Royal Model 880 Acquisition

[kirbyguy]

Guess who bought your Royal 880 on eBay

Love the Royal and it is in great condition. It made the trip to Gurnee.Ill just fine. I also tried to fix the handle release spring so it wouldn't stick. I can't figure it out either.

So now I have a matching pair of 880's. Your 880 is the one on the right.

 

[kirbyguy]

Attachments for the 880?

The Grandson you bought the machine from didn't by chance have the matching set of attachments for the 880?

As with my Kirby's I'd like to find a set of the powder blue attachments. Not that I'll use them. But just to have them to complete the machine. Thanks.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Shelley,

These Royal 880s would both date from between 1977-1985. The one you got from John (ornery) was made in 1977, but the one I'm seeing to the left, with the decal on the headlight cap saying to use only genuine Royal headlight bulbs (or equivalents), appears to be a 1984 or early '85 model (during that March the fan case design changed so it was angular).

I know John's former 880 has a 3 amp motor, but I wonder if the other 880 has a 4.5 amp motor? If so, this 880 would date from 1980 to 1985.

The original attachment set, regardless of year, was part no. 303. In powder blue, it would've carried the catalog #1-303910-201 (the "2XX" part being powder blue trim).

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Here's My Royal 880

A 1985 model, sold by Stark's Vacuum Cleaners here in Portland, OR (evident by the text on the bag "STARK DELUXE."

This has a 4.5 amp motor.

~Ben

 

[kirbyguy]

Hi Ben

Ben,

Thank you for the information on the two Royal's. The Royal I aquired from John does in fact have the 3amp motor. The other 880 doesn't have a info sticker on it, so I have no idea what the motor amps are. However, both machines look and run GREAT.

I just agot a maroon Royal Classic in as well from Good Will. Also, in very nice condition. I post a photo after I clean & polish her up.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Shelley

 

[ornery]

Royal Lovers

Merry Christmas Shelley & Ben,

Glad you like that vacuum Shelley. It was basically in that condition when I got it. Cleaned it and lubed the roller. It's prettier than pictures can do justice.

Unfortunately, the attachments were sold before I got it. No big deal to me, but you may feel differently. It's not a user friendly machine for swapping them.

Honestly, I'm glad it found a home where it's appreciated.

Have A Great New Year!

John

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Shelley,

The nameplate on that 880 must've been worn down over the years. A 4.5-amp model 880, like mine, would have a higher-pitched sound than the 3-amp one, which is another clue for year range.

Here's the nameplate off of mine (date code says February 1985)... are you sure that nameplate's no longer there or worn out/illegible (on the back side of the nozzle by front wheels)?

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John, Shelley,

This is Tyler Campbell's (thevacuumman) Royal 880. This one is very loud, which is made clear by its 5.4-amp motor. This machine was built in April 1986.

(skip to 4:08)

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Keeping My "Screamer"

My that was a hectic video. I'm worn out just watching!

You know what? That machine might benefit greatly from having the B Style bag on it. I think the plastic tube, that makes it a top fill, helps muffle the whine quite a bit. Try swapping the bag and see if that isn't the case.

As it is, I'm growing very satisfied with the 4008. Just did a once around the house and it didn't rattle or buzz at all. The motor/ fan whine isn't an issue. I can easily hear the brush stiffeners beating over the motor sound.

The toe touch adjustment is a huge plus. I jump from plush carpet, to commercial, no pile carpet, to bare wood and rugs in quick succession. I wouldn't be too thrilled to give up the infinite height adjust for the five level version. And, if the lower amp motors aren't much quieter, I don't see any point swapping this one out at all!

Thanks for the video, it is very enlightening.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

You're welcome, but thank Tyler too - the vacuum and video are his.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Vintage Vacuum Parts

Thanks then to Tyler Campbell for creating the video, and Ben for posting it here. Just can't get enough info about these machines. Well, I probably can eventually, but it's not a big topic around the Web. This is the place to satisfy that quest.

December 7th, I placed an order with Vacland.com and it just arrived yesterday. No big deal. Just a quick release handle for my 1030Z. Now that I have it, I see I also need an Eye Bolt (1884708000). Isn't it wonderful to still be able to get parts for these old vacuums? I work in a machine shop, and can fabricate most of these metal vacuum parts, but why bother when they're less than $10.00?

That's just one more reason to favor these tried & true designs. Parts availability and the general robustness of the original design. They can be purchased used for a fair price, and brought up to speed easily. Maybe that's why I use a walk behind mower built in the 70's, a Bunton B48-11H, and Snow thrower built in 1964, Ariens 10M-L60D, 7HP 24". I can still get parts for both of them, or fabricate them if I need to. Just can't say that about the disposable crap sold lately.

So, I just submitted another order for some miscellaneous parts at ereplacementparts.com:

1 x Belt Lifter (1880262000) = $1.97
1 x Eye Bolt (1884708000) = $5.76
1 x Adjuster Release (1133715000) = $6.52
1 x Adjuster Rod (1996011000) = $3.01
2 x Foot Adjustment Lever Cover-Burgundy (1130008800) = $4.04

Don't need the Adjuster Release or Adjuster Rod, but they're discontinued most other places, and weren't used for models before or after the one I have. Again, I could fabricate them, but it's nice to have the OEM parts. I already made a nicely functioning belt lifter from aluminum tube, but for $2.00 I figured I'd snag the real thing. They say up front, "Your order will leave our warehouse in approximately:9 - 14 business days", so they must ship in from China or something. I'll update when they finally show up.

I'd like to get a molded 2 conductor cord for the 1030Z. The 40', 3 conductor is way too stiff and bulky. Any suggestions where I might get that for a decent price?

Oh yeah, forgot my cars are built on the tried & true "vintage" Panther platform as well...

http://ornery.net/2007-08-04/index.htm

 

[ornery]

Finally Received A Couple Orders

Placed an order with eReplacementparts.com on Fri 12/27/2013 6:53 PM:

1 x Belt Lifter (1880262000) = $1.97
1 x Eye Bolt (1884708000) = $5.76
1 x Adjuster Release (1133715000) = $6.52
1 x Adjuster Rod (1996011000) = $3.01
2 x Foot Adjustment Lever Cover-Burgundy (1130008800) = $4.04

Just arrived today, 01/27/14.


Ordered from TotalVac.Com on Sun 1/5/2014 12:52 PM:

R-672260 Royal Upright Metal Commercial Vacuum Cleaner Belt 4 $1.25
FA-3035ES Vacuum Cleaner Gray Power Cord - 35 feet 1 $9.95

That order arrived Friday, 01/24/14.


So, that's the way it is with these low cost replacement parts. Can't say I'd be willing to pay much more to get them locally, faster. Wasn't in much of a hurry. This post is for future reference.

I installed the new cord on the 1030Z, and it's MUCH better than the bulky 3 conductor I took off. But, nowhere near as nice as the supple cord on the Model 4008.

Also, installed the quick release cord hook from Vacland. THAT is a welcome change! So, my backup machine is good to go. It will be used frequently in the screened-in porch, that has commercial glued down carpet. But, I would swap it out in a heartbeat for a Model 996 or similar vintage. Still looking...

 

[ornery]

Now A Model 9700 Owner

Yeah Ben, that 9700 I'm sure you were watching on Ebay is now mine. Also ordered the following from VacPartsWarehouse.com:

2673274000 Royal Dirt Devil Revolving Brush W/Speed Indicator #2673274000 1 $39.68
2870169800 Royal Dirt Devil Adjust-O-Rite Plate Assembly - Burgundy #2870169800 1 $14.40

Should be here in a week. The 1030Z and/ or 4008 will be on Ebay soon after...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331115877023?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

Serial no. says I94353728C (September 1994).

Will need a new brush roll and belt (none included). Those are part no. 2673274000 and 1672260001 respectively. It also needs an AOR cover.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

This Is It!

Thanks Ben, you are the man!

Parts are on order. Both should arrive about the same time.

Hoping this is the be-all, end-all for me. Now, if you could just assure me it will be quiet as a mouse, capable of sucking the chrome off a hitch, and make dinner for me when it's done, I'll rest easy while waiting for its arrival...

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

It will be loud, but not super-loud like the 4008.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Wow, It's Here Already!

I have a new respect for USPS Parcel Select. Won auction on 28th, in my hands from California on the 30th!

And, it's going to be "The One". It's even got wheel covers, that cinches it!

Thanks again for compiling that "ROYAL METAL UPRIGHT PRODUCTION LIST", Ben. Never would have got to this point without it.

And, what a coincidence. The 1030Z sold on Ebay last night. It went out on UPS just as this one arrived. Had to quit disassembling it when my wife pulled in. She doesn't know I have it yet...

 

[ornery]

Back Together

I placed my order from Vac Parts Warehouse on the 28th by phone, because the secure part of the site wasn't working. I was told the nozzle cover was in stock, and told it would ship right away. Well, just got confirmation it went in the mail only last night! This rookie kid got my vacuum here from California in two days, and this pro outfit can't even get a couple parts in the mail in that time!

Anyway, couldn't bring myself to take sandpaper to this thing. I bet the previous owners used it till the original belt broke, and that was it. There were leaf bits in the bag, so it was probably used on a porch or garage and left there for twenty years. So, I just washed the parts in Dawn, buffed and polished it with the new wheels and compounds, and threw it back together. Maybe an hour's effort cleaning & buffing, and 20 minute assembly. There are a couple nicks & scratches, but that's about it.

I'm going to put the rest of these images, and my thoughts in Ben's "1980-1995 Royal (All-Metal) Upright Model Chart". It's because of his efforts, that this unit is in my hands now.

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?11412

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

Thank you for your thoughts on this.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Kudos To Vac Parts Plus

Placed an order to Vac Parts Plus on the 12th. UPS has it in my hands on the 17th, with a weekend in between. That's more what I'm used to! They'll be my goto parts place from here on out.

One item I thought I'd try, is the "CITRUS CRYSTALS PACKET" for the Royal Chemical Chamber. For $5.00 I got a very tiny tin of these crystals. Very disappointing. Hopefully, they'll last a while, but I doubt it. Gotta find a more cost effective alternative. I know I could vacuum up a pile of baking soda, or something similar, but I'd rather make use of that chamber feature. Something not petroleum based. Maybe cloves? Some other spice?