Trip Down Memory Lane

[sireluxomatic]

I was helping the folks do some belated spring cleaning today, and, on a whim, decided to "re-create" the vacuum ensemble that more or less started my vacuum fascination: the Electrolux model 86 with green hose and power nozzle. My grandparents had two of these models; one of which they used upstairs as their main vacuum, and the other downstairs or in the shed. Whenever I'd go to their house, I'd see one or the other of the vacuums, and, of course, would bust it out immediately and play with it.

 

[sireluxomatic]

Even back then, I wondered why a white and red vacuum would have a green hose and power nozzle. The 86 would have come with a red hose and attachments, and I recall they did have a full set of attachments for each machine. I suppose when the next model (89) came out with the electric telescopic wand and electric hose, a lot of prior Electrolux customers did the upgrade. It was a color mismatch, but it worked.

It really is great that this "childhood vac" works pretty much as well today as it did when I was playing with it.

 

[countryguy]

What a beautiful machine! Looks to be in great shape.

Gary

 

[sireluxomatic]

It's in great shape, body and motor wise. My next project is to cobble together a replacement hose for all my machines...the ones I have actually work well but I'm afraid to subject them to too much use.

 

[sireluxomatic]

Power Nozzles

I'm actually not that crazy about this model of power nozzle (PN IV) and the one before it (PN III). They do okay on low pile carpet, but on this carpet, they just skim along the top...not much deep cleaning ability. On the other hand, I used it on the sofa and love seat to pick up dog hair and it did the best job out of any of my other power nozzles. I prefer the previous model, the PN II, for deep cleaning.

 

[luxg]

Looks like the perfect Christmas Vacuum!! Really neat!

 

[countryguy]

The hose on my '89 was leaking air so I ended up making a replacement using the newer vinyl/plastic style. Fortunately I have 2 original hoses for my '89 so I didn't mind taking the machine connector end off one of the hoses and attaching it to the new vinyl hose (I purchased this hose on Ebay - it is not an Electrolux replacement but one of the knock offs). It is amazing how much more suction there is now. The new hose doesn't have the trigger nozzle but it does have an on/off switch on the handle for the power nozzle. The hose is also grey rather than green so it doesn't match the machine body.

Gary

 

[sireluxomatic]

Terry, I think I'll set this one up under the Christmas tree...the colors are perfect, and I can use it to vacuum up those pesky pine needles.

I've been on the lookout for a cheap replacement hose, but most of the ones I see tend to be overpriced, and, with shipping, vastly overpriced.

 

[kenmore81]

I love those trips Bob.

If the hoses are not leaking you may consider holing on tho them untill you find a good deal or you find "just the right one"cause you are right they do tend to be overpriced.

 

[sireluxomatic]

Shipping News

It's even worse if you're getting something shipped from the States to Canada or vice versa. The shipping I paid for the tan G was equal to the price of the vacuum. This collecting is an expensive hobby if you live in an area with a lack of thrift/junk stores, and I'm finding it hard to justify paying more for a replacement hose than the vacuum is worth.

That being said, when I use my original hoses, I treat them as gingerly as possible...no harsh tugs, no heavy, dirty cleaning, etc, and I try to avoid bending them as much as possible.

 

[kenmore81]

I hear ya

At one time shipping wasn't so bad. I had gotten quite a few things from Canada in the past but now if I had a passport it would be cheaper to pick thing up as Im only about 4hrs from the border.

 

[luxg]

Bob that is a great idea, be sure and take a picture of it under the tree when you do.

 

[countryguy]

If I remember correctly I think I paid $49 USD for the new hose on Ebay and about $25 USD for shipping so after paying GST, and conversion to CAD it worked out to be about $100 total.

Gary