Electrolux Model 30 (XXX)

[classicvac]

Calling all Electrolux experts!!!

I have my grandparents Electrolux model 30 and it is in great cosmetic shape with all original parts. However, when I use the vacuum the front part that you remove to access the bag does not seal properly. It fits too loosely. When the vacuum is not being pulled, suction keeps the front panel closed, but when I pull the vacuum by the hose this part opens up. Should there be a gasket or some type of seal to prevent this from happening? Or is there something that can be tightened or adjusted? When I open the front to empty the bag, most of the trash is at the bottom front of the bag and falls out as soon as I remove the front access panel. Any insights or suggestions would be appreciated.

One more question. Since the filters for the model 30 have long been out of production, what are some other options for a filter that will fit or can be trimmed to fit the model 30?

I am eager to read your responses. Thanks!

 

[vacuumfreak]

Would you mind posting a picture of the front of the machine when front of the machine is taken off? There should be a gasket that goes all the way around the bag which should keep a tight seal.

Thanks,
Daniel

 

[classicvac]

picture

Here is a picture of the machine with the front part removed. There is no gasket on the bag. It may have come off at some point??? Can I attach a gasket or would I need to buy a replacement cloth bag? Thanks.

 

[vacuumfreak]

Yup it's definitely missing the gasket. I'm not sure if you can get one, maybe you might have luck getting one from a collector, but you can buy replacement bags on eBay. I've seen them on there from time to time. Here's a picture of how it should look.

Daniel

 

[vacuumfreak]

Whoops forgot the picture!

 

[vacuumfreak]

I've also fitted mine with a paper bag that slides into the cloth one and wraps around over the gasket and tucks in, without affecting the performance. It's a Kirby generation 3 bag, cut right below the cardboard bag mount, and then tucked in around the gasket. If this makes any sense, it may not , here's a pic. It works great IMO.

Daniel

 

[vacuumfreak]

Another

 

[vacuumfreak]

Forgot to mention, that if you have any gasket tape, you could probably get away with that, as long as its all around on both sides, the dirt will still fall out sometimes if you open the bag chamber, but if you remove the cord and stand it on its back end, standing strait up, it will balance itself and you can remove the bag cover you can access the bag, and the dirt wont fall out on the floor. Thats what I do. It makes it almost mess free. I always vacuum the cloth bag in mine with my bench vac (inlet under my bench piped to a central vac in the back of my vac room), and now that I have the paper bag in it, I don't really have to vacuum it anymore.

Daniel

 

[classicvac]

Daniel,
Thanks for the tips. I will see what I can come up with. What do you use for the exhaust filter? Is there something that I can retrofit for this purpose?

Thanks again for all of your help!

Jayson

 

[vacuumfreak]

Hey Jayson, I actually use the original filter that is probably the original. It is slowly deteriorating over the years, and Ive just been waiting for a genuine electrolux filter for it to come up some time on ebay. Im not sure what to suggest, as that is all I use, and I have never experimented with anything else.

Daniel

 

[rugsucker]

Mo XXX

I was told a true story of 2 Elux salesmen(both dead now)working together in the 50s.They went to a house where they lady had no gasket as above and complained of low suction.One salesman wanted to replace bag but the other stopped him and showed the new model(AE or AF).When the customer saw the new one she traded the XXX.A case of where told old could continue working but as with cars and many other things customers wanted and could afford the 'latest'.--Your XXX above should be fine with gasket or bag and be an art deco classic.If you have a vac store nearby they may at least have generic foam filter cut to fit.The paper bags above were once common and a good idea.