GE Swiveltop

[michaelwalter]

Hi all,

Just put a bid on this tidy GE. I haven't seen one turn up for years in NZ.

In the description they say there's a hole in the hose so guess that'll need some work.

I'm thinking of fitting a white vinyl hose and cuffs but am sure i'll have to source them from the USA.

Any suggestions which retailer might stock a hose / cuffs.

Cheers

Mike[this post was last edited: 5/16/2016-22:36]

 

[rugsucker]

Nice GE!

The above swivel top looks to be very nice.We had many in US but never saw that color.There was a model here below that with no blower and plain hose inlet that sold well.That style here would typically have a larger rug/floor nozzle with the floor brush being used only on the most deluxe styles.I would suggest keeping the original braided hose(often leaking)for display and trying to find vinyl hose or ends to use.

 

[michaelwalter]

Rugsucker, I can only assume at this stage that the hole is where the tape is. Would you recommend cutting the hose being close to the handle and re-glueing. cheers mike

 

[rugsucker]

GE hose

These are somewhat difficult to cut and replace ends in the original manner.Not to mention possible cuts from the reinforcing wire.And it still might not be airtight.I would first remove tape and hope for the best.(Not all leak.)I would leave the original in original length and it should match the attractive and unusual(to us) color.If it is not practical for daily use you might find at least ends to make vinyl hose.
Were the GEs common in your part of the world?If so,when?

 

[michaelwalter]

Thanks Rugsucker, Yes the GE's were very popular in Australia and NZ. They were made in the USA. The swivel top was sold from 1950's through to being discontinued in 1986. They were GE branded in OZ and branded Heatway in NZ (distributors name). They were severely dumbed down in the early 80's with dropping the braided hose for plastic and handle and wands being chrome were dropped for powder coated aluminium. The heavy cloth bag being dropped for a thin cotton liner where paper bags had to be used. The machine above is a 1969 australian model. All in all my favourite...cheers mike

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

i own a orange version of this machine

and good news i found the original bags at the kelmscott godfreys even thought it had the original cloth bag

 

[michaelwalter]

Adam, do you have pics of your orange machine, at a guess it'd say 1979 - 1982???

We had the swivel tops here in 1965 - 1968 in a soft powder pink / mint green as in photo 1969 - 71, Chocolate brown / chrome concurrently with a mustard / chrome in the 70's, orange in late 70's to early 80's then finishing off again with chocolate brown.

I've also put up a pic of another GE vacuum, very very popular, early 70's, made in japan. Personally I think GE put out more vacuums / variations in the 70's than hoover / electrolux combined. They saturated the market with choice.

I very much admire GE for their business acumen, What other company in the world manufactures healthcare equipment, aircraft engines, home appliances and just last month withdraw from home loans / personal finance in OZ and NZ. They seem to roll with the times......mike

cheers

mike[this post was last edited: 5/20/2016-01:22]

 

[kenkart]

GE quit making vacuums in the US

In 72, then Premier sold the swivel tops into the 80s.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

The machine itself looks

perfect. My neighbor LOVED all of the G.E. vacs. I hope it works out.

 

[electromatik]

@michaelwalter

That is one of the nicest looking vacuum cleaners I've ever seen for it's age. Great coloring on that too.

Your opinions of GE are spot on. They were established by Thomas Edison over 100 years ago. They were around when the early light bulbs were being produced. Like IBM, they successfully jumped from the industrial age to the digital age.