GE Vacuum AVF - 801 - Some Questions

[compactelectra]

<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;">So Fred S. forwarded me an email he received from someone here in Chicago who is cleaning out his grandmothers house:</span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span>


"<span>Dear VACC,</span>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>I am cleaning my Chicago house and would like to find a good home for a late 1940s / early 1950s GE vacuum cleaner & accessories.  The vacuum cleaner & accessories are free.  Please see the attached images.  Please pass this message along to anyone that may have an interest.  </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>The vacuum cleaner can be picked up at the house, which is located on the NW side of Chicago, near the intersection of Irving Park Road (4000 N) and Austin Ave. (6000 W).  The best time for me to meet would be anytime between Friday afternoon (12-2-2011) and Saturday morning (12-10-11).  The vacuum cleaner, which was purchased new by my grandmother, seems too nice to place in the trash.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>I will provide contact information to anyone that is interested.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>Thanks,"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>Well, I took a trip into the city yesterday to pick it up.  Lovely gentleman.  The machine has been sitting in the basement since his grandmother died - about 30 years.  Pretty dirty, but under the dirt a very nice machine.  Just gave everything a bath and waiting for it to dry.  Two questions:  I know there has been posted here a guy who rebristles old brushrolls.  Any contact information would be appreciated.  Also, how do I grease or oil this thing?  It looks like one of the bearings is accessible from the back.  Here is a picture sent to me.  I'll post the "after" pictures this week.</span></span></p>
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span>

 

[compactelectra]

And

The attachments.  Never used.  The hose seems good.  This is an excellent candidate for a beautiful restoration.

 

[compactelectra]

PS

Davey - I just searched the archives and found out that you have the owners manual for this.  Any chance you would share a copy?

 

[truckerx]

Nice find! The rear bearing is a ball-bearing type and is sealed with grease. They usually go a long way before needing service. The Premier version of this cleaner is nearly identical. The gentleman who has re-bristled for me is in Youngstown, Ohio. ...trying to think of his name. Surely, some of the older members seeing this might be able to help you with that. I'll let you know if it comes to mind.

 

[truckerx]

Brush re-bristling

Here it is:

O'Connors Sales and Service
3224 Market Street
Youngstown, Ohio
(330) 782-4705

Hope this helps.
--Bernie

 

[compactelectra]

Thanks Bernie

"They usually go a long way before needing service."  Well this old gal is at least 60 years old.  Time for some bearing packing.  I'll check with Duane Taylor in Mequon.  I am sure he knows how to do it.  I will definitely call O'Connors tomorrow and get the brush roll off to them.  That being restored should put the machine in almost new condition.  Grandmother had the sense to release the tension on the belt.  Still flexible.  Amazing.  Thanks again.


 


Fred

 

[truckerx]

Brush re-bristling

Hi Fred - you're entirely welcome.
One note about brush re-bristling: You may find the new bristles longer and in need of trimming to the desired length. Hope this helps.
--Bernie

 

[buffster]

Great find!

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Can't wait to see the refurbished result 

</span>

 

[kenkart]

RE bearings!

Be VERY careful...in most of these old GEs the bearings are not held in...in other words, the individual ball bearings will fall out when you take the cover off!!!I rebuilt one of these, and was lucky I didnt lose any of the "balls" LOL!

 

[compactelectra]

OK

Here she is after the initial cleaning.  I am sure that some armor-all will fix up the base and bumper very nicely.  The washed bag turned out like new.  Plugged her in and turned on the switch - and nothing - na da.  So the brush roll is going to Ohio (talked with the gentlemen today and he said to send it.)  And the machine is going to Duane in Mequon (if he will have it!) to diagnose the problem.  Hopefully just a stuck motor brush or loose connection.  Thanks everyone for the calls and suggestions - including Dan P who offered up an adoption.  I'll keep you apprised of our progress.

 

[luxg]

Fred, that bag looks like new!! and what did you do to polish that chrome hood?   Just beautiful!!!


 


Terry

 

[dial-a-nap]

Very nice - and free! Love those GE handles, makes them look so beefy and strong.

 

[aeoliandave]

So's you can make your own...

Here ya go, Fred. First, the hanging tag. Folded, it measures 3 & 3/4" wide. 5 & 5/8" tall.

The string is dark blue

 

[aeoliandave]

inside

 

[aeoliandave]

six page manual on glossy coated stock...complete with patina stains.
Posting them sideways for the largest image.

 

[aeoliandave]

Pages 1 & 2

 

[aeoliandave]

center pages 3 & 4

 

[aeoliandave]

pages 5 & inside back cover

 

[truckerx]

So Kewl !

Hi Fred,
Those are great brochures! Love it when you can assemble all the original stuff.
As for the ball-bearing issue, Hans is right. God forbid you'd lose your balls! The balls are not contained in a race - they are in there loose. If the spindle turns freely, I'd leave it alone. ...remebering the old adage "If it ain't broke...." ...just a suggestion from past experience. Those GE's ball bearings rarely ever seize. Chances are there is still sufficient grease in the bearing, albeit slightly dryer than when fresh but sufficient. If there are no signs of leakage beyond the bearing seals - the grease would still be in there.
Also, I thought the DOA diagnosis of stuck brush carbons was a good one. If you're handy and the brush caps are exposed, unscrew the caps, remove the spring and brush, lube the opening lightly with a shot of WD-40 and reassemble. It might be a simple fix that could get you up and running easily. Otherwise, I'd look for continuity between the plug, through the switch, and to the motor - really quite simple with a cheap ohm meter or test light.
Glad you were able to contact O'Connor's in Youngstown. If memory serves, Mr.O'Connor was a club member at one time. He has a nice collection of old vacuums as well as vintage cars. His family has been in the vacuum business forever. He told me that his Dad taught him how to re-bristle brushes when he was young. I gave him an old Air-Way tank that he wanted the last time I was through there. That would have been in 2003 while in route to the Milwaukee Convention. That's it..
--Bernie Mehlbaum