Filtex model 1 - The results

[bob_smith]

Some of you might recognize this vacuum from ebay. Here's the results, post-rejuvenation. Given a clean, nicotine tar removed, polished, regreased, etc. I was surprised to see a filter capacitor inside, which I consider a calling card of high end appliances. Completely optional, yet added as that extra step.

The motor is marked November 1946, so it seems this would have been among the earlier vacuums Filtex put out after the war, as well as shortly after Lamb split from black and decker. At one point in its life, probably the 60's, it was owned by a Sidney Trivette, and went to an Electrolux service center, getting that "new" wheel, as well as a vinyl hose and Electrolux wands. According to google maps, there's a CBD store there now...how times change.
Personally, I love this sort of stuff just as much as originality, being able to follow where a vacuum has been through the years.

Going off the ads, and the identical trim, the nozzle looks like the original that came with it, but I can't confirm for certain. Seems like an earlier iteration, the sliding bar lacking the serrations of the later models.

Unfortunately, here's the one bit of bad news. Despite how well it shined up...the motor is shot! It still spins over, but despite my best efforts, it pulls a toasty 10 amps and leaks magic smoke in seconds. I doubt anyone's done a motor swap on one of these, but I'm open to any advice regarding known replacements.

Regardless, I'm very happy to finally own one of these. Was always among my favorite vacs for the styling alone.

 

[huskyvacs]

Oh wow, another Model 1 owner! I got mine years ago for cheap. Guy found it in the trash on the curb and put it on eBay. I was the only bidder. mine needs a lot more work than yours.

You will never find a motor for these since they are so rare, so best to rebuild it. It sounds like you have a short on the field coil if it is drawing that much amperage, and burning off the shellac from the windings. It cold be a bad connection or missing an insulator, or its a spot where the shellac flaked off and let the wires touch.

I know what you mean about tracing out names and addresses to see the history that can be gleaned from it. I got a 1950's Electrolux off eBay from California and based on the address and name on the box of bags that came with it, it looks like the seller was the son of his mother, who owned it since new and passed away, and based on her obituary she was one of the Japanese-Americans that got relocated to an internment camp during ww2 in that part of california. it had been sitting in a closet for years, but carefully stored away. makes me wonder if maybe she had a job as a maid or house cleaner after becoming free again and it was her own electrolux. fascinating how something so simple as a vacuum cleaner can have so many stories or be passed down through generations (or hopefully end up into a collector's house to continue its legacy)

 

[rugsucker]

Filtex

Looks great!!
'Sidney Trivette' would have been the salesman from that branch office.These stickers were used in the mid 80s and sent to all Electrolux branches with their address printed on.Salesmen would add their name and apply sticker to any Elux sold or other vacs if no sale at that time.Electrolux serviced any brand at that time so a salesman could have taken a vac for service at the time of an Elux demo or if brought in later by customer that salesman would get credit and commission for any repair.
I may have a good parts vac Filtex.Will look during limited time at old shop.

 

[dysonman1]

The Filtex model 1 motor is identical to the motor used in the early round Lewyt, compact model C2, the first Eureka swivel top canisters, etc. It would not be too much of a trick to find a replacement motor. Both our machines were made at approximately the same time in history. They are approximately 10,000 apart, which would equal probably six months difference in age. I have the owner's manual which is a HOOT! A vacuum with a cloth bag and a fiberglass pre-motor filter only cannot remove germs. According to the owner's manual though, it could.

 

[huskyvacs]

I guess I'll claim the high end of the bar, mine is 124702. lol

 

[rugsucker]

Found the Filtex--

--Mo 2('Filtex' name on both sides)-Ser No 256962-wrong plug-bad cord-front wheels broken/missing-minor dents in cardboard housing-good bag-good handle-2 rear bumpers missing-runs well-good suction.
Anyone need for restoration/parts?

 

[dysonman1]

It seems the Hygienic Filtex isn't as obscure as we thought. The owner's manual has two animated drawings of 'dusty' and 'germy' who travel around the house unrestrained. "Until the day came..." And then the Filtex was there to remove them. I'll dig out the book and take pictures. It's really interesting.

 

[bob_smith]

Forgot to post the hose, whoops.

Huskyvacs,
I see what you mean about the condition of yours, whoof. Still, I can picture the jewel under all that rough! Glue down the leatherette, re-align the cylinder, substitute wheels...maybe try and bend a new switch cover from sheet aluminum, etc. Its within salvageability, at least.

In my motor's case, the outer insulation is intact, without any obvious char spots, so the short is somewhere deeper in the windings. I do agree, I'm the type that absolutely prefers to rebuild, rather than replace; but rewinding is something that is far out of my ability range at the moment, I just don't have the equipment.

I do love the story of that Electrolux, thank you for sharing. Not often you get a link as clear as that, nor associated with the war in such a way.

Rugsucker,
Thanks for the clarification on the sticker! Its impressive that it was serviced as late as the 80's. Heavily used, yet well taken care of.
I might take you up on the parts vac offer and call, gonna be hard to find another out in the wild.

Dysonman 1,
Interesting! The perks of companies using "off the shelf" parts, shared bits between models. No wonder Lamb had a reputation for vacuum motors, so many companies based around their product.
To think there were 120,000 of these made, based off the serial numbers here alone. A rather modest number I would think, and reflected in their scarcity. Makes me wonder how much they cost...
Removing germs in spirit, I suppose! I'd love to see that manual.