Tristar CXL restoration complete! (mostly)

[toastermike]

I found a nice Tristar CXL at my local Goodwill outlet store a while back. It had the hose but nothing else. There were a few minor paint chips and the plastichrome badge was in two pieces with a clean break, but unlike most I've found, complete. It was also missing the exhaust filter cap. Running like new, I decided to restore it. Touching up the silver and black speckled paint with a black paint pen restored the body to a new appearance. Glue and high quality chrome paint restored the Tristar side badge. White shoe polish worked beautifully on the rubber bumper, and I found original wands and a PN on e-bay. After looking for a long time, I finally found a hard floor tool in like new condition on ebay for a very reasonable price that came with every thing else I needed to complete the CXL- the three glittered tools, the wand mounted tool holder, and a like new chrome exhaust cap! The PN could use a new top cover, but other than that, it's now a beautiful, useful, and powerful vacuum!

Questions- When was the CXL made? I am thinking 1982-1993? And, can the year of manufacture be identified from the serial number? Mine is 9347966. Thanks for the help!

Mike

 

[fantomfan57]

LOOKS AWESOME!

You did a great job Mike! Congratulations. I have one that I had to buy a replacement badge for. It is burgundy in color and has everything. Was missing the floor wand, but a vacuum shop owner gave me on for helping out at the shop.

Once I finish some other projects, I will reattach the badge and try it out.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

toastermike

Mike,

According to this website, the CXL was made in the 1990-92 timeframe:
http://centralcoastvac.com/History Of Products.htm

Going by the serial number you found on yours, I want to think yours was made in '92.

~Ben

 

[compactc9guy]

Wooooow good job i own a Compact Electra C9 and ive spend 4 years looking for parts or bags ect i still need a new filter cap but she runs like new after a new paint job filters bags floor tool new motor for the power head belt brush roll and new hose soon she will be complete nothing like getting those older vacs going once again its liek going back in time good job buddy

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Really good work I see there. They are gems these Tristars, so over looked.
I have 2-3 of these awaiting the same treatment...someday.

 

[rainbowd4]

Age...

You. Have a '93 model. The first two numbers in the serial number are the year. The cxl/dxl machines were sold until' 98.

 

[panasonicvac]

That is a beauty! The CXL or the DXL is my favorite Tristar model of all time. I have a MG2 that I'm sending to Great Vacs to get it serviced soon.