My chrome and green G.E. canister

[electrolux137]

This is my chrome and green deluxe G.E. canister vacuum cleaner - it has a retracting cord which works fine, however, the step-on switch does not work. Anyone know how to repair this?

Those who have read the hilarious story about the time I broke into one of my school chum's houses to see his mom's new vacuum cleaner -- well, this exact model of the G.E.!

The hose is a replacement, obviously. The original hose did come with this machine but it leaked so terribly that it was absolutely useless. So I got a high-quality ribbed hose, cut the metal ends off the woven hose and attached them to the ribbed hose. I know ... utter, despicable mutilation of the original hose! But it really was less than useless.

This is a fun machine to have but I have hardly ever used it because the suction power is so wimpy. That's due in part to the poor design of the floor tool, which does not properly concentrate the airflow.

 

[electrolux137]

Closer view.

 

[electrolux137]

Another view.

Oh, btw, I do have the rubber stopper that goes into the blower hole in the front (when it's in place, the exhaust is diffused and goes out through slots in the bottom, I think.) Anyway, I do have the stopper. I just forgot to stick it in when I snapped these photos.)

It really is a lovely machine, isn't it.

 

[electrolux137]

Here's a miniature "companion" to the vacuum cleaner...

 

[electrolux137]

It's a finely detailed, tiny sewing kit. A 48-inch-long tape measure retracts in and out of the bottom like the cord on the big model!

 

[briankirbyclass]

Very nice indeed! A favorite Aunt and Uncle had that very same model, from the early to mid 1960s, i believe. He worked for a Rural Electric Cooperative, in SE Minnesota, and the employees were given various GE and/or Norelco appliances as sales insentives, or give aways, so im sure thats where they got the GE Vac. They had the matching green/chrome floor polisher/shampooer to match, which i have in my posession.
They also had the little green portible hand vac, with a little short hose, shoulder strap and attachments. Must have gotten them all about the same time.
I know most every electric appliance in their home was either a GE or Norelo.
Fond memories!

 

[kenkart]

Charles!

The machine you have is the first generation of these, the cast alumimum clamps and handle ,as well as the small tool bucket held on by 1 pin gives it away, if im not mistaken, this was made form late 58 until about 60 or 61, the next version had chromed steel clamps a plastic handle,as well as a larger tool bucket held on by 2 pins, also the wide very narrow drapery tool was dropped that was with your machine, these were a very good cleaner.The one I have was bought 2-2-62 according to the date written on the book.

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


This must be an earlier model than my friend's mom got, then. Unless she somehow managed to buy an earlier model. It would have been some time in 1967 or 1968 that I broke into their house to see it when it had just been delivered. I do clearly remember it was the same color green as this one, with the chrome mid-section, and had an automatic cord winder. The hose was matching green with off-white strips to match the bumper color, and all the tools were green.

 

[super-sweeper]

Charles,

You've 'gotta love those old G.E's!


 


I've never heard your story, would you please care to share?


 


I have a Swivel-Top too, But mine is the Cream & Brown Deluxe model I believe, The motor is unfortunately shot, however

 


-Alex.

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


Alex, I am still working on a major revision of my "Sweeper Memories" story. I'll be posting it soon, probably installments because it's lonnnnnnnnng!