Achieving original Hoover Model 541 finish

[betam64]

Hey guys! I have a Hoover Model 541 I'm working on, and I'd like to restore it to its original finish. Someone, somewhere mentioned on this forum that, in the factory, they used a "soft wire wheel" to achieve this finish. Does anyone have more specifics than that? Like wire material, gauge, etc? Or should I just get a bunch of different gauge wire wheels and experiment?

 

[dysonman1]

This is my original 541. It used to belong to the late Stan Kann. The matte finish is lustrous. The nameplate has a somewhat yellow color. I do not use the original bag, but I have it for posterity. Biker Ray made this copy for me, which filters very well and works like a dream when I vacuum with this machine. Exactly what Stan would have wanted me to do.

 

[cheesewonton]

That machine looks so nice in its original form I would not touch a thing. It is beautiful just the way it is.

 

[huskyvacs]

If it came matte from the factory I wouldnt polish it.

But these two videos are great to learn how to polish vacuums.

 

[madman]

It looks like metallic paint. If I had to venture a guess... I would say it was polished first then bead blasted. Or maybe the other way around. You might want to experiment on other cast aluminum stuff. Get an old engine oil pan or transmission case from a mechanic shop.

 

[human]

Given its age, I would consider that vacuum, in its present condition, to be darn near perfect. Any defects are merely proof of its authenticity.