Electrolux Sidekick Show

[kirbytradition7]

Sidekicks for Canadian Electrolux models?

Were there Canadian versions of the Sidekick (ie, for the Canadian Electrolux models)?

I have a 1982 AP280; would that be too old for a Sidekick?

 

[countryguy]

I bought an AP280 new in 1981 and a Sidekick did not come with the machine. A few years later I did buy a sidekick separately to use with the AP280. I'm not sure when they first started being sold.

Gary

 

[rugsucker]

Sidekick,cont

First SK was about 86-88. After Silverado. Quickly became popular. Rainbow had a similar electric version (optional)about the same time. Kirby and many central vacs had used an air turbine brush previously.

 

[kevin]

Thanks for answering my questions and giving me more info., John (#26), Christopher (#27), and Jimmy (#28)!

I didn't realize there was a Sidekick III, and that the I and II designations marked the style of the unit--not the era like one would expect.

Jimmy, what model of Sidekick has the pigtail connection that will work with a non-electric hose vac?

 

[rugsucker]

Sidekick,cont again

There was no SK with an attached cord.If it was not on a direct connect Elux electric hose as had been used on 1205 and later you could insert hose and then plug cord onto the 2 round pins as also used on sheath cord,etc.That was why the SK could easily be used on the Hoover,Filter Queen and Sears/Eureka type with the hose adapter and cord included in the one package.

 

[kevin]

Thanks, Jimmy (#33). I'm just trying to figure out how to find an adapter. Does it have a name or product #? I'm assuming it would work with just a Sidekick i?

 

[rugsucker]

Sidekick,cont once more

Before most vacs had electric hose with built in and direct connect connections strap on and adapter cords were more common and most canister and some central vacs used same size 2 pin connection.Cords should be still found in different lengths at some vac stores and suppliers.

 

[kevin]

Ok--thanks, Jimmy (#35). I'll go to a local vac shop soon and ask about it.

 

[kevin]

Here are some photos of the Sidekick adapter I found on Ebay:

 

[kevin]

Inside of box:

 

[kevin]

Close-up of instruction manual:

 

[kevin]

Eureka-packaged Sidekick w/pigtail:

 

[fan-of-fans]

These seem to have been sold with Kenmore vacuums as well, since the early 1990s. Also, the Sidekick II looks a lot like the Petpowermate that came with my new Kenmore Progressive canister.

 

[electromatik]

Wow kevin and rugsucker, you have taught me something new tonite. I never knew the uprights had been equipped with a non-electric hose with a strap-on cord to operate the Sidekick. Just goes to show how easy it is to miss a step in the evolution of any particular machine... Now the hose is just like a hose on the Lux Classic canister and no strapped cord is present. It's also worthy of note that while Electrolux might have designed them, and while they might say "by Electrolux" on them, the Sidekick was not made by Electrolux. They were never made at the Lux plant to my knowledge. They always came from overseas, did they not? I was aware that the Kenmore Powermate was the same as the Sidekick, and I believe the Rainbowmate is the same isn't it? Huge Lux fan here. Keep it comin' as I love this.

 

[kevin]

Thank you for the additional information, Cole (#41).

I was also going to inquire about a 'Dust-Kick'. Someone on Ebay has that name along with 'Sidekick' on a listing. Is/was that a type of Sidekick?

 

[rugsucker]

more Sidekick

Good pics.This att box was direct shipped to the customer possibly because they sold faster than branches received inventory (as with the first Mo E).The big box held hose with all plastic hose end,2 wands,above floor & crevice.The SK adapter was in a smaller rectangular box with cord,straps,& hose end with metal end.SK camer from branch inventory.The strap cord was similar idea as the CB 2000 of the same time.Straps were installed with a button hook type tool.
Only motor came from overseas as I understood it.R Bow & Sears were similar but different.Elux was better with gear belt.
Never heard of 'dust kick'name.

 

[kevin]

You're welcome for the thread, Christopher (#42). Glad you've learned some things. I have, too.

Interesting trivia, Jimmy (#44)--thanks. I'm beginning to wonder if "Dust Kick" is a generic name or even made up.


Here's a K119A in charcoal:

 

[paul]

Does anyone know where I can obtain a wand connector and cord for my Sidekick? I have non-electric hoses.
Also, the sales rep at a vaccum store said that it sounded like the motor bearing was going out. Can the bearing be replaced, and is it an easy job for an amateur such as myself? If it is replaceable, where can I obtain a bearing?

 

[thermokid]

And now

with the new Aerus Lux Gaurdian Platinum there is a Sidekick 3

 

[kevin]

Thanks for your reply, Dan. Actually, Christopher beat you to the punch (reply #27).

Hopefully, I will get a pic of that along with its model to post on this thread.

 

[kevin]

It's interesting to note that the first version of the Sidekick did not have a model identification. It likely was what would become known as Model 1562.

Bottom of "no model" unit:

 

[kevin]

Top of "no model" unit:

 

[kevin]

Wondering now if the black button on those first units was a reset rather than an on/off switch, and if so if they even had on/off switches; or were they like the first power nozzles that just went on when you plugged in their pigtails?

 

[countryguy]

I had that first Sidekick. The black button is the reset...they did not have an on/off switch.

Gary

 

[kevin]

Thanks for affirming my conjecture, Gary (#52).

 

[electromatik]

The Sidekick with the "rocker" switch was an on/off switch because at that time, the machines didn't have a switch on the handle. The round push button was reset. If I remember right, the Lux man demonstrated one to me in the store once and he turned the Sidekick on and off from the rocker switch.

 

[kevin]

This is very similar to the Sidekick in the original post, but it has the on/off switch. You will also note that the box and manual are a bit different. I don't know if there were different versions of the actual Model 1562 (I know there are different look-alike models), so it's hard to tell if this was one of the first ones or not. Maybe Jimmy or John know?

Nice price, huh?

 

[sleepdoc]

Gray Sidekick

I really like that Sidekick. I think that gray model is unique to the Ambassador III and Epic 3500SR of the mid 1990s. I've had a couple of those. The uprights are around, but the Ambassadors aren't too common. There's an oyster/for variant that matches the same models of those vacuums, as well. The only person I know who might have one is John Pease. The original Sidekick is my favorite handheld power nozzle.

 

[kevin]

Sidekick II/K107C (oyster):

 

[kevin]

Sidekick K119Q: