A Polished Performance

Since I've been using this fellow quite a bit recently for Christmas cleaning, I thought I'd showcase him in his own 'featurette'. This is my GE floor polisher, bought for next to nothing from a local seller many moons ago.

I use this machine for scrubbing and buffing linoleum (kitchen and bathroom) floors, and for buffing laminate floors. It's an old*, homely, battle-scarred machine, but it works fine, and is just the right size for my relatively small house. The seller included a plethora of brushes/pads with it...steel wool, 'SOS pad', and wool, so it has an accoutrement for all of my requirements. I've even used it before cleaning carpets, to work in cleaning solution for stubborn stains. All in all, a worthwhile purchase, and, like my Shop Vac**, an important non-Electrolux/Aerus member of the cleaning team. I suppose I could get a Floor Pro, and use it additionally for carpet cleaning, but it'd be rather bulky on my relatively small bare floor area. By the by, if Aerus made a wet/dry vacuum, I'd probably have it, but Shop Vac does the job for me.

Ratings plate. I'm not sure how to read the date code*. It could mean 'May 1965', or something else, but at any rate, I'm sure it's seen more than a few years of use.

**Speaking of the Shop Vac, it gets daily, and often twice or thrice daily use cleaning up wet, slushy, snowy, and dirty front and back porches. I even vacuum off the bottom of boots with it.

Not Mine, but Worth Showcasing

I did some heavy duty Christmas cleaning for an old family friend yesterday and today, and this is her vacuum: the Aerus Lux Classic.

This is virtually identical to the previous flagship base models, namely the LE and Ambassador, save for the different, more powerful, and louder motor. I used the Classic for dusting, stairs, bare floors, and baseboards. For carpet (my friend has it almost wall-to-wall), I brought along my battleship grey Epic 3500 #2. 

Here is the only (external) difference I can see between the Classic and it's predecessors: this (permanent?) post-motor filter. I don't recall seeing one of these before.

Re: Question on 'Eluxography' page about Renaissance hose

DISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility for anything that might happen to persons or property as a result of performing repairs on any vacuum cleaner or part thereof. This information is for illustrative and informational purposes only.

That being said, here is a picture of the machine end of my Renaissance C104A hose, with the plastic covers removed, and facing upwards (i.e. The side with the release button on it). The two longer pins are on top, and the two shorter on the bottom.

The wiring connecting to the left-side pins seems to come out of the hose a little lower down than the wiring for the right pins. Also, the wiring for the bottom pins seems to be of a lighter grey than the wiring for the top pins.

I'm not sure if this answers the poster's question? In any event, this is what my hose looks like, and it works properly.

The Innards of the Renaissance

The Renaissance C104A cord winder was misbehaving, rewinding the cord of its own accord, which was annoying, to say the least of it. You can hardly pull a cylinder behind you, trying to vacuum your house, while the cord is rewinding, so some investigation was necessary.

The Renaissance dismantled. It was a little dusty in there, so of course I took the opportunity to clean and disinfect it.

Underneath the white lever on the cord winder is a little wheel, which, when dirty, can possibly cause cord winder problems such as the one I was having. I simply cleaned the wheel with a q-tip, reassembled everything, and lo and behold, it solved the problem. I hope it doesn't occur again, at least for a while, but its not a huge problem to fix it again. If it continues to be problematic, I'll replace the entire cord winder.

As can be seen, the Renaissance has a single stage/fan motor. Note also the plastic box-like cover over the rest of the motor.

The Renaissance exhaust system. When this plug is pushed down, as I'm doing here, the vent is closed off and the exhaust redirects upwards (i.e. into the hose for blowing). When in normal position, the exhaust blows out through the vent, over the motor, and out through the attachment compartment. I always wondered what this configuration was like, and now I know. Presumably brothers Renaissance C104H and Epic 8000 are the same.

Incidentally, I hadn't dismantled any of my vacuums for a long time, until today. It's good to get back into the guts of things, so to speak.

Carbon Pre-filters

I noticed these the last time I was at my local Aerus shop...carbon post-bag or pre-motor filters, made to fit the Style C/R/U models. The new Aerus Lux Guardian Platinum comes with one of these (in a plastic holder, if I recall rightly), and I guess the company thought it a good idea to make them available for the other models. Naturally, I bought a couple of packages for my machines.

Installed in the Aerus Lux 6000:

Installed in the Renaissance:

Style R and Style U carbon pre-filters:

Since I just bought and installed these today, I'm not sure how they work practically, but I'll see how it goes and report back in the near future. Theoretically, with a Home Solutions filter bag, a carbon pre-filter, and a HEPA after filter, (and, of course, providing the motor is clean!), there should be next to no smell coming out of an Electrolux or Aerus vacuum*. Of course, the new Platinum goes one step better with the second HEPA filter.

UPDATE 08-29-13: I've been using the carbon pre-filters for a couple of weeks now, and they definitely do seem to absorb odors well. It remains to be seen how long they can do so; perhaps they're meant to be replaced at the same time as the after or HEPA filter.

UPDATE 09-05-13: I've since tried the carbon filters in a couple of machines that had fairly full (and smelly) bags as well as used after filters, and the exhaust air smelled quite clean and neutral. It seems, therefore, that these carbon pre-filters do their job.

*My experience with Electrolux and Aerus HEPA filtration has been with the Style R vacuums, so I can't speak about the models that followed, but, as I've pointed out elsewhere in this blog, the Style R HEPA filter works quite well for me. It does a good job of making the house smell cleaner, for a longer time. In addition, since I have more than one Style R machine, each one only gets used semi-regularly, and therefore the bags and filters last for a longer time. With the addition of the carbon filter, the air quality in the house will be even better.

Everything That Happens is Supposed to Happen, and it Doesn't Always Suck

(Rather than prolong the Lux 6000 post, I decided to present this here)

Coincidence, or what may very well be the natural order of the universe, can sometimes be a fascinating thing. Within a week or so of getting the Aerus Lux 6000, minus the electric hose, Sidekick*, combination dusting/upholstery tool*, and baby crevice tool*, I happened upon an auction selling an electric hose, combination dusting/upholstery tool, and after filter, all in unused condition, and all to match the Lux 6000**, for a most agreeable price. Naturally, I ordered it.

What do you think I was doing when the mail carrier came up the driveway with a small box? Vacuuming the carpet with the Lux 6000, of course! What do you think I did once I opened the box? You'd be quite wrong if you thought I did anything other than connect up the hose, find a Sidekick, and vacuum off the sofas!

Everything was quite intact, and obviously never used...there wasn't a single scratch or speck of dirt to be seen. Even better, my Aerus Lux 6000 is fully functional, as it was intended when it was released. One of these days, I'll probably happen upon an exact-matching Sidekick and baby crevice tool, and wouldn't it be great if they were included with an Electrolux Lux 4000 or the other version of the Aerus Lux 6000? I know I said that I had to stop collecting, but if I had the chance to get one or both of these, I'd be sorely tempted.

One can see the Sidekick tracks on the sofa. This Sidekick is borrowed from the white/grey/red Epic 3500.

Machine end. Exactly the same as the Style R hose end, but this only has two prongs/pins.

The Aerus Lux 6000 is really a deluxe model that stands a cut above the rest, I must say. Naturally, this goes for the other Aerus Lux 6000 and the Electrolux Lux 4000 too. I wish these had never been discontinued.

*I do happen to have numerous extras of all these attachments...it's just that, from a purist/pedantic/collector perspective, they aren't a strict white and pale blue color match for the Lux 6000.

**Further on the subject of matching, this hose and combo tool are the exact white and pale blue of the Lux 6000, but they have the "Electrolux" logo stamped on them, leading me to believe they might have come with the Electrolux Lux 4000. As far as I know, after the company changed its name to "Aerus", the attachments and hose handles have a blank space where the "Electrolux" used to be. Why can't they put "Aerus" there?

UPDATE 12-29-13: In fact, after looking at my friend's Aerus Lux Classic, I can confirm that the hose handle and attachments merely have a blank space in place of the former "Electrolux". 

112 Combined Years of Vintage Vacuum-ness!

Today, mostly for fun (and why do something that makes you sad, I say), and partly because I needed to clean, I broke out my two favorite vintage Electrolux models, the 88 2nd version and the 55 1st version, respectively.

As I've said before, for hard surface dusting and bare floors, a massive amount of suction isn't needed, and, even though these machines are not as powerful as modern Electrolux/Aerus models, they do the job just fine, with less power consumed, and with considerably less noise. These machines are really astoundingly quiet, the 88 being somewhat more so than the 55. I can only imagine how someone who is used to more modern vacuums would react after hearing one of these running. Of course, if you add on the power nozzle, it becomes moot, as Electrolux power nozzles have never really been quiet. In addition to this, I used the 55 to vacuum the 88 after filter, and the 88 to vacuum the 55 cloth bag and after filter.

Note: This particular 88 (I have three) has the "Electrolux" logo stamped on both sides of the plug, as opposed to all the other 80 series machines I have or have seen, which have the logo only on one side. Completely random? Who knows?

Incidentally, I think the 88 2nd version and the 55 1st version are positively gorgeous machines, quite close to the first Renaissance in the looks department. It's a great pity they aren't as useful as the latter, for, on the rare occasions I use a vintage Electrolux, I can't get past the short cord, lack of fingertip power controls, lack of variable speed suction, and lack of on board/lock fit attachments. Sad, but true. However, as I pointed out before, different eras mean different levels of technology and performance, so it's not completely fair to compare vacuums like this. All of my models have their pros and cons (yes, even the newer ones, which I love using!), and the 55 and 88 are fine vacuums which do exactly what they're supposed to, quietly and efficiently.

For the carpet, I used my go-to boy, the Lux 6000. What else is new?

The Distinctive Advantages of Discovering a Clean Living Space

Presenting the Electrolux Discovery Advantage upright vacuum cleaner, made around 1989/90, or thereabouts. This machine came to me in fine cosmetic and running condition, and is unique (in my collection, at least) for having the optional add-on dual Sidekick and power plug port on the handle. In fact, that's the main reason I wanted it.

Close up of the dual port. The handle simply plugs in like all the others, and the hose cord or electric hose pigtail cord for the Sidekick plugs into the left receptacle. It even has a power switch. This port harmonizes perfectly with the shape of the handle and 'bulkhead' (as Electrolux calls it), and adds tremendously to the functionality of the vacuum.

Rear view, with electric hose inserted and plugged in, and Sidekick ready to go. Wires, wires everywhere, but at least it's not as bad as the old days of hose cords (it's not even as bad as the days of electric braided hoses!). Incidentally, this machine would have come out with a plastic standard hose, and the user would have added the dual port, Sidekick, and hose cord. The electric hose in the picture, while it came with the Discovery Advantage, is not original to it.

Handle, which is in the original style, but clearly a replacement from the pale blue Aerus days.

Front view. The light beige or grey of the body still retains its original color, with very little fading or yellowing. Graphics and color-wise, the Discovery Advantage exactly resembles the Genesis, and in fact I'd say that the latter came out very shortly after the former.

One thing I noticed...the model number of the Discovery Advantage is 1572E, which is shared by the Discovery III, and both are rated at 8.1 amps (unless, of course, the power nozzle hood in this case was simply taken from a Discovery III). In fact, I'd say the only differences between these two models are color and logos, because the motors sound the same, and the performance is the same. There were also two other uprights with the name 'Discovery', namely the Discovery II and the Discovery Plus. I can't remember, but I THINK the Discovery Plus shared the same graphics and colors as the Discovery II, so I'm guessing the order of manufacture was: II, Plus, III, Advantage. Don't quote me on that, however. As for the matching cylinders, I have no idea...perhaps the Model 90 was one of them? There were so many machines released only for a short time by Aerus/Electrolux that its hard to keep track, not to mention the overlapping of one model line or part thereof with another. 

Another thing I noticed only recently about the III and Advantage is that you can clearly see the outline of the space where the "Discovery II" logo was on the tail of the L on the power nozzle. Clearly the company didn't manufacture brand new power nozzle covers for subsequent models.

Incidentally, this is the last acquisition I'll be making, at least for a considerable time to come. I feel that I have more than enough of a collection to enjoy and use right now, and I'm not willing to spend any more money on any more machines, nor do I have the space to store them. I have a small, disused bedroom downstairs where all of my vacuums, parts, and supplies are stored, and, all things considered, I feel the situation is at a manageable and enjoyable point. I don't want my hobby to become a burden, which is what I fear will happen with any more acquisitions. In addition, I have a fairly decent representation of cleaners from different eras of Aerus/Electrolux history, and most are in a useable state, so, unless I win the lottery, now seems a good time to stop and enjoy/use/maintain what I have.

A Clean and Upright Citizen

I'm quite pleased to present my latest acquisition, an Aerus Lux 6000 Model U140B upright. Electrolux and Aerus only made three* upright models like this, namely the Electrolux Lux 4000, this one, and a slightly different Aerus Lux 6000*, so these machines are definitely a unique part of the company's history. I had long wanted at least one of them, and I'm quite happy to have this one. Incidentally, this is the first 'Aerus' upright in my collection.**

On the patio:

What sets the Aerus Lux 6000s and Electrolux Lux 4000 apart from all the other uprights?

1. On-board one-piece stretch/flexible hose and telescopic wand (with variable height adjustment). All the other models had a separate hose and wands, stored in a caddy. The telescopic wand is definitely a bit of a throwback to the 60's and 70's Canadian Electroluxes. Incidentally, this hose and wand ensemble forms part of the suction/intake path when connected on both ends...i.e it must be connected on both ends for floor and carpet cleaning, and the wand end must be inserted to run the power nozzle.

2. On-board attachments. The combination dusting/upholstery tool fits onto a post on the bag door, and the baby crevice tool clips on to the handle. By the way, this machine didn't come with these attachments, but I have extras to fill the gap.

3. Direct-connect electric hose (for the Sidekick). Sadly, this didn't come with either of these items, but they'll be purchased in the future for sure. All of the other models had a pigtail cord on the end of the hose that plugged into the bottom of the steering handle, or a hose cord for the earlier ones.

4. "Information panel", located on the power nozzle top cover, to inform the user of a full bag/bag change, jammed power nozzle, and normal operation/all systems go. The green 'information' light comes on when both motors are running, but stays off when only the suction motor is running. I believe the current Guardian and Lux Commercial are the only other models with this panel, but I'm not sure. I note that the brush roll bristles are green, as are those on my Lux 9000. I don't recall seeing green bristles on any other Electrolux or Aerus model. 

UPDATE 12-29-13: I've since swapped the green-bristled brush roll for one with the extra row of bristles, for (supposedly) better 'sweeping action'.

All systems go(ing)...green light.

5. Bag door - made slightly bigger to accommodate the Style R hose end and the wiring for the electric hose as well.

There are other minor changes, such as the 'extruded' motor compartment with accessible screws, and in fact I think this was at the time or at least became a common feature to all the uprights. The bottom cord wrap is slightly larger, and, of course, the handle is noticeably different, mainly to accommodate the stretch hose hook. Incidentally, I like the thicker, heavier cord as used on this model and others, although its a pity it's black...it doesn't fit with the rest of the machine. I believe most of the white and blue Aerus models have black cords.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure if there are supposed to be screw covers on this handle...all the pictures I've seen of these models don't have them, as far as I know. In any case, its not a big deal.

Naturally, as soon as I unboxed the Lux 6000, I assembled everything and fired it right up, for a brief test run. The first thing I noticed was a considerable difference in suction and airflow at the power nozzle, far beyond any of the other uprights I have. The second was that it seemed somewhat more difficult to access the power switch, but this may be a 'learning curve' situation. The third was that the suction motor was ever-so-slightly louder than previous models, but not annoyingly so.

I thought, with the addition of the hose, that the ensemble would be slightly heavier to push in use, and, in fact, this is so, but its not difficult, and will get easier with repeated use.

So far, I'm quite impressed with the Aerus Lux 6000. I have to put it through its paces for a while before I can be definite, but so far, all seems good. I'll definitely be adding more detailed comments to this post as time goes by. One thing is for sure, and that's that the Lux 6000 certainly seems of a much 'higher class' than any of the other uprights, and I wonder why Aerus discontinued this style of machine***.

UPDATE 1: The Aerus Lux 6000 went 'on duty' today, and I used it to do the entire house...carpets, bare floors, baseboards, hard and soft furnishings, and table tops.

1. Bearing in mind that the nearest upright I have to this is the white/grey/red Epic 3500, the suction and airflow seems to me to be about ten times greater. Absolutely amazing, and I believe the models that followed were even more powerful. This consideration alone (admittedly, one of the most important considerations!) ranks the Lux 6000 as the best upright I own. This will most certainly be the 'go-to' upright from now on, and I'll probably add a HEPA filter to it to give it superior filtration.

UPDATE 09-24-13: I added a HEPA filter today, and, in conjunction with the Home Solutions bag and carbon pre-filter, it filters quite well.

2. Even though the handle looks somewhat awkward, it's extremely comfortable to use, and the machine maneuvers perfectly.

3. The stretch hose is definitely going to take some getting used to. It snaps back in use, and the wand is a little bit awkward for above the floor use, especially at close quarters to the machine. Perhaps it would have been a little better if they had added a proper gas pump/pistol grip handle to the hose, if this would even have been possible. You need to hold the handle of this machine when dusting even more so than the models with a 'normal' hose, or it will topple over. However, it's extremely easy to pull the wand from its receptacle for a quick cleanup, and its perfect for baseboards and near-the-floor cleaning. The attachments are easily accessible as well, but its a pity they couldn't have used the latch fittings. I can't count how many times (already!) the combo tool has fallen off in use, especially when using the dusting side. The clip for the crevice tool could have been made a little tighter, as well, for the tool does tend to fall off sometimes (and roll under furniture, as I've discovered!). Further to this, some of those little crevice tools have a ridge on the outside that would prevent slippages. I'll have to get one.

Of course, if you were using the Lux 6000 to do any lengthy, detailed above the floor job, such as detailing sofas, you can always use the electric hose, but for a quick once over, the on board hose works fine.

4. The switch is definitely, as mentioned above, a learning curve. It'll take a while before I can get the knack of reaching down and flicking it without letting go of the handle.

UPDATE 2: After a week or so of Lux 6000-ing the house on a daily basis, I think I'll have to change my tune about uprights with on-board hoses and attachments, as I mentioned in note 9 here. I recall a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, to the effect that he wished to say what he wanted today, with the proviso that he might change his mind tomorrow. In other words, one can try new things, and accept them, without being inextricably bound to 'old ways', and I've found the Lux 6000 very good as an 'all-round' vacuum. Since the machine is significantly more powerful, and because its so effortless to pull out the wand and dust off furniture, tables, or baseboards, more cleaning is accomplished in a shorter time, and with less effort than the conventional Electrolux/Aerus uprights. Mind you, I still like my other uprights as much as ever, but the Lux 6000 has moved to the top of the heap.

*The other Lux 6000 (Model U156A) is part of the "Aerus by Electrolux" lineup, along with the Guardian C154B and front-filtered Lux 3000 (The UltraLux 2000 also has "by Electrolux", but I don't think it says "Aerus" anywhere). It has the front after filter, with "Aerus by Electrolux" above the filter, "LUX" on the power nozzle, and "Lux 6000" on the side(s) (?) of the bag chamber. It also has, according to a video I saw of it, a different, louder, and possibly more powerful suction motor. I'm not sure which one came first, but I'm guessing that the one I have did. The Aerus website shows the manual for the '2nd version'. One thing I noticed in reading the manual for this version is that Aerus recommends replacing the front after filter after three bag changes, rather than after six bags for the other electrostatic filters. I have heard mention of a Model U140C, which would be, I assume, some variation of the U140B, but who knows? The only time I've ever seen one was in an eBay listing, and it looked identical to the U140B. There was no picture of the bottom of the power nozzle, which (possibly) would have shown the model number, and, at least, if there was something different about the brush roll. 

**The Aerus Lux 6000, along with the Lux 9000, Lux 7000, Lux 5500, and Lux 3000, are pretty well the only models of that time that give a sense of being 'wholly' Aerus. All of these models, unless I'm completely mistaken, share the same graphics (I.e. "Aerus" in white on a dark-ish blue background with the orange oval under the "A", and the handwritten "Lux"), and so one can assume they were released at the same time (I'm not sure when...early-mid 2000's?). Some other models around that time have all the business of "Aerus by Electrolux", or "Lux Thingamajig by Aerus" on them. This one is quite simply "Aerus".

***I suppose the main reason was cost-cutting. Witness the change from the Style R Guardian to the Guardian Ultra. It's possible that users found these models a bit less comfortable to use, as well. This design is now used on other uprights...the "Proteam" and a few others, so I guess Aerus sold the design. They should have kept the 4000/6000 as the top-of-the-line upright, and offered the Discovery style as the middle or bottom model, with perhaps the option to add the longer cord found on the commercial upright (instead of having a seperate commercial model) to either the 4000/6000 style or the Discovery style.

Diplomat Restoration Project - History and Background

In 1990, my mother won an Electrolux Diplomat at a church raffle. It came with all the standard accoutrements...PN, braided hose, Sidekick, combo tool, long crevice tool, floor brush, and steel accessory wands. It even had the original box.

Naturally, this became the family vacuum. I was in university at the time, and never paid a great deal of attention to it...it was 'merely' the household go-to vacuum. It was used regularly throughout the 90's and early 00's, until, at some point, my father sucked up some water with it while vacuuming the car. Actually, this didn't seem to have much effect on the motor...it still kept chugging away.

As I pointed out here, I inherited my aunt's Epic 6500 in 2002, and I gave it to my folks to use as their regular vacuum, so the Diplomat went into semi-retirement. The braided hose was giving out by that time anyway, although everything else worked fine.

The next step in its life was in my sister's house. She married in 2007, and the Diplomat went with her, along with a used but good condition vinyl hose I bought for it. She used it until 2011 or early 2012, or something like that, and finally, I, wanting it back, traded her my Ambassador (which is the Diplomat's companion model).

So, the Diplomat came back with me. At that time, it still worked, and all the original attachments were intact. I took the machine apart about a year ago, and found pretty much what you'd expect from a vacuum that sucked up water...rusty motor parts, corroded electrical contacts, etc. As I say, it still ran, albeit a bit tiredly, and, while I was taking it apart, the contacts on the thermal sensor snapped off. 

So, what to do? The Diplomat was the first Electrolux in my family, and, as such, while perhaps not significant in terms of Electrolux history, was and is significant to me. I could:

1. Buy a brand new motor for it, or

2. Rebuild it with bits and bobs from other vacuums

I'm going to try option #2. Why?

It so happens I have a System 90, the body of which, when I got it, was practically bright yellow with age (or, more probably, nicotine). The motor and all the parts are intact and have been cleaned and disinfected by me, so it's all good to go. I can transfer the cord, motor and fans, and wiring to the Diplomat body and have a 'new' vacuum. 

At any rate, I have nothing to lose by trying this. I want my vacuums to be useful and used, not sitting there in pieces, and refurbishing the Diplomat will be 'bringing the past to life'. I'd like to document this process as best I can, mostly for my own edification. It's a pity that I don't have any pictures of the Diplomat from its early days, nor do I have the original box, but everything else will be original.

A picture of the Diplomat on or near the day my sister took it away:

The Two Rennies

Presenting the two Electrolux Renaissance models together. Both were on cleaning duty today, so I thought they deserved a photo shoot.

Granted that not everything in the Renaissance set is original and complete, I'm still quite happy to "have what I have". Both work perfectly well and are used regularly. For each machine, I have an original hose and power nozzle, and one set of original standard attachments (dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, and floor brush) is shared between the two. The first Renaissance needs a matching Sidekick and wands to be complete, and doesn't have its original plug, but at least the battleship grey Sidekick and wands match the trim, and the cord and plug aren't bright orange, or something like that.

The full Renaissance ensemble:

I really feel that the first Renaissance is one of the most significant models ever made by Electrolux, and, incidentally, that's why it gets so much exposure in this blog. In many ways, it's my favourite Electrolux and/or Aerus model, and if and when I come across any others for sale, I'd be happy to add them to the collection.

Upstanding:

I believe these models were produced between 1994-7, but I'm not sure. At least that's what the Aerus model chart says, but that's not always dependable. I'm also reminded that the Renaissance, along with certain other North American models (I think the Genesis LX or LXE and the Floor Pro shampooer), was sold in Europe under the brand name 'Globaltek'. How and why this happened, I'm not sure, but the machines appear to be identical in every way to the North American versions except for the brand name and voltage.

Hose handles 1 and 2. These work exactly the same, with the obvious differences. The 2nd hose is certainly more user-friendly for those who speak languages other than English.

P.S. I've heard some people nickname the Renaissance 'Renny', which, quite frankly, I don't like, but it does give an opportunity for the terrible joke in the post title.

In looking at the picture below, I wonder why the company kept the dark grey cord winder pedal and handle on the otherwise monotone grey 2nd Renaissance?

6500 Reasons to Buy an Electrolux

I really had to laugh when I looked at the stats of this blog yesterday. The page views had jumped by over 2000 in a few days. Not to be negative, but I think I'll hold off on congratulating myself over being a "popular blogger", as all of this is probably fake traffic anyway.

Anyway, back to the only reason I'm blogging...Electrolux and Aerus vacuums! Presented here today is the battleship grey Epic 6500, Model C102D, which I bought a year or so ago from an older lady who was moving into an assisted living home. Vacuums owned by "persons of a certain seniority", if I can put it as nicely as possible, tend to be in excellent condition, at least cosmetically, and this one is no exception. It looked like it had rarely touched or bumped against anything in its life.

Here is a picture of the machine the day I brought it home. You can see a couple of scuffs, but nothing that a cleaning wouldn't take care of.

Here is the Epic 6500 after a full-on cleaning. Shiny!

In looking at these pictures, I realized that I confused the floor brushes on the Epic and the Renaissance. The one that came with the Epic has no openings in the front row of bristles. I assume that this is the correct floor brush, and the openings were added later.

A couple of shots of the grey and white Epic 6500s together. There aren't many differences between these two models. The white power nozzle is a little more rounded off over the motor and headlight housing, and it also has an extra row of bristles. I'm not sure if and/or when the double row of brushes became standard on the power nozzles. In addition, the white floor brush has openings in the front row of bristles, but other than these, I can't see any differences.

I can understand why they eventually renamed this model "Legacy". It is, in many ways, a continuation of the tradition of simple, easy to use, hardworking, automatic, and dependable Electrolux vacuums. In fact, there's only one thing I don't like about this vacuum, and that's the suction valve on the hose handle. It can become loose and stay open after some time, and, even when open, it doesn't really reduce the suction enough for delicate cleaning. Other than that, I think the Epics are great vacuums.

A Fairly Serious Makeover - Discovery III

In my previous post on the Discovery III, I indicated that the bearings were crapping out, and the handgrip was loose. Well, problems solved. After some time at the local Aerus emporium, the Discovery III has a brand new power handle and after filter, and has received a tune up. Naturally, I'm as happy as a clam (why are clams particularly happy?) that its back to full functionality and on regular cleaning duty.

Having its day in the sun, and showing off its improvements:

As soon as I got it home, it was Discovery III-ing the living room carpet, before you could even say "Aerus by Electrolux". The new handle is the standard Aerus replacement grey, with a rocker rather than slider switch; I prefer the rockers, incidentally. As far as I can tell, this handle was the one used on the Discovery II. One can either use the moulded-on cord hooks, or the bottom cord wrap, as one desires.

Moulded cord hooks:

Bottom cord wrap:

It's a pity that I couldn't have kept the original brown handle, but sometimes, originality has to be sacrificed to functionality and usability. The handgrip, as can be seen, is a more beige-y color than the rest of the handle, making the handle a possible candidate for a beige or brown painting.

Handgrip, outside:

Handgrip, inside:

Altogether, I'm quite happy with the Discovery III, and I'm sure it's good for many more years of cleaning. As can be seen in the last two pictures, I added a cord clip taken off another upright that I had hanging around. This keeps the cord from hanging down or falling off the upper cord clip. The only other improvement I might make is to replace the brush roll. The current one is as old as the machine (25 or 26 years?), even though its still in fairly good condition.