Electrolux Olympia One ... 2 Models?

[kevin]

I recently ran across two different Olympia Ones that are marked 'Model - 1401', and both have the 1980 Winter Olympics - Lake Placid, NY decal affixed on them. Until now, I thought that all Olympia Ones were Model 1401-Bs.

Here is the model identification exhibit '1401-B':

 

[kevin]

Here is the model identification exhibit '1401':

 

[vac-o-matic]

I sold the Olympia One when new, back in 1980. If my memory serves me, the original Oly had the Super J styling, meaning the handle, flat to the machine body side bumpers and the wheels were smaller than the later ones. I sold the newer version with the later syle handle, extended side bumpers, and they increased the size of the wheels, I'm assuming carpeting was getting thicker, and it would roll easier. I have both models in my collection, will have to look to see if there's a difference in the model numbers. That could be why there's a difference.

 

[tig21er]

When the

Silverado came out the handle set up was like the first Olympia and then changed mid way in the build to the handle setup of the last Olympia One.

 

[kevin]

Thanks for your responses, Rick (#2) and John (#3).

Rick - I've done some checking and noticed that the first version of the Olympia One had a similar handle to the Super J/1401, but not exactly; it did not go all the way to the vertical grip. Otherwise, the other changes you mentioned were accurate. I think your reason for the larger wheels in the later version is logical. I wonder if they have kept that same size wheel since then, or if they have gone back to the smaller wheels with the lesser use of shag carpeting. Anyway, I'm hoping that you'll be able to clear the confusion of the model ids with your machines. I wonder if the ones with the Olympics decals were the first versions, because they are the ones listed as '1401s'.

If I remember correctly, the Golden Js were considered model 1205 Js, but they are stamped as '1201's. Isn't it true that except for the color and other body differences they were the same as the last version of the 1205s? So the Olympia One scenario might be like you said about the first Olympia Ones being very similar to the Super Js, so they were still considered '1401's.

John - It's interesting that the first version of the Silverados had the first version horizontal handle and vertical grip as the first version of the Olympia Ones. One would have taken for granted that the vertical handle replacement in the second version of the Olympia Ones was made after research and the idea of improvement. Now I'm wondering if it was just change for the sake of change.

 

[kevin]

1980 Winter Olympics Decal affixed on Olympia One/1401-Bs that were manufactured around that time:

 

[kevin]

1980 Olympics/Electrolux medallion side 1:

 

[kevin]

1980 Olympics/Electrolux medallion side 2:

 

[bikerray]

Here's mine

Here's a picture of my Olympia One, this is the early model and is listed as a 1401 on the door.

 

[kevin]

There is a current listing of a brown Silverado with "Model 1505" on the plastic cover interior. Was this a case of the cover of an Olympia One being replaced with one from a Silverado and being repainted to match Olympia One's colors, or was there actually a brown Silverado manufactured at the factory? Also, I thought that the Olympia One's interior cover plates were all metal. Is that accurate?

 

[dysonman1]

I've never seen a Silverado with the straight handle set up. They've always had the later Oly style double handles. It wouldn't make sense for Electrolux to go backwards with regard to the tooling. If anyone has a Silverado with the Super J/first Oly set up, I'd sure like to see the pictures.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

A Sliverado with the earlier J style handle is very likely a bojack replacement. The earlier handle and top assembly can be used on later bodied metal canisters as it only uses the 2 screws at the blower and one just behind the latch, later top assemblies will not work on the early machines as the horizontal carry handle screws directly to the metal body and pre-1401 models do not have the necessary threaded nut.


 


All Olympia's and the first run on Silverado's have metal inner doors, plastic was introduced during the run of the Silverado before the introduction of the PN5. I work at an Aerus franchise and the owner has been selling Aerus/Electrolux since 1964 and that is his recollection. May or may not be 100% accurate as I've found some inconsistencies in his memory before...

 

[dustin]

My Olympia one is a 1401-B and has the two piece handle setup.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Oh yeah, forgot to say in my last post. One handle - 1401, two handles 1401-B the B designation is for the change in handle and body design.

 

[tig21er]

dysonman1,

you wish is my command. Start of Silverado and the change. From owner's manual.

 

[joevacman1]

Silverado handle

I worked at Electrolux on LI when the Silverado was introduced. The first model came with a two piece handle which looked similar to a Super J one piece handle . Because of it's unpopularity it was replaced early on with the more common two piece Olympia One Model. It was identical to the picture shown here. Evidently Lux had some left over and used them for the HPR Rebuilts. The Silverado's with this handle set-up is very rare and was changed very early in it's production run.

 

[tig21er]

better pictures

of Silverado.

 

[tig21er]

Silverado

next generation.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Well I'll be. Learn something new every single day on this forum. Have to file these pictures in my archives.