Recent content by midcenturyfan

When I was young, my parents had a Hoover Junior 1224 and an Electrolux ZA62. I still have both of these in my collection, although the Electrolux is now in poor condition. Robin.

As well as collecting vacuum cleaners, I also collect classic cars and motorcycles, petrol (gasoline) pumps, telephones, old furniture, kitchen units and anything else that I like the look of. I don't think it is hoarding because I get emotional upliftment from looking at the items in my...

Thank you very much for sharing the brochure with us. It is very interesting. I have got some of the machines shown, but there are many still on the wish list. Robin.

No, the suppressor was not introduced until the Model 638 in 1955. Robin.

Here are the pictures of the Columbus s32. It would appear that it was manufactured in 1973. Sadly, I do not know the history of this particular example, as a friend of mine acquired it from a deceased collector, and then sold it to me, years ago. I am delighted that you are able to provide...

I have only owned two columbus machines. I have still got the later model with the bag on, but I passed the other one on to another collector several years ago. Robin.

Hi, I am a Hoover enthusiast from England. I have not been active on the forum recently, due to personal issues, but I am still here and still interested. Robin.

I believe that capacitors deteriorate with age. That is what causes them to explode, rather than the quality of the original component. It is common practice to replace capacitors in old electrical devices, such as radios, amplifiers etc. Robin.

I am no expert on these machines, but the badge on the example in my collection says that it was produced by the C.W.S National Works, Dudley, Worcs. Robin.

That looks extremely similar to the machines that were produced by CWS in Dudley. Robin.

It is a shame that you do not live somewhere slightly more local to me. To our American friends, 300 miles might not seem far, but in the UK, it means virtually another planet. Another technique that will certainly be useful for making parts is 3D printing. A friend of mine is experimenting...

Unfortunately, looking at the rubber bumpers on my Hoovers has shown up so many anomalies, that I would not like to categorically state anything. All of these machines have had more than 80 years for people to repair them, and to fit non-original parts. Hoover also changed the design of things...

I have managed to locate a Model 800 and a Model 825, albeit not in perfect condition. This will give you an idea of the shape of the reinforcing areas around the rivets. I can always measure the parts if necessary. It appears that the cross section of the rubber is different on each model...

I can't promise anything, but I will have a look. I need to sort out my pre-war machines, as they are in temporary storage, in no particular order. Robin.

I will be very interested to learn about this process, as I have numerous pre-war British market Hoovers. Robin.