Hey Richard:
The turquoise coloured model you refer to was likely made by Ungar or Weller. I used to own an Ungar Hot-Vac pistol grip model. After about five years
of use, back in the 80's, the plastic became brittle and fell apart. When I tried to get a replacement, I found out that my model was replaced by a
24 volt model. The pistol grip looked the same so I ordered two. The AC heating elements which I had was incompatible and would not fit the new handle.
Anyway, I had to fart around with it put up with it for years. I was given a Pace desoldering handle in the late 90's along with dozens of tips and spare glass
delivery tube after a company changed hands. I used the Ungar's vacuum section and added a foot switch from an old Dictaphone.
As for the Pace technique you mentioned, that's in the Pace bible...
A friend of mine has a Hakko desoldering system but hated the stiff unwieldy cord so he replaced it with a more flexible rubber type found
on vacuum cleaners.
Spare parts are always a problem and if you buy a new one get replacements ASAP. Thankfully, ebay will usually have what you're looking for.
When I worked for Radio Shack in the early 80's repairing TRS-80's I,II,III and 4 I used a Pace system that had both solder and desolder capability with a foot
pedal. It was brand new. Can't remember what model it was, but it was dark grey or black. The Pace handle that I have is grey.
Den