Finally, the oldest vacuum in my collection.

[vacsofprosper]

Hi everyone. I thought I like to show y'all my new vintage vacuum for my collection. It's a early Christmas present I brought for myself. I just arrived today. It's a hoover model 28. Made around '46 to '50. I got this on ebay since last week and I always wanted a real old hoover upright like this one. It's not in horrible shape or excellent condition. But it runs good still for it's age. However the only flaws it has is the handle. I don't believe it was from shipment, I think that was the way the seller had it at first. The hood cover has some cracked spots on both sides but hopefully to come across one in good shape. I even dusted off the bag and motor assembly with an air compressor as good as I can all around. The bag is good condition too. It has a small tear on the bottom. Maybe a sewed patch would help. Brush roll will be cleaned up with a wire brush wheel and maybe come across NOS brush strips. Nice part is it even came with the original attachment set. Only attachment is missing is the dusting brush. And in curiosity, I like to know what's the best way to clean up the entire vacuum? Hopefully the restoration will go well. I feel pretty good now that I owned a model 28. At least my Kirby 517 is no longer my oldest in my collection anymore.

 

[vacsofprosper]

I forgot to show y'all the original hose

 

[vacsofprosper]

The straight wand is a bit dented up

 

[ct77]

Very cool! Congratulations! That's great that you have the original box for the attachments too. The motor assembly looks good - I can just imagine how filthy it was! I've never taken apart an upright vacuum, but the motor on my Electrolux canister vacuum was totally covered in dirt and it's a "clean fan" vacuum! It's amazing to see how an antique machine can really look nice again with just a little bit of work and TLC.

For cleaning, I would recommend just hot water and dish soap for the plastic parts. Nothing too harsh. If you want to do any deeper cleaning of metal and mechanical parts, 70 or 90% alcohol works well. Electrical contact cleaner works good too, but it can get expensive. To polish metal parts, 00 or 000 fine steel wool.

If you come across any really stubbornly rusted parts, "Evaporust" works amazingly well. It's non-toxic and doesn't have any fumes or odors at all. Just pour it in a container and submerge the part you want to clean overnight. It really does work!

I'm still pretty new to vintage vacuums, but I have restored other antiques, like typewriters, adding machines, etc.

- Chris

 

[vacsofprosper]

I can't tell if this is stuck on dirt or the motor seal

 

[electrolux137]

The Model 28 is a lovely machine and one of my favorite Hoovers. I've had quite a few of them come and go over the years. Here's the one I currently have. I have the attachments and caddy but they're down in my workshop.

 

[vacsofprosper]

Electrolux137, your model 28 looks very nice.

 

[vacsofprosper]

I heard that the bakelite hood can be repaired like nothing happened. What's the best product to use for repairing bakelite? Including the headlight lens.

 

[vacsofprosper]

Are these the correct brush strips to use for the 28?

 

[huskyvacs]

If you still have the original plastic headlight lens, make sure to switch to a soft white LED bulb. The heat from incandescent bulb will melt the plastic with frequent use. An engineering flaw.

 

[amtraksebo1997]

It might've ben used to pick up asbestos. be careful when cleaning it.

 

[hygiene903]

Hoover 28

Congratulations on adding a Hoover 28 to your collection! It's one of my favorite Hoovers and one that all collectors should have in their collection. I had mine before I even considered myself to be a collector, and it was refurbished for me about 16 years ago by Tom Anderson, thanks again Tom! Here's a picture of it.
Jeff