Thrift store find: Bought a Kirby Sentria for $20 and then a Royal for $10.

[superocd]

I never see any vacuums at thrift stores in my area, and if I do, they're usually just the cheapie Wal-Mart ones, but last week, I purchased a Kirby Sentria I and am in the process of polishing and cleaning it on weekends. However, yesterday, something drew me to the thrift store again and this time, I found two more Kirbys (a G6 with a missing floor nozzle and a Heritage) and then beside those I found a late-70s to mid-80s Royal metal upright. Since I already have a Kirby, I skipped out on those. I took the Royal to an outlet, plugged it in, gave it a quick test (I was prepared for a shrill noise to startle all the customers but was really surprised on how quiet this was), and swept up the Royal and took it up to the counter to buy it.

A few hours later, I disassembled it just to get a better look at its condition. For its age, the vinyl outer bag is in great condition. Like the Kirby, I knew that I was going to replace the brushroll regardless of its condition as it is impossible to thoroughly clean and disinfect those without wrecking the bearings. The fan is in excellent condition for its age but there is one thing that has me wondering: is there a fan chamber seal that goes between the motor and the fan chamber? I did not see one at all.

Also, is there anything I should do? It looks to me that a fresh bag, brushroll (because I'm a germaphobe), belt and polishing is all that is needed. I do notice an oil port on the side of the motor. Which oil should I use And what is the procedure? And as far as the bumper guard on the nozzle: it looks riveted on. Any way to pull that off for a deep cleaning?

I will post some pictures and the model/serial tomorrow.

One more thing: I saw a JCPenney upright (rebadged Hoover) in another corner of this thrift store. I didn't really look at it as I was pressed for time, but should I go back there this weekend and buy it? That would be three for three, and I wasn't really even looking!

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

That's a killer deal. I bought a sentria for $15. I got 2 royals for $10. It's few and far between. Congrats on awesome score.
Les

 

[broomvac]

Oil

Congrats on the find!

Use 3-in-1 Electric Motor Oil. It is a non-detergent--this is critical for preserving the sleeve bearings your vacuum has--SAE 20 oil. It's specifically designed for electric motors with sleeve (not ball) bearings. If you use something else, make absolutely certain that it is non-detergent oil. Put a couple of drops in the tube and let the vacuum sit overnight so the oil can properly soak into the bearing. Then you should be good to go!

I haven't worked on a Royal for a while, but I imagine that you could remove the bearings from the roller without too much trouble. Most vacuums are constructed this way.

 

[broomvac]

Here is a link to the oil.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/3-IN-ONE-3-in-One-3-oz-Lubricant/1210103

 

[huskyvacs]

I'd go back for the JC Penney, you hardly ever see department store brand vacuums, as they tended to cheapen an already cheap vacuum and they usually seemed to break easily or were replaced quickly.

I seem to remember reading an old post on here from years back about JC Penney Hoover Convertible clones that were rare to see.

 

[broomvac]

@huskyvacs This is true. A little over a year ago, I found a Kenmore branded Hoover “High Performance” Convertible which is basically the same thing as its properly labeled counterpart, but with a shorter cord and a less deluxe height adjustment system. It’s still a pretty good vacuum and I’m sure that back in the day it cost the same as the Hoover version.

https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35427

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

superocd

Wow... a vintage Royal from the '70s/'80s? I would guess yours would likely be an 801, or an 880 like mine...


As to the oil, only use SAE 30 grade... not light sewing machine oil.

And as to finding a replacement brush roll, you most likely want part no. 2-059721-000, but it will be tough to find new. You will also need to buy either the 1-043260-001 or 1-044260-001 belt.

~Ben