Electrolux find

[fan-of-fans]

So after that Kirby Sentria find last week, not a week later I've found another vacuum, at another thrift store.

I go into Habitat Wednesday during lunch and find an Electrolux Renaissance. I kind of wasn't interested at first because I already have an Electrolux Grand Marquise, and TBH never have been interested in it enough to really use it.

So I looked it over a bit, it had all the attachments inside but no hard floor brush or small power nozzle. I did notice it had handle controls which look very neat. I decide to pass on it.

But yesterday I decided to go back and if it was still there I'd get it. Well it was.

Needs some cleanup and scuff removal, but overall seems to be in good shape. I think I did good for $7.50.

The only thing I'm concerned about are the handle controls, but if they all check out okay, I guess it should probably be ok. Heard these had a lot of electronics issues.

Overall I do kind of like this better than my other metal one.

It did come with a C bag inside but I'm not sure that's the correct one for this model, it just doesn't seem to fit quite right, it seems jammed in a bit at the collar.

 

[huskyvacs]

Oooh, nice one. I have its sibling, the Guardian. That model has slider controls and not push buttons.

These buttons usually just need a wipe down inside with deoxit and blow the dust out and they will be alright.

 

[paul]

The Renaissance model name had 2 successive model numbers: C104A w/N106A pn in a coal color, made from 1994-95 and C104H w/N106F pn in an ash color, made from 1995-98. The first had the problematic controls which were improved on the second. The body style also had later model names (and model numbers) such as Epic 8000, Guardian, Guardian Encore & Lux Guardian. The Guardians have the slide controls and HEPA filters. All take Style R filter bags. Congrats on your purchase.

 

[dysonman1]

This is what the style R bag looks like that you need.

 

[jo]

Renaissance is ok

First off always unplug the Renaissance when not in use this will save the electronics. My friend had one and the electronics went out and the replacement hose was $300 but she didn’t buy it.

Yeah you need the R bags.

If the hose electronics go out apparently you cannot use a guardian hose with the Renaissance because there is a board in the hose handle that talks to a board in the machine. One never knows how long the boards will last so it could be fine for many years to come or die tomorrow.

The Renaissance does have the nice feature of the swiveling neck at the power nozzle. But the plastic wand system isn’t the easiest to use In my opinion because of the bulky handle.

It’s a quiet machine and has the multiple speed option which is nice.

If you decide not to keep it in time it can always be sold on ebay for good money.

Personally I like the Marquise better than the Renaissance and actually bought a Marquise with a bad motor and put the Renaissance’s motor in it. But that’s just me.

Jon

 

[fan-of-fans]

Thanks for all of the info! I looked and mine is C140A unfortunately, so looks like it could have issues. I guess though if everything works, it's over 20 years old so may well be ok.

Not a big fan of the plastic wands, in fact they are currently stuck together and won't come apart, nor will they separate from the hose. The power nozzle I did get to release.

I plan to start some disassembly and cleanup tomorrow. It has definitely had some use but not too bad of condition overall.

I will order some bags. I put the new (incorrect) C bag from it into my other one since I did not have any bags for it. I'm going to see if I can find the synthetic type bags. When I opened the tool compartment I did notice there's another fleecy -like filter under the tool tray, I'll look into that tomorrow.

 

[fan-of-fans]

I'm taking apart the power nozzle to clean today. I noticed the headlight lens is very odd. It's a really thick piece of plastic with ridges in it, almost looks glass. I'm not sure the reasoning for this design, all the power nozzles I've ever seen are just flat plastic, albeit with some refracting prismatic characteristics. There's also another small lens behind the light bulb and a silver reflective sticker on the cover above it.

 

[kirbylux77]

Congratulations on finding a Renny! I have always had a fascination in that particular Electrolux...When I turned 18 and was fresh out of high school, there was a trade show with a Electrolux booth there. Tried it out and loved everything about it. Thinking one day I will add one to my collection.

Cole, I totally agree with you about the headlight design, it does look odd. However, I think they designed it that way so the lens evenly distributes the light....just a guess.

If you do buy generic Style R bags, I would suggest avoiding the EnviroCare brand. Bought a pack myself for my Guardian and Epic 8000, and they are thin, cheap bags, not as good as other generic 4 ply bags I have used in the past. The afterfilter that sits below the tool tray should come with each pack of bags. Personally, I would consider buying extras or making 1 out of a HEPA Cloth bag and changing it every 2 to 3 bags. Sure they come with a 6 pack of bags, but the filter would get too soiled if you used it for 6 bags. I would also suggest buying the latest brushroll with the extra turn of bristles and buying 2 solid axles and making the back powerhead wheels fixed, you will notice the powerhead will do a much better job grooming the carpet this way.

Rob

 

[fan-of-fans]

Thanks for the warning on the Envirocare bags... do you have any you recommend. I've seen some DVC synthetic bags that look like they might work well. From what I've heard I will not be buying genuine Aerus bags.

When I took out the tool tray and the filter, I found there was quite a bit of dust stuck between the bag compartment and the grate under the filter. I got it all sucked out with another machine but I'm wondering how that got there. Maybe they used the wrong C bags for a while and it leaked around the bag collar, yet the compartment looks quite clean. It's concerning that all of that most likely went through the motor. So I will probably have to do a more thorough disassembly and checkover.

I got the power nozzle washed and cleaned out today. The brushroll looks good, but I will keep that in mind.

 

[paul]

If memory serves, the name of the part is "light pipe". I think its design is for both bulb protection and light refraction.