New User: Electrolux 1205 Help Needed!

[bigredmachine]

Hey guys and gals..I've stumbled across this forum while searching for information regarding my Electrolux 1205 and decided to seek help regarding a (partial) restoration. The vacuum was my grandmothers until she bought a Simplicity about 12 years ago..so it was used for a LONG time. I live with my grandparents and have been using this vacuum mainly to clean up my shop area in the basement. I've been reluctant to use it on carpet since the roller is very worn down and doesn't pick up all that much without many passes. I'm hoping I can get some advice on restoring this unit to the way it performed back in 1969. Both of the motors seem to work well and do not make any unusual noises. Is there any lubrication that needs to be done? Suction seems fine, but I have no way of knowing if it is good or bad for this vacuum. The power nozzle (which I've found to be a PN1) is in good condition, but needs a new roller..I'm not sure if any lubrication is necessary. One feature of this vacuum that I have not figured out is the "Automatic Control". I've fiddled with it a little bit but I do not believe it is functional, although I'm not sure what it's supposed to do. The body of the vacuum is in fair condition, there are some dings and dents but they aren't that noticeable to the untrained eye. The handle on the top of the unit is broken, but I have already located a couple for sale online.
Any help with this project would be greatly appreciated. I'm a tinkerer (antique radios, stereo equipment, computers, etc) so I'm not afraid to tackle whatever is needed to get this vacuum back in top condition. I was excited to find this site and read that this is a fairly desirable unit, and a good performer. I love the "vintage" look and the sound of the jet turbine-like whir, as opposed to the growl of modern vacuums. I've attached a (bad) picture of the vacuum..I'll be glad to provide more if needed.
Thanks!
Sid

 

[electromatik]

That will restore nicely once it has a new handle, wheels, and polish. It will need a new hose or the hose it has now cleaned and sealed. The Automatic Control is related to the automatic shut off feature when the bag becomes so full the suction is non-useful. You could rotate the dial to the type of dirt you were vacuuming to delay or speed up when the vacuum shut itself off. Good luck.

 

[kirbyguy]

Great machine

This will be a fun restoration project. I recently restored a Lux just like it.

As for the PN1 power nozzle. I would suggest replacing the brush roll and belt, and yes, while you have the PN1 top cover off it wouldn't hurt to put a drop of oil on the motor armiture's drive shaft shaft. Belts and brush rolls and even a replacement elactric hose with the optional on/off switch for the power head for the PN1 can be found on eBay at very reasonable prices.

Mothers aluminum polish and 000 grit steel wool will polish the chrome up very nicely. I was also able to match the exact paint color of my Lux with auto body touch up spray paint. If I remember, it was a touch up color match for a 1966/67 Chevy.

If the main Lux motor itself seems to be working without any unusual grinding or other noise. No need to tackle taking it apart. As its not an easy job.

As for the handle replacement. Again, check out eBay first. Ya never know what someone is selling. To buy a new handle for the machine is around $40.00

Hope this info helps & Best of luck with your restoration on your Lux.

KG

 

[bigredmachine]

Thank you for the responses! I'm going to oil the PN motor shaft tonight and pick up a belt and roller tomorrow from a local vacuum shop.

 

[kirbyguy]

Handle and hose on eBay

Hi Sid,

I was doing my general vac surfing on eBay today and came across a new lux hose and a used hamdle that includes the top metal housing trim plate.

New hose item # 390494082056

Handle w/ Top metal housing trim. item # 170968035292

Hope these items might help with your restoration.

KG

 

[superj]

Kirbyguy

What lux did u restore????

 

[bigredmachine]

Hey guys..just wanted to update you on the status of the project: I bought a new roller for the power nozzle but decided to keep the existing belt since it is working fine and they didn't stock it at the vac shop I went to. I used Marvel oil on the PN drive shaft as well as on the roller shafts. I also had to cut away a small portion of the white rubber trim on the nozzle as it was rubbing against the belt gear that connects to the roller. On the outside, I polished the metal with Mothers mag and aluminum polish using my dremel, and used all purpose cleaner on the rubber and plastic trim. The trim didn't turn out as good as I had hoped so I'm planning on picking up a magic eraser and seeing how that goes. For the main body I polished with Klasse all-in-one car polish, which gave it a nice shine. I'm going to put off on repainting for now. As I said, both motors run well so I didn't try to take them apart. Suction at the power nozzle isn't incredible, but I'll blame that on the hose that I have yet to replace. I'm not sure if this hose is original to begin with..it is all gray and most of the 1205 pictures I've seen feature a turquoise hose. Also, although it isn't to original spec, I've decided to no replace the handle on the top of the unit. I removed what was left of the broken handle and found that the vacuum has a nice sleek look without one.
I'll post a couple pictures in the coming days and please let me know if there's anything that I've overlooked..I appreciate the help of experts!

 

[eurekaprince]

If I remember correctly, this was Consumer Reports' top rated canister vac when it was on the market (around 1969?). At the time they did not separate suction only canisters from power nozzle canisters and of course, the few canisters that came with power nozzles cleaned carpets much better in that year!

 

[smith]

pics

let's see some updated pics of what you have done so far.

 

[bigredmachine]

Here is a picture of the vac as it looks currently. Sorry for the poor photo quality!

 

[smith]

Impressive. Good job, especially the chrome.

 

[kirbyguy]

Lookin GOOD

Hi Sid,

Wow, the Lux is looking good. To answer your previous question asked. The Lux I restored is also a modle 1205. My 1205 was mechanically in good condition. However, I did replace the carbon motor brushes, polished the chrome & repainted the metal body of the machine as it had a few minor rust spots and scratches.

 

[floor-a-matic]

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">I recently acquired a 1205; but it won't power on, not even the CHECK BAG light turned on.  What could be the problem with the vacuum?</span>

[this post was last edited: 1/28/2013-23:34]

 

[s31463221]

Erik

I obtained an Olympia One not that long ago that had the same issue. I discovered that someone had "scavenged" the bag/door switch and left the wires just hanging inside the unit. It's a 1000 wonders I didn't trip a breaker when I plugged that thing in. If that's not the problem, I would check to make sure the three wires are making contact with your cordwinder, or if something has become disconnected from the power distribution block behind the cordwinder. Good luck with it!

 

[rainbowjoel]

I love 1205 color!

I have a question the front lettering were gold right? I know side was black with red lining???

 

[electromatik]

I just noticed that says "guide light" instead of "check bag" on the front...

 

[rainbowjoel]

you're right!

 

[s31463221]

Christopher, Joel

You're right, it does say "guide light" but pop the bag door open with the power switch in the on position and when it lights up, you will see "check bag" show up in the glowing light....I found this out the hard way, the first time I rebuilt one of these, I turned it upside down and when the light came on, I had to disassemble the bag door and fix it!

 

[electromatik]

Well whatdyaknow, even an Electrolux fanatic like me can learn something new!