It Needs Cream

I was looking at my early 88 yesterday, and realized that none or hardly any of the pictures I have of it have captured the cream-coloured trim. For whatever reason (ambient lighting, I suppose), it usually comes out white. To try to rectify this 'error', and also just for fun, I took a couple of snaps of the 88.

You can definitely see hints of the cream here, I think, although, as before, pictures simply don't do this wonderful vacuum justice. As a matter of fact, out of all the 80 series machines I own, and perhaps even out of all the other machines in my collection, this particular 88 is arguably in the best cosmetic shape. As can be seen in the pictures, there are a few blemishes, but the overall condition is amazing. This, by the way, includes the running condition. This 88 sounds softer and sweeter than any of my other 80 series machines, and runs exactly the way I can remember the various 80 series machines running when I was a kid, with the identical sound. Yes, I forget most other things about my childhood, but I can remember the way an Electrolux 80 series machine is supposed to sound.

Semi-Vintage Vacuuming Week

A couple of spontaneous pics of the 88 1st version, currently in service as the upstairs (non-carpet) vacuum:

Its hard to believe this old boy is now 56 years old, and still going strong and looking great. Electrolux really didn't need to get much better than this (although the modern machines do have their strengths too).

The Last of the Collection (For the Time Being)

Here are the two machines remaining in my possession that have yet to be featured in this blog.

First up, the Electrolux Golden Jubilee, or 50th Jubilee, however you choose to put it, Model 1205J. This was released in 1974 to celebrate the first 50 years of (American) Electrolux*, in gold with beige trim. My model is in all-original condition, albeit with a dent in the side that occurred during shipping. In my (humble) opinion, this is the gaudiest machine Electrolux ever made, but hey, it was a 50th/Golden anniversary model, so what can you do? I do happen to have an original power nozzle for this machine, but I couldn't be arsed to dig it out...its in solid (silver) aluminum, not in gold as you might expect. I don't have the original hose or attachments for this one.

Full view, with dent:

50th Jubilee logo:

Front panel, with check bag light, automatic shutoff selector, and switch:

I'm not an aficionado of the American Electroluxes, but I do know that this basic body style (with a few modifications over the years) was used, more or less, from 1968 - 1984 (or thereabouts).

Next, this gigantic, heavy old beast of a Canadian Electrolux shampooer/polisher, the BX-10. I got this along with the GE polisher (featured elsewhere in this blog), and, I daresay I've used this thing for actual polishing once. That being said, its in decent condition, except for the end where the cord plugs into the machine and part of the 'T' handle, and I do have an original set of brushes for it. This machine, by the way, would have been the accompanying shampooer/polisher for the ZB/Z 88 vacuum cleaner, and I believe it was released over the run of both the first and second versions of the latter. As far as I know, the shampoo tank was a slightly later addition in the run of this machine; when it first came out, it was intended solely as a bare floor cleaner.

Closeup of logo. I believe this is the original Electrolux logo, used when the company started up, sometime in the 1910's or 1920's.

A pic of the BX-10 and GE on the day I got them:

*I'm reasonably sure that Electrolux Canada started up in 1932.

Vintage Vacuuming Week

Recently, I had an urge to bust out a couple of older models to use, and settled on two of my all-time favourites: the 88 and 89. I also thought it'd be cool to break out the original attachments and hoses as well.

Incidentally, when I get out an older machine, I put it through its paces for real, honest-to-God cleaning. I've heard that some other collectors won't do this...i.e. they'll only run older machines to keep the bearings from drying out. To each their own, however. I like to use vintage machines as if they were the only vacuum I have, and the 80 series is definitely up to the challenge, decades after its introduction.

Everything seen here is all-original, down to the plugs. In fact, the only thing new is the bag (at present in the 88; I'm sharing the bag between the two, and that's why the 89's front cover is open). The hoses are actually in good shape, cosmetically and 'suctionally'. The 88 was made in 1963, the first year for the 2nd version of this model, and as such doesn't have a power nozzle connection. 

Close up. Note the difference in the plugs: there always seems to be a variety in the length of cord between the plug and the bulb stopper. The 89 plug is flush with the stopper, and the 88 has a short length of cord between the two. This seems to vary on models I've seen and used, so it seems that Electrolux Canada didn't have a standard for plugs. 

I've said it before in this blog, but the 80 series is amazingly quiet. My little niece grew afraid of the sound of vacuums after hearing a modern one switched on. I've often thought that my own lack of fear of vacuums is precisely because my first experience was with the whisper quiet 80 series, and indeed older vacuums in general. If the 88 and 89 were both running together, they wouldn't even come close to equaling the loudness of more modern machines. 

Two Ambassadors

Here are two of the few remaining vacuums I have left in my collection to present in this blog: the Ambassador and Ambassador II. Strictly speaking, the only thing that distinguishes these two machines is graphics; otherwise, they're exactly the same.

Ambassdor. This is, as far as I know, the very first Ambassador model, part of the lineup that includes the first Diplomat (which I have, dismantled), and the Genesis upright (which I'd like to have). This machine came in great shape, even that piece-of-shit original hose, but it didn't include the (baby?) crevice tool or accessory wands. It's now being used by my sister.

Ambassador II. This is the counterpart of the Diplomat LX and the Genesis LX (which I have). As can be seen, this one came with a bunch of 'optional extras'.

The plug is a replacement, and the Sidekick must have been added on as an option by the seller, as the basic models didn't include it. Also, the hose is clearly a later replacement. I'm pretty sure they hadn't switched to the vinyl hoses at the time of this model. The floor brush belongs to the top-of-the-line model, and, naturally, the attachment caddies and seat chest are clearly from some earlier Canadian model.

In action. Not surprisingly, the attachment clip on the top is cracked off. This machine is presently dismantled.

A Blaze of Christmas Cheer and a Great Childhood Memory

The ZB86, or Z86, or 86 2nd version has a special place in my 'vacuum heart', as its the first ever Electrolux I ever laid eyes on. I was a wee lad of 4 or 5, and every time I went to my grandparents' house, I would see the 86. Actually, they had two of them: one was the primary (upstairs) vacuum, and the other was used mainly downstairs, or in the shed by my grandfather as a shop-vac. I don't recall the year of manufacture of these models, but as my grandparents moved house in the year I was born (1972), and had owned both of these machines before that, they could have been made anywhere between 1963-7.

I only recall seeing one set of matching attachments for the 86s anywhere in my grandparents' house, in the cardboard handikit. I also recall two hoses, one with the metal end, and the other with the plastic handgrip. In 1972, my grandparents purchased a green electric hose, green telescopic wand, green PN IV, and green B-21 shampooer/polisher, all of which obviously matched the 89. The red hoses and attachments, after this, went by the wayside, I suppose, as I mainly remember the green add-ons. I have no idea if the two 86s already had power nozzle connections in the carrying handles, or if they were upgraded along with the add-ons.

I'm happy to have two 86s in my collection, although both are in pieces. The rubber ring around the motor housing has deteriorated in both, and both have no suction. I suppose I might find some replacement parts myself and get them put back together one of these days.

A picture of one of my 86s, the very day I got it from a fellow collector:

And now, particularly appropriate for the holidays, is the configuration I remember best from my early years:

A weird color combination, but very user-friendly.

Here is the 86 with his top-of-the-line older brother, the 88. The 86 looks a little bigger, because of its placement on the shelf and the angle, but its actually slightly smaller, because of the lack of the automatic bag shut-off machinery inside the front cover.

The Holiday Vacuum and A Couple of American Gems

What better Electrolux to end the old year and ring in the new with than the Renaissance?

Actually, he's the sole upstairs vacuum at the moment, and has been for the holidays. I just didn't have the energy to carry up an upright, I suppose.

Now, to present a couple of longstanding machines in my collection, the American Model E and Model G.

Model E:

I bought this (motor unit only) on eBay. Its not what you'd call all-original, as it does have a Lamb replacement motor, which makes it louder and more powerful than the original, and a replacement cord (but I do believe the original cord would have been black). Nevertheless, I'm quite satisfied to have it, although it is, beyond a doubt, the least used vacuum in my collection.

This was the first North American Electrolux to have a fully painted metal body. Prior models had metal bodies too, but were adorned with leatherette coverings and (usually) had plastic or Bakelite end caps, so the E is a step forward in terms of styling. As far as I know, it was the first Electrolux to ditch the metal skids or runners in favor of wheels.

What really distinguishes the Model E is the attachments (which I don't have, at least the original ones). It was the first Electrolux to feature the combination dusting/upholstery tool (which could be stored on the top clip, as seen above), and the combination 'flip-over' rug and floor tool. These advances, combined with the incredibly light weight of this machine (even with arthritic fingers, I can literally carry this machine with one finger), make the Model E an incredibly easy to use machine.

In action. Note that the hose, wands, and attachments are not original.

Next up is the blue (or whatever derivative of blue you choose to call it) Model G. This model, along with its younger brother brown version (which has already been featured in this blog) is my favorite American Electrolux. It's stylish, quiet, and powerful, and I'm quite pleased to have examples of both models in my collection*

A picture of the G on the day I got it. The motor unit, hose, power nozzle, and combination rug/floor tool are all original. The switch isn't; it should be in the same teal color as the bumper, and I'm not sure if the hose cord should have been light blue. I don't have the combination dusting/upholstery tool or crevice tool for this model.

As noted above, the G is a very quiet and powerful model. Its also a much more streamlined design than previous (American) models, having the cord winder inside the main body of the machine. I daresay the impetus for this came from the Canadian 80 series, which also integrated the cord winder into the body (at least when closed).

Connected up and ready to go. For the time**, of course, this model was deluxe, but today, the lack of an electric hose and separate wands for the power nozzle and other attachments would render the G user-unfriendly. Still, its not fair to judge vintage vacuums on what came after them.

*The Model G also came in another version known as the 'Hospital G'. This version featured a large filter on the blower end, and was mainly colored white (with blue and brown accents, respectively), but was otherwise the same as the regular Model G. I wouldn't object to having these versions in my collection.

**As far as I know, the blue Model G was produced from 1961 - 1967.

Yellow Was In in the 70's

Presenting the made in Canada by Electrolux Canada AP 200. This followed the AP 100, around 1976/7, and really was the same machine in a different color. The only major difference from previous models was the lack of a trigger switch for the power nozzle on the hose handle, and, in fact, the later AP 100 also eliminated this switch, so the two machines are the same.

There was a strike during production of this machine, and thus it wasn't made in large quantities. I didn't see a ton of them around back in the day. In fact, I can only recall two instances. The first was when driving past an Electrolux showroom somewhere around 1979 (when my unit was made) and seeing it, along with the matching shampooer/polisher, in the window display. The other was in 1984, during the visit of Pope John Paul II to my city. He held an outdoor mass, and before it started, a group of robed priests were vacuuming the carpeted altar (?!), and one of them was using an AP 200. A bit strange, but true. 

This AP 200 is mostly complete...as far I know, it's only missing the crevice tool. I also don't have the optional sprayer and carpet nozzle, and, as can be seen from the picture, the plug has been replaced. Other than these deficiencies, it looks good, and works perfectly. The matching color Trivac, by the way, is included in the picture. I dare say Electrolux tried to get people to buy the full cleaning set of vacuum, electric broom, and shampooer/polisher. I'm sure they still do this.

This hose, with American style machine connector, was used during the run of the Super J. This model was sold in Canada during the aforementioned strike, and I saw far more of these than the AP 200. I like the AP 200 (and the entire AP series) far better than the Super J, but the latter is a good vacuum too.

A 'Jamaica Bronze*' Jubilee

This fellow is 50 this year. As a birthday present, I busted out the Turtle Wax car wash, Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish, and Armor-All, to give him a nice cleaning.

I got this particular 88 in 2007, from a local seller who in turn got it from an older lady. Other than its beautiful and powerful self, all it came with was a green standard hose (to match the 89). I guess the older lady was rather set in her ways, as she apparently never upgraded the hose. Of course, I've since acquired most or all of the standard attachments to match this and the other 88s, and hope someday to find all the optional ones. If anyone out there has them, I wouldn't mind hearing from you.

Soon enough, I'll have had this 88 myself for 10 years, and I expect it'll still be working away, as quiet and powerful as ever.

*Apparently, the official color of this machine is 'Jamaica Bronze'. I could have sworn it was 'dark red', but what do I know? At any rate, happy 50th birthday to my all-time favorite vintage Electrolux.

P.S. I find it a little strange that the 88 is my favourite vintage machine. As a matter of fact, I didn't see that many of them when I was young. The only one that sticks out is one owned by my old friend (who incidentally owns the Lux Classic as featured in this blog). Maybe it's the very elusiveness of the 88 that charms me?

Gee, it's a Model G

I'm definitely on a bit of a vintage kick these days. The brown* Model G makes his debut here, after being put into service for some light cleaning.

This is my favourite American Electrolux model. It was made between 1967-8, I believe, and sold in the U.S. I got this on eBay (cylinder only), and later got some of the original attachments and the original hose from a fellow collector. It works just fine, and is very quiet and powerful. To make it complete, I'd like to have the original power nozzle with plastic wand, brown and white combo tool, and brown crevice tool. 

Motor unit shot. This is in unbelievably good condition, with little to no paint loss, scratching, or denting. 

The distinguishing feature of the G is the vertical orientation of the bag chamber. I'm not sure why they did this, but it definitely makes the G a 'tall' machine compared to other models. I doubt it makes any difference in performance.

Immaculate bag chamber:

Front end. Automatic!

Rear end, with blower diffuser:

Logos:

Bottom view, with four wheels and caster. Note the power nozzle connector.

Ratings plate:

Plugged in and good to go. This is a super quiet and powerful vacuum, somewhat less so than its Canadian contemporaries, but it still holds its head up high today. In fact, considering the 80 and G series, I really don't see why Electrolux and Aerus had to continue to make their motors louder and more powerful than this. It's unbelievable how soft and pleasant these vacuums sound when running (minus the power nozzle, of course!), and this makes them a pleasure to use. 

*I've seen a variety of different color names for this G...tan, bronze, etc., but I'm calling it brown, as it's definitely a derivative of brown. 

How Now, Brown Cow

When I was going to vacuum the downstairs the other day, I thought I'd break out a vintage machine and put it through its paces, not least because motors need to be run regularly to avoid seizing up and drying out. I decided to use the AP280, and now, after a couple of days of cleaning duty, he gets a feature in Eluxurious.

The Electrolux AP280 was made in Canada by Electrolux Canada, from 1980-ish - 1982. It was the first ever Electrolux (in North America, at least...not sure about other countries) to have a variable speed motor; in this case, two-speed, and this definitely makes it a standout model. It's also arguably the nicest looking of the 1970's AP Series, in elegant chocolate brown with ivory trimmings. 

Here are some shots of the AP280. First, the entire* ensemble, including the original hose, power nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, floor brush, and attachment caddy**. 

Top view. The AP280 was the last of this type before the more recognizable E2000 came out (the design and style of which is more or less identical today, except for mechanics). That said, the design of subsequent models didn't change ALL that much. 

Logos:

Closer view of top deck with filter cover latch, motor speed selector switch, automatic bag-full shutoff dial, power available light, and no-bag/full-bag light. Note the little "Elux" logo: on the previous AP100 and AP200, this is where the no-bag/full-bag red light was.

Power available light. This comes on when the machine is plugged in, but goes off when it is switched on. Later lights simply stayed on at all times when the machine was plugged in and/or running.

No-bag/full bag light. Works exactly the same as all the other models...if you try to start the motor without a bag present, the light will come on, and when the bag is full, the motor will shut off and the red light will come on.

Inside of bag door. Note the older style connectors for the electric hose/wand/power nozzle. The serial number indicates it was made in 1982.

Another full-on shot. I used this to do the carpet, minus the dreadful original hose (although this does have the trigger switch and sliding suction vent). The power nozzle is identical to the American power nozzle of the time, which I think was the PN2, except for the logo strip. In fact, the color combo of the AP280 is identical to its American contemporary, the Olympia. 

I believe I got the AP280 with all of its accoutrements from a fellow collector, but my memory doesn't always serve me well :) It's a great vacuum, and holds its head up high even against today's models, with the additional benefits of being quieter and using less power. When I was younger, I saw quite a few of these. In fact, of the five houses on my side of the street, there were 2 AP280's (and, incidentally, an AP100!). In another case, which sufficiently illustrates how deficient my childhood memories are in terms of anything other than vacuum cleaners, I recall watching a cleaner vacuuming a hospital waiting room with an AP280, somewhere around 1983-4. I was there to visit my grandmother, but remember nothing except the AP280. 

*I believe the carpet nozzle and sprayer, along with other possible accessories, were optional by this time. 

**As can be seen on Doug Smith's site, some of these caddies were in brown as well.

Some Time Traveling With My Favorite Vintage Electrolux

I needed to clean the lint trap of my dryer today, and the first vacuum I laid eyes on happened to be the 88 1st version. I figured I'd bust out the original hose and attachments, purely for fun, and this naturally led to a little photo shoot.

Assuming this was 1961, and you owned the top-of-the-line Electrolux model for that year, this is what you would have had:

The ensemble shown would have included everything you needed for daily cleaning. The vaporizer and sprayer, while original to the machine, would not (presumably) have been used for everyday cleaning, so I didn't picture them here. One 'false' note...the original dusting brush for this model would have had a bare metal top, with a red bumper, but I don't happen to have one of those.

Fast forward a couple of years to 1963, and this would have been your top-of-the-line Electrolux cleaning ensemble:

The major difference here is the telescopic wand, vastly more user-friendly than the two-piece set. The floor and rug tools also had a spring clip added, and the handikit became smaller. The motor unit also got a rubber bumper. Everything else was the same.

Note: I do have another 88, made in 1965, and it has the plug in the handle for the power nozzle. It was more or less around this time that the power nozzles, power hose handles, and power wands started to come out. I wouldn't mind having the above to make my 88 collection more complete.

Incidentally, both of these 88s run perfectly. The hose, attachments, and wand are in perfect condition, except for the dusting brush. It would have been amazing enough to have had one or the other of these when they were released, but here I am, 53 and 51 years later, with these beautiful ensembles in my collection, still looking as handsome as ever, and still offering their cleaning services.

A Special Vacuum Indeed

Here is my Electrolux Special Edition (Model 2100) vacuum cleaner, which I believe was made and sold between 1987-9. It's probably the nicest looking out of all the machines in the endless parade of E2000 style models...wine and grey makes for a nice combination. I got this, by the way, from a local seller whose father had owned it, and rarely used it. It was and still is in great mechanical and cosmetic condition.

The full ensemble, featuring the original hose*, power nozzle**, plastic accessory wands, combination tool, baby crevice tool, floor brush, and Sidekick. If memory serves, everything except the Sidekick came with this purchase, and I'm assuming, as this is a top-of-the-line model, that the Sidekick would have been (optionally) available with the brand new ensemble.

Other than its good looks, what makes the SE special? If I recall correctly, Electrolux sold the SE outside of the normal door-to-door or showroom network. In fact, I can remember seeing display kiosks in shopping malls featuring the SE, LE, SE upright, and SE shampooer-polisher, somewhere in the late '80's. Why Electrolux did this, I don't know...perhaps they wanted to increase their exposure, and thus sales, by changing their sales methods***. Did it work? Who knows?

Close ups of the information panel and power nozzle, with logos:

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the baby crevice tool, bumper-less floor brush, and plastic wands were standard with this model. I'm not sure if this was standard across the board on all of the special and/or economy models. As a comparison, when my folks got their brand new in-the-box Diplomat in 1990, it came with a full-sized crevice tool, floor brush with bumper, and a set of old school steel accessory wands, so perhaps there was a bit of mixing and matching going on over the years. I also note that my friend's 2009(?) or 2010(?) Aerus Lux Classic has these same 'cheaper' attachments.

All that surmised about, the 2100 Special Edition is a fine vacuum, and I do put it to work on occasion. In fact, after this post, I made it the upstairs vacuum for the week.

*Of course, I NEVER use any of the piece of shit Electrolux braided hoses. The ONLY good thing about any of them is the attractive weave patterns on them. I may be vehement about it, but those braided hoses are the only things I absolutely detest about Electrolux. 

**The PN5, PN6, and PN6a (which this one is) are unique among Electrolux power nozzles for having the "Omni-flo Automatic" (whatever that means...automatic height adjustment, I guess) logo as well as the notation "for carpets and floors". To my knowledge, Electrolux had never before included the functions of the vacuum or accessory on the vacuum or accessory itself, except for something like 'Automatic' or 'Elux-o-Matic', and I don't think they have done so since. Perhaps, since the L-shaped nozzle was a new design, the company wanted to emphasize its dual function. Who knows?

***I believe the Regency Series was also sold outside of the normal channels. Is this true of the Advantage Series as well? I'm confuzzled now.