1950s Electrolux needs a Good Home...seriously

[tom]

I need to find a good home for this vacuum cleaner, which has been in my family since it was purchased new in the 1950s. It may sound odd for a mature man to have a strong sentimental attachment to a vacuum cleaner, but if anyone might understand, members of this group might.

My Mom bought this vacuum cleaner circa 1957, and as a baby crawling around on her floors I found myself in close proximity to it. It's one of the first things I saw/recognized/investigated; I have vivid recollections of being very small and being "eye to eye" with this vacuum as my Mom rolled it around her floors. Frankly, it looked much bigger then and scared me (ha!) due to the sound and the hot air blast from its rear exhaust port. I think the two-tone gray-and-cream color scheme is beautiful, as is the unique lettering reflective of that era.

In the 1970s my Mom found it necessary to have her vacuum cleaner repaired. Unfortunately, she took it to a shop that cared NOTHING for the integrity of the original design. As you can see by the photos, the original braided electric cord was replaced by an awful generic "yellow extension cord." The plastic rear wheels are long gone and the original gray hose was replaced with a new, non-matching blue hose.

A few years after those repairs, I moved out of the house and my mother gave me the vacuum for my first apartment. I used it for years...but now have not used it for years. I'm preparing to move (VERY SOON) and must downsize my possessions. I would very much like for this "family heirloom" to go to someone who really appreciates it and might be inclined to restore it.

Despite its appearance, it still runs well. I don't expect much, but if this machine appeals to you please make whatever offer you feel is appropriate. Most important to me is that someone who "gets it" gets it. =]

Thanks,
Tom


http://bothbarrels.net/electrolux/

 

[madman]

"It may sound odd for a mature man to have a strong sentimental attachment to a vacuum cleaner"

 

[huskyvacs]

I just bought an R off eBay for $24 before they tossed it out. It's been horribly butchered with "that'll do" parts just to keep it running. It was repaired well, but not with proper parts. They replaced the foot switch with a old fashioned metal toggle stick switch for example (which has completely broken). It's a mess but it was cheap and I didn't have that model already so I saved it.

I too have memories of being young with my great grandmother's Electrolux Olympia One (and whatever green colored model before that, I was standing in the room with my mother when the motor blew up on it, I thought that was cool rather than being afraid, lol). Still have the Olympia One but it's in a sad state being bumped around the garage for over a decade.

If I didn't have so many other vacs to repair and refurb, I'd offer to buy it, but I got myself into collecting at a bad time when my house is such a mess, need to clean my workbench up just to get a place to repair them at. lol

It looks like a nice model, and good luck with your sale!

If nobody else ends up claiming it or is not interested in it, and it's got one wheel in the dumpster or scrapyard, I'd gladly give it a good home rather than seeing it getting thrown out. I've bought 2 vacuums from Vacuumland members here so far they were gonna pitch in the trash bin, just still waiting to get a workbench set up so they can get attention.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I rescued one vacuum off here. I'm acquiring parts to finish it off.
I have not done body work on a vacuum. I know it can be done.
If you throw it out I'd consider it. I have a multitude of vacuum projects. This I'd consider if huskyvac or someone else doesn't take it.
Les

 

[tom]

Thanks for Replies

Sorry to be slow in my replies here. I didn't receive any email notifications, and only checked in to make sure no one had responded to my thread. But here you all are... =]


To MadMan:
HA! Thanks for the laugh. =D


To huskyvacs:
Frankly, I think I'd let it go for FREE to "A Good Home." I'm currently near Omaha, NE but will be relocating to the Salt Lake City, Utah area in less than two weeks.

If you're not local to either location I think I'd be willing to send it to you if you'll pay the shipping. I'm stopping by the UPS depot later today, so if you provide your mailing address I can check the cost of delivery for you (do we have PM [private messaging] here?)


To Lesinutah:
Hey. I'm moving to Salt Lake City in less than two weeks. Are you in or near there?

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I live an hour south. Next Friday I'll be by airport and next week I have another day I'll be up in same area. So I live close and second trip up there I imagine would be best day. I won't know what day the following week until next Friday night.
Does this mean I may inherit a vacuum?
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

If no one claims it just brushed through the thread.
Les

 

[tom]

Follow-up to huskyvacs ==

I just realized you're in Indiana, so if you want it I'll have to SEND it to you.

As for dealing with clutter, I've been in the same house for 20 years and have many DIY interests. YIKES! I'm running out of time and space on the truck! =O 'Can't imagine how I accumulated all this STUFF!

As for body work, I'll bet once you remove the outer body you can press dents outward from the inside - maybe using the rounded-over end of a piece of oak...

Tom

 

[huskyvacs]

Tom, I live in northern Indiana, so please do let me know the shipping cost. There is a PM function here but it is for paying members only, otherwise you can just use your normal eMail program.

Les, if the shipping charge comes out to be more than I can afford, you are more than welcome to grab it.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I hope you can get it. He lives in same zone mailing zone 3. I think it won't be that much.
Either way it was meant to be. Either way if I get it my wife is never thrilled with vacuums. I'm super stoked with new vacuums. I have issue start and don't finish.
Anyways safe travels and huskyvac hopefully some Easter bonus coming your way.
Thanks
Les

 

[tom]

I want to be sure I understand: Are you guys interested in this vacuum cleaner only if I give to you for free (plus delivery cost if applicable)?

Money's tight, so I don't really want to give it away unless I have to. I WILL if that's the only way to find an appreciative new owner, but if this particular machine is worth something to you I'd appreciate you making an offer that resembles whatever a fair price would be. I know NOTHING about the value of "ancient" vacuum cleaners such as this one.

No worries at this end, but please let me know where things stand.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[huskyvacs]

Yes, I would only be able to pay the shipping, if not much more. Once I know the shipping cost I might be able to offer you another price. I sent an Email (you probably already read it).

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

The vacuum is not worth alot currently. The amount of time is going to be quite a bit considering the shape it would be great in. The parts I'm not aware of and money basically makes it almost impossible for me to consider paying.
Les