail.com or send me a picture of what you are looking for. I am NOT a vacuum collector....not at all familiar with any of these. I am a vintage Barbie Doll collector, and I know how important little accessories, and details on all of my dolls are, and I think the same applies to those who collect vacuums...every small piece if important. So....I will post just a few pictures of what I brought home today. I just joined the forum today, for the purpose of being able to connect these vacuums and polisher with the people who are looking for them to collect, and to help my friend possibly make a little money in the process.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

I don't know if I'll buy anything but I am most interested in the Electroluxs, Kirbys, and Royals

 

[ge1969]

Hi! I might be interested in some of the older canister type vacs, such as General Electric, Westinghouse, Air-Way, Hamilton Beach, etc., and the hoses and tools for them. Post pics please. Toby G.

 

[electrolux137]

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Something that everyone should be aware of is the possibility of mold and mildew -- in fact, it would be surprising if there was none given that these machines have been in a non-protected environment for decades.


 


A few years ago I bought some upright vacuum cleaner bags from an eBay seller who had gotten them from a vac shop that had been closed for many years but was not protected from the elements because of a leaking ceiling. When I opened the box the bags were shipped in, the stench of mold was overpowering and the bags were peppered with dark black-looking mold. Not wanting to take any chances, I took the entire box outside, doused it in bleach and threw it in the garbage.


 


Other people have run into this same situation when exploring old vac shops, barns, basements, etc.


 


Mold and mildew can be a real problem -- at the very least, the odor is almost impossible to fully eradicate -- at the worst, if it's toxic black mold it can cause serious health problems.

 

[vanboven509]

Mold and Old

Yes, I am definitely not saying these are vacuums that have been cared for and tucked away lovingly each night. BUT the metal parts, the canister parts of these are not apt to be infected with mold. I know that some do not have bags. Not asking a premium for these models either. They can be cleaned up quite nicely. It is not a very damp environment in our area, meaning the west side of our state has quite a mold problem, as it rains there a lot. Here, the eastern side of our state is quite dry and desert like. Dust seems to be the main affliction on most of these units.

 

[electrolux137]

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Looking forward to more photos -- it's always fun to see what's there. Thx...

 

[felix1stv]

Kemore ---kencarts---------

kenmore....ken carts is what im looking for for parts etc.......if u do come acrossed them please let me know thank you
Ron