God, where do I begin? Four years ago it was 40 or so, now its around 100 plus in good, donor, and needs TLC machines
I have what you would call a good wide variety of brands and models, with the majority being your standard Hoover uprights, Kenmore canisters - most Sears Best, Eureka canisters both powerteam and straight suction, with a smattering of Electrolux, Air-Way, Tri-Star, Dyson, and Oreck, just to name a few.
What are your dream machines yet to be found?
-Kenmore canister model 26455 from 1986 with the PowerHandle touch controls and the new wide beam quick release PowerMate.
-the gray and slate blue electronic powerhead for my 3239 Celebrity.
-GE/Premier Cord Reel upright
-Whirlpool Power Clean 9000 canister with the touch controls
-the Cord Reel 704 and Penncrest Convertibles.
-the power nozzle Quick Broom in Wards badged.
-Hoover Electronic 1000 canister
-Any Convertible I need to complete a set
-the switch cover, cap and cord for my Ultra Vac Power Mate
-Whirlpool V150 canister from the mid to late 60s
What are your earliest and favorite vacuum memories?
My grams blue High Performance Convertible she bought at Sears back in 1989. I remember as a 3-4 year old going in her room to go wind the cord up correctly in the oval pattern and always taking off the extension cord which drove her nuts. It now resides in my collection and Im kicking myself for not getting the box because it had the Christmas lights in it.
I remember going to stores and always wanting to look at the sweeper aisle first then the toys. Up until I was about 7-8 I freaked out about the sounds of vacuums and was always in the other room when it was ran so I wouldnt hear it running, ironic that I liked them but hated them at the same time. I eventually got over that but to this day every time I plug in a vacuum that does not have clear "on/off" markings on the switch I cover my ears, I hate being jumpy when the machine powers on when I plug it in or worse sparks shoot out the outlet!
What is the history of vacuum you have owned?
The first ones I had growing up were a 1458 Eureka and a yellow Mighty Mite my folks bought new at Central Hardware.
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any vacuum cleaners?
Yes, I have done many repairs on mine and several members machines. I have done a few restorative paint jobs but not up to Marty Kaplan or Rick Crevicetool level.....yet.
