kirbykid
New member
back wheels
pictures of my electrolux lx
- Thread starter kirbykid
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dysonman1
Well-known member
As far as I know
The dolly your LX sits in is not an original Electrolux part. The first time wheels were added, again as far as I know, was upon the launch of LX1 (61).
The dolly your LX sits in is not an original Electrolux part. The first time wheels were added, again as far as I know, was upon the launch of LX1 (61).
caligula
Well-known member
Wheels for the LX/ LXI.
I didn't think that dolly was part of the Electrolux models LX, and or LXI.
Actually, there were several sets of wheels, and they were optional. The most common were the ones that clamped to the runners (just under the cordwinder) and tightened with a wing nut. By lifting the front end of the motor unit (with the hose) you could now steer the machine, or lift it over an area rug, threshhold, etc.. Then Electrolux decided to improved wheels. Now they were no longer 2 separate wheels, but joined with a long axle, however, they still attached the same way. Then they added the swivle caster which fit under the bag chamber. The advantage here was that the machine glided smoothly from room to room, and you didn't put any strain on the hose. The disadvantage was that this caster went where the compartment to hold three wrappers was located. The plastic tube and spring clamps were replaced with the caster assembly.
As I was always one who liked the virgin LX (without wheels), with the yellow/red nameplates, and chrome cordwinder, that I stayed away from the optional wheels. Then in I think, 1993 (?) Tom Gasko drove to Naperville, Illinois with a van stocked with vintage vacuum cleaners to give away at the club meeting. He presented my with a LXI, complete with the original box. That was my first LXI with rear wheels and swivle caster. And I hate to admit it, but I loved it!
If there were any other wheel sets I'm not aware of them, but do know that with the Model E, and E automatic, wheels were here to stay!
As for the sled runners, with the Model V (5), they were removable. That's right the V could be used as an upright, tank, or with the strap, as a shoulder portable. That was way back in 1924. And you thought Kirby thought of the shoulder portable.
Tom, those boxes with the wrappers are fantastic. I have the first box in my collection, but the box has fallen apart. Can you tell me the best way to put it together?
Alex Taber.
I didn't think that dolly was part of the Electrolux models LX, and or LXI.
Actually, there were several sets of wheels, and they were optional. The most common were the ones that clamped to the runners (just under the cordwinder) and tightened with a wing nut. By lifting the front end of the motor unit (with the hose) you could now steer the machine, or lift it over an area rug, threshhold, etc.. Then Electrolux decided to improved wheels. Now they were no longer 2 separate wheels, but joined with a long axle, however, they still attached the same way. Then they added the swivle caster which fit under the bag chamber. The advantage here was that the machine glided smoothly from room to room, and you didn't put any strain on the hose. The disadvantage was that this caster went where the compartment to hold three wrappers was located. The plastic tube and spring clamps were replaced with the caster assembly.
As I was always one who liked the virgin LX (without wheels), with the yellow/red nameplates, and chrome cordwinder, that I stayed away from the optional wheels. Then in I think, 1993 (?) Tom Gasko drove to Naperville, Illinois with a van stocked with vintage vacuum cleaners to give away at the club meeting. He presented my with a LXI, complete with the original box. That was my first LXI with rear wheels and swivle caster. And I hate to admit it, but I loved it!
If there were any other wheel sets I'm not aware of them, but do know that with the Model E, and E automatic, wheels were here to stay!
As for the sled runners, with the Model V (5), they were removable. That's right the V could be used as an upright, tank, or with the strap, as a shoulder portable. That was way back in 1924. And you thought Kirby thought of the shoulder portable.
Tom, those boxes with the wrappers are fantastic. I have the first box in my collection, but the box has fallen apart. Can you tell me the best way to put it together?
Alex Taber.
kirbykid
New member
Thanks for the information Alex. I didn't know that the wheels were optional. I thought it was something that the original owner made.
And that compartment under it is used to hold bags?
And that compartment under it is used to hold bags?
caligula
Well-known member
Hi frailer25
Actually that is the front cover, the cordwinder/blower is in the rear. Access to the wrapper (bag) chamber is easy. There is a lever located on the left side of the intake hole. Push up and the cover opens. To test the ejector, locate the little lever on the underside of the machine, known as the brain. It's best to open the fromt cover first, then push this lever upward, and the wrapper will be tossed out of the chamber. You can also do this without the wrapped in the chamber. A word of caution KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE EJECTOR! If this lever won't work, then it's frozen with rust, and so on. That will require minor surgery to the ejector mechenism. For That Charles Richard Lester, Tom Gasko and I can walk you through it.
Alex Taber.
Actually that is the front cover, the cordwinder/blower is in the rear. Access to the wrapper (bag) chamber is easy. There is a lever located on the left side of the intake hole. Push up and the cover opens. To test the ejector, locate the little lever on the underside of the machine, known as the brain. It's best to open the fromt cover first, then push this lever upward, and the wrapper will be tossed out of the chamber. You can also do this without the wrapped in the chamber. A word of caution KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE EJECTOR! If this lever won't work, then it's frozen with rust, and so on. That will require minor surgery to the ejector mechenism. For That Charles Richard Lester, Tom Gasko and I can walk you through it.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi kirbykid.
That is one great model LXI, however, I don't think the wheel dolly is original. The little plastic/metal thingy is called a 'tufter,' it fits under the rug tool, and is used for certain types of carpets. The original dusting brush is not there, instead you have the white dusting brush, the standard one has black bristles. The combination dust brush/upholstry tool is not original, but who cares?
Personally I like the tools in a different configuration, but this is a matter of choice. I've included a picture of how it looked in the instruction book.
Please let us know how well the ejector works. I like to have a test wrapper filled with packing popcorn, (tp also works) simply feed the wrapper till it ejects. If the ejector works correctly, the front cover pops open, and the motor shuts off. Seconds later, the wrapper is shot out of the chamber. (It's during the winding down of the motor that trigers the ejection process.) In some cases it rests on the underside of the open cover, but in better situations, it's hurled across the room! A lot of factors contribute to this, the contents of the wrapper, position of the hose, bare floor or carpeting, and so on. Spring tabs in the hose can prevent the long range projectile process. When filling the test wrapper feed the intake port without the hose, and if there is a dial, then set it at retard.
Keep up posted on the progress.
Alex Taber.
That is one great model LXI, however, I don't think the wheel dolly is original. The little plastic/metal thingy is called a 'tufter,' it fits under the rug tool, and is used for certain types of carpets. The original dusting brush is not there, instead you have the white dusting brush, the standard one has black bristles. The combination dust brush/upholstry tool is not original, but who cares?
Personally I like the tools in a different configuration, but this is a matter of choice. I've included a picture of how it looked in the instruction book.
Please let us know how well the ejector works. I like to have a test wrapper filled with packing popcorn, (tp also works) simply feed the wrapper till it ejects. If the ejector works correctly, the front cover pops open, and the motor shuts off. Seconds later, the wrapper is shot out of the chamber. (It's during the winding down of the motor that trigers the ejection process.) In some cases it rests on the underside of the open cover, but in better situations, it's hurled across the room! A lot of factors contribute to this, the contents of the wrapper, position of the hose, bare floor or carpeting, and so on. Spring tabs in the hose can prevent the long range projectile process. When filling the test wrapper feed the intake port without the hose, and if there is a dial, then set it at retard.
Keep up posted on the progress.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Electrolux LX vs LXI
That is one great LXI, and while I don't think the dolly thing is original, you have a fantastic find.
The history of the model LX is an interesting one. It was first dreamed up in 1946 by Gustaf E. Lofgren, head of the engineering department at Electrolux. However, as far s I know, it was Leon P. Borkowski who perfected the idea and the first one came out in 1952. The first of them had a chrome cordwinder, and an impressive nameplate. Egg yolk yellow with the word 'Electrolux' in red. Also, there was no dial to hasten or retard the ejection process, the salesman set the machine in the home after the sale was made. Over the next few years a number of changes were made. The most important was the dial as part of the ejector mechenism. The nameplate went to aluminum (like yours,) the trim was hammertone blue, and this included the cordwinder. The holder for three wrappers on the underside of the machine was replaced with a swivel caster, and there were optional wheels of various designs for the runners. With all these changes, Electrolux decided to change the model name to the LXI.
The model LX/LXI was a heavy machine, and while there was the handle on top, most people carried it by the runners. It was a great vacuum cleaner, but not easy to carry up and down stairs. Electrolux did away with the ejector when they introduced the model E, and E automatic. Now it was enough for the front cover pop open, letting the user know the bag was full.
Still to the serious collector, the model LX, and LXI are a great addition to the collection.
Alex Taber.
That is one great LXI, and while I don't think the dolly thing is original, you have a fantastic find.
The history of the model LX is an interesting one. It was first dreamed up in 1946 by Gustaf E. Lofgren, head of the engineering department at Electrolux. However, as far s I know, it was Leon P. Borkowski who perfected the idea and the first one came out in 1952. The first of them had a chrome cordwinder, and an impressive nameplate. Egg yolk yellow with the word 'Electrolux' in red. Also, there was no dial to hasten or retard the ejection process, the salesman set the machine in the home after the sale was made. Over the next few years a number of changes were made. The most important was the dial as part of the ejector mechenism. The nameplate went to aluminum (like yours,) the trim was hammertone blue, and this included the cordwinder. The holder for three wrappers on the underside of the machine was replaced with a swivel caster, and there were optional wheels of various designs for the runners. With all these changes, Electrolux decided to change the model name to the LXI.
The model LX/LXI was a heavy machine, and while there was the handle on top, most people carried it by the runners. It was a great vacuum cleaner, but not easy to carry up and down stairs. Electrolux did away with the ejector when they introduced the model E, and E automatic. Now it was enough for the front cover pop open, letting the user know the bag was full.
Still to the serious collector, the model LX, and LXI are a great addition to the collection.
Alex Taber.
Model LXI?
Mr. Taber, from your description, I believe my example is a very neglected LXI. The (chrome?)nameplates on either side are very rutsy and pitted, the front cover and cordwinder are heavily pitted as well. When I recieved it, there was a full wrapper inside, which fell to shreds upon removal. The hose is very sound, with no suction loss. However, it does not appear to be original, as it has the molded plastic handgrip with suction control knob on underside. My Lux has the two rear wheels, no front caster, and the ejector control knob on bottom. My few questions are: 1. Is this an LX or LXI?
2. Where in the world would I find wrappers on a very strict budget?
3. And how do I go about restoring the blasted beast?
Any Replies are welcome, will post pictures when I have access to a camera. Also a very large thank-you to all who try to help.
-Larry
Mr. Taber, from your description, I believe my example is a very neglected LXI. The (chrome?)nameplates on either side are very rutsy and pitted, the front cover and cordwinder are heavily pitted as well. When I recieved it, there was a full wrapper inside, which fell to shreds upon removal. The hose is very sound, with no suction loss. However, it does not appear to be original, as it has the molded plastic handgrip with suction control knob on underside. My Lux has the two rear wheels, no front caster, and the ejector control knob on bottom. My few questions are: 1. Is this an LX or LXI?
2. Where in the world would I find wrappers on a very strict budget?
3. And how do I go about restoring the blasted beast?
Any Replies are welcome, will post pictures when I have access to a camera. Also a very large thank-you to all who try to help.
-Larry
kirbykid
New member
So i filled a bag with tp and put it in but nothing happend... The motor turned on, there wasnt any air going through the machine, and the front end didnt pop open or anything. I even had the knob adjusted to 1. So I will have to fix that.
And for the bags, I have some extras. How many do you need?
And for the bags, I have some extras. How many do you need?
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Kirbykid.
Are you saying that there is no suction? that sounds odd! I expected you to turn it on and feed the tp via suction, the idea was to fill the wrapper till it ejected. However, that LXI might need major surgery, most likely a new motor. Take it to the nearest vacuum shop, tell them you are a collector and want it serviced. Don't let anybody say something like "that's too old, " or "you need to replace it with-." Make it crystal clear that this is a museum piece, (it is!) and have a motor from another LX, LXI or XXX put in. If this guy knows anything about vacuum cleaners then ask him to look at the ejector, and see that it works.
You can also do that yourself. Here's what you do.
Stand the LXI on blower end/cordwinder. Open the front cover, and remove the wrapper (bag). There are three screws holding the mechenism in place. Thee correct term for this mechinism is the diaphram, and it's all one unit, front cover and ejector mechinism. When you remove the screws, prepare yourself for a loud BANG, that's the actual spring that pushes the wrapper out. MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE MACHINE, OR BAG CHAMBER! After removing all three screws, the diaphram/front cover will lift off. If the ejector has not sprung, do not force it. You'll need professional help. Most likely, the flat/wide spring is now extended with the part that says "push Here" at the front of the chamber. Push the spring back a bit and locate the small screw holding the ejector track in place, remove the screw, then rock the track a bit and it will lift out. Again, if not, then get it to a vac shop. If the flat spring moves along the track, then spray it with W/D40, or grease it with Vaseline.
Several months ago there was a club member with this same problem and the process was shown in a series of posts. I'll try to locate that, and tell you what thread it's at. But before I do, I'll help you work on the diaphram.
There's a lever that controls the ejector. If it moves freely then it will activate two pins. This lever, and pins might be rusty, if so, get the W/D40, and see if it moves. If not, again major surgery is needed. If this lever does move, then you're in business, because that's the lever that automatically opens the front cover when it's time to eject.
If all parts do not move up and down, then remove this part and treat it to WD/40, but do not get the WD/40 on the rubber gasgets. (It might take several applications of the WD/40, on need to sit for several hours.)
Once you get the lever moving, reassemble it to the diaphram, then put it back on the underside of the machine. Do not tighten the screws all the way, just enough to hold it snug to the vacuum. Now fit the double track with flat spring to the notch at the back of the bag chamber, and replace the small screw. Reset the spring so it bends backward and catches. AGAIN WITH HANDS CLEAR, press the lever on the diaphram upward, and be prepared for another loud BANG.
If any one of these steps doesn't work then you have a defective ejector, and will need to replace the whole diaphram. Let's say it does work, then line up the front cover, and see that it closes and locks. That can be fixed by tightening or loosening the three screws
Now I'll try to locate that thread to let you see it all in pictures. For now, here are two diaphrams resting on the floor of a display of mine.
Good luck with the restoration.
Alex Taber.
Are you saying that there is no suction? that sounds odd! I expected you to turn it on and feed the tp via suction, the idea was to fill the wrapper till it ejected. However, that LXI might need major surgery, most likely a new motor. Take it to the nearest vacuum shop, tell them you are a collector and want it serviced. Don't let anybody say something like "that's too old, " or "you need to replace it with-." Make it crystal clear that this is a museum piece, (it is!) and have a motor from another LX, LXI or XXX put in. If this guy knows anything about vacuum cleaners then ask him to look at the ejector, and see that it works.
You can also do that yourself. Here's what you do.
Stand the LXI on blower end/cordwinder. Open the front cover, and remove the wrapper (bag). There are three screws holding the mechenism in place. Thee correct term for this mechinism is the diaphram, and it's all one unit, front cover and ejector mechinism. When you remove the screws, prepare yourself for a loud BANG, that's the actual spring that pushes the wrapper out. MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE MACHINE, OR BAG CHAMBER! After removing all three screws, the diaphram/front cover will lift off. If the ejector has not sprung, do not force it. You'll need professional help. Most likely, the flat/wide spring is now extended with the part that says "push Here" at the front of the chamber. Push the spring back a bit and locate the small screw holding the ejector track in place, remove the screw, then rock the track a bit and it will lift out. Again, if not, then get it to a vac shop. If the flat spring moves along the track, then spray it with W/D40, or grease it with Vaseline.
Several months ago there was a club member with this same problem and the process was shown in a series of posts. I'll try to locate that, and tell you what thread it's at. But before I do, I'll help you work on the diaphram.
There's a lever that controls the ejector. If it moves freely then it will activate two pins. This lever, and pins might be rusty, if so, get the W/D40, and see if it moves. If not, again major surgery is needed. If this lever does move, then you're in business, because that's the lever that automatically opens the front cover when it's time to eject.
If all parts do not move up and down, then remove this part and treat it to WD/40, but do not get the WD/40 on the rubber gasgets. (It might take several applications of the WD/40, on need to sit for several hours.)
Once you get the lever moving, reassemble it to the diaphram, then put it back on the underside of the machine. Do not tighten the screws all the way, just enough to hold it snug to the vacuum. Now fit the double track with flat spring to the notch at the back of the bag chamber, and replace the small screw. Reset the spring so it bends backward and catches. AGAIN WITH HANDS CLEAR, press the lever on the diaphram upward, and be prepared for another loud BANG.
If any one of these steps doesn't work then you have a defective ejector, and will need to replace the whole diaphram. Let's say it does work, then line up the front cover, and see that it closes and locks. That can be fixed by tightening or loosening the three screws
Now I'll try to locate that thread to let you see it all in pictures. For now, here are two diaphrams resting on the floor of a display of mine.
Good luck with the restoration.
Alex Taber.
kirbykid
New member
I started feeding it in while it was on. But The bag then filled up and it still had not ejected. I then took the bag out and filled it up the rest of the way with tp. The bag was close to rock hard. When i put the bag back in, it was so full that there wasnt any air going through it. But it still hadnt ejected. I even checked the dial and that was on number 1. But the motor works fine.
kirbykid
New member
Is this the lever you are talking about? It is totaly frozen and wont move a bit.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi frailer25.
Take a look at these Electrolux models. They are (fron top left) model V (5), XI (11), XII (12). Second shelf from left, post-war XXX (30), XX (20), LX (60). Third shelf from left, LXI (61), model E, model T (thrift). Bottom shelf model G, model L, model 1205.
The complete LX is on a table, and a cut-away LXI showing the ejection process is on another wall. Above the cut-away are two ejector tracks, and three diaphrams (two showing the inner workings).
Basically, they are all the model LX, it's only the trim, wheels and use of the hammertone blue that makes the difference in model number.
Here's how to check yours. On the top chrome trim that holds the handle strap, is some basic information. It should read 'model LX' (or LXI) followed with amps and so on. The first LX's had no dial on the diaphram. So check yours and let me know.
Alex Taber.
Take a look at these Electrolux models. They are (fron top left) model V (5), XI (11), XII (12). Second shelf from left, post-war XXX (30), XX (20), LX (60). Third shelf from left, LXI (61), model E, model T (thrift). Bottom shelf model G, model L, model 1205.
The complete LX is on a table, and a cut-away LXI showing the ejection process is on another wall. Above the cut-away are two ejector tracks, and three diaphrams (two showing the inner workings).
Basically, they are all the model LX, it's only the trim, wheels and use of the hammertone blue that makes the difference in model number.
Here's how to check yours. On the top chrome trim that holds the handle strap, is some basic information. It should read 'model LX' (or LXI) followed with amps and so on. The first LX's had no dial on the diaphram. So check yours and let me know.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Kirbykid.
Yes, that's the lever, and that whole mechinism is the diapheram. Electrolux also called it the 'brain!'
That should move upward, and release the ejector. A word of advice, don't have a wrapper inside the chamber, if the cover fails to open and the ejector activates it could be messy.
You've taken the first step, let's see where we go from here.
Alex Taber.
Yes, that's the lever, and that whole mechinism is the diapheram. Electrolux also called it the 'brain!'
That should move upward, and release the ejector. A word of advice, don't have a wrapper inside the chamber, if the cover fails to open and the ejector activates it could be messy.
You've taken the first step, let's see where we go from here.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Kirbykid.
Well I didn't locate the actual repair, but did find the thread that shows the parts. Thread # 16823. Post # 182942, reply #36.
Good luck, and if you need more help let me know.
Alex Taber.
Well I didn't locate the actual repair, but did find the thread that shows the parts. Thread # 16823. Post # 182942, reply #36.
Good luck, and if you need more help let me know.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Kirbykid.
I found it!
Thread #19227, post #214633, reply 86. There are several others on the step by step repair on reply 87 and so on. While at this thread look at all the great model XXX's and LX's, it's a great thread, and should help with the repair of your LXI.
Alex Taber.
I found it!
Thread #19227, post #214633, reply 86. There are several others on the step by step repair on reply 87 and so on. While at this thread look at all the great model XXX's and LX's, it's a great thread, and should help with the repair of your LXI.
Alex Taber.
kirbykid
New member
How do you find the thread by its number?
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Kirbykid.
Title of the thread is "Lux model 30/XXX tools." Scroll down to reply 86, and go from there.
Alex Taber.
Title of the thread is "Lux model 30/XXX tools." Scroll down to reply 86, and go from there.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Ki Kirbykid.
On the main Vintage page is the archives. Type in "Lux model 30/XXX tools" then go from there I'll try to find the exact date of the thread, and be right back.
Alex Taber.
On the main Vintage page is the archives. Type in "Lux model 30/XXX tools" then go from there I'll try to find the exact date of the thread, and be right back.
Alex Taber.
kirbykid
New member
Thanks. I found it
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Kirbykid.
Post #214633 aeoliandave, 1-18-2013, reply #s 86/87.
You can also go to vintage archives 2013 and find thread #19227
Post #214633 aeoliandave, 1-18-2013, reply #s 86/87.
You can also go to vintage archives 2013 and find thread #19227
kirbykid
New member
I found the three screws on the bottom, but i need to remove the rails to take the wheels off. They are in the way of getting to the screws
kirbykid
New member
Oh nevermind. I just had to pull a bit harder and the wheel dolley came off.
caligula
Well-known member
Thanks kenkart.
And made a little boy's heart leap with joy when I first saw it eject back in 1952.
Here's what I looked like at the time. My mom just found this and sent it to me. Here I'm trying to turn a Kirby 512 into an upright Air-Way, by using the hose of an Electrolux XXX. And I'm told my first word was vacuum. but I said "vacum!" When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up? "a vacuum cleaner salesman!"
Thanks for the messages,
Alex Taber.
And made a little boy's heart leap with joy when I first saw it eject back in 1952.
Here's what I looked like at the time. My mom just found this and sent it to me. Here I'm trying to turn a Kirby 512 into an upright Air-Way, by using the hose of an Electrolux XXX. And I'm told my first word was vacuum. but I said "vacum!" When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up? "a vacuum cleaner salesman!"
Thanks for the messages,
Alex Taber.
