Very Rare Air-Way model 77

[dysonman1]

During the rather short run of the model 77 Air-Way Sanitizor (1955-1958) there was an optional attachment called the "Wheel-A-Way". I have one for my model 66 but had no idea it was available for the model 77 until I got one. Here's my very uncommon and rare model 77, complete with sealed original hose. This one is early in the run because the hose is still covered with cotton braiding.

 

[dysonman1]

The Wheel A Way allows the Air-Way to sit on rubber tires (doesn't scratch floors), and had a convenient handle to pick up the machine from the prone position.

 

[dysonman1]

In this position the machine rolls as if it were weightless. It doesn't tip and it does roll over almost anything easily. The position also allows great control as it is pulled and turned.

 

[dysonman1]

When doing above the floor cleaning, the Air-Way can easily stand on its gliders for stable high-reach vacuuming. It's wonderful to have such an easy to use machine.

 

[dysonman1]

With the wheels UP and the gliders DOWN, the Sanitizor can easily be pulled over wall-to-wall carpet with the slightest pull. The handle at the very top also helps when picking it up or changing positions.

 

[dysonman1]

The Air-Way is such an awesome machine. Years ahead. There are many reasons why someone prizes their Air-Way Sanitizor.

 

[dysonman1]

I'm quite lucky and blessed to have the Wheel-A-Way option for my model 66 as well. These are the only ones I've ever seen.

 

[huskyvacs]

Wow very nice!

I'd imagine these were mainly of interest to housekeepers to take from job to job and not to the general homeowner, it looks too enormous in that setup to maneuver around the house. I have a similar cart for one of my Electroluxes, it behaves in the exact way you describe with this one, easy effortless pulling. I keep forgetting how big it is every time I see it, lol

 

[electro]

bought verses sold

You know it seems to me back in the day, Electrolux and Air-Way were brands that people actually bought and wanted to own, where some other door to door brands resulted from a HARD sell. Many of my relatives were proud to say they owned an Air-Way. I think those days are long gone for vacuum sales. Very cool pictures.
I don't remember ever seeing the cloth covered hose for the 77.
Tania has a "correct" braided hose for my Gold Air-Way. Mine came with the newer nasty plain white vinyl hoses. Always thought the braided hoses were so much more attractive.

 

[dysonman1]

I think part of what made people want to buy an Air-Way (other than the marvelous 7 layer cellulose bag) was the ease which it allowed you to clean your home with. The chromed gliders were for pulling on wall to wall carpets, and you could turn the machine on any side and simply pull. The extra long hose and S wands allowed you to pull the machine (for example) on its side to the middle of the room and then 'stand it up'. The swivel dome allowed you to clean in a circle without moving the machine.

The addition of the Wheel-A-Way still allowed the machine to easily stand upright in the middle of the room, but also still allowed the machine to slide on its gliders OR roll on wheels. I thought the 'wheelie' position would make the machine to 'large' and bulky to pull. But that's not the case. The angle is perfection, and the machine (with the swivel dome) will move in any direction with the slightest pull.

I realize that by 1955 when the model 77 was new, the Air-Way was already 'outdated'. One needs only look at the beautiful Lewyt Big Wheel which launched the same year. Or the round Eureka Roto-Matic (with wheels). That's why the next Air-Way (the 88) was such a complete change and far more modern looking and feeling.

 

[lesinutah]

Comperatively

How would is stack up to a compact c9 or other vacuums. I'm interested in power.

 

[lesinutah]

Oh

Very nice display of super rare probably will never see vacuums.

 

[dysonman1]

Les

The Air-Way 77 was made in 1955. The C-9 Compact from the early 1980's. Completely different motors. The Air-Way's motor was made by General Electric. Double fan, just like the ones they made for the pink GE Swivel Top. The Lamb motor in the Compact C-9 was the high efficiency version. Much different suction levels, but the Air-Way was sufficiently powered for the times and the types of rugs they were cleaning. The next model Air-Way would use a Lamb motor. By the time the Tom Gasko Signature Series model was made, the high efficiency Lamb motor was used so by 2001 they (Compact C9 and Air-Way S.S.) had the same motor and so the same power.

The Signature Series Air-Way in this picture is the equal in power to the C9.

 

[vacuumdevil]

Glad you have one! I had one without the caddy that I lost in my move somehow.
Those caddies are so cool.