That machine was built in the 70's. I don't think it was made as a "spotter", but more a 3,5,9 gal extractors with full size vac and pump and priced about the same. I think Castex made the first "spotter", they called the "Answer". Century 500, owner Bill Shiro, came next. He also designed the Ninja. The only advantage of the old Cleanmaster is the clear tank which is also it's weakness, the material gets brittle over time.
Just a question. Is the clear tank really that important? Would you pay more for a clear tank and how much? Most guys who use it as a spotter bought it used for a song and while the clear tank is nice I don't think anyone is going to pay $600.00 to rebuild it.
John
Carpet Dude,
That had the old 7.2 two stage vac and probably a 60 psi Shurflo pump. If you look close at the picture the vac tank has a reinforcement in the center to prevent flexing. The rotational molded housings of today are considerably stronger. And 5.7 vac are more efficient. The new pumps are designed better. Mytee has the strongest vac motor of any hand held spotter made today that I know of, and comes standard with a s/s tool.