Most of you in here know that I am a fan of vintage vacuums. However, MY vintage vacuums are not suitable for everyday use. They are all in pretty bad shape. I have been cleaning my hardwoods and area rugs with an Oreck and a Miele upright. They are ok, but I am thinking I want to change to a canister style. I have two GE Swiveltops that are missing floor tools, and I have an Electrolux Super J that has a bad hose and plug. Would any of these be worth trying to restore? I would need to have hoses built for the GE's since they don't use standard attachments. I would like to have all of them look and work like they did when they were new, but I don't know where to take them or send them. Should I take all of these to a shop and trade them for a newer model, or try to have them fixed? I talked to my vaccum shop owner and he said the GEs were some of the best ever made. He said if I didn't want them, he did. That lets me know that maybe they are pretty good. Any advice is welcome. Tim
GE/Lux Question
- Thread starter timborow
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air-waycharlie
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Vintage vacs
Tim,
Let me preface what I write by adding the disclaimer that this is only my opinion and I'm not an expert.
I don't know much about the GE swiveltops as I was never interested in them. Now, I do know a bit about the Super J lux.
That I think is DEFINATELY worth fixing up and using as a "daily driver". The motor in the Super J is one of the best lux ever built and almost everyone that is still around runs great with no bearing or motor issues.
If the vacuum is running, all you really need is a new hose and I would upgrade the power nozzle, (easily found through people here, a vac shop or ebay), to the PN-6 series with direct connect to the hose.
Even is you find a PN-6 with some wear, a new belt and brushroll, (the newest one made by Eureka is terrific!), are easily availabe.
Since you are near me, if you need any parts, I would gladly get them for you for a very discounted price that would be less than your local guy can get them for. In the VCCC, those of us that have commerical accounts with the wholesalers, help each other out all the time. Bags, belts and brushrolls have a huge markup through the retailers.
So, my vote would be to restore the Lux and with the right care it will still be around cleaning after you and I are gone!
If you want to purchase the best of the best of cannisters, (IMHO), then let me know as I just happen to be an Air-Way dealer!! We have 3 different models to fit every budget!
Tim,
Let me preface what I write by adding the disclaimer that this is only my opinion and I'm not an expert.
I don't know much about the GE swiveltops as I was never interested in them. Now, I do know a bit about the Super J lux.
That I think is DEFINATELY worth fixing up and using as a "daily driver". The motor in the Super J is one of the best lux ever built and almost everyone that is still around runs great with no bearing or motor issues.
If the vacuum is running, all you really need is a new hose and I would upgrade the power nozzle, (easily found through people here, a vac shop or ebay), to the PN-6 series with direct connect to the hose.
Even is you find a PN-6 with some wear, a new belt and brushroll, (the newest one made by Eureka is terrific!), are easily availabe.
Since you are near me, if you need any parts, I would gladly get them for you for a very discounted price that would be less than your local guy can get them for. In the VCCC, those of us that have commerical accounts with the wholesalers, help each other out all the time. Bags, belts and brushrolls have a huge markup through the retailers.
So, my vote would be to restore the Lux and with the right care it will still be around cleaning after you and I are gone!
If you want to purchase the best of the best of cannisters, (IMHO), then let me know as I just happen to be an Air-Way dealer!! We have 3 different models to fit every budget!
Tim, you know or should know full well that as soon as you get rid of your GE swivel tops a floor tool will show up within days almost magically. I'd keep them for now. If the hoses are ratty why not just have new vinyl installed..you could probably do it yourself... Also..have you visited any Aerus dealers and struck up a conversation to see what old machines they have stored in the backroom ready for the dumpster.
Thanks, buys
Charlie, My Super J has a powernozzle (4C) which was brown and I spray-painted it gold to match the machine. It works well. I have all of the original attachments, since it belonged to my wife's grandmother. The hose I have is a vinyl bojack hose. It's a piece of crap. The switch is very sensitive because the machine won't stay on. I replaced the plug on the powercord and it shocks me everytime I unplug it. That is mainly why I quit using it. It had great suction, but it seemed to be weakening with age. We used it this way about 3 years before I retired it to the attic last month. I am not very good at repairing things, so is there anyone who can rebuild the vacuum to "like new" condition? Will it cost a mint?
Petek, you are probably right about the GEs. Both motors run strong, but I am a little afraid to use them in the house as they are. One is yellow and was a gift from Art in the VCCC, the other is blue and I got it off ebay for a song. The yellow has a broken floor tool with it, the blue one has all of the other attachments. Is it possible to have them retrofitted with a 1.25" hose so that I could use generic attachments? Tim
Charlie, My Super J has a powernozzle (4C) which was brown and I spray-painted it gold to match the machine. It works well. I have all of the original attachments, since it belonged to my wife's grandmother. The hose I have is a vinyl bojack hose. It's a piece of crap. The switch is very sensitive because the machine won't stay on. I replaced the plug on the powercord and it shocks me everytime I unplug it. That is mainly why I quit using it. It had great suction, but it seemed to be weakening with age. We used it this way about 3 years before I retired it to the attic last month. I am not very good at repairing things, so is there anyone who can rebuild the vacuum to "like new" condition? Will it cost a mint?
Petek, you are probably right about the GEs. Both motors run strong, but I am a little afraid to use them in the house as they are. One is yellow and was a gift from Art in the VCCC, the other is blue and I got it off ebay for a song. The yellow has a broken floor tool with it, the blue one has all of the other attachments. Is it possible to have them retrofitted with a 1.25" hose so that I could use generic attachments? Tim
brettsomers
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i have to add my applause for Lux. just because they seemed to use the highest quality motors. btw, its unlikely the machine is loosing suction due to age. there must be a leak in the hose, or somewhere else. or the brushroll is worn out.
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Rebuild........
Tim,
Tell me what you mean by rebuild as you said it was running okay. It sounds like some minor things are needed to make it once again a killer vacuum.
I'm in Charlotte, NC. Where are you in GA? I will be glad to help you with a restoration as much as possible. Many of the VCCC folk will vouch for me in that I do nice restorations.
Tim,
Tell me what you mean by rebuild as you said it was running okay. It sounds like some minor things are needed to make it once again a killer vacuum.
I'm in Charlotte, NC. Where are you in GA? I will be glad to help you with a restoration as much as possible. Many of the VCCC folk will vouch for me in that I do nice restorations.
love my lux
I picked up a late 50's electrolux a few months ago, to use as a daily cleaner. My mom had one that worked great, part of the reason that I wanted one. You can still get the bags. It has great suction and is so well built.
I picked up a late 50's electrolux a few months ago, to use as a daily cleaner. My mom had one that worked great, part of the reason that I wanted one. You can still get the bags. It has great suction and is so well built.
Charlie
I am in Rome GA (30165). The motor runs fine. There is a little noise when in winds down, but nothing major. I had new carbon brushes put on it about 5 years ago. Most of the work would be cosmetic. ( a new cord, repaint, cleaning the rubber bumper, repairing the flip-over floor tool, new cover for the 4-c power nozzle that would match the vacuum, and a genuine swivel grip Lux hose.)
Am I being too "picky" about it. My vac shop said he would buy the vacuum from me to resale. What should I ask for it if I decide to sell it to him? I don't plan to get rich from it, but I would like to have a fair price. Do vac-shops have good resale with old Luxes?
He also took one of my GEs in on trade to "fix-up" the other one today. (new vinyl hose, clean up, adapter to use 1.25" attachments) I thought that was pretty fair. I hope I'm happy with it when I get it back. I typically have post-purchase regrets. LOL
Tim
I am in Rome GA (30165). The motor runs fine. There is a little noise when in winds down, but nothing major. I had new carbon brushes put on it about 5 years ago. Most of the work would be cosmetic. ( a new cord, repaint, cleaning the rubber bumper, repairing the flip-over floor tool, new cover for the 4-c power nozzle that would match the vacuum, and a genuine swivel grip Lux hose.)
Am I being too "picky" about it. My vac shop said he would buy the vacuum from me to resale. What should I ask for it if I decide to sell it to him? I don't plan to get rich from it, but I would like to have a fair price. Do vac-shops have good resale with old Luxes?
He also took one of my GEs in on trade to "fix-up" the other one today. (new vinyl hose, clean up, adapter to use 1.25" attachments) I thought that was pretty fair. I hope I'm happy with it when I get it back. I typically have post-purchase regrets. LOL
Tim
andrewinorlando
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Tim -
I agree with the group - the Super J is the best vac Electrolux ever built - my old one is still going strong for my cousin and her three kids at almost 30 years old. Parts are readily available.
I agree with the group - the Super J is the best vac Electrolux ever built - my old one is still going strong for my cousin and her three kids at almost 30 years old. Parts are readily available.
buffalo-joe
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- Apr 4, 2006
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- 96
Fix the Lux!
Its a great machine. Too many of them met their fate because the woven hose failed. I've reccommended to many Lux owners, the aftermarket vinyl hose that is available thru Hesco or Esco. Loal vac shops will have it too. They could not believe how much their machine picked up after installing it. So Tim, if Charlie can get you a new hose, go for it. It should be around $30 give or take 5 bucks. That would be for a non-swivel vinyl electric hose with a pistol grip. Gas pump style and swivel feature will cost more.
Just a FYI, I've attached a pic of the Super J's younger brother, an Olympia One that is a daily driver here. I've gotten the vinyl hose and it doesn't look all that bad on the machine. Plus this hose has an on/off switch for the power nozzle on the pistol grip.
By all means Tim, fix the Lux!
Joe
Its a great machine. Too many of them met their fate because the woven hose failed. I've reccommended to many Lux owners, the aftermarket vinyl hose that is available thru Hesco or Esco. Loal vac shops will have it too. They could not believe how much their machine picked up after installing it. So Tim, if Charlie can get you a new hose, go for it. It should be around $30 give or take 5 bucks. That would be for a non-swivel vinyl electric hose with a pistol grip. Gas pump style and swivel feature will cost more.
Just a FYI, I've attached a pic of the Super J's younger brother, an Olympia One that is a daily driver here. I've gotten the vinyl hose and it doesn't look all that bad on the machine. Plus this hose has an on/off switch for the power nozzle on the pistol grip.
By all means Tim, fix the Lux!
Joe
Nice pic, Joe
Thanks for the advice. I have that exact same hose on my Super J. This is the third vinyl hose I have had since the original braided hose failed. They all break at the handle. Since they are plastic,they can't be glued and expect them to last. The canister of my machine itself is in pretty good condition with the exception of a few scratches. These generic hoses are made as well as the original Lux hoses I'm sure. As I said in an earlier post, my vac guy is going to fix up the GE. I'll see how it performs. I just wish I had the original blue floor tool. I sure it would have performed much better if I had that. Anyway, I'll just wait and see how it works before I get rid of the Lux. It's tucked away safely in the attic. I'm sure I will be sorry if I sell it, so I may just keep it for a later "fix up" machine. I'll send some pictures of my little GE when I get it back. Tim
Thanks for the advice. I have that exact same hose on my Super J. This is the third vinyl hose I have had since the original braided hose failed. They all break at the handle. Since they are plastic,they can't be glued and expect them to last. The canister of my machine itself is in pretty good condition with the exception of a few scratches. These generic hoses are made as well as the original Lux hoses I'm sure. As I said in an earlier post, my vac guy is going to fix up the GE. I'll see how it performs. I just wish I had the original blue floor tool. I sure it would have performed much better if I had that. Anyway, I'll just wait and see how it works before I get rid of the Lux. It's tucked away safely in the attic. I'm sure I will be sorry if I sell it, so I may just keep it for a later "fix up" machine. I'll send some pictures of my little GE when I get it back. Tim
brettsomers
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Hose
While an aftermarket hose is better than a leaky genuine hose, you might consider getting one that swivels at the handle. makes a difference under heavy use, and helps take the strain off the hose near the handle, avoiding wear.
While an aftermarket hose is better than a leaky genuine hose, you might consider getting one that swivels at the handle. makes a difference under heavy use, and helps take the strain off the hose near the handle, avoiding wear.
brettsomers
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Electrolux Super J
Hi, Tim, Nathan Thomas here. I would definitely hang onto the Electrolux Super J--They are great machines. From the sound of it yours may need to just be taken apart and cleaned, with new bearings and motor brushes installed and it will work like new! My experience with older Electrolux machines like that is that's pretty much all they need, to be taken apart, clean the motors, replace the bearing and motor brushes and it'll run like a top! Hang onto the GE swivel tops as well. I'm sure you can fix the hose, simply cut off the old cloth part at each end and then any vac shop should have some replacement hose blanks that you could use. Anyway, Tim--If you need further assistance with any questions--please feel free to let me know--I'll be glad to help.
Sincerely,
Nathan L. Thomas
Hi, Tim, Nathan Thomas here. I would definitely hang onto the Electrolux Super J--They are great machines. From the sound of it yours may need to just be taken apart and cleaned, with new bearings and motor brushes installed and it will work like new! My experience with older Electrolux machines like that is that's pretty much all they need, to be taken apart, clean the motors, replace the bearing and motor brushes and it'll run like a top! Hang onto the GE swivel tops as well. I'm sure you can fix the hose, simply cut off the old cloth part at each end and then any vac shop should have some replacement hose blanks that you could use. Anyway, Tim--If you need further assistance with any questions--please feel free to let me know--I'll be glad to help.
Sincerely,
Nathan L. Thomas
Well, it's back
I got the GE back yesterday. I am so disappointed. I thought when he said fix it up, it would look like a new one. Instead, the BLUE Swiveltop has a BLACK and WHITE vinyl hose with BLACK swivel connectors and a BROWN Rainbow floor brush. Can you believe it? He even riveted the hose to the wand, so it cant be taken off and replaced. And it leaks like a sieve because the hose cuff doesn't fit the wand. He did find a off-white GE floor brush he gave me, but it's taped together at the neck. The machine itself looks great. It runs like a top and is very quiet. I'll put a picture up for you all to see. It's really quite funny to look at.
By the way I am keeping the Lux. I will have it fixed later. Any suggestions on re-repairing my GE will be welcomed. Tim
I got the GE back yesterday. I am so disappointed. I thought when he said fix it up, it would look like a new one. Instead, the BLUE Swiveltop has a BLACK and WHITE vinyl hose with BLACK swivel connectors and a BROWN Rainbow floor brush. Can you believe it? He even riveted the hose to the wand, so it cant be taken off and replaced. And it leaks like a sieve because the hose cuff doesn't fit the wand. He did find a off-white GE floor brush he gave me, but it's taped together at the neck. The machine itself looks great. It runs like a top and is very quiet. I'll put a picture up for you all to see. It's really quite funny to look at.
By the way I am keeping the Lux. I will have it fixed later. Any suggestions on re-repairing my GE will be welcomed. Tim
