Posted 13 years ago
Kaylika
(2 items)
Hello there. I have this vintage vacuum cleaner that my great grandmother owned. She has passed now and we have been cleaning out her house. I have done a little research on it (attached address)
http://www.1377731.com/compact/ That site tells about why and who invented them. It's a pretty neat story. But you can't believe everything you read on the internet so I am writing to you guys. It does work and has attachments for it. Actually it works very well and it's kinda cute... Any info would be appreciated.
I have the exact model vacuum purchased in the 1970's. Mine has the exact same coloration and detail. It is a model C-8. I bought it from a door-to-door salesman who demonstrated it in our home. I still use the "good old girl" for small jobs. It has always been a great vacuum...a real workhorse. I lost some major accessory parts (wands, floor attachment, etc.) in our last move and would love to replace them. I know I'm not supposed to solicit, but I'd love for you to contact me if you decide to sell. (rbflynt@comcast.net) Replacement parts are very difficult to find, probably because even the old vacuums still work! Funny that I have the small attachments like for upholstery, dusting, and crevices. They fit on my central vacuum system hose. You can still purchase bags that fit. If you decide to hang on to your great grandmother's, don't let the parts get away from you. They are very dear and impossible to find. She made a very good investment!
Love it !!! We had one on the Farm that my Dad used in the Shop. That thing took a beating and just keep on going. It think IT WAS the Energize Bunny back then!!
Probably much too late but, i too have the same exact vacuum as the one pictured, with all of the accessories, that i got when my mom passed. I have never used a vacuum with this much suction power before...however, the belt for the power head is almost shredded and i can't seem to find a new one. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. This machine and accessories are all in great condition and i still use it!
I currently own two newer models (Tri-Star branded, 1990's I think?) and in fact was (very briefly) a Tri-Star 'door to door salesman' during one summer shortly after I got out of high school in the 1980's. The info on Charlie Lester's website (which you cite) is entirely accurate towards the history of the machines though concentrates on the original model(s), COMPACTS went thru numerous subsequent 'color changes' over the decades though the basic truly superior engineering of the machine (and in fact, most parts) remains the same. (remember -- this is a simple home appliance which nonetheless got designed/made by the same kinda guys that normally did government aircraft and rockets...they *knew* a thing or two about "airflow"...?? <lol>)
[an aside...the most basic (and proven successful ever since) operative theory of that '1940's engineering' took until much more recent decades to finally get "re-invented" and "re-marketed" (by a certain Mr. Dyson) who managed to (in such a typically modern fashion) totally over-complicate a truly simple idea into (cheap, mass-produced plastic) oblivion. (leastways enough to baffle the patent office, I guess?)
ALSO -- almost all parts/accessories for Compact/Tri-Star vacuums are *absolutely* still available, though admittedly not likely to be found at WallyWorld. Google will be your friend in locating them if you're not lucky enough to have an (old fashioned?) vacuum cleaner or 'hardware' shop nearby. I rebuilt the Tri-Star I currently use to clean my own home (rescued from a curbside trash pile...h*ll YES, I immediately drove around the block an extra time to pick it up after first spotting it?!!) with parts/accessories obtained online.
this is a compact electra interstate c8 vacuum cleaner .I have the blue C9 model .Parts are available on EBAY compact became tristar around 1982/85.If you look for tristar vacuum you will most certainly find parts for it .They are work horse i got mine in 2013 or so Its a beast i use it all the time .
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xtristar+vacuum+.TRS0&_nkw=tristar+vacuum+&_sacat=0
This is the exact same vacuum I grew up with. I’ve found a few since then at thrift stores.
They are a few on sale on ebay right now .Deepseas72
SEXY VACUUM...LOVE IT
i have 2 of em so nice .
Hi!
So I too have this vacuum. Was my mom and dads wedding gift I believe! My Dad just dropped it off at my apartment lol & I am now wondering what to do with it! Everything seems to work, accept for the turbo brush (which is probably the only part I will use on a regular basis Lol). Does anyone happen to be selling one, or know where I can buy one? I’ve tried looking on eBay and couldn’t find one for the exact model that I have C-9. Do you think I could buy a different models turbo brush? I guess I just don’t really know what to do with it. I still have the white box it came in and everything! I guess if I’m not going to be able to use the turbo brush, I’d prefer to just sell it, but I have no clue how much it’s worth etc! If anyone has any tips or advice I’d really appreciate it!
Hello Philomenasmum - you should thank your Dad because he just gave you the last vacuum cleaner you should ever need in the rest of your lifetime?!! :-) What's wrong with your Turbobrush powerhead? Unless it is physically destroyed somehow it should be entirely repairable, or replaceable with another powerhead. Any model/age of Compact/Tri-Star powerhead will work with your machine. I didn't search again right now, but find it hard to believe you won't be able to find what you need -- if you are lucky enough to have an (old fashioned?) vacuum cleaner store nearby they will probably be able to help even if the store is branded Electrolux or Kirby or something else, anybody that's ever been in the vacuum business certainly will know what you're bringing them. (and/or might try to talk you into "trading that old piece of junk in" -- resist those efforts and keep what you've got even if they feign ignorance, you've already got better than anything "new" they have to sell you... ;-) :-) :-) :-)
I just received my own *third* Tri-Star machine (yeesh, I guess I've got a "collection" of those now, too? <headdesk>) but I only have one powerhead for the carpet...that's fine, I can only use one at a time anyway during those (too-few-and-far-between) times when I want to suck the rug someplace... <lol>
plenty of part on ebay for your machine email me .
Just picked up our 3rd tristar compact free at the thrift shop. works great. First one gave $5.00 at garage sale next on the street and this one free . What a great vacuum this one is identical to the one above with all the attachments.