Royal Model 880 Acquisition

[ornery]

Good Day All,

Yep, first post of yet another vacuum nube. First, want to say thanks to the helpful contributors here. I recently acquired an M1030Z from work. It was well used, and in need of some TLC. Thanks to a few threads found here, I know quite a bit about it, and it's running in tip top shape.

Just acquired a Model 880 this afternoon from the grandson of the original owner. It's got a 3 amp motor. Serial Number: 77m C 14944. Things I like about it:

* In GREAT condition!
* Attractive Powder Blue
* Relatively Quiet
* The "Adjust Rite" diaphram
* Only $30.00 from Craigslist-Cleveland

Things I don't like:

* Hand Knob Height Adjust
* Bottom Fill Bag
* No Quick Release Cord Hook

It was missing a belt when I got it, so I swapped one from the 1030Z. Not sure if that's a proper fit, but it's working. I don't want to wear out bearings in the roller or motor if that would be too tight.

Also, it had a sticking spring in the handle release latch. I pulled it out, and reshaped what seemed to be bent up, but I'll be darned if I can figure out how it's supposed to function. On the 1030Z, the lever is pushed down with your foot to release the handle. It's an entirely different mechanism. This 880 will latch itself using gravity alone. The spring I pulled out seemed to be pushing in the same direction as gravity. To release it, you have to lift with your foot. That seems wrong. Is it?

Thanks In Advance,
John

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

This 880 was made in December 1977 according to the serial number.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Thanks Ben,

I finagled the spring to hold the handle latch in the up position. To latch it in one of the slots, you have to push down with your foot. Tension holds it in place till the handle is slightly lifted. If that's not correct, then I'm stumped.

I notice the roller brushes really protrude from the bottom, about 1/4", compared to the 1030Z, which barely protrudes. That one has a new roller to boot! Even so, the 1030 has much more suction, and gets the job done quicker. And yet, it's much more pleasant using the 880.

Looking into some bags for the 880. I emailed "Go Vacuum" to see if their "Eureka ZVac F and G Upright Vacuum Bags" were actually a HEPA type bag. No reply yet, but the price is right.

Thanks Again,
John

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281033479420

 

[ornery]

Correction To Last Post

Just checked again, how much brushes protrude from bottom of each vacuum. 1030Z is a full 1/4". Model 880 is 3/16". Not sure how I got that wrong!

Anyway, can somebody interpret this gibberish from G-Vacuum:

Dear Customer,

Unfortunately this wont work with the machine you have. he F&G bags will only come on paper. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Have a great day!

- govacuum

I had asked if their Eureka ZVac F and G Upright Vacuum Bags (15 pack) #281033479420, would work in the Royal 880. I then asked, "Is there a HEPA bag I can get for the Royal 880? Am I correct that a normal F&G bag will work in place of the Royal Type A bags?"

This was their reply:

Dear Customer,

Type A its the same as F&G bags. A Hepa bag its no longer available. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Have a great day!

- govacuum


What am I missing? How could they work in a Eureka, and not the Royal 880? Here is a link to the same bags on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Microlined-Va...words=Eureka+ZVac+F+and+G+Upright+Vacuum+Bags

 

[RoyalLover60]

Royal 880

JUst got a Royal 880 myself about 4 months ago, and love it ! was in great shape, and with some burnishing and a new belt and bag, like it just rolled out of Cleveland ! Use it every day...you can still get most parts for it on line, or on eBay... also have Royal Prince hand vac, and a Royal Pony Powerteam cannister...I have a Kirby Sentira, but the Royal upright is easier to manuver, and about 12 lbs lighter...don't knock the manual screw Adust-O-Rite...a bit more work, but gives the best and most accurate adjustment of ANY machine, so your carpet will be lifted off the floor for cleaning, it will be easy to push the vac, and your brush and belt will last a long time...enjoy...you will be treated "Royally"...and don't you love that shade of blue they used to use ?

 

[ornery]

Very Pretty Color

The powder blue wouldn't be my first choice, I prefer burgundy, but it's very pretty. Just washed the bag inside out in the washing machine. Came out like new, and I'm not exaggerating. Guess I'll add a picture this time.

But, I think I'm buying those ZVac bags. Fifteen bags that "offer quality hypoallergenic filtering performance" for $13.00 and shipped free. If they're only as good as a standard F&G bag, I'm still ahead on price alone! Found another one: "Heathly Home Eureka Type F and G HiFlow HEPA Filtration Vacuum Bags" Those are about $3.00 each including shipping. I'll link to the Amazon offer below.

http://www.amazon.com/Heathly-Home-Eureka-HiFlow-Filtration/dp/B00AB3T2AA

 

[RoyalLover60]

By the way, if you need something for your Royal, like bags-belts-brushes, avoid TotalVac as a source...slow, slow, slow...I like GoVac, too, and ABC Vacuum Warehouse is good, too...or eBay, but I hate that auction business there...I like a price up front !

 

[ornery]

Trying Vac Parts Plus

Thanks for the tips. After doing a little more shopping, I opted to go with Vac Parts Plus. Here's the order I just submitted. looks like flat rate shipping of $6.00, and their prices are fair to start with.

Date Ordered: Wednesday 11 December, 2013
Detailed Invoice:
https://vacpartsplusstore.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=account_history_info&order_id=XXXX

Products
------------------------------------------------------
3 x BELT, 3 & 4 AMP, ROYAL UPRIGHT (801, 153) = $5.97
3 x BELT, STYLE #8 NEW STYLE ROYAL METAL UPRIGHT = $5.97
1 x PAPER BAGS, STYLE F&G, MICRO, EUREKA, 9 PK = $9.09
1 x PAPER BAGS, TYPE B, TOP FILL - ROYAL UPRIGHT 3 PK (RY8100, 1028Z) =
$2.79
------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: $23.83
Zone Rates (Shipping to US): $6.00
Total: $29.83

I'll let you know how long it takes...

 

[vac-o-matic]

The place you ordered from is great to deal with, and actually is owned by a member of the club. You did an awesome job cleaning it up, looks great. It doesn't have as much suction as later models, but it sure is a lot quieter. I have the maroon model with a 6amp. motor, and it's a happy medium between yours and the newer screamers.

 

[RoyalLover60]

Sorry...

Shame that I am donating all my vacs to Goodwill today...my Royals are nice, and my Kirby 518 is a trip....think you will enjoy your Royal, but time to move on, and "clean out" my basement...and life...! If you ever want a new vacuum for general use, not for collection or show, you really can't beat a Kirby Sentria...like the Lincoln Continental of vacuums...

 

[ornery]

Yikes RL60!

Before you do anything rash, do you have a Royal with 7.0Amp motor and foot height adjust? Could this be my chance to own one? I'd make it worth your while to get one to me, and I don't mean $20 or $30 dollars either!

Thanks,
John

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

Contact him at [email protected] for more information about what he might have that you want.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Thanks Ben,

Got in touch with him, but no transaction. Nice guy, glad I got to speak with him before his departure.

Also, thanks a ton for your Royal efforts, especially the "ROYAL METAL UPRIGHT PRODUCTION LIST". That will be the guide to my dream machine!

Take Care,
John

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?16680

 

[ornery]

On Saturday evening December 7th, I placed an order with Vacland.com as follows:

Product ID: 1259319000
Product Name: CORD HOOK- UPPER quick release- polish
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: $4.55
--------------------------
Product ID: 1259316000
Product Name: CORD HOOK- LOWER
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: $3.47
--------------------------
Product ID: 1003884000
Product Name: SPRING - UPPER CORD HOOK QUICK RELEASE
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: $0.55
--------------------------
Product ID: 1597743000
Product Name: SCREW - CORD HOOK QUICK RELEASE
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: $0.17
--------------------------
Order Total : $8.74
Shipping : $0.00
Handling : $2.50
State Tax : $0.57
Grand Total : $11.81

Not your run of the mill bags and belts. They're in Cincinnati, so I figured I'd get the order pretty quickly, since I'm near Cleveland. Just called yesterday, 12/12/13, to see where the stuff was? "Still hasn't arrived at our store, but only a day away after it gets here", I was told.

Meanwhile, my order placed with Vac Parts Plus on Wednesday morning, is in my hands today. They will be my first choice from now on!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

If you're having trouble getting some of the parts you want, you could find a later model Royal metal upright in order - to use as a donor - to obtain the rest.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

No Ben, no trouble finding parts. I'd like to get a turn key vacuum with all the advantages, and none of the bad. Once I have it, I'll keep it original and in very good operating condition... forever. If I can keep a lowly plastic Riccar by-pass running for fifteen years, a Royal metal upright will be duck soup! Might as well get one worth keeping. I'd love to have and use a vintage Electrolux canister, but my wife won't have it.

We don't have much carpet. Getting dog hair off our rugs is the biggest challenge. The 880 can do it, but not as quick as the 1030Z. I want the in between machine. I want the headlight, quick release hook, toe-touch adjuster, high vacuum of nine blade fan, power to run a roller with brush stiffeners and the quiet of a 6 Amp motor.

Thanks to your "ROYAL METAL UPRIGHT PRODUCTION LIST", I can hone in on that machine eventually. I'll just keep an eye on Ebay and Craigslist and be ready to plop down some cash. Hell, what's the difference between spending $50, $100, $150 or even $200 for a unit you'll use for the next few decades?

Sorry, but that's my main reason for being here. I love quality tools as much as the next guy, but I'm not a collector. I'll contribute what I can, but I doubt I can tell you folks anything you don't already know. I could have taken some pictures of servicing the sleeve bearing roller of my 880, but I doubt anybody would be interested. It's only $25.00 or so for a new replacement, so why bother, eh? But, I enjoyed it. Learned a bit more about the machine, and engineering that went into it. Kind of fun.

Well anyway, I have a nicely functioning machine to hold me over till the permanent one becomes available. I won't miss the opportunity if it comes, but I can be patient... somewhat.

 

[ornery]

Replaced 880 with 4008

Just took delivery of a Model 4008. The 880 was sold on Ebay and went out yesterday. The 4008 has an 8.5 amp motor, but loudness is tolerable. Serial #F00A 00001015. I'll keep it till something better comes along. Might take a while...

 

[stricklybojack]

Does this look to be an 880?

Saw it on craigslist, if i can talk the seller down...

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Bob (stricklybojack),

Yes, that's an 880 (1977-1985).

~Ben