Electrolux XXX cordwinder

[johnnyb59c]

how hard is it to replace the cord on a cordwinder?

 

[jo]

Hmm

While I have a lot of experience on a lot of Electrolux stuff, that is one I’m not sure on but perhaps other members may know as some are previous Electrolux reps! If you can’t get an answer here check out rvavacuums.com and Ray Satterwhite’s son does vintage Electrolux repairs and preservation...I bet he will know for sure so at least you have this alternative. New name for Electrolux since 2003 is Aerus In case you didn’t know so they are still in business.

Jon

 

[caligula]

Open with caution

Hi johnyb59c:

You can open the cord winder to the model XXX's by removing the center screw and prying the two sides apart. The reel which holds the cord lifts out giving you easy access to the cord, and thus an easy fix. But please be careful, the spring that works the rewind action is a coil of razor sharp metal. It was actually wound and installed with either tools or a machine. Do not attempt to do this without heavy gloves. The cords were made by the Belden Corporation for Electrolux, and the winders were made in Philadelphia from 1948 through the mid to late 1950's. My suggestion is to save the time and possible injury, and see what's on eBay. The original winders were chrome with a flat female end to fit rounded prongs, the model LX, which followed in 1952 came with a rounded female end with flat prongs, it was also chrome. Again, I caution you to be very careful when opening the winder.

Alex Taber.

By the way, Caligula refers to the cat in my avatar.

 

[detroitdirtbag]

I sent mine out , for 55$ it’ll come back ready to go.

 

[dysonman1]

Alex is right

It's difficult to do. His suggestion about eBay was spot-on. There's a beautiful winder with the XXX machine end and a genuine Belden plug on eBay right now.

 

[huskyvacs]

The problem with buying ones off eBay - how do you know they aren't in just as bad shape, or won't go bad and lose tension? Rebuilding one, you can know for certain it will likely never need done again in your lifetime.

 

[caligula]

If done correctly you can remove the cord reel.

It lifts off. There are no wires, rather metal bands or electrodes, so you can remove the cord. That said, I'm not electrically minded, my thing is history, not repair. However, if you don't disturb the spring it will not bother you. If you do disturb it, DO NOT TOUCH IT WITH BARE HANDS. This spring is what dispenses the cord and retracts it. And yes, I have replaced the Belden plug with another one also Belden. I'm not good at soldering, but have done it. For me, I got another Electrolux cord and I leave the cord wound inside the reel only pulling out a small amount of cord if I need more. And no, you cannot replace the parts of the cord winder as new ones don't exist (1948-1954.) I leave it to the experts in this type of repair, of which there are many here at Vacuumland. Good luck.

 

[dysonman1]

I remember when I met Alex, decades ago. He taught me so much about Electrolux, especially the model LX. I don't believe I ever thanked him publicly, but I owe him a debt of gratitude for taking time to teach me all the inner workings of the bag ejection system and fostered my love for all things Electrolux.

 

[johnnyb59c]

I got my new cordwinder today!

very nice- decent price too at $22.04. I kinda wonder how much it's actually been used? it looks like it hasn't been used in awhile or pulled all the way out because there is some orange powdery stripes. maybe rust dust? other than that it looks almost like new old stock.

 

[caligula]

Nice.

Cord winder in excellent condition, complete with the Belden plug ends. By the way, I wish my model XXX looked that good.

 

[jo]

Robert (Caligula) I see you have the manual!

Could you look in the manual and see if it shows a use for the small top side of the rug tool? I have an XXX as well with the same rug tool and have always wondered what Electrolux’s intention is for that top oval side of that tool as I’ve never figured out a use for it? If there’s a page or picture displaying it and a write up on it please post so I can read it! I do t have the manual for mine! The vacuum was my Grandmother’s then my Aunt’s and is now mine over the generations.

This also goes out to anyone who might have a manual or know!

Thanks, Jon

 

[jayelux]

Concentrates suction

Flip the rug nozzle to scrub the caked dirt loose, then vacuum up with more concentrated suction. I hated the sound as the nozzle closed off airflow from one side and opened up on the other.

 

[johnnyb59c]

cord is in nice condition but-

retracts a bit slow. my old one was a little faster and went all the way back in a bit easier. is there a way to lubricate?

 

[human]

Counterintuitive as it may seem, lubrication is not the answer. Pull the cord out and give it a light coating of talcum powder (sprinkle some on your hand and pull the cord through it) to help it slide more easily against itself. Of course, the problem could also be one of spring tension. I have the same issue with a Silverado Deluxe I rebuilt a year or so ago.