Sunbeam Challenger

[cam2s]

So I recently came into possession of one of these beasts. When I got the poor thing home I discovered that it had been used without a bag! The entire machine was absolutely full of filth! After a complete disassembly and a good cleaning, I turned on the machine and was pleasantly surprised with the end result. I know some people have questioned the styling of the challenger series, especially the floral green disaster, but otherwise I really think it's a solid and well designed vacuum. One question for those of you that also have a Challenger...what type of bags do you use in it? I'm currently using an Electrolux tank bag with a premotor filter I put in the back of the bag chamber for good measure. So far it seems to be working alright.

 

[westingman123]

Performance!

My Aunt Mildred had the "flower power" version of this machine, it could suck the paint off the walls! I'm sure she ordered in from Fingerhut. Ah, the 70's...

 

[eurekastar]

Try this

source for Sunbeam Challenger vacuum bags.  This company has a lot of hard to find items. 



http://www.a-1vacuum.com/-strse-60426/Sunbeam-Challenger-BAGS-dsh-3pkg/Detail.bok

 

[eurekaprince]

Luv these Sunbeam vacs! Good to hear they had strong suction....

This was the only canister vac that was designed to hold a full set of attachments including the hose, two separate wands and a separate bare floor brush ( the competing Hoover Portable Cleaning Center held a combo rug/floor tool and a telescopic wand). This was also easier to use because the attachments were easier to get to. Great wheeled carpet nozzle and great upholstery nozzle with steel sole-plate.....too bad Sunbeam stopped making vac!

The coolest feature was that little metal wheel brake that allowed you to drag the canister up a flight of stairs without having it roll backward ( it's the little metal bar over the wheel with the red end).

 

[collector2]

Hey Brian:

The Kenmore Whispertone 80 and 90 from 1962 held all the parts as well as the wands too(as did the kenkart machines).

Doug

 

[eurekaprince]

Doug! Forgot about those Kenmores! I stand corrected.....thanks for that info....

 

[cam2s]

Floor nozzle

I agree that the Sunbeam floor tool is great. It picks the nap up well, doesn't eat rugs, and pushes effortlessly. Mine doesn't have the upholstry nozzle so I can't comment on it. I also don't have any stairs to clean so I can't really see how well the parking brake works, but it is a very clever design feature. I think the hose could stand to be a bit longer, but that's my only complaint about it.