Electrolux B-8 Beautifier

[luxman107]

Nice pics thanks for sharing and great find. I know aerus Electrolux still makes that type of machine today. If you go to their website you can down load a the instruction manual and read about the features. It has not changed much over the years. Some of the experts on this site may be able to tell you exactly what year your machine is from. If it was bought with the silverrado canister like showing on that postcard in your photo, it would be 1982 to. 84 vintage. It is called the lux floor pro today
The air buffer is no longer made though

 

[luxy1205]

luxman107

Thanks for the info!!! I will check out the website! That's the thrill to me about collecting! I love getting something vintage and not knowing anything about it, research the heck outta it, and then become an expert on what ya have!!! Can't wait to learn about this little cutie!!! -Michelle

 

[rugsucker]

B-8

Great machine.Great buy.This must have been a long time Elux household as some parts would have come with the Elux vac of the 50s,your B-8 is about 1970 and the Electrolux man was still leaving his post card in the 80s.Elux quality and the 3rd brush make this the best of the household shampoo/polishers.Much info is in the owners manual.You don't show bottom but if it still has suds shield (push button in center/small foaming brush at one corner)it should be removed when using stiff bristle brush on hard floors.
(If you had been at a local church yard sale here 2 weeks ago you could have had a newer one for ONE dollar.I should say 'you or I' as I was not the lucky buyer.)

 

[luxy1205]

rugsucker

Thanks for the info!!! I will check for the suds shield! I'm actually getting ready to clean it up! That's just amazing stuff! So, some of my attachments are from the 50's??? That's craziness!!! At first, when I read the card it said 1984, which is the year I was born, but if you say 1970, that's really cool!!! I'm gonna get this baby working and use it!!! Thanks again!!! -Michelle

 

[ronni]

Congratulations on your great B-8 bargain! Please post some photos of your Model B-8 Double Insulation Polisher when it's all cleaned and polished and let us know how it works! Happy scrubbing, polishing, and carpet cleaning!

The full history of the unit, as far as Electrolux USA is concerned, is not known for certain. Some claim that they have heard of a B-3 machine but aren't sure about when it was manufactured or if there was ever a B-1, B-2, et cetera, until the B-6 in the 1950s. These would have been imported from AB Electrolux in Sweden.

What is known is that Electrolux USA's first machine was the B-7 which debuted in early 1959 in the colors of the Model F and Model R cleaners. (Many call the former Model AF, but it was only designated as such on the embossed nomenclature on the machine--as the label had just been revised from the Model AE's as a money-saving measure. If you look closely you can see that the "F" was placed over the "E"--the point being that there was no non-automatic F as there was in the Model E and AE's case). But I digress.

B-8 Variations: reset button on early units; lettering on early units standard block--later units serifed; starbursts on 1963 shampoo tanks--then same gold and white label used through late brown units, then updated with block lettering and brown background color, and the gray units used the same style with silver, white, and black colored labels; removable cord from unit from tan units to gold units--then directly wired; metal brush centers (older)--plastic brush centers (since at least gold units); shampoo tank caps: aqua (aqua units), tan (tan units), teal (teal units), ivory (gold & brown units), gray (gray units); power cords: ivory, teal (aqua units); ivory (tan units), teal (teal units), ivory (gold & brown units), gray (gray units); storage trays, splash guards, handle locks, and handle grips: teal (aqua units); ivory (tan units), teal, ivory (teal units), ivory (gold and brown units), light gray (gray units).

Here is the list of Electrolux USA polishers (aka Carpet Beautifiers, as Floor Beautifiers with the B-9 and B-10, and as Floor Pros with the Model 1522, 1732, 1739, S105s and S165s):

1959-1961: B-7 (gray/ivory; T handle)
1961-1963: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (aqua; T handle)
1963-1966: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (aqua; V handle)
1967-1968: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (tan; V handle)
1968-1974: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (teal; V handle)--yours is from this era
1974-1978: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (gold; V handle)
1978-1982: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (brown; V handle)
1982-1983: B-8/Carpet Beautifier (gray; V handle)
1983-1984: B-9/Floor Beautifier (gray; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
1984-1987: 1522/Floor Pro (sand/jade; curved plastic handle; cord winder; w/Diamond J label)
1987-1988: B-10/Floor Pro (sand/taupe; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
1988-1989: 1522/Floor Pro (navy/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)

Years Uncertain:

1989-1990: 1732/Epic Floor Pro (navy/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
1990-1992: 1739/Epic Floor Pro (navy/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
1992-1994: S105A/Epic Floor Pro (navy/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
1994-1996: *S105B/Epic Floor Pro (gray/fog); curved plastic handle; cord winder
1996-1998: *S105B/Epic Floor Pro (charcoal); curved plastic handle; cord winder)
1998-2000: S105G/Epic Floor Pro (pastel blue/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)--75th Anniversary Edition
2000-2002: S105J/Floor Pro (pastel blue/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)--brush graphic used for O's

*Note: There were two different colors of S105Bs for some reason.

Aerus Label:

2003-2006: S105L/Floor Pro (pastel blue/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)--brush graphic used for O's
2006-2009: S105N/Lux Floor Pro (pastel blue/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
2009-2013: S165A/Lux Floor Pro (white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)
2013-present: S165B/Lux Floor Pro (black/white; curved plastic handle; cord winder)


PLASTIC-BODIED POLISHERS/SHAMPOOERS DESIGNED AT ELECTROLUX CANADA LTD. (1984-1992):

Model 2101 (sand/jade; beige/taupe; beige/navy--matching the Hi-Techs and Diplomat)
Model 2101A (Regency Series: sand/pastel blue and Special Edition: beige/burgundy)

I don't know if anyone collects polishers/shampooers, but Electrolux alone has plenty of different colors and styles to do so!

 

[luxy1205]

ronni

Hey, thank you very much for all of the wonderful information! It'll be a while before I start working on my B8. I just purchased a 1987 Hoover Brushvac for $2.00, an early 1990's Dirt Devil hand vac for $15.00, and a Sears Kenmore Twin Fans (brown & white flower bag) for a $1.00 at different garage sales. I'm never done collecting! -Michelle

 

[ronni]

You are most welcome, Michelle. I'm sure I gave you more information than you'd wanted, but I enjoy data collection and wanted the information to be retrievable by others.

Believe it or not, though, I wasn't as thorough as I could have been! I left out the wattages, so here is that information:

400 watts/(app.) 3.3 amps: B-7s to sometime during the teal B-8s

550 watts/(app.) 4.6 amps: Sometime during the teal B-8s to sometime around the 1732s

450 watts/(app.) 3.8 amps: Sometime around the 1732s to the present


I am guessing that the fan size was changed at the time of the 1732s which is why the wattage was decreased.

Anyway, you may want to see if you have an older teal B-8 that is 400 watts or a newer one that is 550 watts.

I also wanted to mention that a friend of mine contacted Aerus and was told that the nap lifters on the current machines would work on the B-8s, so you may want to purchase some of those at some point.

 

[tig21er]

Ronni,

from 2009 on to today there is no cordwinder on the floor pro. I don't know who from Aerus your friend talked to but we were told from the outset that the B-8 and B-9 brushes were not interchangeable as well as the naplifters. I even have a service bulletin somewhere in my papers to that effect. This was from 1984 to present.

 

[danemodsandy]

Lucky You!

You've found the B-8 I'd like to have - I want one to match my 1205 and my Model L.

I have a B-8, but it's the gray version matching the Silverado. Nice machine, no complaints, but it's not the one I want.

First world problems, eh?

 

[ronni]

John,

Thanks for telling me about the cord winders. I wonder why they eliminated them from the later models?

As for the nap lifters I encourage you to contact Aerus yourself and make sure. That way, you could speak to your understanding as an Aerus/Electrolux salesperson rather than just a customer. My friend specifically asked if using them on B-8s would harm the machine, and they said no.

They also said that at one point there were special nap lifters made for B-8s, but they have since been discontinued.

 

[luxy1205]

ronni

Thanks again for more info!!! I too love to research and share info with others! I find myself doing that a lot on Ebay. Either sellers listing misinformation or not listing any info. I will check my wattage because now you got me curious! Ha ha! -Michelle

 

[ronni]

You're welcome for the additional information, Michelle. And, too funny ... I also send information and corrections to eBay listers!

As I looked through the manufacturer's tags on the photos of my previous response I thought I'd suggest that you copy down your serial ids for all your appliances to help with theft recovery--should it ever happen.

With Aerus/Electrolux USA all machines--at least since the Model XXXs and except for the commercial tanks, Model CBs (and possibly the CB2000s)--have serial ids that have a letter prefix, 5 digits, and a letter suffix. The CBs only have digits for some reason. Anyway, here are the stamped locations of the serial ids on the canisters since the Model XXXs (I do not know where the earlier ones were stamped):

Model XXXs: top of front trim

Model LXs: handle trim

Model LXIs: handle trim

Model Es: caster mount

Model AEs: caster mount

Model Ts: ??

Model Fs: looking at the machine's hose inlet ... on the right-hand side of the outer trim of the bag chamber (concealed when the cover is closed)

Model Ss: looking at the machine's hose inlet ... on the right-hand side of the outer trim of the bag chamber (concealed when the cover is closed)

Model Rs: looking at the machine's hose inlet ... on the right-hand side of the outer trim of the bag chamber (concealed when the cover is closed)

Model Gs: looking at the machine's hose inlet ... on the right-hand side of the outer trim of the bag chamber (concealed when the cover is closed)

Model Ls: looking at the machine's hose inlet ... on the right-hand side of the outer trim of the bag chamber (concealed when the cover is closed)

Model 1205s: 1st version - bottom of cord winder; Other versions - stabilizer


To my knowledge, all canisters since the 2nd version of the 1205s have been on the stabilizer, or by the front caster when the stabilizers were molded into the body rather than attached. Some also have stickers that were intended to be removed and placed on the sales contracts to ensure accuracy, but some sales personnel left them on the machines. Refurbished machines are given metal tags to indicate that along with new serial ids which have an "R" prefix--likely for "refurbished".

Interestingly, all the B-7s and B-8s through the brown units had the "A" prefix in their serial ids. From the gray B-8s to the current line (as far as I can tell) the serial id prefix has been "D". Just some more trivia for you!

The Electrolux uprights have stickers in various places, but again to my knowledge all have a secondary one that is affixed beneath the handle in case the other one wears off or is removed.

The accessories such as the power nozzles, turbo rug washers, and Sidekicks do not have serial ids, so it would be a good idea to put your own markings on them in inconspicuous places.

_________


By the way, you haven't mentioned your B-8s name. Please let us know when you choose one.

 

[luxy1205]

ronni

That's so funny that you should mention writing down serial ids because I've already started doing that so far with just my chainsaws! Between my husband and I, we have close to 130 chainsaws. Also, I collect Sunbeam Mixmasters (11) and (1) Dormeyer Mixwell, electric hand mixers (12), clock radios (23), vacuums obviously (13) plus the B8, and circular saws (5). You just gave me the idea to expand my serial ids! Thank you! Every vintage item I collect and just mentioned has a name! That's cute about the B8! I haven't thought of a name for him yet, some take longer than others. I just got an earlier Sunbeam Mixmaster model 9 and an early 1950's Zenith owl eye clock radio in the mail yesterday and they instantly got named! My "Owlie", is in sad shape and so is the 9 "Pinny", but I can still see their beauty and will restore them! I will post them on the household forum when I get a chance. I love talking with people who love talking about their collections! -Michelle

 

[ronni]

Michelle,

I guess it's true what they say about great minds--haha! Thanks for telling me about your other collections. Actually, I've read some of your other posts which is why I knew that you named your machines! I wonder if "Buffy" would be a suitable name in your mind? I have often thought that Electrolux USA--back in the '50s and '60s--had reasons for choosing the model letters of the machines, so I've always thought that the "B" stood for "Buffer" since the B-8 had buffing pads. I've never figured out what the 8 stands for, but that may have just been someone's favorite number--haha!

Speaking of your husband I'm wondering if he collects, too, or is a supporter of your hobby? In any event, you may want to open up your own machinery museum--or at least post a Youtube video of your collections!

I'm also wondering if you are in the process of obtaining the original owner's manuals of each of your machines? I'm guessing you don't have all of them anyway.

Sorry to hear about Owlie and Pinny, but I'm sure you'll have them back in shape at some point!

 

[super-sweeper]

Buffy the Fluff-Ball Hunter!

(Followed by a poorly photoshoped image of a Electrolux B-8 over Buffy the Vampire Slayer!)


 


I love it!


 


(P.S-I'm still voting for PHYLLIS!

)

 

[tig21er]

B for buffer

could be right, seems logical.

 

[luxy1205]

ronni

Wow, so cool that you've read my other posts! "Buffy" is cute and totally fitting with what I name stuff, but I have a friend named Buffi, for real! I would think of her and not the B8 unfortunately! I'm open for names! That's cool about B8 standing for buffer! Never crossed my mind!

My husband is who taught me all that I know! He's 20 years older than me and has restored just about everything since he was a little boy! He actually restores antique cars for a living and is an expert metal fabricator! He restores and makes custom motorcycles! He's an expert painter, (ranked by Valspar as top 5 painter), expert at airbrushing, and an excellent mechanic! He also makes his own tools for stuff that you can't buy them for! We have a lot of homemade clutch pullers for our chainsaws. I have a homemade wrench made for our modulators for our Chevy Chevette auto transmissions, plus other homemade stuff too! He built a rotisserie for his 1985 Chevy Chevette out of scrap metal and an old bedframe so he could rotate his car to rebuild the floor. It's truly endless of what he can do! He does tattoos, builds electric guitars out of blocks of wood all self taught plus more! I'm not bragging, but he's a rare breed!

When it comes to hobbies he collects chainsaws and loves Chevy Chevettes and is getting ready to start restoring both of them. He's very supportive of my hobbies! Anything I'm interested in he will teach me how to fix and restore it! He's the one that bought me almost all of what I collect! He just bought me "Pinny"! Pinny just needs a motor rebuild, nothing difficult, some new grease, parts oiled, a pretty paint job. I want him to be pinstriped like the old rat rods, which I forgot to mention that my husband "Sammy" can pinstripe too, so hence the name Pinny! Owlie's front grill is cracked, the speaker cloth needs to be replaced, and the clock doesn't work. I'm going to grind off the broken grill pieces, put new material on the speaker, make a custom backer for a pretty material to take the place of the missing grill. It won't be original, but it will be custom and look like it was suppose to be that way! He taught me how to restore tube and solid state radios! He showed me how to de-solder circuit boards out of old computer monitors and old TV's to get the capacitors, resistors, diodes, transistors, etc. He also has a degree in electronics and auto mechanics. He bought me a 1974 Triumph motorcycle when we were first dating and as of last winter are custom building it! I could write you a book on all we do! Ha ha! He taught me how to weld, how to do metal work the primitive way. I made a perfect bowl out of a flat piece of metal by using the tucking system. There's a lot of videoes on that on Youtube.

I have a lot of vintage manuals for my various hobbies, but I only have one manual for an Electrolux model g that came with my 1205 off of Ebay. I don't even own a model g yet! Ha ha!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments! I love talking with you! -Michelle

 

[luxy1205]

super-sweeper

Ha Ha! I'm actually watching a Sears H58 on Ebay, which is the logger version basically of my Sears D44's "Mr.Poppet". If I win it, I'll name it Phyllis! I told my husband Sammy about Phyllis and we laughed so hard about it that I said if I found another H58 or H47 that I would name it Phyllis! You're too funny! I'll send ya a pic of Phyllis if I win it! BTW, I love the photo shopped pic! You're awesome to talk with! -Michelle

 

[super-sweeper]

I'm glad you think so!

Here's to Mr.Poppet gaining a cousin Phyllis! I could see her now in a beautiful turquoise on white! 

 

[ronni]

Michelle,

Thanks--I enjoy corresponding with you, too.

I think it's great that you and your husband have so many things in common--including friendship--that age isn't a factor. You were fortunate to find each other! As for his skills and support I am impressed. What an honor to be ranked so high with Valspar! And how awesome to be able to use his ingenuity to make tools which can't be purchased from a company! You have every right to be proud of him! As for his chainsaw collecting hobby, maybe he should start "Chainsawland"! =] And both of you sound like you'd be excellent candidates for community education classes or do-it-yourself seminars.

Ok, so among your other collectibles get busy and find a Model G for that manual! haha Actually, I've done the same thing. For example, I'd gotten an Electrolux manual that seemed like it was just for general cleaning but came to discover that it was the manual for a Model XXX that I just purchased!

Love the way you choose names for your machines. If I think of another name for the B-8 (I don't blame you for not wanting to name it after your friend) I'll let you know.

Happy collecting and restoring!