Rainbow D2 bearing plate

[dwebs262]

I have a mid-70's Rainbow D2, my parents bought it brand new, I still remember the salesman coming in and doing the demonstration. While cleaning out my parents house, I rediscovered the vacuum in a closet. It is in great shape and still works, the only thing it needs for sure is bearings because I can hear them grinding away when its shut off.
I understand the bearing plate is no longer in production, and my question is, has anyone successfully replaced just the bearing in the top plate by drilling out the rivets replacing the bearing and pop riveting the bracket back in? I am pretty sure once the bearing is out I could get it matched locally. Does anyone have a good source for the whole aftermarket bearing plate if I can't successfully replace just the bearing?
Also, does anyone have the part number for the aftermarket lower bearing?

I am looking forward to getting these parts replaced and getting the family Rainbow Vac back in running condition.

Don

 

[dysonman1]

I ran an authorized Rainbow service center for 23 years. You absolutely CAN drill out the rivets, replace the bearing, and use pop rivets to secure the bearing cover. Both bearings (top and bottom) can be sourced from various bearing supply houses - the bearing number is printed on the bearing race cover. Breuer Bearings in St. Louis supplies the ones we use - they're fairly expensive at twenty dollars for the lower bearing - but that's a small price to pay for the perfect machine.

 

[dwebs262]

Thank you for the information, drilling out that top bearing will make it much easier.