Rainbow D2

[fairfax88]

Could anyone please tell me what years the DARK brow with CHROME top model D2 Rainbow was made,and for how long? Also,any pictures would be great!!!

Thanks
~David

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I'm wanting to say 1979-81 or 82.

 

[briankirbyclass]

Yes, i think that is right. The DARK brown chrome dome was the last model of the D2s. They also came with a different label on the PN. Was also dark brown, and Had some colored stripes, instead of the regular plain light brown Rainbow label. Why was most everything brown,orange or yellow back then?

 

[dysonman1]

The chocolate brown D2 was made in 1979 and went away in April of 1980 when the first D3A model was launched. In January of 1980, the D2A (still chocolate brown) came out with the D3A's bypass motor. We only got one shipment of D2A's in St. Louis before the D3 launched. The bare floor tool was painted instead of polished aluminum, the rug tool had a plastic top on it (instead of polished aluminum) and the upholstery tool was also painted. The Eureka-built power nozzle was still available when the D3 came out, Rexair's own 'shoe box' power nozzle wasn't launched until October, 1980.

 

[fairfax88]

Thanks everyone,

for the info!!.....Now,will a 1980-81 all plastic D3 motor fit into the all metal D2?
Thanks
~David

 

[dysonman1]

Yes David: The D3's motor was sold as a direct replacement for a D or D2 model, and will interchange perfectly, plus the D3's motor is much quieter.

 

[fairfax88]

Thank you,

Tom...just wondering because the D3 motor has a white plastic sheild all around it.

 

[lasermn]

D2 Serial # 4087323

What is the procedure for checking to see IF the ON/OFF switch is still working?

The last time I used it, it just stopped.

I want to check out the power switch B4 I start looking at the motor.

 

[eurekastar]

The D3 motor will work in the D2; however, it is a completely different design. The D2 motor is a thru-flow design. The D3 is a bypass design. That's why it has the plastic shield around it. It is also a much easier motor to service.

To check the switch, you'll need a multimeter. The leads need to be removed from the motor. Switch the multimeter to ohms. Touch the leads to the switch wires. If the needle moves to the right, the switch is good. You can do the same with the motor.

 

[sonnyndad]

Model D

What year was the model D with a chrome dome made? I got a model D at a flea mall and I'm in the process of working on it. It is NOT a model D2.

 

[eurekastar]

Production Dates

I'm not real familiar with Rainbow's history, but I think the D series began production somewhere in the mid 1950s. From what I know, the earliest D model was a solid gold color. I do know that just before Rainbow began production of the D3, they were already putting the D3 motor into the late D2s. My dark brown D2 has the D3 bypass motor. Unlike my other "chrome dome" Rainbows, this dark brown model also has Styrofoam insulation inside the dome, thus making it much quieter than the other chrome domes. It also stays cooler to the touch.

(sorry about the photo -- I don't know why it's flipping like that!)

 

[eurekastar]

The D2 motors are challenging to service for many reasons. They can be difficult to get into. Rainbow no longer sells the lower bearing; however, it can be purchased from bearing companies. I've found them on Ebay too.

 

[sonnyndad]

D3 motor

I wonder how much a D3 motor would cost me? I think it would be a good idea because it would be quieter, and apparently, more powerful.

 

[bikerray]

You can find them on ebay for about $250

 

[sonnyndad]

That's outrageous

Take off the zero and I *might* get one.