Eureka RotoMatic 800 Series and Hoover model 825

[louvac]

Hey Guys!

Just thought I would share two particularly great finds during the past few weeks! I found this Eureka RotoMatic 800 series at an old factoy-turned-antique-mall this past Sunday. I was just about to leave when I thought I would check out the back part of this factory where a vendor there seems to find old vacuum cleaners at estate sales. Suddlenly, I spotted a pretty candy apple red machine out of the corner of my eye! I nearly had a massive coronary when I realized it was a Eureka Rotomatic 800 series vacuum cleaner with the original dolly which is hard to find around here! It had a replacement hose I believe but it matches perfectly and is like new since it still is somewhat stiff. After allowing me to dig through a bag of miscellaneous parts I found the upper wand only. I plugged it in and it ran flawlessly! I figured this guy wanted a few million bucks since he has a Kirby Classic in the same booth and thinks it's worth a million because it's a, "Kirby". I passed it up back in the fall when he wanted $50 for it. When I asked him how much he wanted for the Eureka he said, "$10". I whipped out a $10 bill so fast that I almost tore my pants pocket out!

After a spa treatment yesterday and today, the machine is a beaut! It was filthy! I washed the cloth bag, motor filter screen, put a brand new 30 foot grey cord on it, (the one it had on it was a white replacement) and polished it up.

I am looking for an attachment set for it so if anyone has a spare they are interested in selling, please let me know.

Here are the pictures:

 

[louvac]

Another picture...

pciture #2

 

[louvac]

Here's the Hoover model 825 with original bag!

This Hoover model 825 came with the original bag which still has a crispness to it. It also is flawless with no holes! The cord is original and complete with Belden plug. The headlight even works! The handle grip is completely intact and supple. This is how it looks only after a superficial wash down. I have not polished the metal yet. Guess I will have to eat my Wheaties for this one. The bag did not come out that well in the picture. The camera seems to capture the most minute detail of the threads, but the bag is in perfect condition and is not at all faded in the least.

Again, if anyone has a spare set of attachments for sale for an 825 model Hoover, please let me know.

Here are the pics....

 

[louvac]

Hoover 825

#2

 

[louvac]

Hoover 825

#3

 

[louvac]

Hoover 825

#4

 

[louvac]

Hoover 825

#5

 

[normvac]

congratulations!!!!

Louis
You have two great finds !
It must have been your lucky day !
Norm

 

[hygiene903]

Nice Finds, Lou!

I especially like the Hoover 825, one of my favorite models. Congrats!
Jeff

 

[aeoliandave]

Holy Cow, Louis! Those are both stunning. Praise to the Ladies who treasured their vacuums.

Isn't it interesting how some instinct will make us turn around and go check out the back of a store one more time or have us stop at a drive-by uninspiring Thrift store we've not visited before or send us down an unfamiliar side street on a cross town drive?

Dave

 

[arh1953]

Wonderful finds Lou! I hope somebody can hook you up with Rotomatic tools. I wish I had Dave's luck, but I pretty much keep to prominent thrift stores because of finances. I need estate sales.

 

[luxg]

Congratulations on two great finds Louis!!!! They are both great vacuums. It really shouldn't be to hard to find attachments for the Eureka, good luck!!

 

[vinvac]

Louis,

Buddy, old pal.....I don't have any of the coffee can Hoover's in my collection.....hint, hint....I can come up with a special day...that needs a gift.........Oh yeah! Vacuum Day, May 27th...that works...

Great finds.

Morgan

 

[airway88]

!!!!!!!!!!!!

argh!! I ENVY you with that 825. Such a beautiful vacuum there!

 

[louvac]

Thanks Guys for the congratulatory remarks! I was just so excited myself to find the model 825 ever since my first convention in 2002 when I saw Charlie's. The red light and two-speed motor mesmerized me and motor seemed to be a bit more refined than some of the other "coffee can" Hoovers. I just had to have one but I figured, not in this lifetime! Anyway, it goes to show that if you look hard enough, you will find great finds!

I am no longer ashammed to tell people that I collect old vacuum cleaners. People collect all sorts of things these days and vacuums are just another thing to collect.

One way to beat the ebay scenario is to "remove" the machine from the ebay cycle by simply telling friends, neighbors, and acquaintances about your appreciation for old household electrics. You'll be surprised what will happen. I had a customer put an Electrolux model LXi that she found on the curb on top of my truck--for free! It was in excellent shape, too!

Like most of us, I can spot a handle three miles away.....and Dave, you're so right about following your intuition or your gut...leave no stone unturned!!! Talk it up. Some of you may not know this but many antique dealers have a "wish list" which is nothing more than a spiral notebook with customers who are looking for a particular item. Even if they don't have "that" vacuum in their shop or booth, doesn't mean they don't ever come across them. In fact, they very well might have but didn't grab it because they didn't know there was a demand for it! So, ask them if they have any old vacuum cleaners. And if not, so what! Nothing lost. Give them your name and telephone number and/or email address!

Ryan, be diligent and persistent. It does pay off!

Louis

 

[arh1953]

There is a gross, tool-less XXX at our Red Rooster Antique Mall basement for $55.00. There was an old Kirby for about $75.00. If I start traveling again I hope I find one or two of my dream machines.

 

[akabent]

As my Dad would say....

....YOU DONE GOOD!! Both machines are awesome, Lou!! CONGRATS!
Rick

 

[crevicetool]

That Eureka is just gorgeous!!!!!

It looks brand new. Great job!

Rick

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Mmm.

That 825 is simply divine. One of the nicest I've seen.

~Fred