Found a $5 Filter Queen

[human]

Project complete.

The mail came a few minutes ago and my headlight bulb was in there so I installed it, finished buttoning things up and took the machine for a little post-repair test drive. Performance is definitely head and shoulders above what I experienced when I first brought it home a week ago but it's not nearly as well mannered as my Electrolux canisters. But I'm not saying I regret the purchase. Even with the cost of replacement parts, I'm still into it for a steal. I guess time will tell how much--or if--I fall in love with it.

Because of its marked similarity to my childhood Lewyt model 130, working on this machine unlocked an early memory. One of the things I really loved about that pink and gray vacuum cleaner was that it was the first machine I figured out how to dismantle, albeit not to the extent I did this FQ, and put back together when I was about four or five years old. I didn't know the phrase 'power user' back then but that's how it made me feel.

 

[packardmanken]

floor tool

Edgar! Don't forget to check out the original floor tool. It is amazing! You have to have the old style wand for it to work or the curved extension for the straight wand you already have. It works very well and you don't have to use the powerhead all the time. Several on ebay right now.


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...w=filter+queen+vacuum+floor+tool&_sacat=42146

 

[kirbyvertibles]

The model number and serial number are not the date codes. On the model tag stamped in the metal of the tag there should be 2 numbers (example 93) etched or stamped into the metal kind of like someone scratched it into it with a pin.
So use a flash light to see it.

 

[human]

Yes, I found the date code on the vacuum when I was shining a strong flashlight onto the serial number plate to align it and the exhaust basket upon which it rests with the holes on top of the plastic motor housing. The date stamp reads '9 91'. The numerals are stamped faintly into the plate, not even deep enough to break through the black paint covering that part of the plate.

 

[packardmanken]

strain relief grommet

Edgar! Congrats on the progress on the Filter Queen! I too walked out with a un-needed Filter Queen, A Princess, today for 15.00$ ! That makes four!!
I needed the strain relief grommet for one of mine and bought four. I can share one if you still need it.
Here is the link to Bills listing. He is a great resource as he has been selling and repairing for many years.
Take a look at his stuff if you need anything else.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/222095369045?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

One HUGE tip: NEVER EVER use any filter cone OTHER than a Genuine Filter Queen filter cone in your machine. Filter Queen genuine cones are made of two layers of cellulose. Generic cones from DVC, Envirocare, etc. are NOT the same and will leak dust and cause trouble.

Your filter BAT at the top by the exhaust holes is cotton. This was discontinued almost 20 years ago. The mesh filter that's sold now will NOT muffle the motor sound nearly as well. If you replace the cotton batting (which I DON'T recommend), it will make the cleaner MUCH louder when running.

That's why I never use anything but authentic parts and filters on my Filter Queens! For my Escalade and my Ram 2500 (gas engine), I service every 3000 miles with Pennzoil Platinum high mileage oil. I do most of my own repairs, and buy the best parts my retailer offers.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Genuine parts and free labour. The best way to do it.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Genuine parts and free labour. The best way to do it.

Absolutely

 

[centralsweeper63]

Agreed.

 

[human]

Wow! Re-reading that thread from almost a decade ago was a real trip. I ended up totally losing interest in that machine after I finished the repairs and donated it to my church's rummage sale, along with an Oreck upright that I never warmed to. I haven't missed either. These days, I'm content with my triumvirate of Kirby, Electrolux, and Eureka/Sanitaire. I've never seen another Filter Queen since that one, and I doubt I would be tempted by it if I did. It's not that they're bad machines, they're just not my jam. Not too long ago, I came across an extra motor baffle ring in my parts stash. If anyone has a use for it, you're welcome to it.

 

[centralsweeper63]

What vacuums we use are a matter of taste, just like food.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

We all know my first choice machine, my 2nd choice would be an Electrolux canister with a power nozzle.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Yeep, itis in your name too! Not a bad choice though.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Wow! Re-reading that thread from almost a decade ago was a real trip. I ended up totally losing interest in that machine after I finished the repairs and donated it to my church's rummage sale, along with an Oreck upright that I never warmed to. I haven't missed either. These days, I'm content with my triumvirate of Kirby, Electrolux, and Eureka/Sanitaire. I've never seen another Filter Queen since that one, and I doubt I would be tempted by it if I did. It's not that they're bad machines, they're just not my jam. Not too long ago, I came across an extra motor baffle ring in my parts stash. If anyone has a use for it, you're welcome to it.

Is it a wire reinforced?

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Yeep, itis in your name too! Not a bad choice though.

Thanks! If I were to go upright, I'd probably go with a Kirby, but I like canisters.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Maybe you would like Eureka/Sanitaire.

 

[centralsweeper63]

From years past that is.

 

[huskyvacs]

I have gotten about a half dozen Filter Queens. I get them any time I see one for less than $50. I like looking for ones that come with half a house full of non-matching random brands of vacuum cleaner parts that someone thought went to it, it seems like these vacuums always become a big dumping ground for everyone's vacuum parts.

They are nice vacuums, but if I had to sell them, I would sell them - amidst being someone that may or may not have a vacuum collection in the 3 digit range. It's one of those types of vacuums that the brand needs to mean something to you for you to feel the connection to give them that something more. The kind of "something more" that makes a person want to have nothing but a Filter Queen room - I get it - I'm the exact way with Kirby.

Every collector has that brand that they just connect with, or maybe several! For me Filter Queen is not that brand. I know they are quality, well built, reliable vacuums, but for me that intimate connection just isn't there.

 

[centralsweeper63]

I like most brands, though I do understand that. I love some machines, and doon't hate others.

 

[hygiene903]

I have gotten about a half dozen Filter Queens. I get them any time I see one for less than $50. I like looking for ones that come with half a house full of non-matching random brands of vacuum cleaner parts that someone thought went to it, it seems like these vacuums always become a big dumping ground for everyone's vacuum parts.

They are nice vacuums, but if I had to sell them, I would sell them - amidst being someone that may or may not have a vacuum collection in the 3 digit range. It's one of those types of vacuums that the brand needs to mean something to you for you to feel the connection to give them that something more. The kind of "something more" that makes a person want to have nothing but a Filter Queen room - I get it - I'm the exact way with Kirby.

Every collector has that brand that they just connect with, or maybe several! For me Filter Queen is not that brand. I know they are quality, well built, reliable vacuums, but for me that intimate connection just isn't there.

I can certainly relate to what you said here! Although I do enjoy and have several different vacuum makes and models in my mostly vintage collection, I am more connected with Royals and other Royal-built brands such as Royalaire, Good Housekeeper, and especially Electro-Hygiene, than anything else, although if you count Royal and Electro-Hygiene as separate brands (which I do and they should be), I actually have more Hoovers in my collection than either of them, with 34 Hoovers, 20 Royals, and 25 Electro-Hygienes!
The Electro-Hygiene connection goes back before I was born, when two of my uncles sold them, and actually only one of them was my uncle at the time. Uncle Dick, who was my Aunt Ruth's (Mom's sister) husband was selling Electro-Hygienes, either during a layoff from his regular job or maybe for a little extra money, and became good friends with another salesman named Red, and eventually introduced Red to his sister-in-law, my Aunt Mary (also Mom & Aunt Ruth's sister). Red & Mary fell in love, got married in August 1950, and were together over 50 years before they passed away, within a year of each other. So, Uncle Red wouldn't have become my uncle if he hadn't met Uncle Dick while they were selling Electro-Hygienes. Also, when I was a kid, 2 of my aunts and one great-aunt had them, and the great-aunt was so sold on Electro-Hygiene that she had 3 of them over the years, trading in for a new one about every 10 years or so. And then, I sold them myself in 1974 and again in 1976, selling the model 903 upright and the model 966 tank, and when I went back in 1976, I also sold the Galaxy Prestige 990 upright, which was made by Royal and sold through the Electro-Hygiene dealerships. And yes, this is where my Vacuumland handle, "hygiene 903" comes from.
Jeff

 

[centralsweeper63]

What a story! We all start somewhere.