Could anybody tell me about my JCPenney-branded Hoover Convertible?

[superocd]

Now that my two main projects are nearing an end (my thrift-store Kirby finds, an Avalir and a Heritage II Legend), it will soon be time for me to begin my third, which is to restore a JCPenney branded Hoover Convertible, so I have some questions. When was this thing made? It is my understanding that Hoover hasn't incorporated dates into the serial until the 80s, but maybe there's a Hoover expert on here that could say, "hey! I know when that was made!"

How would I mend the plastic vent slats on the side? None of them are broken out yet, but there is one that is about to and I would like to save it at all costs to keep it as pristine as possible. Also, would Hoover Guardsman motor brushes and top bearing plates work with this machine? And as far as painting goes, what would be the best paint to do the handle?

 

[superocd]

Oh, here are my two other projects, coming to a close...

Just have to do a final polish, a little bit of final assembly and wait for the bags to dry...

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I didn't see vents but imagine Bondo or body work on fiberglass. I would use clear silicone very light texture. After it sets you could paint if it's discolored. Make sure paint is matte. If not painting just see how it looks with one coat of silicone if needed apply more. This will solidify the plastic and strengthen it.
You like red and black ala heritage and avalir.
Les

 

[bnsd60m9200]

penney's convertible.

im pretty much the only collector who has been interested in history of specifically JCP branded (or penncrest machines) youre the first collector ive ever seen to have this model. it was made in only 1974.

with only internal hoover documents to 1972, i only have catalogs to base the rest of the information off of. i dont even know model numbers because the penney's catalogs didnt list them.

far as top bearing plate, unless the one existing sounds like its blending ice cubes, just oil it. its a waste of money to replace it unless the top bearing is trashed. convertible carbons were the same reguardless of model, that wont matter.

post photos of the handle. these are extremely rare cleaners, unless you plan to paint match it with automotive paint, dont mess with it. penneys colors were very specific and it will look like crap with a redone handle that doesnt exactly match.

 

[superocd]

Wow...1974...

Cool! That would make it the oldest machine in my collection so far, it's 20 years older than I am! I was thinking that this was maybe 1978-1984 as a wild guess.

As far as the bearings go, the motor does sound good but I was thinking about replacing them due to age. If they are fine, what oil should I use? (I have used 3-in-1 SAE 20 motor oil thru the oil port on my 884 Royal).

The handle has some scratches on it. It has been cleaned and disinfected, so whatever marks that are in there are indeed scratches. I was planning on sanding/primering it and applying a spray paint that is a close match. I have to admit that I've never painted metal before, so I want something that will last.

Since I will have this disassembled to clean and sanitize, which will involve removing the motor from the base, what is the situation with the motor gasket? I can't seem to find any gaskets for Convertible/Guardsman motors. I've used a bead of air duct sealant on the fancases of my Kirbys and Royal.

 

[madman]

For the cracked plastic, take the cover off and superglue it from behind so you won't see it from the outside. If possible, GENTLY press the broken piece to make the crack a little wider, and fill it with super glue. Gorilla gel super glue is usually my go-to, but dealing with a crack, you may want the liquid version to ensure it gets into the crack. Immediately wipe any excess off (have ready a dry paper towel and one lightly damp with acetone, in case the glue has started to dry), mostly from the outside as that's the important part. Make sure the crack is held totally closed together for about 60 seconds while it dries. If you did it right, you'll never notice the crack from the outside.

For further strength - again working from the back - lightly sand the plastic with about 150 grit sandpaper, just to rough it up. Get some JB Quick Weld (or your preferred epoxy glue) and build up a good size bead around any weak areas, and especially over the super glued cracks. That should give at least some reinforcement, and again, you won't see it from the outside. Before doing this, make sure nothing sits against that plastic area from the inside of the machine, because the addition of JB weld might interfere with something.

 

[broomvac]

+1 MadMan

 

[bnsd60m9200]

handle

i can tell from that handle those arent scratches. , use turtle wax rubbing compound with a blue scotchbrite sponge VERY aggresively. then wipe off and buff with a terry cloth. those "scratches" will disappear. those are scrapes of furniture varnish and come off easily. also use the terry cloth and rubbing compound on the hood until you can see yourself in it, itll look brand new. the method to clean the handle also works on cleaning crap off the bumper. itll look new again too

 

[desiredname]

That is an awesome bag pattern! I wish I could find one like that. That is a very uncommon one for sure!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Those bag designs, I believe, were

made specifically for Penney's.
If I have a handle w/ a lot of marks, IF they aren't scratches, I use Bon Ami and water. You'll be amazed at how it looks 'after'.
Nice vac!!

 

[oreck_xl]

J.C. Penney Dial-A-Matic

In the catalog photo I can see a J.C. Penney Dial-A-Matic to the right of the convertible. Does anyone know how many different variations there were of the J.C. Penney branded Dial-A-Matic? I have a non-power drive model with brown exhaust cover/bag door white base, and I've seen a vault power drive model in chocolate brown. Were there others?

 

[superocd]

Bon Ami...

I haven't tried that. I'm always open to trying new cleaning supplies. I will have to pick that up! I usually use generic Dawn dish soap, Fabuloso or Simple Green for the cleaning and Lysol liquid cleaner for sanitizing (but my wife, who is an RN, managed to get a hold of a couple packets of hospital-grade germicidal detergent that the housekeeping crew had given her).

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I dated someone years ago who swore by Bon Ami

At least something good came out of that whole ordeal.
I use it on the stainless steel sink, the porcelain sinks, toilets, shower, tile. It is recommended by Corning, etc. I don't think it has EVER scratched anything. Yet, it does a very nice job cleaning this old place, (dubbed the Pristine Palace by some) Mike Gravelin, are you there?????
I always use it on Hoover Convertibles, (handle, base, hood), etc.
I have cases of it in the 'basement'.

 

[rugsucker]

"--Bon Ami--"

Reminds me of a Don Knotts movie,Ghost and Mr Chicken,when a group is talking about a haunted mansion with a built in organ having blood stains on the keyboard that wouldn't clean off when a voice comes from the audience -- "And they used Bon Ami!"D Ks character drives a tail fin Fury.I met him when he did a local show.Very nice guy!

 

[constellation86]

Very nice JCPenney vacuum.
The Fury is from How to Frame a Figg. Don Knotts drives an Edsel in The Ghost and Mr Chicken. Both great movies BTW. There is a scene in How to Frame a Figg where they steal all kinds of appliances to run electricity out to the graveyard.