General Electric Upright Vacuums

[classicvac]

Hi,
I just signed up as a new user of this forum. I have been reading posts here for quite some time. I too enjoy vintage vacuum cleaners and continue to work to build my collection. I recently acquired a General Electric Model AV-5. I searched the archives to find more information about this model. I found a post with a little bit of information and learned that this vacuum cleaner was manufactured around 1938. I would love to learn more information about this cleaner and General Electric uprights in general.

With regard to the model AV-5, I would like to know what type of belt would work best for the brushroll. Did the vacuum come with a headlight? Mine does not have a bulb socket, but does appear to have a wire run to the open cavity in the front of the nozzle. Also, I can't make the handle stand up straight, I have to prop it against something. Is there any adjustment that I could make to correct this problem? It has a pin that you pull out in order for the handle to lay completely flat, but it doesn't seem to affect the handle's ability to stand up and stay that way. Any info about this vacuum cleaner would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Classicvac

 

[vacu-finder]

Welcome Classicvac

Lol.................as far as General Electric uprights, i'm duh on those don't know nada..At any rate you will find some members here with a great deal of knowledge about Vac's the best on the planet.

 

[portable]

<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Welcome to our Forum.</span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">If I am looking at the picture correctly, this is the first time I have ever seen an AVF 5 with NO headlight. I didn't know GE made the 5 this way! That flared front area below the GE logo/converter port is where the headlight normally is. You are right - the 5 was begun in 1938.</span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am in the process of putting together a GE model history, but I need to approach the group here to ask for their help and involvement. Watch for that announcement soon.</span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I do not know about the other issues with this model. I think most GE uprights took flat belts for their brush roll mechanisms. As for the handle, I just don't know the answer. The prior GE's I had never stood up well with the handle in the operating position. </span><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I wish I could help further. We do have members here who have GE knowledge. </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Good luck and welcome. </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">John  </span>

 

[classicvac]

Thanks for the response!

John,

I believe the vacuum did have a headlight at one time. Perhaps the bulb socket cracked or broke somehow and the wires were just capped and wrapped with electrical tape. That is what I find in the front cavity under the GE logo. Would it be possible to find an appropriate light socket to try to reinstall a headlight?

I was wondering if a Kirby flat belt would be ok to use on this machine. However, it may be a bit too tight. Does anyone know if GE still makes a belt that would be appropriate?

I also wonder how this vacuum compared to others sold at the time as far as performance and price are concerned.

I look forward to learning/reading more about the AV-5 and other GE vacuum cleaners!

 

[classicvac]

Another pic

Another pic of the front...

 

[pinkge]

Classicvac...

Looks like the mouth part has a place for a light bulb.It did have light in it.Check it out.Mark Turbyfill is a GE collector.Give him a ring and ask him about it.It is a pretty vac. Michael

 

[kirbykid]

Ge av4

hello people, i have a ge av4. i know nothing about it and if you want, classicvac, you can buy mine. if anyone knows the price of mine that would be great. i will post i pic in a little while

 

[kirbykid]

hold on

i need to clean a my room so i can take a pic

 

[kirbykid]

i was replacing the cord so the cord is on the carpet(next pic)

 

[kirbykid]

cord

the cord has been taken out of the handle so i will use a old kirby cord...

 

[kirbykid]

here it is running with the kirby cord atached

 

[kirbykid]

email me if you want it.

 

[thevacuumguy96]

kirby kid,

If nobody else buys the GE, I would be interested in it. How much do you want for it? Please let me know! Thanks!

 

[kirbykid]

what do you think it is worth? do you live in the uk?

 

[thevacuumguy96]

I live in Idaho. I don't know what it's worth. I would give u probably 10 or 15 plus shipping for it though if you want?

 

[kirbykid]

10 to 15 dollars isnt enough for me. i payed $10 for it and the sell price of the GE av5 was $100 dollars and this is a earlyer model so atleast $100. and the shiping shouldent be thatmuch if i take the handle off and ship that seperatly.

 

[kirbykid]

but id really like to know some info about it. if you know anyone that might know something about it, that would be great

 

[thevacuumguy96]

$100 for a vacuum that isn't worth that much? Nevermind, I'm not interested anymore if it's that high of a price.

 

[dysonman1]

At the Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James, MO

My General Electric and Premier collection. From the 1920's. All have their original bags. Two of the straight suction uprights, as well as the Premier Duplex (Master Model) were the late Stan Kann's machines.

A thing of beauty is a Joy forever!