Guess what I found...

[myhooverco]

Jack, congrats on the model 14 Lark. They only sold about 90,000 + of these roughly half of the total number of maroon model 12s. These were a total flop here in the US. The Convertible Special model 31 was a huge hit in 1958 so we did not get another Junior until 1965 with the UK built model 1330. Hoover spent plenty to bring out the 12 and 14 only to have it suffer from major problems like the switch, outer bag, bag bellows, and not to mention the "too small" motor that must drive the full size agitator. I am glad to see too that yours has the handle bail cover still intact. Those are more often than not missing. It is a critical piece too since it holds up the electrical wiring! Many of these unfortunately bit the dust early in their lives. However, I still really like the design and the color combo on this machine. The UK version was a much better built machine!

--Tom

 

[vintagehoover]

Thanks for the info, Tom

So not quite as rare as a Duster, then!

I love the design, it looks so much sleeker than our 1224, although I see what you mean about the design flaws. A shame - I'm sure with a little more thought, Hoover could have made a very decent little machine. I'm sure it would have been very popular if they'd sold it over here.

I'm so pleased with it, I just wish the seller had listened to me and bothered to take the time to pack it properly. The twisted handle bail spoils what would otherwise be a beautiful machine. I may try and twist it back into shape, if it looks like I can do it without causing further damage.

For anyone who's never seen one, here's what the switch assembly is like:

 

[hoover1060]

Thats absolutely beautiful jack!

Congrats on being the only fellow in the UK to own one of those!

 

[z30soulbrother]

hose converter

i take it the front cover snaps off like the early junior and the converter snaps on after the belt is manually lifted off? and it would take a hooverflex double stretch hose in blue? maybe its the same converter as used for junior?
si

 

[normvac]

Lark 14

Congratulations. I have that same machine. A gift from Don
O Connor in Youngstown, Ohio. He gave me the 14 and the 12 when
Tom and I went over the visit him. We wanted to see what his repair
shop, vacuum and car collection was about.
I just had to fix that switch panel too. Was surprised when
I saw the ball. Always liked them, never thought I would own
one. I used it for awhile, but mine needs new brushes.
Norm

 

[mattl]

Very nice!

I was the one who was wondering about this machine back a few months ago. I remember as a kid being fascinated with the red ball on/off switch. Yours looks to be a beauty, even if it is off kilter a bit.

I don't really collect old vacs, somehow I've accumulated 4 or 5, but I wouldn't mind having a Model 14 for the heck of it. I did see one but it was brown/tan and not very attractive. I'd want one as pictured Blue/Cream & nice red ball!

 

[z30soulbrother]

hi matt

hi matt
remind me , could anyone place this at the time you were asking?
si

 

[74simon]

Woo!

Real shame about the handle bail, but you've still got the best example of a 14 in the UK!

Look forward to seeing this baby in action!

Si

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hoover Lark

Nice one Jack, lovely smooth lines, love the Red Zebedee Ball!!! I`m sure you can work your magic on the bail, you`ve managed far bigger tasks with perfection...what difference is the size of the brushroll to the 1224??

Enjoy, Mike

 

[vintagehoover]

Hi Mike and Simon...

glad you like it

Mike, thanks for your kind words, your faith in my restoration powers is reassuring! I'll have a go at re-bending it, and can only hope for the best. The Agitator is 12", compared to the 1224's 10" version. It's a Senior Agitator driven by a Junior motor, basically. It's easy to see why the motor might get a bit too hot under the strain, and cause the switch plate to warp and the ball to fall out. Seems like the Lark 14 was built to self-destruct, so I suppose I'm lucky mine's survived so well.

The bag material is quite thin, but I'd say the 1334's bag material was a little thinner.

Simon, you'll have to visit sometime, and you can try it in person

 

[hoover1060]

Agitator

The agitator used in the 12 and 14 was the same used in the US model 29, with what we call the "canoe" brush strips.
Jack you *should* be able to swap the agitator from a 612 or 638 with the model 14's no problem. They should be the same mount and everything.

 

[vintagehoover]

Thanks Jeff!

As it happens, the brush strips aren't too bad, but it's nice to know I have the option of replacing the Agitator if needed. I have a spare 612 Agitator upstairs.

 

[aeoliandave]

What a beautifully designed compact upright!

Being made from a shaped flat piece of steel, easy rebending it back into alignment,Jack.

I'd take the bail handle off entirely, clamp the top 'U', arms up, in the jaws of a padded bench vise (so the edge paint won't be marred) and grasping both arms at the same time torque ease them back into alignment. I think I also see an unwanted bend at the bottom of one of the arms - flatten it in the same padded vice jaws.

I use the bench vises at work to straighten such things with applied force, use long steel poles as bending levers and it's a great way to separate rusted jammed wands, when holding between your knees or standing on it just isn't forceful enough.

If you don't have a bench mounted vise...well, find someone who does. Or go to a garage or large shop tool vendor (Home Depot?) with the bail and a rolled towel and swiftly 'borrow' the heavy duty display vise on site...explain that you are testing the vise.

Dave

 

[gottahaveahoove]

i have one too,

and, it's a nice little machine. My aunt maoved over here from Ireland, and they loved their "juniors".

 

[mattl]

z30soulbrother, yes with a little digging it was identified. I guess there are still a few around, perhaps someday I'll stumble across one.

Here is the link to my thread....

http://www.vacuumland.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2008/2586x11.htm

 

[z30soulbrother]

cheers matt

cheers matt
well done. those memories are special and seem even more fun now we are older looking at them as collectable machines, but at the time were general household appliances

si

 

[myhooverco]

This is my model 14...built in October 1956. I have a new set of tools for this one too.

--Tom

 

[myhooverco]

Here is the cover plate removed...

 

[myhooverco]

Here is the converter...unique to the Lark uprights. All that you have to do is unhook the belt then place this item over the belt pulley and twist. Very simple...

 

[myhooverco]

The converter installed...