Restoring the Electrolux SAP

[Klectrolux]

From my find on Kijiji, this machine, made in 1982, was in quite poor condition. So one day I decided to go all out and restore the machine. I don't like to work on a desk or counter, I much prefer the floor, draped in a bed sheet or drop cloth to catch all the dirt. This is the machine before I started doing my work.

 

[Klectrolux]

Time to take out the runners, and dis-assemble the machine. Anyone else like wearing gloves?

 

[Klectrolux]

Bottom is off now.

 

[Klectrolux]

Marking the wires with a Sharipe, so when I go to put the machine back together, I know which wires belong where. I also took a picture of the wires as well.

 

[Klectrolux]

Bag compartment is out now.

 

[Klectrolux]

About to take the power switch assembly out. Its neat to see that even though the machine is not Automatic, it still features some of the parts to do so, in this case, the bellows/rubber diaphragm is still present.

 

[Klectrolux]

What I was about to do next with all the parts was something new, I have never done it before. So I have to remove all the metal parts from the body to prohibit rust. So I have to remove the C-clips that hold the wheels on.

 

[Klectrolux]

Tub needed to be cleaned the next day anyways, so I filled it up and bathed the parts. I have never done this before, I usually clean the parts with a spray bottle cleaner. I probably would do it again.

 

[Klectrolux]

While the plastic parts were bathing, Its time to take apart and re-build the motor. I got really into rebuilding the motor, so I forgot to take pictures. Long story short, I thought the motor was going to be a nightmare! NOPE! The bearings are perfect, no play, no squeaks, and no coarse movement. The brushes were in good condition too.

 

[Klectrolux]

All the plastic parts are squeaky clean! Now that they are dry, time to reassemble the machine.

 

[Klectrolux]

Screwing in the handle/top assembly.

 

[Klectrolux]

Motor is seated back where it belongs.

 

[Klectrolux]

Both halves are now joined back up. Now time to clean the exterior!

 

[Klectrolux]

After cleaning the body, now its time to remove the scuffs, scrapes, and paint marks. Go magic eraser!

 

[Klectrolux]

However, the magic eraser usually leaves some haze all over the plastic. So the only solution to that, I have found so far, is Armour All. Cleans that right up and removes the haze. Also makes the machine sing and look brand new.

 

[Klectrolux]

Alas! Hard work pays off, and the haze is gone thanks to Armour All. Now the machine is perfect and back to what it should be. It now will join its other AP friends!

 

[eurekastar]

Thanks for documenting your work with all the photos! You did a great job and it was fun looking at all your work!

 

[goadie12]

Very nice ap 280 one of my faverote canadian electroluxs great job.

 

[northwesty]

looks Great!

Thanks for sharing and all the great photos. I guess that is what the armour all is meant to do, I think it will help preserve it too.

 

[electrolux~137]

Excellent job turning a sow's ear into a silk purse!!

 

[countryguy]

I had an AP280 which was 2 speed and had the automatic shut off function so there was the dial on top. I never knew that they made an AP280 that did not have the automatic function and was single speed only......or is your machine bojacked?

Gary

 

[scvacuumguy]

Beautiful work and thanks so much for the documentation. In 16+ years of doing this (yes I started WAYY young), I have never taken apart, or touched a Canadian Lux other than the ones sold in the US.

The Canadian who lives with me is from Alberta, so any vac people in Canada who want to help make him feel even more at home- feel free to quote me a price on a piece of your collection.

 

[petek]

great photo's.. never knew they made a single speed no adjustment model either

 

[luxg]

Kevin, thanks so much for sharing all of those detailed pictures with us. Very interesting and the end results look great.

Terry

 

[Klectrolux]

Doug mentioned something to me about an SAP when I was talking to him about Electroluxes, but he told me there were two economy machines produced in Canada during the AP series production: The AP (economy, non-automatic, no cord winder, straight suction version of the AP100), and the SAP, which is also non-automatic, no cord winder, and straight suction version of the AP280. I'm not sure if there was an economy version of the AP200.

Chris, if I find any APs around here in the city, I'll let you know.

 

[scvacuumguy]

Were any of the AP machines metal- or am I just showing stupidity again...and thanks Kevin. We travel up to Alberta a few times per year. This time, I think the grandparents are coming to see us- so it would be Sept or Oct before we make the trek to Canadaland.

 

[countryguy]

No I don't think any of the AP machines were metal.

Gary

 

[collector2]

Hey Zach, Gary:

That isnt a 280 its a SAP (Special AP). Like the US, Electrolux Canada always made a stripped down version of the delux model to sell either as a drop down if you couldnt get the sale on the delux model or for use in industrial settings like hotels, shops etc.

The list of them goes like this:
1953-57
Delux Model:Z57 - Standard Model:ZB55 -Stripped Down Model:Z54

1957-63
Delux Model:ZB88- Standard Model:ZB86- Stripped Down Model:ZB83

1963-67
Delux Model:ZB88 - Stripped Down Model:ZB86

1967-73
Delux Model:ZB89 (89E) - Stripped Down Model:ZB87 (87E)

1973-76
Delux Model:AP100 - Stripped Down Model:AP

1976-78
Delux Model:AP200 *****See note below

1978-82
Delux Model:Ap280 - Stripped Down Model: SAP

1982-85
Delux Model: E2000 - Stripped Down Model:E Special

1985-87
Delux Model: 2100 - Stripped Down Model: LE

As you can see the only exception to this was the AP200. Generally the delux machine came out first then the stripped down one as the stripped down machines didnt sell as well and there was usually a supply of the old ones to get rid of before the new one came out. In this case though the factory here went on strike before production of a stripped down version was started. By the time the strike was settled designs had already been done for the AP80 and SAP so the stripped down version of the AP200 was never produced.

Also in the early years Electrolux produced 3 machines a delux, standard and stripped down version. Within 10 years they realized that two lower versions were not necessary as they were being far outsold by the delux model. They streamlined production by merely bringing out the 86 with a halo and the option of buying a cord reel for $30 more (which essentially was the only difference between the earlier 86 and 83 anyway. This cut down on the stocks the branches had to carry as well.

I think that pretty much covers it. Anything I forgot or questions?

Doug

 

[lillylux]

What a very professionally done restoration! Thank you!