A Journey to my first Hoover 63

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Well, finally this past Saturday night I completed the last step in my effort to build a Hoover model 63 from scratch - rebuilding the motor. Like many, this is one of my favor models in the Hoover lineage. This venture began when I was helping Fred Stachnik pack his collection for his move to North Carolina. Fred past off a random collection of parts he intended to pitch and it all started from there. I stumbled across a cast off from Fred Nelson along with parts from a find at the local Salvation Army Fred S. spotted on his way out of town on his last visit.

My intent was to build the best specimen possible with all the parts I could scrounge up. And so starts this thread.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

The journey continues ....

.... the underside. Time to disassemble, scrub everything and pick out the best parts.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

And more ....

The chassis was cleaned and assembled first. Actually, it was completed awhile ago and the motor rebuild sat on hold.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

More ... the underside ... where all the drama begins

Reflecting the best of the best.

One side note: I soaked all the parts in the wash tub in a solution of Simple Green and ammonia in hot water. Not a good idea. The paint started pealing and I lost my first choice in bases. I quickly pulled all the other parts out and most of them survived. Oh Well. Live and learn.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

On our way to the heart of the matter

The motor was really gross.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

The scrubbing bubbles did their magic

Finally, the dirty part of the process is behind me. Now the fun part begins.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

The final stages

A side motor mug shot. (Damn that lint) I guess I needed a Swifer after using the Pledge.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Another view ....

And now the frontal shot. A bit close but can you ever be too close. And as we all know, the most exciting and satisfying view. Relish the moment ...

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Drum roll please ..... Or Not

Completely assembled and operating beautifully. Purrrrrs like a kitten. So mellow. Back in the day it had to be a pleasure to vacuum with these machines. What a great escape.

(How disappointing. I tried to download the final shot of the completed machine and for some reason, it's over 1.5 mb and the system won't allow the file to download. Will follow up on this tomorrow morning.)

 

[swingette]

congrats

i have a 63 as well. the 60-series (pre Convertible) of Hoover were (IMO)some of the best machines ever to come out of North Canton. IMO much more attractive than the early Deluxe Convertibles. But also a little on the heavyweight side, and the original bristles were natural hair, which is not as durable as nylon.

the models 60, 61, 63 and 64 are truly gorgeous machines.

 

[luxg]

Pat, It sure looks like you have done a great job on the machine. It must be very satisfying to see your finished machine. Hope you can post another picture of it sometime.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Drum roll time ...

Now for the finished product ... this time with feeling.
And one more to follow ....

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Operation mode

Can you hear the purrrring????

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Yay!

Awesome, Pat!

I'm so glad that all of the "donor" machines were able to be put together to make one stunning machine! It looks pretty damn flawless to me! That hood looks gorgeous! The bag...!

I ditto what David said above--about the 60~series of machines being some of the best that ever left North Canton. If asked what my favorite cleaner out of my collection is--the 63 is the one!

Happy Hoovering!

~Fred

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

I'm indebted

Fred,

While I did the work, I owe you for the inspiration, advice and motivation you instilled in me. You're a phenomenal resource. You're tidbit of knowledge influenced the outcome of this project. Just like the work we did together on my DAM with power drive ... another one of my favorite cleaners. I run that sucker often. Thanks for everything!!! You'll see my 63 at convention.

Pat

 

[hoover1060]

Looks very nice Pat

I am very proud of you!

 

[hygiene903]

Great Work, Pat!

You did an excellent job restoring and rebuilding your 63 and the end result was beautiful!! And they're a great machine to use. I have a 29 (basically the same machine except it's burgandy instead of blue) and love running it.
Jeff

 

[air-waycharlie]

Pat,

It looks stunning! Great work you have done there. The 63 is one of my favorites and I just got one from Fred S. when I visited him in Durham a few weeks ago.

I have had several come and go in last several years but this one is going to stay with me. Now I have the 63, 64, 66, 67, 68 and 69. I adore the 60 series of Hoover's.

So, you are coming to the convention? I heard that you were not going to make it. Change of plans? I hope so!

Charlie

 

[myvacsrock]

Pat,

I am wondering what cord did you put on the 63? I have a generic crap white cord. The one on yours looks nice. Do you know where i can get a cord like the nice one on yours?
Thanks,
Kyle---email me [email protected]