Hoover 150 question

[ohio_tuec]

Thanks to eBay, I finally have a Hoover 150 in my collection. This one, however has a later 1 speed replacement switch and a bojack cloth bag. I'd like to (if possible) locate an original 2-speed switch. Does anyone know if the switch had a relay inside of it to change the voltage? Could anyone with a 150 please take a close up of the switch assembly so I could see what it looks like? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

- Karl

 

[marukap]

Hi Karl:

Can you show us a picture of your 150? The original handle has a rather elaborate molded rubber grip internal bag support strap, and three wires running down to the female plug at the bottom of the handle. When original 150s were turned into 150 Specials (at least this is the case for the one special I had for a while) the entire handle assembly was replaced with a simpler, plainer, all black painted metal job with a single speed switch and an external hook. Only two of the wires in the handle are used so the machine only runs on high speed.

Which type of handle do you have? Believe it or not, I have a genuine 150 two-speed switch I'd be happy to sell to you. However, it will ONLY fit in the original handle assembly.

When the switch is set to low speed, the two of the three wires in the handle that complete the circuit with the shorter windings in the field coils down in the motor are energized. When the switch is set to high speed, the two wires that complete the circuit with the longer windings are "hot."

Here's a picture of an original handle.

 

[marukap]

More Handle Pics

150 original handle group shot

 

[marukap]

150 Special handle with single speed switch

 

[ohio_tuec]

Hello Marty. I appreciate you replying at length. Since I don't have a digital camera, below is a link to the photos from the auction. Judging from the photos you sent, the handle doesn't look like either one. It does have a rubberized grip at the top, but it's much shorter than yours and it doesn't have the embossed "Hoover" name on it. I'm almost afraid to open up the switch assembly and see what kind of botched wiring job I may find. Anyway, here goes....



http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Hoover-...in_0?hash=item20ac937d89&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Please help with where to get a switch

Hi Karl I see you live pretty close to me i am in New Hyde Park. Maybe you could help i found a Hoover Whide Path Fold U 5172-900Away Bagless all it needs is a switch. Well as you no the Island is a very BAD place for vacuum COLLECTORE and for service the only place i know is SOLBES on Hillside Ave Wilston Park anyway the carry no Hoover Products. Where do you think i could get the switch. If you have time please let me know .Thank you Doug

 

[marukap]

That's what this website's for, Karl!

Looks like you have the "special" type handle with the single speed switch. It looks like an after-after market vinyl handle grip was installed on it at some late date.

I'm afraid the two-speed switch is out of the question with that handle.

Marty

 

[ohio_tuec]

Thank you Marty, I was afraid of that. I really appreciate all your help. Guess I'll keep my eye out for another 150 that still has the two-speed setup. I should have bought the one you restored and had listed on eBay. Hopefully, the opportunity will avail itself again one day.

Doug, I couldn't agree more. It is difficult to collect vintage vacuums here on Long Island. eBay is one of the few resources I have. I live in Saint Albans, which isn't far from New Hyde Park at all. I would stay away from Sobel. I use a vacuum shop called Modern Appliance in Lynbrook. The owner's name is Bert and he's been in business since 1960. He is a genuinely nice guy and whenever I'm in his shop, we talk about Hoover 700's, which are the machines he used to repair when he first opened. Last year, he rebuilt my Hoover 61, and was able to replace the brush strips. Like us, he favors the vintage Hoovers. His telephone number is (516) 887-1160. Hope this helps.

- Karl