GE Model 11 VB 10L Barrel Cleaner

[michaelwalter]

Hi all,

My most recent purchase is this GE model 11 VB 10L vacuum made from early 70's to 1982 in various colours of blue, cream, mustard, yellow and red. This model I believe to be late 70's - 82.

Made in Japan this vac sold in Australia and was very popular among apartment / small home owners. It has a 2.5 amp (600 watt) motor, cord rewind, dust indicator and shared the same 'capsule' dust disposal method of National and Hitachi cleaners where dust was stored in the body of the cleaner with a cloth filter.

Can't wait to receive it and give it a good clean! Can anyone offer advice as to the best way to bring the shine to the plastic housing.

Cheers

Mike

[this post was last edited: 4/12/2014-21:54]

 

[fan-of-fans]

I know nothing about it but, I think that machine may have been made by Sanyo. I recall seeing Sanyos on here in red with a similar shape. I also have a Sanyo with very similar hose and wands and the same little dusting brush.

 

[michaelwalter]

you may be right! this shape was shared with Sanyo , PYE and Waltons branded machines in OZ. The Sanyo i had in orange with identical specs was significantly louder than the GE which makes me wonder that it's what you don't see that makes the difference

 

[eurekaprince]

It's definitely a Sanyo. We had a similar line of "dust cassette" vacs in Canada in the early 1970's. They came in dark blue and red - the red one actually had a transparent red dust cassette.

The big clue to who made them is the tool set: our blue Sanyo had the identical carpet/bare floor nozzle, and the same "side to side" sweep upholstery nozzle. Ours had an electrified hose so that you could turn on the vac at the hose handle!!!!

Powerful and quiet!!!!

 

[streakers]

Hey Mike!

I recall my Aunt had one of those machines when I was growing up! (In Australia) I LOVED IT! It was Sanyo branded - and bright red with a white topped handle! I recall the hose and wands being way too short... But the motor sounded so nice on that machine... It was quiet too. It had a lovely purr to it...

I recall how the exhaust port cover pops up from the rear to access the blower port and how on theirs the plastic was being chewed out around the cord winder port from pulling the cord out whilst standing up!

Please please post heaps of pics (including the funky bag design - I can still recall the plastic cage and bag assembly) when you receive it! I'd love to see one in such good condition!

The last time I'd visited my Aunt, I noted that theirs was now the 'garage vac' and was still going as strong as ever! So that would have made that machine at least 36 years old!

You'll love your new toy regardless of brand... A video on youtube of the motor sound would be sweet as well!

Happy Vacuuming!

 

[michaelwalter]

Hi Steve

I should get it in a couple of days, it's being posted from Australia.

I'll give it a good clean and post the pics.

Out of interest which part of OZ are you from? I'm from Sydney.

Cheers

Mike

 

[streakers]

Hey Mike!

Sorry for the delay in my response - been rather busy of late!

Originally I'm from the Whitsunday Islands region - born and raised - but moved south and have lived in Brisbane for about 17 years... Now - just in March moved over to the USA!

Have you received your new toy yet??? Are you taking heaps of pics to post??

Cheers
Ste

 

[michaelwalter]

More Pics

Hi Steve

The GE finally arrived last week. The cleaner was in great condition but the hose didn't hold up too well so Ive replaced it with the closest match I could, a Hoover hose. Whever packed it placed the cleaner on top of the hose and squashed it. Never mind as the original hose was irritatingly short at just over a metre long.

I've cleaned it up but have since used it before taking these pics this morning.

For a 600 watt machine it has remarkable suction, reasonably quiet and to my surprise it does a very respectable job for a barrel cleaner at removing dog hair from carpets (we have 3 golden retrievers).

Ive taken a few pics in which I hope you enjoy.

Cheers

Mike

 

[michaelwalter]

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[michaelwalter]

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[michaelwalter]

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[michaelwalter]

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[michaelwalter]

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[streakers]

LOVE IT!

It's exactly as I remember them!

So - I know it's a pain - but a youtube vid to show it in action would be awesome!!! - Or even an iPhone video would be worth it!?!!

 

[michaelwalter]

Hey Steve

When it comes to photo's or Youtube vids I'm definately no show pony but will give it a go. Haven't done a youtube vid before but will find out how!

Anything in particular about the vac that rocks your boat and i'll pay more detail to it in the vid.

Cheers

Mike

 

[eurekaprince]

The brand model plate sticker on this vac is wild!!!!

The plate says Made in Japan, but the GE trademark says registered in USA, and the voltage is 240 for Australia!!!

 

[michaelwalter]

I can see how the name plate seems weird although Hitachi and National brands were the same.

GE appliances were a mixed bag in OZ and NZ. Most small appliances such as mixers, hairdryers etc were made in Japan. Some of the vacs such as the swiveltop, larger appliances - fridges, washing machines were all made in the US.

The swiveltop was branded 'heatway' in NZ but had the GE logo on the bumper, why i'm but sure.

Mike