My Filter Queen 350!

[tinytyke]

Meet Sheila, my "new" Filter Queen 350! This is an incredible machine, as I'm sure many of you already know. She came with casters and a wire tool caddy, both of which I set aside for the sake of convenience and because I think she looks cuter without them. I also supplied a dark brown hose to complement her coloring. Feline investigation ensues, courtesy of Willow.[this post was last edited: 1/6/2016-14:23]

 

[suckolux]

Very Handsome machine!

 

[delaneymeegan]

I was thinking of getting a FQ, too. And I don't like the clunky factory tools, caddy, pn or the wheels that go in all directions.

I DO love the filtering ability and noise dampening characteristics though.

I want to get one like yours is sitting, put 3 wheels directly onto the bottom, like the wheel layout of most canisters. Two straight wheels toward the back, and a pivoting wheel at the front. At least a 3" diameter.

Also add some low profile, probably automotive, type bumper around the projecting rim.

Then use a crush proof light weight hose and an Electrolux pn. and tools.

I think it would be much lighter weight and easier to work with.

Only thing is cord winder: do I just wind manually around the top of the machine?

 

[tinytyke]

Thanks, suckolux! I'm thrilled with this FQ!

Interesting idea, delaneymeegan. My main reason for not using the casters is that the machine needs to sit flat on a wooden staircase during part of her journey through my house. Wheels would be a set-up for disaster!

 

[delaneymeegan]

Yes, that is the unfortunate down side of a sweet vac like this. When it can't be set slimly on end to clean stairs, or used in a tight space like cleaning the car.

I tend to frown on vacs that don't have integrated tool storage, as well. But the quality of a FQ is exceptional. Both my Grandmother and an Aunt had 60s pink FQs. One of which had a spring loaded cord rewind that was part of the wheeled base. I haven't seen many of those.

Do you like the FQ tool sets, or do you prefer others?
Are you one to keep a vac in it's "true" original-from-the-factory form?

 

[tinytyke]

My preference is to have the FQ be as close to original condition as possible, but only remove what gets in the way. I wouldn't modify the machine itself, of course! The factory tools are fine for my purposes, and I'm really pleased with the set that came with this one.

 

[countryguy]

My mom had 2 FQs and I had one also. Why don't you like the 4 casters that are on the new FQs? It rolls effortlessly on bare floors and carpeting, swivels in all directions and does not tip over. I have a GE swivel top with the 2 fixed wheels in the rear and only 1 wheel in the front like in the pic you posted and it always wants to tip over.

Gary

 

[tinytyke]

Gary, it's mostly a combination of personal preference and space issues. The way my house is set up, there wouldn't be any particular advantage to having the FQ on casters. Of course I have the casters available just in case.

 

[dysonman1]

The wire attachment holder is a very rare accessory. For most of its run, the model 350 had a 'shoe bag' type attachment holder that slipped over the top of the machine, and the tool hung down over the side.

Congratulations on getting your dream machine. I know that one is a pretty powerful vacuum, putting only clean air back into the rooms. Enjoy in good health.

 

[tinytyke]

I love it, Tom, and am so glad to have it doing its magic in my home. Never fear; I am hanging onto that wire attachment holder! I'd also be interested in one of the "shoebag" ones if any come along...

 

[kenkart]

The original wands For a 350 were,

Believe it or not were painted the same color as the machine, the rug tool had no rubber bumper and had a big crown stamped in the front of it, also the original upholstery tool was painted the same color as the machine, and looked somewhat different than the later ones.

 

[tinytyke]

I'd love to find those wands, kenkart! They sound beautiful.

 

[delaneymeegan]

Gary- You asked "...Why don't you like the 4 casters that are on the new FQs? It rolls effortlessly on bare floors and carpeting, swivels in all directions..."

Yes, I agree. Like most all of FQs attachments and the quality overall, the wheels do roll good. They roll too much for me.

I want a vac that rolls in the general direction I want it too, otherwise it should stay where I put it.

With wheeled bases like the FQ, most shop vacs, a constellation (floats), Hoover Celebrity (floats and Some with numerous swivel casters), and Silver King, amongst others, they can move all over the place. It's sloppy and annoying.





If you have a GE swivel top like the one pictured, IMO, you'd be almost better off removing the 3 wheels that are on there, and placing the vac in a color matched FQ wheel base.
OR remove the one wheel at the front, and get another one like it and add it so there are 4 wheels on the bottom.
OR leave all the wheels as is, and add 2 more wheels, one on each side of the front one.

I agree with you: a top filled vacuum like this, needs ample wheels and preferably have the weight of the machine (motor area) be at the base, to keep it from falling over. The FQ, of course, the hose connects on the lower side so it's not likely to tip over

I'm assuming the GE swivel top does have the motor in the base, which probably makes for easier bag changes. (?)

 

[countryguy]

Yes my GE is similiar to that. It is not one of the vacs that I use on a regular basis and when I do use it, it is for cleaning up the kitty litter which is in the utility room. I replaced the hose with a longer hose so I can position the vac and never have to move it so the wheels don't really bother me any more. If I used it on a regular basis it would drive me crazy LOL

http://www.vacuumland.org/COLLECTIONS/COUNTRYGUY/25@GE Swivel [email protected]

 

[packardmanken]

That is a beautiful machine! I LOVE the carpet nozzel! Great for fine carpets that you dont want to beat with a brushroll, (looks like you have a nice carpet!). I only use this on my antique orientals and am very pleased with the results. The floor buffer/polisher pad that attaches to the rug tool is great on wood floors. Not a trace of cat or dog hair left! Dont forget to use the original cones and change the pre-motor filter! I just found the golden Monarch? in the original hassock!

 

[packardmanken]

Does anyone have a "shoe bag" attachment holder available? I want to complete my model 200 Filter queen (thanks Toby Glenn).
Can we see a pic of the wire attachment holder? Never have seen one. Thx!

 

[kenkart]

My 350

Has the red leatherette shoe bag holder.

 

[tinytyke]

Thanks, Packardmanken! Here are a few pictures of the wire attachment holder -- the "crown," shall we say? -- holding the attachments, then without them so you can see how it's constructed. The coiled segment is intended to hold the cord up out of the way. I also show two rug tools. The one on the hose came with the machine; the other one, without the bumper, is one I already had. You can see the felt floor buffer attached to its underside in the last picture.

Kenkart, show us a picture of the red tool holder! I'd love to find one of the old leather ones that would fit a FQ 200.