Which Rainbow did I get?

[seijun]

Just bought a Rainbow canister vac, chrome top, copper bottom. The label says "Model D", but I am wondering if something after the "D" was cut off. It has a power nozzle attached with the model number R-1024, which I have read was only for the D2 or D3 models. Is there an easy way to tell the difference between different model D Rainbows?

Additionally, the motor was probably stored on top the water pan, which I have read is a big NO. What damage should I look for?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

seijun

Pam,

I'd suspect that if the D2 you found is a copper color, it was made between 1974-79; if it's a dark chocolate color, then you have a 1979-80 model.

There are some model Ds, however, that have been refitted to accept the power nozzle receptacle.

~Ben

 

[seijun]

Here are pictures of the model number and power requirements labels. The label mentions the power nozzle so it must be a D2 if the original D's never had the power nozzle as stock. It is metallic copper. I think the model number probably got cut off on the label.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

seijun

Pam,

I'd guess this to be a mid 1960s/early 1970s model D, with the D2 power nozzle receptacle added on!

Here's what the D2's serial number tag looked like.

~Ben

 

[seijun]

A Rainbow rep suggested that it might be a D2 that someone stuck a D1 sticker on. I am emailing their tech department for their opinion. I would be annoyed if the model label was tampered with, but only for perfectionist sake. I had wanted either a D1 or D2, whichever I found first.

 

[dysonman1]

That's a model D2. All D2 models had the amp rating for the power nozzle listed separately. The rivets in the rating label held the complete serial number tag. Yours was cut off, suggesting a vac shop rebuild OR a Rainbow dealer rebuild. All Rainbow serial numbers are consecutive, your machine is a somewhat late 1970's model.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I'd like to see the power nozzle if you have it.

 

[seijun]

Dysonman: The serial on mine is only 6 characters. According to the Rain vac website, it should have seven characters. The last number could have been scratched off, but then the serial would still be higher then the highest D2 serials that Rainbow has recorded. Going off the info here:


http://https//www.rainvac.com/rainbow-vacuum-parts/d2

 

[dysonman1]

You're right. It also appears to be a sticker, rather than a metal plate that carries the serial number. A 468000 serial number would be a Model B made right after world war II. Rainbow dealers did all kinds of things, like making new serial numbers or renaming the machine "Sea Mist" (they did that in Denver) to prevent bojacking. Does your machine have a 2 wire or does it have a 3 wire power nozzle receptacle?

 

[seijun]

Dysonman, if you mean the plug that goes from the power nozzle to the main unit, it is 3-prong. That is very interesting about dealers changing stuff around.

I will get pics of the power nozzle tonight, though it is nothing special.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

seijun

Pam,

About the R-1024 power nozzle (it was made by Eureka for Rexair)... there were several iterations of that over the years:
1974-1975 (R-1024 type A): "Rexair" on front label, two-wire cord
1975-1977 (R-1024 type B): "Rexair" on front label, three-wire cord (later units had "Rainbow" on the front label)
1977-1978 (R-1024 type D): "Rainbow" on front label, three-wire cord and redesigned brush roll
1978-1979 (R-1024 type E): like in 1977, only minor changes
1979-1980 (R-1024 type F): like in 1978, but new front label graphic: no longer woodgrain, but now solid chocolate brown with yellow/orange gradient stripes, with "Rainbow" on top.
1980-1981 (R-1024 type G): like in 1979, but has older-style woodgrain label (but darker)

~Ben

 

[seijun]

Mine is a D or E if memory serves me correctly.

 

[seijun]

It is type D.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

seijun

Pam,

So, 1977-78.

~Ben

 

[gj3476]

Hey guys, I also have a rainbow d2 with almost of the attachments, I brought it from eBay for my 21st birthday earlier this year, I'm happy to make a post of it soon if y'all like.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Sure, post about it!!! would love to see it, oh and happy 21st!

 

[gj3476]

Lol, my 21st was on January 24th of this year, but thank you!