History of vacuum Powernozzle's

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Another example:

The wheels used on the Connstellation 84's rug nozzle.
They were later the Dial-A-Matic's rear wheels, as well as the Floor-A-Matic/Scrub-n-vac-/FloorMax's...
 
Thanks for the needed info....

Hi Air-Way Charlie-

Im SOOOO Super happy that you had more information on the Air-Way. You know I've heard around that the very "first" powerheads on the 88 Mark II's were complete Eureka Upright cleaners sans the bag...but I never really believed that....until now... It just seemed very strange that they would do such a thing.

I never knew about the Hamilton Beach uprights either. Most of my information that I learned was from my long since passed freindship with Tom Gasko. He told me stories about Air-Way ,Rexair, Compact and the like. Some were too wild to be believed...but for the most part were factual and so forth.

In fact, in our discussion that spanned over an hour; Mr. Tomberlin had some good and bad things to say about Tom Gasko who was the person who "claims" that he decided that the current Panasonic/Kenmore/Hayden Powernozzle would work better than the "Always Beauty Clean" Air-Way/Royal nozzle and the later Douglas built powerheads previously used...and by rigging up a hose from a then current Kenmores with of course the quick connect disconnect wands and hose and adapting it to use Air-Way's machine end ferrule he created the new "Centruion" right in his own shop.

According to Tomberlin, Gasko swept down on his little company there in Talladega, like Lochinivar...and started persuading him to change the Sanitizor to be MORE modern than it already was. His protoype in hand he showed the president how his changes made the Sanitizor MORe versatile, and that the new powerhead made the machine better suited to clean "all" types of carpeting.

(As a quick sidebar...I feel to this day that the current powerhead is light years ahead of the old Douglas built head, and the quick disconnect head just shouldn't not be a STANDARD option IMHO)

Anyways, He (Gasko) also proposed that the Centurion model had a two-speed motor, which Tomberlin felt was unnescescary, but Gasko persisted and eventually to Passify Mr. Gasko he relented and allowed the two speed motor option.

(Sidebar#2- There was an argument between the two men as to WHERE to put the two speed switch. Tomberlin felt that the appropriate and less costly revisement would to be to put the switch on the bottom of the tank near the exhaust outlet. Gasko siad that was just ludacris due the fact that people would never see it there...(presuming they never used it horizontally), and then Gasko felt that it should be next to the main switch on the front bottom of the canister.

Well of course again to "Passify" him as Tomberlin noted he relented after his secretary was brought into the mix and she sided with GASKO!!! It's a wonder if that sweet woman who answered all my questions neatly and sweetly had her job after that....and of course in a final stoke of ego which to that conversation with Tomberlin still made him cringe...they christned the new model the Centurion..."TomGasko" edition.

I have no Ill will anymore to Tom...there was alot of unfortunate bickering and infighting and gossip and hurtful "blather'; being spewed about in the old original vacuum cleaner forum that is no longer online. It was becasue of this, that Jeff (hoover1060) decided to go his own way...take a few willing devottees along, and created the FABULOUS Hooverland site for many people who just wanted to talk vacuum cleaner and few ever looked back.

In fact to be fair...Tom sent me without a penny asked a sweet Air-Way Sanitizor 88 Mark II that I lovingly restored after his gift arrived and still have to this day. He also gave me an Air-Way Sanitizor model 77 also. That unfortunatly was a lost cause in my fire in my shop at my old house a few years back.

Anyway GREAT info, and thanks for bolstering my post..It's nice to have many peole who all know the same things help out each other to fillin the blanks...

Chad
 
The old Vac forum and other thoughts............

Chad
Interesting topics and names you brought up in your last post. As the former President of the VCCC, one of my biggest challenges was repairing, "ill will", and "hurt feelings" caused by some of the prominent members who shall remain nameless in this post. I then experienced being put in the firing line and have essentially abondoned the VCCC. What it's status is today is unknown to me.

I knew that Tom had a thing about Air-Way and felt he could revive sales by modifying the Centurion. And, in all fairness, he did do a great job but Air-Way is still so far behind the pack that they are not even a blip on the radar anymore which is tragic on some level. A note about Tom, and not an attack or criticism, he tends to find a pet vacuum and then burn hard and fast and move on. Prior to Air-Way, it was Filter Queen that was going to save the world. Then he dubbed them, "Filthy Queen", after he moved on to Air-Way. Now as you and others may be aware of, he is very much into Dyson after completely dumping Air-Way. He does not carry ONE Air-Way product in his store. Not even bags. This after much hoopla over his Signature Series. Well, I guess as times change so do people's interest.

Steve Tomberlin's secretary siding with Tom is his wife Addie who is a delight. She has been very helpful to me when I am ordering or just have a question. So, yes, she still is there with the other maybe 1/2 dozen employees, most of them part time that assemble and ship vacuums.

One last thought, several of the people that engaged in the bickering, gossip, infighting and blather are still around. That was the primary reason for the lock down on the VCCC site even though as President at the time, I vetoed that idea. I felt it important to let everyone speak even if they make a complete idiot out of themselves and the post has to be removed. It was unfathomable for me to understand the mean spirited agruments over vacuum cleaners! I mean, for crying out loud, these are machines with motors to pick up dirt. The best to come out of the club has been friendships that are near and dear to me. Several people have become my family as I really don't have many blood relatives.

So, in finding this group, (automaticwasher.org), and the number of crossover members has been a blessing. The posters here seem to be far more sophisticated and enjoy good senses of humor while appreciating a bit sarcasm, edgy posts and pics, but keeping it in good taste.

Chad and anyone else that likes Air-Way and vacuums in general, if I can help you find something or answer a question, I'll do the best I can. Plus, there is a wealth of knowledge on this website.

Best Wishes,
Charlie
 
Dirtmaster bag and bags for the Scout and Chief

Wood pulp cellulose filtering at it's best in the late 1920's and all of the 1930's. The Dirtmaster bag has the green writing the other models the red writing. The pic shows one side of each of the bags. Note, the "back" side shows how to install the bag correctly.
 
Now for the other side.......

Note the Dirtmaster bag specifies it is indeed, for the Dirtmaster. It is slightly larger and will only fit the Dirtmaster. Two VCCC members have the Dirtmaster and one of them, about 5 years ago won the Blue Ribbon award for, "Most Historical Significance." If you ever find one grab it!

I have a pristine model 35, The Scout, that I purchased from club member Tania Voigt. The brush strips and beater bars are mint and the vacuum works great. Now, if I could just find the hose and tools.
 
BEAUTIFUL Mark II...love the oversized powerhead! I don't see the familiar foot-operated on/off switch...did Air-Way use their own motor hood for this nozzle?

I had a straight-suction Mark II (no outlet in the side for a P/N) in 2003 and gave it away (which was a stupid move on my part) because I was short on room. It worked great and while powerful, was whisper-quiet...on a par with my 1956 Electrolux Model S. Even though the rug nozzle was missing the collar insert (I couldn't use it) and the hose had some wear, I loved it. This picture was taken in June 2003 when we were getting ready to renovate my room (note the hideous sky-blue walls which are no longer there). All of the furniture was being moved out and there was a considerable amount of dust behind everything.

I believe the single rear wheel was somewhat of a drawback (I'm glad they added a second one). Over time (before I had it) the upper housing became bent in my machine by that wheel, causing it to pull to the left when in "canister" mode.

There was a red/copper machine on eBay last week with a gold Douglas P/N (can't remember the model designation)...I should have bought it.

--Austin
 
88 Mark II

Austin,
There are lots of 88's still around and I'm sure we can find you one if you are interested.

The early 88 Mark II's did not have the p/n outlet and the white top was shiny, smooth metal. The later model, same colors, had the outlet and the white part became molded, texturized plastic over a thin sheet of metal.

The foot switch for all the canisters is at the bottom on the front usually where the badging is.

BTW, I do really like the Eureka power head from a historical standpoint, but to use it..............it helps to have a big house and lots of empty open room!

Charlie
 
P/N outlet

Austin,
You probably know this but on the early p/n outlet the male and female parts to the plug and outlet where different size. Like today's electrical outlets. The positive one was larger in diameter while the negative was smaller. The outer power cord running the lenth of the 6ft. hose was made to fit an Air-Way and an Air-Way ONLY! By making the outlet and cords this way, you could only use products from Air-Way when upgrading the vacuum.

Some owners did in fact, have the early 88's converted to take a p/n by simplying cutting out a hole and rivoting in the receptacle. This way Air-Way could make money by selling a p/n and charging for the conversion. A really good salesman would just move the "lady of the house" up instead to the new and improved model while pocking some well earned income.

The models today do not use "polarized" plugs and have not for some time now. They are similar to what Lux used on their models prior to the low voltage system.

I modified mine so I can put all kinds of p/n's on it to test different combinations. If I put the Eureka power head on the current Signature series with the 12 amp motor.........now there is some series cleaning that lifts the rug from the floor!
 
Interesting

Glad you posted those pics Charlie because when you were all talking about an early Eureka PN I wasn't thinking it was essentially a Eureka upright motor housing shape.

And those cellulose bags with the machine stitched seams. From the pics only the bags look to be quite thick almost cardboardy or are they actually quite thin?
 
I was referring to the on/off switch on the Eureka powerhead. I don't see one, unless that's it on the right side (with the machine facing front) by the handle bail. Did Air-Way produce their own motor hood for this nozzle, or did they just paint the Eureka hood in Turquoise? (On one of two Don Clark/Eureka powerhead-equipped Air-Ways I spotted on eBay, the P/N was painted yellow or gold to match the vacuum body. Was there a "Special Edition" 88 that was yellow?)

I would consider myself legally blind if I couldn't see the shiny chrome foot pedal on the front of an Air-Way...
 
Legally blind.......

Austin,
I love that!!!!!!!! Just verifying to make sure you did in fact see it and I guess you did!

Yes, the switch on the Eureka is on the left towards the rear. See photo. And Air-Way either painted the tops to the Eureka vacs or had Eureka do it as a "private label" for them. It is a basic model 1250 with a vibra-groomer I agitator with square ends, (I think).

The yellow was the Mark V with the matching Eureka power head. Fred Nelson has one of these and maybe we can get him to take a pic of that and post it. Air-Way like many vac manufacturers of the time sold models that were straight suction and for the additional price the upgraded unit with the receptacle for a p/n. Some were traded in and refurbished/updated and resold. Air-Way was known for telling it's customers that a revolving brush/agitator would shorten the life of a carpet, particularly orientals. My Grandmother was fed this line. (It is her 88 Mark II that is pictured.) Strange since Air-Way started had the revovling brush line in the 1930's.

Anyway, at some point the leaders realized they had to have a p/n to stay competative with everyone else and they were already behind the eight ball so it they played catch up using all those variations. The late 70's were really the beginning of the end of the glory days for Air-Way. It was during this time they moved to Taledega, AL from Toledo, OH and were under new ownership. The 1980s and 1990s have been stagnant and growth continues in a downward fashion.
 
Holy Wah............

Dear Charlie,

I just passed a stone. I cannot believe what I'm seeing but the proof is right there!!! A Complete SANS bag Eureka Upright hooked to an Air-Way!!!!!!!WOWWWWWWW

Holy moly....I can't Imagine nor would ever want to trying to push that thing around, nor what it would do to my Air-Way 88 Mark II.

In restoration, I did add a powernozzle outlet by using a white color Hoover Celebrity II Powerhead outlet grommet and had to cut the sheetmetal to fit using various tools. I then touched up the chipped paint around the new hole with a white automotive grade enamel that you can get at regualr car part stores. It looks okay but I would love to do a respray, but would loose the original logo on the front of the machine housing and I'm NOT okay with that.

Of course, to complete the installation, I had to drill a hole in the beltline motor support to allow the wires to go underneath to the switch and motor terminals and cord. I decided to go with a Douglas Built Powerhead, as that is still and was at the time of restoration the "approved" powerhead for the current generation of sanitizor. Also they were a shade cheaper, and readily available from ESSCO, which my company did buisness with at the time. From there I chose the non switch model (douglas) white, and used a then stocked (by my company) Electrolux wireset and hose clasps from a model G I believe, the turquiose cordset and clasps.

The hose on mine was LONG gone and held air about as well as a Firestone tire...LOL, So I ordered a brand new Compact hose as well, and using the original ferrules and turquoise plastic hose end grommets created an entirely new hose. Becasue it's the last of the braided hoses that were manufactured, It kept that "thankfully" vintage look. As far as I know..Compact, or their supplier has discontinued the braided hose entirely.

Mine also has all the original tools and so forth and has the Attach-A-Carrier. Mine of course looks NOTHING like yours as I use mine quite frequently, and it looks worse for wear than anything.

Excellent photo's BTW.

Chad
 
Hopefully a final Air-Way note....

THe main reason why I did the powerhead conversion, was because I hate the original wands supplied by Air-Way. I buffed them out, along with the swivel-dome on the canister and all of the attachments, and becasue their not protected and plated, they tarnish VERY easily, and furthermore TARNISH YOUR HANDS!!!

I used to have a very light carpet in my old house that while using the supplied carpet tool, gave a drity apparance after using it a few times. So therefore I decided while re-doing the machine a few years back I would upgrade and get a powerhead.

I forgot to add that I ordered wands for the setup from Air-Way about the same time I conversated with Mr. Tomeberlin.

It's true yes, that Air-way has faded quite literally into the fokelore of vacuum cleaners. That's a astute point. But then again...and I know I'm asking for it...

What would one do if they were in charge of Air-Way to upgrade the company to put it back on a more sound footing with the major's?

1. Would you upgrade your current products, or command with your underlings a fitting replacement for the Sanitizor?

2. Would you borrow additional capital to expand into the upright market?, and would you recommisiion the twin-motor series, or would you try something entirely different?

3. Would you try the door to door thing like Kirby and Rainbow and others, or would you try a different tack like putting them in fine appliance stores where people shop when price is no object, or finally would you stay with vacuum store (Indpendent) only, like they have been doing?

4. Would you do advertisements like Hoover and others? Would it be internet adverts like Oreck does? Or would you stick to Mags tv and radio?

5. How would you raise the capital to make the Air-Way again what it once was "famous for innovation".

That's my post for now......

Good Luck

Chad
 
Saving Air-Way

Chad,
I'll answer your numbered questions by the order they are in and thanks for your posting. When I have polished any items, I usually test the rug/floor tools with a white bath towel for tarnish and the same for the wands. I've never had a problem with my hands or rugs but maybe I was just lucky! You did a great job modifying your Sanitizor for a p/n. After my Grandmother died many years ago, her 88 Mark II came my way and it was not quite as clean and shiny but with just a little buff up and TLC it looks fairly fresh. I rarely use as I prefer the Signature Series.
Now to your quetions:

1.)Time for the Sanitizor/Centurion/Signature Series to go and I thank them for their wonderful performance for decades.

2.)I think the twin-motor upright retooled would make a fabulous come back. New lightweight materials will make it lightweight. New technology can provide a 11/12 amp motor and it does not have to be like monstrosity that Royal came up with. The hose still can go into the handle and wood pulp cellulose bags could still be used.

3.)I would launch the new look on QVC and HSN for a reasonable price and also do 30 minute infomercials that we see all time for different products. After the initial launch and bringing it to people's attention, I will take it right away to the big box stores since they seem to be the place to do the business. If people spend $400-$600 for Dysons there, they will for this new product too.

4.) I'd have a marketing company figure out the best way to advertise a new product from an old company that almost no one knows of. It would be worth the investment.

5.) I know of several different sources of private funding that would be interested and those sources would be able to find additional investors.

6.) However, at this late date in MY life, I would never take on such a project. The risk is terribly high and the satisfaction is questionable. And, the bottom line is, does the world need yet another vacuum cleaner? And if your answer is yes, please tell me why.

PS-Glad you liked the pics. More can be found at:
http://automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/00ShowCollectionGETD.cgi?dir=/COLLECTIONS/AIR-WAYCHARLIE
 
OK Charlie - Here it is!

Per your request here is the yellow Mark V Airway with the monster Eureka power nozzle. Thanks (I think) Don Clark. These are truly unusual and a vac collectors dream, very rare.
 
Celebrity

That is a Wheeled - Top of the Line - Celebrity. Those were the first power nozzle-equipped Hoovers. And boy, were they powerful and effective. Beater bars and incredible brush rolls. The most powerful suction yet. Hard to beat until the Dimensions. I bought that very orange machine at Polk Brothers in Chicago and still kick myself for giving it away. Had to have another one, but, alas, it is used. Still a great machine.
 
Peter - You wanted some Connies?

Here is the original a perfect 82! The wheels are added. A perfect match for the classic Hoover 63 upright. A fabulous cleaner.
 
Fred were you saying the wheeled Celebrity was the first with a power nozzle because I bought a new floater Celebrity about 1977 as a housewarming gift to a friend which came with a power nozzle. The nozzle though did not plug into the machine but to a wall outlet which kind of made it finicky with two cords. but it did come that way in the box.

What on earth are those wheels doing on the constellation?
 
Those Wheels?

I must admit, I kind of altered the machine. The first Constellation did not float (not until the next one-the 84) I love this machine except for the fact that you either drag it or carry it. A Filter Queen Princess caster set is almost a perfect match-in color and size. So I popped it on the caster set and Voila! a easily rolling great operating Model 82. I know the purists are just having a fit, so if you want, I will take another picture without the casters.
 
whew

I was thinking you weren't thinking and you might have destroyed it by drilling in wheels..lol

What I like about the connies naturally is the design shape, don't come much bolder than a ball even if they don't float that well over carpeting. Plus the sound is that nice real vacuum motor sound that isn't high pitched and annoying.
 
So I wasn't dreaming...

Great pictures...thanks for sharing Fred! That yellow Air-Way Mark V with the Don Clark P/N is really cool...saw one on eBay a few years ago for sale by a collector and I remember it being yellow...I wasn't dreaming after all!

I too had a "floating" late-70's Celebrity in Orange...was a powerful and fun machine...loved the way it just hovered across the floor. Could kick myself for selling it. Mine was the Celebrity III, probably the lowest-end model since it was straight-suction.

Your Constellation Model 82 is gorgeous...looks brand new! My favorite Constellation has to be the Pink Model 84, with the wheeled floor nozzle. Next has to be the Model 87 in Avocado, with the rare on/off switch in the hose grip. When were these produced? I've seen 2 on eBay so far (and almost had one...) so I know it wasn't just a rare prototype. However, both, I believe, had modified switches on the body of the machine.

--Austin
 
I posted this before a while ago, but here are my 3 vintage Shop-Vac machines I have so far. The one on the left is like new; the other two are used, but I have given them a thorough disassembly and cleaning. From what I've seen, the history of the Shop-Vac is little known and I'm itching to know more. All I know is it originated in Hackensack, NJ sometime in the 1960's and went from there.

Left to right: Aqua-Klean 8-gallon (1976), 600 5-gallon (1980), 600C 5-gallon (approx. 1989). They work great and are much more powerful than anything you see today (probably because of the top hose inlet), and I can use any of them with the wide 2 1/2" hose. Right now I'm using the 600 as the "laundry shed vacuum"...but when everything's all done I'll give them a good cleaning and put them on display.
 

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