TriStar CXL

[kirbyotronic]

Got this from craigslist today for $25. Overall it's in pretty good shape, the PN is having a little problem tho (I've been told it might be a bad connection in the handle). It came with all of the attachments and a bunch of bags.

~Alex

 

[kirbyotronic]

Other side...

 

[kirbyotronic]

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[kirbyotronic]

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[kirbyotronic]

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[kirbyotronic]

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[kirbyotronic]

Could use a little cleaning...

 

[kirbyotronic]

Everything!

 

[ridgidvac]

Nice Tristar vac. How old is that 1

 

[aeoliandave]

I would date it from 1986-1989.

There are more clues in the Serial # and the decal. What does it say on the bottom for Model No?.

Score! with all the gold flecked transparent tools to join your Compacts.

I don't see it but I will assume you have the inner cloth bag with the rubber sealing ring?

Discussed before that the power pin sockets are brass/bronze tubes open along one side. They can be squeezed gently with vice grips or slide a pin or small nail in along side it to crimp it closed a little. If the connection is still intermittent then a continuity test with the ohm meter on your circuit tester will locate which section has the break. Check the hose and PN electrics on any other 2 pin vacuum you have.

Would really like a sharp direct on closeup of that intact decal on the side, please. Usually those get rubbed off. Is it labeled an Anniversary Model? 'As New As Tomorrow', I see a highwing monoplane and a two engine prop job...

Dave

Here's the matching colour schemed 50th Anniversary Tristar.

 

[aeoliandave]

Or is that a helicopter?

 

[tristar]

From what I've been able to tell, TriStars are dated by the first 2 numbers in their serial number. So his would be a 1988 model, which would just be the "TriStar". Obviously it isn't the 2-speed model, but still a neat one. Far less common than the CXLs and onward are. Looks similar, but has a different motor, notice it's rated at 7.5 amp instead of the 8.7 of the more powerful motor.

It also isn't the 50th anniversary decal. That was reserved for the first model of the CXL that came out in 1990. It looks like it says "As New As Tomorrow" but the last word is blurry so you can't tell. Like Dave said, a sharper picture would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kirbyotronic]

Forgot to post this picture! Happy now, guys???

~Alex

 

[aeoliandave]

Cool graphic

FANTASTIC and WIERD! a Piper Cub, a heavily armed to the teeth prop fighter and a Hunter Sub in the foreground while 'something else', perhaps the SEAVIEW, is launching an ICBM. Not seen that decal before - it's a keeper.

I wonder if this was the Consumer model or was specially issued for a Naval Base? Rather frightening and unsettling for the average housewife?

Thank you, Alex

 

[kirbyotronic]

No problem.

I did give it a quick Mr.Clean magic erasing yesterday (heard you mention them before and thought I should give them a try, they do work very well!!! Makes getting scuff marks off a piece of cake!). Bumpers are now spotless and pearly white, and I did eliminate all scuffs off the PN and some off the machine.

Now, it's officially time for parts hunting! I need to find the "tar". I plan on getting chrome spray paint and painting the original "TriS", just to keep it's original part (I'd need to paint it because the chrome has worn off over the years). The two swivel caster wheels will need to be tightened to the machine. Needs a good cleaning and deodorizing on the inside. And finally, go through the motor and "tune" everything up to the ///M specs (yes, I'm obsessed with BMW) LOL. The exhaust cap will also need "re-chroming". That's about it. And of course check the electrics too.

And yes Dave, it does have a cloth bag with a rubber seal.

~Alex

 

[kirbyotronic]

You asked about the bag Dave, so here's a pic just for the heck of it.

 

[kirbyotronic]

Extra long hose, my brother bought this for grandma's Panisonic Jet-Flo (see other thread in contemporary), fits perfectly on the end of the TriStars hose, but of course you don't want to drag the hose on hard floors where the two hoses connect. But for dusting, it makes it a lot easier, and still holds it's suction and no leaking.