Royal Model 880 Acquisition

[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?

 

[stricklybojack]

I have seen posted...

on the web, perhaps here, the idea of putting vanilla extract on balls of cotton. I have yet to try it.

The first vac i really dug was a metal Royal. Still can't pass up the right one for the right price. I have a couple i'm gonna sell this summer as they are now duplicates. Just saw the big commercial wide head model at a vac shop. serious cleaning machine that one, no doubt. The polishing job on yours is the best i've seen btw.

 

[ornery]

Mmm Vanilla!

Vanilla sounds like a winner all the way around. I'm trying it at least once, thanks!

The 18" wide head model has Carpet & Rug Institute Gold Rated Seal of Approval, but the exact same unit with a 14" head is Silver Rated. How credible is their rating with results like that?

http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercia...cfm?product_type=0&product_usage=0&manuf_id=0

 

[ornery]

Full Circle

Just purchased yet another Model 880 from Ebay. Paid about twice as much as the one purchased on Craigslist that started this thread. Reason I paid so much was the cost of shipping and it looked to be in very good condition.

It arrived on Wednesday the 23rd, and I shot a video of the unboxing. Then, a video of the disassembly. The bell housing had some deep scratches, so I shot a video of the sanding of that... and another... and another... and another! Just shot a video of the buffing procedure last night, and it's uploading today.

I already told Ben I'll be keeping this one. I know I've said that about every other vacuum I've had, but this is the sweet spot of Royal vacuums to me. I'll keep the Model 131, which will officially make me a collector, but the 880 will be the everyday vacuum.

Here's a link to the unboxing video followed by an image of the damage,:

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE1WQ0DoqBQ

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

John,

I know you'll be proud of her once she is all finished.

A new 9-blade impeller fan for this unit can be ordered under replacement part no. 1-608004-000 or 1-620004-000 (check for availability) if you intend to replace that as part of your progress of this machine. Then she will have more cleaning power than she originally did.

~Ben

 

[ornery]

Really?

A nine blade fan? Honestly, I think the thin bag helps give it insane air flow already.

I've been using the Model 131 for so long, I forgot how much more suction the newer ones have. Newer? That's a hoot. This one is 32 years old! Fired it up a little while ago and it wants to suck the rug off the floor, while the nozzle is still an inch above it! Slight exaggeration, but it is significantly more powerful than the 131.

The 131 has an A weighted sound level of 78dB and the 880 runs at 90dB. Big difference. Its 16 pounds compared to 12, but the nozzle cover of the 880 glides easier because of the rolled edges in the openings. The foot adjust and quick release hook on a "newer" one would be a nice plus. I can add the hook, but the screw height adjust just is what it is.

Added a link to the buffing video, and I'm throwing one more out there, of the motor housing buffing. Guess I've had my fix for a while...

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XyafGFcSCU

 

[ornery]

Reverting To Old Reliable

Merry Christmas 2024

Thought about you folks as I broke out my "Rambunctious Royal" after several years. Been using various Shark machines, due to handy onboard tools, and their amazing pet hair "DuoClean" rollers. Current is a cordless 800 Series "Stratos", which I do like a lot. But, it struggles with the nap on a couple area rugs my wife purchased at Salvation Army. Base shoe hangs up going in particular directions. Pretty annoying, but otherwise good machine.

Decided to break out the Royal to do some deep cleaning for Christmas company. Wow, I forgot what a real vacuum can do! So impressed I buffed it up again and am very happy and proud of it.

Anyway, just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Well, also to brag about this Frankenvac Royal you guys helped put together. God bless!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

ornery

Hi John,

Long time, no posts!

I too had a very merry Christmas, and hope for a happy 2025!

I thought that was pretty cool that your '82 Royal 880 with its "new" heart can still be a strong performer to this day.

~Ben

 

[hygiene903]

Hi John!

Glad to see you back here again, it's been a long time! Hope to hear from you more often! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!
Your old Royal friend,
Jeff