Royal Model 880 Acquisition

[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