Electrolux LX

[gsnyder201]

Hi all,
I'm new here. I just recently bought an Electrolux LX and noticed that it has a filter that goes inside the back cover. My question is, does this filter have to be used and if so, where can I get them? I see the bags are readily available, but I have not seen the filters.

The bag eject feature is really neat, and the one on mine seems to work flawlessly. My LX looks to be about a 1954 and has the plastic knob to adjust the eject mechanism.

One last question, is there set of small wheels available to mount on the runners? It's a little heavy to pull through the carpet in the house and a set of small wheels would be nice. Other than that, it seems to be a great vacuum, very quiet, motor sounds good with lots of suction.

This is a great site. I've already learned a lot so far. .

 

[jaker15]

If I remember correctly,

If you are using new Style C bags in this machine, then an exhaust filter is not necessary. The 4-ply bags that are available nowadays should provide sufficient filtration. I am not 100% sure of this, someone who knows Luxes can verify this for sure.

Best of luck with your LX! I would love to see one in action!

 

[gsnyder201]

Jaker15

Thank you for the info on the style c bags. I remember reading something similar elsewhere and it makes sense. I took a 3/4 full bag out of my Diamond Jubilee in hopes it will trip the eject mechanism soon and when it does, I'll post a video. So far I've just tripped the eject manually. For a 60 year old vacuum, this one is in amazingly good shape. It needs a little polishing, but otherwise is in good shape. The hose is shot, but that's par for the course.

 

[jaker15]

No problem!

I'm glad I could help! As for the hose, those old woven ones are notorious for leaking like a sieve. Plastic replacement hoses are fairly easy to come by, I just use the hose for my CB on my older Luxes. A new hose will definitely improve suction.

 

[electrolux137]

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When Electrolux introduced the multi-layer paper bag when the Model F came out in late 1957 / early 1958, they instructed users with Models LX, LXI, E and E-A to remove the filter and replace it with a cardboard gasket instead (to keep the rear end fitting on securely).

Frugal users who opted to use a cloth shake-out bag instead of disposable paper bags were advised to retain the filter. My Mom's Model E-Automatic, which she used with a cloth bag, still had a filter in it when she traded it in on a Model G in 1968.

While removing the filter makes the machine more noisy, it also provides better air-flow and the motor doesn't get as hot. The Model F and contemporaneous Model S and then R were the first Electroluxes not to use a filter [except for the Hospital Model G], and that held through the Grand Marquise.

Then when the Diplomat came out in 1989 Electrolux went back to using an exhaust filter, which is installed underneath the top trim piece. Then when the Guardian came out it was the first to have a large hepa filter.

 

[electrolux137]

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P.S.: The Model LXI, the last version of the LX, came with a permanent rear axle with rubber wheels along with a front swiveling caster (located where the storage space for paper bags was formerly located). The wheels make it much easier to move the machine about -- it trundles along like a tank!

Then aftermarket clip-on wheels that attached to the rear end of the runners were offered as a retrofit for older LXs and XXXs. The wheels help to a certain extent but it's the addition of the front caster that really makes a big difference. You're still basically dragging the machine when you pull it across thick rugs.

There was also a large, kinda kludgy cart made of tubular steel (the same material that the runners were made of) that would fit either the XXX or LX. That cart has large rear wheels and a caster. It does make the machine more mobile but also ruins the appearance of the machine.

See the link below for more info on the LX and LXI, and here are some photos of the clip-on wheels and also of the cart.

Two of the photos also show the optional disposable bag upgrade for the XXX.

http://1377731.com/lux/luxlxs.html

 

[bvac6]

Wheels

Recently I just removed the swivel caster and the two rear wheels from a long dead LX that was in such awful state that it sadly was destined for the scrap heap. If anyone wants the set of wheels let me know!

 

[gsnyder201]

bvac6

I'm interested in the set of wheels. While this LX won't be my regular vacuum, I'd still like it to pull easier than it does with just the runners when I feel the urge to use it.

 

[gsnyder201]

Thank you for your responses. I'm learning tons about Electroluxes. I just have a keen interest in Electrolux vacuums. My dad's mom had a model G and then a 1205 while I was growing up and then my other grandmother had a 1205. Later on my mom bought an Olympia One. I've always thought the pop open feature was cool and then when I found out the LX actually ejected the bag, I had to get one.

 

[caligula]

Hi gsnyder201

As I'm the man who founded the V.C.C.C., let me welcome you. I'm also am Electrolux man, with a bit of Kirby thrown in, and just to top it off, love the non electric's of the late 1800's/early 1900's.

My first love is the Electrolux LX as I saw one of the first that came off the line in 1952. I'm happy to say that I now own that very machine.

There's a lot of Electrolux data out there, but the thread that best covers it is located in our archives. As I have this saved in my favorites, I'll get that information to you in a few seconds. You might also want to check out Charles Richard Lester's cyber vacuum cleaner museum and his site Electrolux Extravaganza that's all about the model LX.

Check it all out.
Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi gsnyder201

The thread title is 'Lux 30/XXX tools.' To access it go to Vintage archives, locate 2013, then scroll down to 1/3/2013, which is thread 19227. The first post is #212375 by Powermate1970.

I've devoted a lot of time to this thread including how to repair the ejection system. There are pictures galore, including several of my collection, and various display rooms I created over the years.

If you have any further questions on that model feel free to ask me.

And again welcome to the V.C.C.C. and Vacuum Land.
Alex Taber.

 

[gsnyder201]

Alex, thank you so much for the thread info. I'll be sure to read these threads. I think the LX is such a great vacuum. I can't believe the one I recently bought is 60 years old and still sounds great, no grinding or anything and has such great suction. The hose that came with mine is worn out. They just don't make them like these anymore. I also have a Diamond Jubilee that the previous owner must not have used more than a couple dozen times. It was extremely clean and runs great. Next on the LX is to buff out all the aluminum trim and restore the luster.

Thanks again for the advice. This forum is just great!

 

[caligula]

Hi gsnyder201

There were two versions of this model, the LX (60) and LXI (61) though both were a matter of cosmetic design. The first has the name Electrolux in red lettering on an egg yolk yellow background, the other was simply Electrolux in chrome. The original cordwinder was chrome, later switched to hammer tone blue.

The complete model LX/LXI featured the above mentioned cordwinder, ride-on tool holder called a Companion, an air-powered polisher, spray gun, vaporizor, and a garment bag for demothing clothing. The attachments were bare floor brush, rug tool with tufter attachment, upholstry tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush. When outfitted with the cordwinder, the main power cord became an extention cord. Two other tools were a second bare floor brush and dusting brush with white bristles for delicate surfaces like lamp shades or wallpaper. In addition it came with a whole array of waxes, floor cleaning solution, furniture polish, moth crystals and so on. In later years, optional wheels were availavle to attach to the runners under the cordwinder, making it roll easily.

As you'll learn in the various posts, Electrolux called the disposible bags 'wrappers' so named because they wrapped up the dust/dirt like a package.

The slogan for this model was 'The Only cleaner you Never have to empty.' Another slogan was 'See no dirt, touch no dirt, breathe no dirt!' (yes, I may have this out of order, at age 64 the mind boggles.) I have all sorts of data on this wonderful machine, and some very rare photographs of the Electrolux museum, as well as prototypes, and rare tools.

You mentioned that the hose isn't effective, there are threads here at Vacuum Land to help you seal it with liquid latex to give full suction. I'll try to locate those for you but the afore mentioned Charles Richard Lester is an expert at this and could walk you through the process. He also is the expert on the air powered polisher that was introduced with the later model XXX's around 1948.

Feel free to ask me, and when you can post pictures.
Alex Taber.

 

[gsnyder201]

Alex,

My LX is the one with the chrome Electrolux writing on the side. It came with the hammer tone cordwinder as well as the tool holder. It also came with the floor polisher and some of the polisher brushes. I'd like to learn how to use it and give it a try on our hardwood floors. The hose repair is something I'd like to try since I'd like to keep it all original without having to buy another, newer style vinyl hose, although I may wind up getting one anyway just to have it as a back up. The ejector mechanism in this LX appears to be in excellent condition. I was told this vacuum belonged to an older couple who also had a Kirby and that the Kirby was their daily use vacuum and this LX spent a good bit of time in their hall closet and it shows. It has some signs of aging, but it was not abused. As soon as I get it all cleaned up and a mostly full bag to trigger the eject mechanism, I'll post a video.

You have created a great site. Keep up the good work!

Greg

 

[caligula]

Hi Greg.

How would you like to have the instruction book? There are some great pictures of this machine, a few in color. That's easy to acquire. Simply go to the Vacuum Land library located on the web page. Sellect Vacuum Cleaner, then Electrolux, and download the book.

I was fortunate to have lived in Connecticut in the the 1950's, and most of the 60's. I also wroked as a salesman for Electrolux in 1968 selling the G, and new 1205. In addition to this, I got to tour the factory and museum. I have a lot of paperwork on the factory, the museum and Electrolux history, I'm more than happy to share this with you, as well as pictures on the repair of the ejection system should you need to have that. These are pictures I took after the Lux 30/XXX thread was archived.

Sounds like you got a great find. Look at mine and see what parts you don't have. Also keep in mind, the plug on the cord had been replaced, so I swapped the cord-winder for that of a model LXI while doing the repair. And speaking of the cord winder, let me caution you here. The spring inside is razor sharp, if the winder ever gets sprung and won't retract, don't attempt to repair the spring, in fact, don't even touch it. Another bit of advice, pull out the entire length of cord, dust your hands with talc, then rewind, running the cord through your hand. This makes it rewind better.

As I said, I'll provide you with all the data you need on this Electrolux.
Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi Greg.

You said that the ejection system works perfectly, that's great! To keep it working smoothly I suggest you lubricate the ejector trolly with a very small amount of Vaseline and slide the ejector plate back and forth a few times. Make sure there's no excess Vaseline or it will get on the wrapper, (bag) and while it won't effect anything, doesn't look nice.

To activate the ejector open the front cover by pushing the lever on the left side, upward and remove the wrapper. Warning, whenever you spring the ejector, keep your fingers clear. Now go to the left side of the machine, (same side as the cover latch) and locate the lever on the underside of the mechinism. If you look at my electrolux pictured in the post above, the lever is just in front of the 'X.' Push up on this latch, and prepare for a loud 'bang'as the ejector moves forward.

What happens here is that the two afore mentioned levers work together, and they also depress the pin holding the ejector in place. There are pictures in the thread I spoke of to show the mechinism removed from the machine. No, you do not need to grease the wide, flat spring, greasing the trolly is enough.

The dial on the underside helps you control how quickly the LX will eject. 'Hasten'makes it eject with a lightly filled wrapper, but it will be tightly packed if set on 'retard!' The type of dirt will also effect ejection.

I also suggest making yourself a 'test' wrapper. Using a newer bag, set the dial at 'retard,' and feed an empty bag with a soft, fluffy substance like cottom balls, paper towels, or my favorite, toilet paper. Don't stop when it ejects! reset the ejector, and keep filling till it ejects as soon as the motor is turned on.

As to cleaning the machine, a little 'Brasso' works great on the chrome, and 'Windex' is perfect for the leatherette.

So there you have the basic requirements to keep your model LX in top working order. Yes, these topics are covered in the thread, but I wanted you to read those now as they are imprtant!
Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi again Greg.

You may think that I'm going out of my way to offer tips on keeping your electrolux in top working order. Fact is, this is why John Lucia and I formed the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club back in 1983. Both of us were what he calls "research junkies," while his interest was and I think still is with the older Hoover machines, my interest was mostly Electrolux, especially the model LX.

The saying is 'write what you know,' and that's certainly the case here, I only address topics I've researched and brands, or models I know about.

To be honest, I love talking about the model LX almost as much as I love using one, especially when it ejects. But there's an O.C.D problem here, the tools must look right when on the machine, (upholstry brush behind the cordwinder,) and all tools on the companion! Yes, I do have a set for cleaning purposes!

If you want the history of Electrolux let me know. In September of 1979, long before I founded the club, I wrote "The History of the Electrolux Corporation," if you want a copy let me know.

I'm very glad you joined and I hope to be of help on other topics, not just the Electrolux LX.

Here's a look at the V.C.C.C. museum that was located at our headquarters in Naperville, Illinois from 1985-95. Note the ejector parts on the pegboard, and the paperwork on the walls. This is only one section of the museum.
Alex Taber. [this post was last edited: 10/16/2014-16:49]

 

[caligula]

My Electrolux wall of fame.

Here's a look at my Electrolux collection when I was in San Diego, from 1995-06.
Yes, I did have a working model LX with chrome nameplates like yours as well as the one shown here. The reason for the cut-away is to show the machine frozen in mid ejection.

 

[gsnyder201]

Alex, yes I would love any information you could send me about Electrolux. Even though I only have a couple of vintage Electroluxes, plus a Lux Guardian Platinum, I just really enjoy the older model Electrolux vacuums. I guess it's because I grew up around Electrolux. My wife thinks I'm a little OCD about Electrolux, but I just tell her it helps keep me out of trouble. What is the best way to get the odor from the previous owner's out of the vacuum. It's just kind of a stale odor that I'd like to see about getting rid of. Thank you for the clean up tips, I'll have to get out the Brasso and Windex.

Greg