Sturtevant Vacuum model 15 circa 1915

[perc-o-prince]

We got this back in September in a group shop near Brimfield MA. It was the same one that had shown up on eBay with a ridiculous shipping estimate for a few towns away ($130-something). We asked them to call the dealer and walked away with it for about $80. We knew it couldn't be plugged in as-is, so there was some work to be done.

So, yesterday, I replaced the main power cord and switch wiring. We tried it out and it was OK, but there was a little arcing at the bottom of the resistor when Rich would move anything. So, today I got into that.

She seems just fine now, and works like a champ on all three speeds! Here's a link for the original eBay auction with before pix....

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[perc-o-prince]

Opened up the three-speed control resistor. A bit intimidating at first, but after mapping it out in case of mistake, it was OK. Interesting that the wires that are next to the carbon (?) inside rod are shielded by ceramic (?) beads strung on them. Luckily I was able to just re-wire the part below the fiber insulators and didn't have to mess with all that!

 

[perc-o-prince]

She's running!

 

[perc-o-prince]

Believe it or not, she's not all that noisy in person. I'm sure it has something to do with the mic on the camera.

 

[bellalaundry]

Beautifully simple!

Great styling. You did a great job cleaning it up too!

Guy

 

[polkanut]

How does it work on carpeting?

 

[perc-o-prince]

The clean-up was all Rich. I'm in more of the parts and service department while he mostly inhabits the detailing area! He does a nice job!

We haven't tried it on carpeting, but WOW, does it suck! We'll probably give it a whirl at the soiree tomorrow.