Electrolux Olympia...

[electrolux137]

I just couldn't stop thinking about that Electrolux Olympia at the thrift shop. The more I thought about it and considered its excellent condition and how old it is, I finally decided to go back there and get it.

Again, like I need it like I need yet another hole in the head. Yeah yeah, call the guys in the white coats....…

It really is in beautiful condition as you can see in the photos. The biggest flaw is the scuffs on the power nozzle cover, not at all uncommon on this model. I'm not about to try to match the color and paint it, so I'm leaving it as-is.

I didn’t at all mind that the hose was replaced. The original hose was short, stiff and heavy. This genuine replacement hose is a definite upgrade.

You can always tell someone has taken care of their Electrolux when you find a genuine Electrolux bag inside it.

Until yesterday, I'd forgotten how exciting it is to go to a thrift shop and find something really exciting.

Oh, and both the cleaner and the power nozzle run "like buttah."

When I got there, the lady who runs the thrift shop said she had another vintage vacuum cleaner.

Great.

She showed it to me, a brown Eureka canned-ham. She said it is brand new, never used; she got it in the box. I asked her what happened to the box.

“I threw it out.”

Great.

 

[human]

Both of those are very nice machines. I would have had a hard time resisting walking out with one under each arm. That Olympia power nozzle is actually in great shape with minimal 'battle scars'. I agree with you about not repainting it; I've seen a whole lot worse. I've long thought it was an unfortunate decision on Electrolux's part to paint the PN4A covers to match the Olympia and Silverado machines. They should have continued to offer the polished aluminum covers, as on the PN2 and PN4, as the scratches stand out a whole lot less.

I actually tried to strip the paint off of a Silverado gray PN4A cover a few years ago, but I eventually gave up and painted it with a Rustoleum textured paint and primer in one, giving it a custom touch by masking off the nameplate area, which I had managed to get to a nice satin sheen. The color was somewhat darker than the original, but I was pleased with how it turned out. That was the first of two customized PN4As. The second one, also gray and horribly scuffed, ended up getting a polished PN4 cover. It fit perfectly except the screws for the PN4A cover were too long for the PN4 cover, although it wasn't a big deal. I ended up sourcing some stainless steel replacements the proper length and thread pitch from Home Depot.

 

[justjunque]

Two beautiful finds, Charles! Congratulations!
Did you buy the Eureka as well? I would have had to.
But, you give me a little hope. That's my current dream; to find an Electrolux...any Electrolux from that era.
In however many years I've been visiting thrift stores, and it's a lot of years, I honestly don't remember ever seeing a single Electrolux of any type. I've all but given up hope. But, you've proven that it can still happen! And, a really nice example to boot!
I'm very happy for you!

 

[electrolux137]

No, I didn't get the Eureka. While it was brand new, it wasn't a vacuum cleaner that I am interested in.

 

[suckolux]

Very nice, I would have been in the same spot, probably going back later that day, other half asking why and where are we going to put it

 

[foxmichaels]

I'm so jealous. It looks absolutely fantastic. Thrift store finds DO happen - had one myself last weekend! - but what you found doesn't happen often.

 

[joan]

My Olympia is no longer for sale on this site. I'm giving it away, hopefully to a Minneapolis area collector.

Incredible find, Charles. Congrats!

 

[SeboU1]

The Olympia One is my favorite Lux! I like the contrast of the brown and cream colored trim. These metal body Electroluxs are absolute tanks, the only thing I’ve ever had to do is replace the cord reel. The Electrolux logo on the side trim can be colored with a black sharpie. There is a full service video on YouTube.

 

[cheesewonton]

The Olympia One is my favorite Lux! I like the contrast of the brown and cream colored trim. These metal body Electroluxs are absolute tanks, the only thing I’ve ever had to do is replace the cord reel. The Electrolux logo on the side trim can be colored with a black sharpie. There is a full service video on YouTube.

The Olympia and Silverado were the high point of Electrolux canister vacuums. Their very best.

 

[centralsweeper63]

YEah, they seem to be greatand look great too.

 

[SeboU1]

The Olympia and Silverado were the high point of Electrolux canister vacuums. Their very best.

Indeed! I have both and like them far better than the Ultralux. They were certainly advanced for their time. I have the side kick, but I avoid using them on stairs as they’re rather cumbersome.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Very advanced for the time indeed!

 

[cheesewonton]

Very advanced for the time indeed!

Eh, not so much advanced as just very well made and exceptionally durable. Olys and Silverados were very basic electrically, about as simple as a vacuum can be. By the time the Oly was out there were already vacuums available in Europe with variable power controls and hose handle controls. Even Kenmore had these features by 1982 and by 1984 when the Silverado came out Kenmore had soft touch controls on the hose handle for on-off, power nozzle on-off and motor speed control. Electrolux shunned all that. But Olys and Silverados were exceptionally well made, had a lot of cleaning power ( more than any subsequent Electrolux or Aerus product would have for decades ) and turned out to be the most trouble free and durable Electrolux canister models ever.

 

[centralsweeper63]

They seem to be very long lasting by looking at eBay. I applaud Electrolux for staying simple.