Electrolux Model "L" Info Wanted!

[ku1981]

Hello! I just joined this group because I finally came across an Electrolux vacuum that I just had to have! (First two pics) I paid a whopping $5 for it at a junk shop! I'm new to these vacuums so I was hoping you all could give me some info! I'm trying to find out what the original attachments would have been..poles, brushes, a powerhead..the only thing that came with it was the hose. I had to dig in a huge pile of vacuum attachments to find the brush and poles. I'm looking for ones that would've been original to the model. I'm also hoping to find a manual for the model L as well. If anyone can direct me to references of the exact parts/attachments/powerhead I need I would be grateful! Then I can search on the Super Market forum!

Also this vacuum works pretty well, but I feel that there is some loss of suction. The hose is in pretty great shape, but I understand they deteriorate. Can anyone tell me what I may do to pinpoint where suction loss might be coming from!?

Who would've thought this vacuum I found sitting in a cart in the back of a junk shop would've been in such great condition! I just have to clean it.. It has very few minor abrasions!

Also I found an older model with skids (third pic with yellow and red logo)Maybe I should buy it as well? Do they work on hardwoods without scratching!?

I know this was ALOT, but any help is appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[mchmike]

Hers how to fix your hose it works like a champ

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?22656

 

[mchmike]

Here's a link for another hose with cord for the power nozzle the plug can be found on the side of the front hump .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221994977837?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[mchmike]

Here's the power nozzle for rugs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ele...599230?hash=item2ca169623e:g:abYAAOSwuTxV8HIF

 

[human]

Nice catch!

That's a nice Electrolux. With a modest amount of TLC, it will give you many, many years of good service. The hose, wands, and flippy floor tool you found are likely the original ones for the machine. That floor tool is great for hardwoods. I use mine with the bristle side down to avoid scratching the floor. It would also have had a combination upholstery and dusting brush and a crevice tool. As others have pointed out, there would have been an optional power nozzle (PN-1) that would have required an external power cord, connected to the hose with plastic clips. You can also use newer Power Nozzles (e.g., PN-2, 4, 5, 6) with this setup. If you do go for a Power Nozzle, you might also consider a smaller Sidekick power nozzle for handheld use. Although it was not available when your vacuum was produced, it's great for steps, upholstery, and other small jobs. I have one that I use quite a bit with my 1205 and Super-J vacuums.

I think you've already pinpointed the cause of your suction issues. Those woven hoses deteriorate and become porous over time. For day-to-day use, I'd recommend a newer style vinyl hose. Non-electrified ones aren't terribly expensive--albeit far more than you paid for the machine itself--and will improve performance immensely.

That other 'Lux is a nice machine also. Go ahead and grab it if the price is right and you're so inclined. The accessories for it would be of the older style, made of metal. Just be aware that will set you on the road to being a 'collector'. Let us know if it gets out of hand and we'll make sure you get to a nearby "Vacu-holics Anonymous" meeting.

 

[ku1981]

Ah! Great guys thanks! I forgot to mention there is a weird smell from the exhaust when I turn it on. It smells like that old vintage motor smell.. I'm hoping it dissipates as I use it more! I found a guy who services and restores Electroluxes in the Chicago suburbs. I'm gonna have him check it out!

Thanks for the Ebay links! I've been considering those, but was hoping to find the powerhead more locally. We shall see!

If I went for a new vinyl hose, what do you recommend!?

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Hi! im a life-long Electrolux Lover. i have both the model l, and Lx in my collection as well as many other's. Nathan Thomas (806-400-2999) sells all kinds of electrolux parts, and I have bought many vacuums and parts off him. Welcome to the club!
Andy Rousonelos

 

[kenkart]

The flip over floor and rug

Tool you got, is actually for a Automatic E made from 56-57, it is a little different than the original, but not much, the one for your L was improved somewhat on the rug cleaning side, but parts are fairly common for these, the L you have matched the more deluxe 1205 in color and was made between 1968 and 1974.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Looks like the second of the three model L versions. mine is a first edtion

 

[paul]

Hey--Welcome to Vac Land. Great purchase for 5 bucks!

Some background of the Model L. In the '50s, '60s, '70s, and early '80s Electrolux Corp. (USA) gave letter models to its cleaners (the deluxe models had number models beginning in 1968). The earliest ones corresponded with descriptors such as E for Economy, EA for Economy Automatic, T for Thrift, and S for Special. The later ones can only be surmised from ads or their functionality: F for Full Cleaning or Fully Automatic, G for Gentle, R for Rudimentary, and L for Limited (because it didn't have the automatic shut-off feature). The commercial canisters also had letter models: CA for Commercial Automatic and CB for Commercial - Big Capacity (as it had a larger refuse capacity than the CA). Finally, the floor polishers/scrubbers/shampooers were collectively known as Beautifiers, so were given a B prefix (B-7, B-8, B-9, B-10).

Anyway, the Model L was introduced in 1963 to replace the Model R. Production lasted for 16 years--with few changes except for the body colors and power nozzles. There were at least 2 manuals made for the ones made like you have--the first had a red & white cover, and the second was blue & white. Here is a list of all the versions ("PN" stands for "Power Nozzle"):

1963-66: ivory w/teal bumpers, wheels, and handle; PN-1 ivory w/teal bumper
1966-68: tan w/ivory bumpers, wheels, and handle; PN-1 ivory w/tan bumper
1968-74: teal w/ivory bumpers, wheels, and handle; PN-1 teal w/ivory bumper; & later PN-2 stainless steel w/ivory bumper & dark green elbow & base
1974-79: gold w/ivory bumpers, wheels, and handle; PN-2 stainless steel w/ivory bumper & dark green base & elbow; & later PN-4 stainless steel w/ivory bumper & elbow, & dark green (later black) base

It was succeeded by the Model 1453 Deluxe Special.

All the tools were teal in color. They were: the dusting/upholstery tool, crevice tool, and the floor/rug tool--with an ivory bumper. Optional tools were the ivory vaporizer and the sprayer.

Enjoy your Electrolux, and consider buying the one with skids (aka runners). The most common of them was the Model 30 (1937-41 & 1945-1954)--it's a classic.

 

[collector2]

This picture shows the standard hose with hose cord and two different power hoses (early and late) as well as the PN1 power nozzle (early machines) and PN2 power nozzle (later models). The optional shag rake is also shown. My machine has the halo to wrap the cord on but there was a cord reel available too.

 

[ku1981]

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! You guys rock! Just the info I was looking for! Looks like I need to find a teal power nozzle, a teal floor attachment with the ivory bumper, and teal tools! Oh and an electrified hose!

I tested the suction without the hose today and it pulls my hand right to the vacuum. The hose also pulls my hand, but it's weak. I guess a new hose is in order, unless I can master the liquid latex.... That being said, has anyone attempted that Flex Seal spray inside their hose instead? I wonder if that would work?

Now one of you said it looked like a second edition. Any way to tell specifically what year mine was manufactured?

Also, I have a shag rug! How well does that tool work?

I'm going to return to the junk shop I bought it from this weekend to see if I can unearth anymore proper attachments!

Thanks for all this info! Keep the comments coming! I'm getting obsessed! I was obsessed with vacuums as a kid and this is bringing it all back!

Maybe I should contact your guru Nathan? Maybe he has the parts I seek!??

 

[human]

The good news is the parts you seek are fairly plentiful and thus usually not outrageously expensive.

 

[dysonman1]

This is what the first blue model L look like with its original hose, power nozzle and extension wand.

 

[ku1981]

Now that's perfect! Thanks! Now is that hose electrified? I don't see the wire on the outside! I like the suction vent covered handle at the top. Mine is cream and just has the little cuff that covers the hole. Doesn't work well at all!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Hi! Nathan is a great guy and should have any parts you should need. he can most likely sell you a power nozzle, new hose, Crevice, Dustbrush combo, and Power nozzle wands as well as a power nozzle cord for about $60 (somewhere around 30 for parts, 30 to ship).
Andy Rousonelos

 

[collector2]

The power hose and telescopic wand shown in #13 were made in Canada for the US. Unfortunately they forgot to get UL approval and had to change it so they were only used for about a year. That is actually the second version. The very first ones actually had a white plastic wand attached directly to the power nozzle and just the cord for the hose.