Filter Queen 31 find!

[seijun]

I found this FQ 31, plus F48 Power Nozzle ("Pow R Nozzle" in the instruction pamphlet), plus a myriad of miscellaneous attachments while thrifting today. Can anyone tell me when this model of FQ and Power nozzle were manufactured? I have heard that FQ's are good machines, but I really don't know anything else about them. It is loud and weighs a ton.

I am also curious as to what model of FQ the dark brown attachments might have come from. Quite a few of the attachments came from at least two different Kirbys.

Everything is quite well used on the outside with a lot of scuffs and cuts, but it is very clean inside. It bears a Stark service sticker from 2000. Everything works and it has great suction.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Well I am unclear on this as I've heard several different things.
On your's at first glance I would say this is the 1978 model but I am unsure. I've heard that 1978 was the first year FQ had their "featured" power nozzle we all know (not their FIRST power nozzle but the first to be a common accessory)
However I've also heard this power nozzle was on the FQ as far back as 1972. I would like that cleared up so I know lol
I have one that's similar to this color but is darker and more pinkish without the grill on top. It does have this power nozzle. Either way it IS 70's The dark brown was model 31 and 33 but were 80's if I'm not mistaken.

 

[dysonman1]

That machine is 1978 - 1979. The power nozzle receptacle should line up with the intake. In 1980, the machine became chocolate brown and got a larger power nozzle with headlight. The hose is newer than the vacuum.

1975 was the year Filter Queen got their iconic power nozzle But there was no heat shield on top of the FQ until 1978.

DO NOT use the non-genuine filter cones in that machine. Use only the genuine Health-Mor Inc. filter cones. There's also a small secondary filter over the motor, you must make sure it is clean before using the machine. Throw away the non-genuine cones.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

AMEN on the generic cones!!!!!! I have replaced a few motors from customers who only use generic. They don't listen to me and over the years had to come to me and admit oops should have been using genuine. They also would take their cone out and beat it on the sidewalk and put it back in only changing it a couple times a year. yuck

 

[seijun]

The generic filters are the envirocare brand. I thought those were pretty good? Either way it came with genuine filters as well

 

[seijun]

Oh, how often should I change the motor disk filter? The filter packs on amazon seem to only contain 2 disk filters for every 12 cone filters, so I assume only once every 6 months.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I would change it at least every third cone change