Guess what I found...

[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...

 

[myhooverco]

Converter installed...head on angle...

 

[myhooverco]

Hose installed...

 

[myhooverco]

Here is the basic set of tools for a Lark. This is the short set but I have read where you could get a deluxe set. I have yet to find a nicer set. Heck, it is hard enough just to find the machine let alone a tool set for it. This was a very simple set of tools, just the bare essentials. The Lark was a good idea. Had it not been for the Lark, we may not have had the Convertible Special model 31!

--Tom

 

[vintagehoover]

Thanks for posting those pictures, Tom!

Your attachment set looks wonderful! Everything in such lovely condition. I'll be watching eBay for a set to go with mine, but somehow I think it'll be unlikely! For obvious reasons, I don't have any chance of coming across a set anywhere else over here.

What an interesting converter they have! I imagine the suction through the tools is quite good? The floor-suction on the Lark seems better than on a Junior, and the tool suction is quite good on those - better than on any of the post-war Senior models.

 

[portable]

Lark 14

Jack -

I rented a house years ago. I had known the former (deceased) lady of the house. In the front closet was her pristine Model 14 with the tool set that Tom shows above. But, my roommate and I hated it because the darn bag was so hard to change. I remember that the local vac repair store was able to get me a Hoover switch plate cover in white, which I painted to the correct color. Apparently, they warped so frequently that Hoover made replacements available to buy. Nice looking machine, though. But not too well engineered.

 

[carlstock]

Very nice, Jack!

What a lovely design!

As you know, my knowledge of many Hoovers... well... sucks! LOL (How many of us say something like that that regularly?! )

However, I can appreciate it, and I can assure you I would pop over if I could (if invited beforehand of course!).

And hello, Mike! Sorry I’ve not spoken to you lately.

Carl

 

[z30soulbrother]

lark tools

i love this!!!
si