Electrolux Model LX and LXI

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paul

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2012
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Please let me know where the model ID is located on the Electrolux models LX and LXI. Thanks.
 
The first model LX had the I.D. plate underneath the cleaner near the back end. The later model LX as well as the LXI have the model number stamped into the aluminum top trim - near the front of the handle. You can always tell an LXI because it has permanent rear wheels with axle and a permanent front swivel wheel - it pulls as if it's weightless.
 
Swing-Away cord winder

The LXI (61) was the only Electrolux of the 'sixty' series to have a 'swing-away' cord winder.

dysonman1++5-31-2013-09-55-6.jpg
 
Only the LXI

Has permanently mounted rear wheels. In fact, it's one of only two vacuums EVER made that are on wheels AND runners AT THE SAME TIME! Anyone know what the other model and brand that does that is?

dysonman1++5-31-2013-09-57-30.jpg
 
And Phillip wins the prize. It was the Air-Way 88 Mark II in gold, that was on both wheels and runners at the same time. Both the Electrolux and the Air-Way are awesome machines.
 
Tom, I was thinking at first that my Air-Way 88 Mark II has both wheels and runners, but when I took a look it just now (I haven't pulled it out in a while ... wait ... that didn't sound just right hahaha!) ... Anyway, I saw that it doesn't have runners, just a metal "foot" that allows the user to stand the machine upright, then there is a caster on the same side as the big wheels so the user can set the machine horizontally.


http://www.1377731.com/airway88
 
@Charles

Both the gold as well as the coral models were on both wheels and runners at the same time. Note that the coral colored model used a rear lower cord hook, where the gold model wraps the cord on the front of the machine.

dysonman1++6-1-2013-09-53-40.jpg
 
Yesterday I purchased a Model LX for $10--it had all the original attachments but a tan Model G hose with the bronze tracers. Fortunately, though, I had purchased an after-market LX/LXI/E/AE hose from Jimmy. There are two dusting brushes--one has a metal base with no bumper and one has an ivory bakelite base. Would the bumper have been taken off, or were some made without them? I'm guessing that the ivory one was purchased as an extra. Are the brushes interchangeable with the later styles?

Interestingly, it does not have a bag ejector delay knob and it has a metal manufacturer's tag with the model id and other information, so it must have come from the first production line.

Unfortunately the manual did not come with the cleaner. They will let me know if they find it--I'd rather have an original hard copy than an online or copied version so will buy one eventually if they don't find theirs. In the meantime, would someone please post a copy of the manual page that gives information on the basement and attic key? In reading through Charles Lester's information, it appears that my cleaner has one.

I just finished using it and it works and sounds great!
 
Hi Paul. Congratulations,

Wow, you just got a first addition Electrolux Model LX. I'm talking the first months it was produced, way to go my friend.

I don't imagine the original hose could have lasted this long, the rubber base would be 62 years old. I have 2 hoses but they are useless and just for show, let's face it, after all these years we can't expect them to be in great condition.

You say it has all the original attachments. I assume you mean bare floor tool, rug cleaner, upholstery tool, dust brush, and narrow space cleaner (crevice tool.) Did it come with the 'Companion,' ride-on tool holder? and how about the cord winder? If any of these were not included, there are members out there who can get them for you.

The other tools (shown here) were the power polisher, garment bag, sprayer, vaporizer, wall brush with white bristles, and white bristled dust brush. The wands for this classic machine were steel not aluminum, and it didn't have the wheels under the cord winder. These were optional, and introduced a year or so later.

If you plan to attend the V.C.C.C. convention in Cleveland, bring it along, if not, please take pictures of this great find. You have the granddaddy of them all!
Alex Taber.

caligula++6-8-2014-14-44-32.jpg
 
Hi, Alex,

Thanks for the congrats--I appreciate that! I also liked seeing the photo of your LX. Looks like it is in great shape, too. I did notice that your attachments have the ivory or white bumpers; so now I'm wondering if mine are original.

Here are the attachments/accessories mine has:

1. Floor Brush with a gray bumper
2. Carpet Cleaner with the turquoise bakelite top and removable Tuftor
3. Upholstery Cleaner
4. Metal Dusting Brush with no bumper
5. Ivory Bakelite Dusting brush with ivory bumper
6. Blue-Gray Narrow Space Cleaner
7. Companion
8. Chrome Cord Winder with the original cord and plug
9. Two steel wands
10. Tan Model G hose

I had also purchased a blue hammertone furniture and floor polisher from Jimmy which I believe would have gone with the LX and LXI. I do not have the other items you mentioned--including the optional wheels, so I will be on the look-out for them. I can see that on plush carpet the runners leave marks (which I'm sure was a non-issue for 1950s and '60s carpeting).

Yeah, I know what you mean about the hoses wearing out after some time--particularly after 62 years. I would have just wanted it for display like you use yours. I had a tan Model L which needed an original hose, though, so I'm glad it came with the machine as those seem hard to find.

Unfortunately I do not have a camera at this time. I have been looking for one, though, so when I do make a purchase I'll post photos. As for bringing it to the convention I won't be going. I recently took a trip to the Vacuum Museum and to Jimmy's, so I can't take off again for awhile.

Thanks again for the kudos, friend. That means a lot coming from an expert like you!
 
Hi Paul.

The wheels, were attached to the runners under the cord winder. Without the winder in place, they stick out and make standing the cleaner on end impossible. If you don't have them, but want a set I do, and will see that you get them right after I get home from the convention, as they're in a box of attachments. I probably have the other tools you need. I know I have a sprayer, but not the jar. For that, an old mayonnaise jar will do fine. I may have a vaporizer too, but in chrome not Hammer tone blue, let me see what's in there.

Yes, the power polisher is correct to that model, and you have the correct cordwinder too. A word of caution, the spring on the winder tends to mess up, and get sprung. If that happens DON'T try to repair it!!! The spring was coiled by machine at the factory, and is razor sharp. Here's what I suggest, pull out a normal amount of cord, but don't over-do it! Don't pull further than the normal amount, it could spring the mechanism, and never rewind again. (Been there, done that!) And here's a tip. To make the cord rewind better, dust your hands with talc (baby powder) and run the cord over the hand. Dusting it every few weeks is easy, and lets it rewind smoothly.

As for the companion, there are two types for the LX, and your machine IS a LX, NOT a LXI!! Both companions are in hammer tone blue, but one has a clip for the narrow space tool, the other does not.

Do you have the instruction book?, you can acquire one by going to the Vacuum Land library. Locate that on the main web page, and follow the directions.

Mine is pictured with the extension cord, which in reality it's not, it's the main power cord, but as the cordwinder replaces it, the main cord is now an extension one.

Perhaps the only useless tool is the tufter, and in place, prevents the rug tool from the swivel. It also seems that you have the correct rug tool, the turquoise Bakelite top is correct. If you want an original hose I may have one, but as I say, it's useless, but great for show. (I'll see what's in my storage shed.)

So my friend, enjoy your model LX, as I say, you have a rare find.
Alex Taber.
 
Hi again, Alex,

I would be interested in purchasing the missing parts I would need to complete my LX, so whenever you find time to go through your shed will be fine. Otherwise I was just going to patiently wait for the items to appear on eBay, Etsy, or Craigslist. I do think, though, that I will pass on the vaporizer if chrome wasn't the LX color. I am also hoping to purchase an original Model XXX hose to match my 1952 teal-bottomed machine. I understand that except for the first production year all the other years had the same hose. Please let me know if I misunderstood that.

Thanks for the cord winder tips. So far, mine seems to be operating just fine, but having the information as a precaution is great. I will definitely dust the cord--seems like a simple procedure with great benefits.

My companion has the narrow space tool clip, so is it the one that is supposed to be for an LX?

It's awesome that I ended up with a rare find--I would have been happy just to have an LX!

I appreciate your friendship, time, and information, Alex!
 

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