Another vacuum saved from the junk pile

[s31463221]

Seeing these other threads about vacs being saved from certain destruction, reminded me that I spared one from the scrappers boneyard as well. A few weeks ago, I was in Middletown OH visiting family. While there, I stopped at this huge flea market called Trader's World. Browsing around, I found a vendor selling vacuums, no surprise, mostly Sharks, Dysons, etc. I dug my way back to his junk pile, and found this diamond in the rough however. It was absolutely filthy with dust and grime, but amazingly the old motor sounded very healthy. I ask about it and he said that thing had been sitting for some time and I could have it and all the attachments for $20. I walked away with an early Electrolux Olympia One, 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics edition. This one has the skinny wheels and Super J handle on it. Tonight I decided to clean it up and see if I could bring it back to life! I didn't get the crevice or dusting brush, and like most of this era, the hose is leaky, but for the most part, she's pretty much in tact and original.

 

[human]

Nice save! The dusting brush and crevice tool are easy enough to find cheap on eBay. Give it those and a newer style vinyl hose and you'll have a cleaner that'll last a lifetime.

 

[classicfan1]

HEY!!!!

You were in my neck of the woods! Haha, good save!

 

[s31463221]

Thanks!

Edgar,

You're right, these old machines are very tough, especially if taken care of. I may be wrong, but I honestly think this machine was a creampuff that saw very little use. The bristles are hardly worn on the power nozzle, and combo floor tool. My guess is this belonged to some little old lady who didn't use it much, it ended up stuffed into an attic and remained there until it was traded in on something and I just happened to be along at the right place at the right time!

Stephen, how far are you from Middletown? There's another VL member from there too, Bud Mattingly (pr-21). Ironically enough, Stephen is my name too!

 

[classicfan1]

Myself...

I am from a small town just north of Dayton. I'm aware of a member in Troy, Ohio as well.

 

[electrolux-dude]

Hi, Steve, nice find! If you need help with servicing the motor I'm just an email click away, at [email protected]. I'll admit I've got a soft spot for Electrolux's, someone gave me an automatic F the other day, it purrs like a kitten!

 

[s31463221]

Nathan!

Great to hear from you! I've not torn into it yet, saving that for another rainy day, but I will certainly keep you in mind! I hope you're doing well? I'm right there with you, I can't pass up an old Electrolux hardly! They were awesome machines, and I have a big soft spot for them as well! I'd love to see some photos of your AF sometime, I only have one of those and its in pretty rough shape! Thanks again!

 

[electrolux-dude]

pictures of AF

Hey Steve here's a couple of pictures of my free Automatic F.