Electrolux Model E Automatic questions

[vimmco]

Hello all Vimm here, I just recently joined the forum as I just got the vaccum and the title and I had some questions. The connector that the retractable cord sits on somewhat leans off and I imagine it's because of these missing screws. I don't have a manual to check however and if one could be provided that would be most helpful, or info on the issue.

 

[caligula]

Hi VimmCo..

First of all, Welcome.

The reason the cord winder doesn't fit is that its not for that model. There are two models that it rightly belongs to. The postwar XXX, 1949-1952, and the early LX of 1952-53. After 1953 the cord winder was painted hammertone blue and had minor changes.

Yes, it will work, but will not be a good fit and might be a bit wobbly. Still, I see nothing wrong with this winder, or the Electrolux, both are stunning. There are several members who know the history of the cord winder far better than I do, and no doubt will chime in, giving you the information you desire. As I said, you have a stunning Electrolux, enjoy it.

 

[caligula]

By the way, my username.

I go by Alex Taber, 'Caligula' refers to the cat resting on the chair in my avatar. Caligula in Latin means little boots, he was so named for the gold markings on his paws. He was a rescue cat that I got in 1985, and he lived almost 20 years, January 2004.

 

[vimmco]

Hi Alex

That's interesting, I picked up this model for my mom since she wanted a durable canister vaccum and it was only 40$ with all the attachments. I wonder if the original owner was a more crafty type who replaced it with this when the original went kaput. Otherwise however it does seem to be a good solution as while waiting for a reply I found the cause of the looseness was the cent bolt. A rather Interesting find I do say! I really appreciate the information though these vacuums have seen a lot in their time.

 

[caligula]

Electrolux E automatic.

The E automatic followed on the heels of the model LX which was the first to pop open the front cover when the bag needed to be emptied. While the model LX was quite impressive and took the process a bit further, actually ejecting the bag, which were called wrappers at the time as they wrapped the dirt like a package. The idea, while a good one, added weight to the machine and the model E automatic was the replacement. As to the cord winder, that was optional equipment. What was on the back of the machine (blower) was what was called a 'halo,' and the cord was wrapped around it. This accounts for the screw holes by your winder. The E automatic changed the cleaning tools from the basic style that went back to the model XI (11) in 1927-1930, and became the combination rug/floor tool, and the dusting brush/upholstery tool. The wands were changed too, from heavy steel to lightweight aluminum.

What you have is a powerful machine, with the same motor as the models XXX and LX, but lightweight and easy to lift and carry. This Electrolux dates back to 1956 or thereabouts. And if you want the manual, I'm sure they are out there. The closest I recommend is the model L, which can be downloaded from the library section of the VL homepage.

If you want further info. I'll guide you to a long-running thread that went into the early Electrolux tools and their tools. Its quite an impressive thread.

Alex.

 

[caligula]

Model E-Automatic.

Hi VimmCo:

Here is a pic with without the cord winder, the halo with the cord wrapped instead.

Alex.

 

[vimmco]

Wow there's quite a bit of history to this vacuum then, I was concerned it might not be as good as say an Interstate Electra as that's the only one I have experience with in terms of the canister vacuums. All of that is very helpful and I might not need the manual know that I know of that bolt. However I think I might have buggered it all up as this one screw/latch broke as I might have over tightened it. It seems rather simple but I'm not sure how to fashion a replacement.

 

[caligula]

VimmCo.

Those are the thumb screw and two lugs that hold the winder in place. I suspect you did nothing wrong, they broke due to age, they are between 68 and 72 years old. Cord winders are common on eBay, so are the instruction books, or if you want to go with the halo, they should be out there too. As I said earlier, the correct winder is hammertone blue, if your a purist like I am and want it accurate to the period, that's easy, eBay should have what you want for a reasonable price.

Good Luck.

 

[vimmco]

What a relief

Ah thank goodness, I imagine that held it on but glad I didn't damage it. I do forget sometimes the extent of wear only centuries old steel. I'll go to Ace Hardware tomorrow and see if I can find a similar lug, I would get the original but my mother insist she likes the chrome one "makes it unique" she says so on it stays haha.

 

[caligula]

There should be chrome ones on eBay. Go to Vintage vacuum cleaners, click on Electrolux, and type in 'Chrome cord winder.'

Good luck.

 

[caligula]

Hi VimmCo.

There is a winder in chrome on eBay. You may have to alter the female plug and wire it to the cleaner, but no problem. The model E, and E-Automatic were the first models with an attached cord, the V, XI, XII, XXX, XX, LX, and LXI all had detachable cords. Yes, what you want is the type T. Yours has a replacement plug, the original was a standard Belden plug, and these were always black.

I hope you get it.

 

[vimmco]

I can't believe it

Ah I see I'll have a look, though for now to my surprise my fit worked. The screw is now a bit longer but it certainly works!

 

[caligula]

Cord winder.

In looking closely at the first 4 pics, the cord winder was on up-side down, I thought something was wrong. The thumb screw should be on top so they move the two hooks upward and lock the winder to the blower. The round thing that the small cord is attached to, should be on the bottom. I think you have the correct setting in the latest pic. Looks like you solved your problem. I'm very happy for you. Now put that great Model E-Automatic to good use.

 

[vimmco]

Good point

A very true observation, I had just opened it from its box when I had taken those pictures. I only saw the thumbscrew when I was taking it off and thought it's kind of inconvenient down there so I'll turn it around. To think I accidentally discovered the right way to mount it, looks a lot better I'd say. The mounting plate too I discovered was just bent from hanging like that so a few wacks from the body panel hammer fixed it right up. Righto, thanks for the valuable assistance my friend, I done a bit of cleaning so far and it's much more powerful than expected.

All I need now is to fix the slight fraying on the top of the hose with some clear sealant and it should be perfect!

 

[caligula]

You are very welcome my friend. Electrolux is my favorite, the model LX, my all-time favorite of any vacuum. My interest is the history of all vacuums, and I've done extensive research of three companies. Electrolux, Hoover, and Kirby. The winder was part of the products designed for the post-war model XXX and were introduced between 1948 and 1949. They were the air powered polisher, garment aire-bag, cord winder, ride on tool holder called the Companion, dust brush and wall brush with white bristles, and assorted waxes, carpet shampoo, and so on. The history of Electrolux is indeed a fascinating one, but the years just before, and right after WW11, are the most interesting. If you, or anyone else for that matter want to know this history, feel free to message me.

Alex Taber.

 

[jo]

Oh that hose

The old braided hoses like that were notorious for coming apart from the inside out and leaking. There is a rubber lining that dries out and disintegrates and falls apart and gets sucked into the bag bit by bit over time. This will cause poor suction as air leakage will occur through the porous braided outer layer When the cleaning tools are put onto the carpet or cleaning surface. You can compare how much air comes out of the blower end with you hand over the end of the hose. Then compare how much comes out without the hose on, covering the suction hole on the unit. Essentially if the hose is ok, covering the hose suction end should block off all suction and there should be no air coming out of the back of the vacuum like when you cover the suction end of the vacuum without the hose attached to it. There are plenty of rubber or non electric hose options for your model E which will not collapse from the inside out and are recommended for daily use and peak performance. Even if you buy a used braided hose, it could be leaky and there is no guarantee how long it will last before it starts leaking jeopardizing cleaning performance. Your best bet is to get a plastic or rubber replacement for reliable long term functional use. The braided one can be kept for display or posterity sake if you wish but performance wise, it is not recommended. Some of the model asks came with fabric braided hoses. I’m fortunate to have one of those but it’s not a great performer either.

Electrolux modified the interior layers of their hoses over the years to make them better but most that were braided still had the issue until they finally changed to the all rubber hoses. Typically the hoses lasted 10 to 15 years before they sprung big enough leaks to compromise the vacuum suction quality.

Unfortunately many people never knew this and thought the machines just had poor suction over time and threw away the whole unit not realizing all they had was a leaking hose that could have been replaced.

A basic non electric plastic hose for your machine is readily available on hescoinc.com or on eBay in the $25 range.

Jon

 

[caligula]

Hi Jon:

This is the case with me. Being a purist I can't stand using my model LX without the correct hose, which, as you said has zero suction. For cleaning I'm reduced to a vinyl hose, and grumble about it. For pictures it must be the original hose from 1952. Never tried the latex treatment, but who knows? I may get another hose and try it.

 

[vimmco]

Hi Alex

I can see why Elecrolux is your favorite with this diverse line up they have. The LX is a nice looking model especially with its sled type rails. There are a lot more attachments than I expected fascinating all the things that can be done with one smallish vacuum!
Next after the hose I might look into this power nose attachment I keep hearing about, though since this is my first electrolux I have time.

@Jon
I heard about that with these old braided hose, I imagine ebay did too as all the ones I saw with the vinyl type were much more expensive. So far however this hose has pretty fantastic suction only that one section at the top feels like it's leaking air and there is plenty of force from the nozzle. First I'm going to trying sealing it with this spray that I got to reseal my vinyl rain coat. If it works it should give it some more time before needing to be replaced.

 

[caligula]

Hi Vimm:

For me, the interest goes back even further, to 1952 or 1953 in fact. I was between two and three years old. A friend of my grandmother had bought a model LX and I was hanging around her house. On Saturdays I'd help her (holding the cord) and one day I watched it eject. I roared with laughter. It was a turning point. I was hooked on vacuum cleaners, they were the the focal point in my life. And may I add that I now have the very LX that started it all. Yes, this ladies husband shipped it to me after her death. Any reason it's my daily driver?