The Electrolux Model G!

[jo]

Very nice machines

Those are very nice machines and nice that you have new hoses and power nozzles which really make for excellent upgrades to these machines.

Funny you mention the G exhaust odor. Just yesterday I decided to pull my G out of the closet and give the motor a spin. I always keep it stored with an empty bag in it so it doesn’t acquire an odor and sure enough after I ran it for a few minutes, stepped out of the room for something, then came back in, The whole room smelled distinctly of the Model G odor and I wondered why it is that all of the G’s that I’ve experienced have this odor? My Sister had one for the long time and growing up we had a few G that were rescues all of which had the same odor. The only thing exclusively different on a model G versus others is perhaps the bag compartment metal and definitely the back end metal of the unit itself...and I’m talking about the painted back end part just before the unpainted cordwinder part. It is definitely not made of dentable steel like all other models of the same general shape but perhaps die cast aluminum? Maybe when this aluminum gets warm from the motor it emits an odor? It has to be some permanent part of the vacuum cleaner that is emitting the odor, otherwise the odor would not be universal and exclusive to the model G. When I’ve taken the cordwinder off a G for repair, you can see the back end inside is even completely different than other models and clearly a different type of metal. I’m guessing this is where the “exclusive G odor” is coming from. You are not the first person to comment on this either....I read somewhere...perhaps here...more than a year or so ago about someone remembering his Grandmother having a G that “smelt funny” he wrote...spelling it just that way!

 

[compactelectra]

As Usual

Charlie Watrous’s machines are pristine. I have found that collectors are generally of one of two types. They either go for quality or quantity and Charlie and I fall into the former category. I did a bit of quantity but Charlie’s husband limits his quantity which I have discovered is a good thing. Being a widow lady I haven’t had such limits. Charlie and I used to send machines back and forth and I always appreciated getting machines back from him since he always subjects the machines to a spa treatment and they came back like new or more new. This is why I love watching the postings from Keith since his machines look like they were just delivered from the Electrolux man.

I’ll post some pictures soon of the Renaissance since it went to live with Charlie and came back after a spa treatment. Here’s a picture of how things came back from Charlie.

 

[compactelectra]

BTW

The Tan G originally came from Charlie and will be going back to him. The Ultralux is going to him as well. There are some great stories about that Ultralux including me buying it brand new in Palm Springs years ago when it was sold new and that it turned out to be my housekeeper’s favorite vacuum to use in Chicago. There’s a story about Charlie meeting my housekeeper Geneva and her almost slapping the crap out of him after he told her she “missed a spot”.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Hey Fred...………...you are spot on about Keith and his vacuums. Talk about being, "pea green with envy". His vacs are stunning. If I can't find them like Keith does then I try to make them look as good as his. And, you should know, about two years ago I found a really nice Renny. I liked yours so much that I got it.

I ended buying another one and between the two have a super nice one. Over the years there has been arguably more than just a little criticism about the Renny. I find it to be a really nice Lux with what seems to be a slightly longer hose than other models. I like the controls in the handle---it would have been nice to have another set on the base machine too.

Recently I bought a new PN motor for it along with belt and brush roll from the parent company of the Perfect line of vacs. The new model uses a serpentine belt so you need the belt and brush roll to go with it. That PN is so quiet now it is hard to tell if it is running properly. But it is! Makes a great machine better.

I've always enjoyed working on the vacs and making them look factory fresh. After years of experimenting I have found a collection of products that work with nearly
all models.

The story of the Hoover 29 is really the one that takes the cake! It did enjoy it's time here at summer camp

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I cam across a complete model L on EBay that had the genuine replacement hose, and with shipping it was the cost of a new hose...bit the bullet on it.
Should be here next week

 

[electrolux137]

~
~




Andy, I hope you'll post photos of it!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I certainly will! I do not need a third model L but it was worth it for the hose and the minty pn-2

 

[gottahaveahoove]

nice machines.

That first machine pic looks like "Tarantula Arms".

 

[air-waycharlie]

John,
The homes pictured are: Tarantula Arms, Tarantula Arms West, Charles Lester's home and AirWay Abbey South I. (Airway Abbey South II is under construction.)
Good eye!

 

[jo]

Vacuumlad1650:

I saw that model L too on eBay and noticed it was gone today and had considered buying it for the hose, then equipping it with a non electric hose with the external wrap and getting the power nozzle wand for it and reselling keeping the pigtail hose. You beat me to it. The seller wanted a lot for an incomplete unit as I noticed the power nozzle wands sheath and cord are not included. But glad that rare hose will be well used in a collection.

Jon

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Yes, I have contacted 6 or 7 shops seeking that hose to no avail...at this point I figured it was worth it even for a mismatched L to come along with the hose...

 

[jo]

Received my pigtail hose

Well the box came quickly from the pigtail hose purchase on eBay. Still can’t believe I found one but glad I did. Of course before leaving feedback I had to make sure it works fine so I pulled out my model G and installed it and tested it with my Ultralux era lighted power nozzle. So glad to finally have things upgraded nicely making using this machine a true pleasure with no wiring to deal with! Though I’d post some pictures since so had it out. In another thread I talked about the fact that I’ve painted this G. I used Hammerite brand paint and it has a wonderful high gloss to it. Personally I think this color scheme really goes beautifully with the teal blue accents and the polished aluminum and the chrome trim. Someone before me did work on the wheels and did not replace the front wheel covers I’m guessing because they put those screws in. Odd that it lost a wheel or two because this machine has very little wear on it. The bag compartment is nearly spotless and inside the bag door is also very very clean and shiny. Here’s some pictures.

I do have a blue dusting brush/upholstery tool and the blue crevice tool along with a pair of stainless steel wands and the combination rug and floor tool to go along with it but didn’t pull those out of the closet when I took the photos so it’s a complete set. And I can use a sidekick too now. Apparently several people have had issues with getting the generic hoses to work with the sidekick.

The interesting thing is this G is so quiet that I could only hear the power nozzle running when it was on, it’s so much louder it completely frowns out the quiet smooth sound of the G.

I’m brainstorming on taking a Genuine Aerus Electrolux upright hose with the pigtail cord and adding on a metal end to that rubber cuff. There are plenty available on eBay used and in great shape...there’s got to be an easy way of adapting this hose to work with the metal connector and I’m pretty sure I’ve got it down to a relatively easy process. I just need some measurements of the inside and outside diameter of the upright genuine hose machine end rubber cuff and then I’ll be able to confirm if my method will work. I do know that rubber cuff is pretty wide so attaching it directly to the machine or a metal end won’t work but I’ve got an idea for an adapter between the two. If anyone has one of these hoses, please send me or post the measurements. I really prefer to use the OEM hoses...so does my family...we all have Electrolux and several Model L’s that could use new pigtail hoses.

Jon

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I've been working on that with my spare upright hose, but the cord and will need to be ground down to fit inside the rectangular cutout for the plug.

My model L did arrive (in better shape than I thought) so when I take a break from packing I will try and get some pictures up. I still need to plug it in and try...

 

[jo]

That model L really looked like it was in nice shape from the eBay pictures. Hard to find them without a lot of scratches and dents and paint scuffs these days.

Long long ago, over 25 years ago, I almost opened up the end of a pigtail hose to see how the pigtail was connected. Looking at mine I can see the inside of the metal cuff is pressure fit clamped by a special machine They have in the factory. That would have to be removed first then the outer metal cuff would slide off allowing the pigtail wires base to slide out of the plastic frame. The concept here in this thinking it to see if there is some way to literally reuse the pigtail hose ends from dead hoses onto a rubberized electric hose with no end.

 

[dianag]

Model G cord winder

Hi! I have a turquoise model G that I use regularly, love it! Unfortunately the cord has cracked in many places and I need to replace it. I've removed the winder assembly, but I can't figure out how to get it apart, and I'm wondering if it's even possible to take them apart? Anytips are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much

 

[kirboover]

Don’t Quote Me But I think This Is how you do it

Take out those two screws by the serial number on the winder. Now it should pull right off. (Be cautious, those springs could cause serious injuries if not handled properly.)

 

[dysonman1]

Replacing the cord will be difficult for someone who is not an Electrolux repair person. You'll need a drill to drill the rivets, and a soldering iron to solder the wires of the new cord to the brass rings. But first, getting the old one out. You'll have to pry up on the retaining ring in the very middle. It's circular. Then remove the two screws holding the spring bar. You'll have to put your fingers behind the spring coil and wiggle it and the winder UP. Then you remove the spring coil (carefully). Now you can drill the screws on the winder and solder on another cord. Once that's done, return the winder to the machine, wiggling the spring coil back into place. Replace the bar and two screws. Have the new cord fully wound before putting the reel back. Replace the retaining ring, and hand wind the cord three times by turning it around. That puts some tension on the spring. Replace the reel and you should be good. The new cord should be measured and NOT more than 20 feet long.

 

[dianag]

Thanks

Thank you so much Dysonman1. I had a feeling i would have to drill out the rivets and solder just from what I could see. Probably beyond what I am willing to get into.. I tried to get the retaining ring off, but even that was challenging!

 

[jo]

Yes

Removing the spring behind the main spool for the cord has to be done together and once the small spool with the strong is off its shaft it will spin and unwind unless you are holding it in place so be very, very careful. The spring steel can cut up your hands as well if it unwinds. It can be rewound in the event it unwinds.

A local Aerus dealer can replace the cord for you. That is the New name for a Electrolux now. Aerus vacuums.com is the web site for locating a store. A general vacuum store should also be an
Blue to do the cord replacement for you, but often the replacement cords aren’t as good as what Aerus supplies as general vacuum repair shops only use generic parts.

Jon

 

[kirbyklekter]

@dianag

Diana, While you have the winder out,take a look at the brass coil or contact there.At about the 8 o'clock position the metal looks a little jagged or rough there. You could probably file or sand that smoother there if you wanted to.

When I brought my model F cord winder to my regular repair guy he politely refused to work on it due to an injury during his apprenticeship. He sent it out to a friend at another shop for me.Convinced me to leave that for the pros, so I hope you will be careful if you choose to do this yourself.

@jo Dallas Texas. Jon , it was nice seeing your model G again. I remember the project well. Looks great.Nice shine. Billy

 

[compactelectra]

The G had to go to the hospital!

I have quite a few vintage vacuums but pulled out the Silver G which is the subject of his thread a while ago and it wasn’t working! I really don’t vacuum too much any more since I broke down and hired a housekeeper here (a reward for quitting smoking.) Not sure if it was the switch or the carbon brushes (ran intermittently and smelled of electricity. ). Proving that this is  my favorite vacuum of all time, I just couldn’t let I go so brought it in to my local vacuum shop (has been around for years) here in Palm Springs and it was diagnosed with bad switch. This is the shop that is also my sewing machine shop so they gave me great  service for a good price.  Didn’t have the energy to diagnose the problem, track down parts and do the repairs myself (used to be able to do it). This is a factory rebuilt unit with little use so I was surprised that it wasn’t working  but have heard that these rebuilt units can have problems. In any event, it’s back in service. A tribute to a machine that is over 50 years old.   Parts and service still available. 

 

[jo]

Did they have switches?

I’m wondering if they had replacement switches? If so I’d like to get one or two. My Mom’s Aerus dealer told me they no longer make the switches and the one on my G sometimes doesn’t work but if I switch it a few times it comes on and then is fine for a while. I have an AF as well and it uses the switch, it appears it has been replaced as the plastic parts of it are clear instead of the usual black. It was this way when I obtained the vac. Since I have a few machines that use that switch which is specially made to work with the automatic control feature which actually automatically mechanically moves the switch off when the bag door pops open…I know this special switch is required and using anything else will defeat the automatic shut off feature which I love and find very useful.

Jon

 

[jo]

I really love…

The coloring on your genuine rebuilt model G by the way…I always felt the gray rebuilt G’s look so good in the hammered gray paint with the gray bumpers/handle etc. it goes beautifully with the shiny polished aluminum. Since I couldn’t change the teal blue bumpers and handle and switch cover on my G…I decided to go with that dark blue metallic paint and think it looks pretty good. It was turquoise before and had some tiny rust speckles in it so I thought a paint job and polishing would really clean it up nicely. The motor is very strong and winds down super quietly indicating the bearing are still very good.

Jon

 

[compactelectra]

I was wondering about the switch

He used to fix the machine.  He said he had a switch but didn’t say whether it was new.  Since this vac shop has been in business like 50 years it could be non Electrolux replacement or from a donor machine. I’ll see if I can find out.

 

[human]

I've never owned a Model G. My oldest Electrolux machines are a pair of early 1205s, both of which came from my dad. One he rescued from the curb in the early '80s and I subsequently rescued from their attic in 2016, and the other he bought for me at a thrift store in 2004, after had I split from my then-wife and needed a vacuum cleaner. I have only seen one model G in the flesh and that was at a thrift store maybe six or seven years ago. They wanted about $10 for it with just a ratty looking non-electric hose. The whole machine looked like it had sustained a fair amount of abuse over the years, so I chose to walk away. Besides, I had just bought a pristine looking Diamond J with a PN5 and an aftermarket hose a few days earlier for $10 at a different thrift store, so I wasn't exactly 'hungry' for another vacuum at that point.

 

[mjhoshaw]

Jon, I don't know if this means anything . . .

. . . but I have both a complete AE and parts from another one, and the bodies of both switches are clear.  These switches are so rugged and long-lasting that I question whether both are replacements.  Just my thoughts.


 


Joel

 

[jo]

Hmm

Anything is possible…the clear one in my AF just seems newish. When I got the vac it also had a replacement genuine cord with it.

On my model G the switch base is black. I may be able to figure out why I’m having intermittent issues with the switch…it seems to be a relatively simple device. Maybe there is a buildup of carbon on it or something. A small project for when I get bored!

The model G has always been a machine that I haven’t been super fond of. First off the shiny aluminum ends do tarnish, secondly, the back end before the cordwinder is heavy which adds to the weight. The overall unit is quite heavy. I never liked the unusual non standard handle with the three round dimples…that just doesn’t follow the usual handles with ribbing and the E on top for Electrolux. And I always hated the G in the turquoise or aqua color. At least the bronze one was an improvement. On the plus side, it does have the automatic control which I like, but no light which I like better, and the motor is very very smooth and quiet. Finally it is the only model to have both regular front wheels and a swivel front wheel. The full wrap bumper is a plus of the G as well and actually has preserved many model G’s from dents and scratches to the metal bodies. I think the model R shared the same motor as the G because it is just about as quiet. Overall, I always felt the G was a “beast” of a machine from Electrolux more than any other model.

Jon

 

[jo]

Hmm

Anything is possible…the clear one in my AF just seems newish. When I got the vac it also had a replacement genuine cord with it.

On my model G the switch base is black. I may be able to figure out why I’m having intermittent issues with the switch…it seems to be a relatively simple device. Maybe there is a buildup of carbon on it or something. A small project for when I get bored!

The model G has always been a machine that I haven’t been super fond of. First off the shiny aluminum ends do tarnish, secondly, the back end before the cordwinder is heavy which adds to the weight. The overall unit is quite heavy. I never liked the unusual non standard handle with the three round dimples…that just doesn’t follow the usual handles with ribbing and the E on top for Electrolux. And I always hated the G in the turquoise or aqua color. At least the bronze one was an improvement. On the plus side, it does have the automatic control which I like, but no light which I like better, and the motor is very very smooth and quiet. Finally it is the only model to have both regular front wheels and a swivel front wheel. The full wrap bumper is a plus of the G as well and actually has preserved many model G’s from dents and scratches to the metal bodies. I think the model R shared the same motor as the G because it is just about as quiet. Overall, I always felt the G was a “beast” of a machine from Electrolux more than any other model.

Jon

 

[mjhoshaw]

I had to replace my turquoise G's switch

Someone had dropped something heavy on it, which cracked the switch paddle and threw something out of alignment inside.  It turned on fine but I really had to hit the paddle hard to get it to turn off.  I tried cleaning the contacts and lubricating the pivots (which of course wasn't done originally) but no go, so I tested my AE's switch in the G to confirm that the switch was the problem.  It definitely was, so I watched for one to appear on eBay.  Problem solved.


 


I think the G departed radically from past designs to convince buyers that Electrolux could build "hip" machines that the Jetsons could have used!  It certainly did look more modern and less machine age than the earlier models.  I too prefer the bronze color but I have the turquoise model because it screams early 1960s, when I was a wee one.  I remember seeing one at our 'lux branch office, where someone demonstrated the wonderful new power nozzle.  I wanted one so badly, but there was nothing wrong with my parents' prewar XXX or late model E, so I had to wait until adulthood to have one.


 


Joel