Hoover 541 switch?

[athanasius80]

Does anyone have a picture of a what a Hoover 541 power switch looks like? Mine just has a bakelite nub remaining.

 

[brandon_w_t]

The original switch would have been a brass/porcelain combo, I believe. The bakelite ones were replacement as far as I know. My 102 has the bakelite housing as well, with a standard bakelite light switch, and an original would have been brass.


Photo courtesy of Charles Lester's webpage, 1377731.com

http://www.1377731.com/hoover/541.html

 

[athanasius80]

Thanks.
Mine has a brass housing with a bakelite "finger" almost flush with the housing. I figured there would have been a larger knob or something to make it easier to work with the foot. If anyone else has a good photo, I would love to see it.

 

[brandon_w_t]

Here are some more hoover styles. The one on the left is off of my friends 1908 spangler suction sweeper, the predecessor to the Hoover model 0,

The right image is the switch on my 102, this is a common replacement switch for these. They work well, and are not as dangerous as the originals could be (no exposed metal in case of shock.

 

[truckerx]

Hoover 541 switch

Hi - I have several 541's that are original USA models. All the switches are alike. Chrome cap with foot knob. (see photo) Hope this helps.

 

[brandon_w_t]

Chrome? Now thats interesting. I thought they were all brass.

Sounds like you have quite the 541 collection. Do share more pictures if you have some.

 

[truckerx]

More 541 photos

Hi Brandon. At last count, I have about two 541's and one 543. They all have the same switch which may be brass under the bright plating. Attached are some additional photos. As you can see in the last photo, even the Hoover Baby has the same switch. Hope this helps.
--Bernie

 

[truckerx]

Hoover 541 switch

Attached is a photo of another 541. This one is a dog and was hiding in my shed but I accepted it when it was offered. One second thought, the base metal of the switch cover may not be non-ferrous brass due to the appearance of some rust
--Bernie.

 

[truckerx]

Hoover 541 power switch

Brandon - attached is a photo a Hoover of the same time period "Hoover Baby" model 103 (c.1921). It features the identical power switch set-up. Hope this will be helpful in some way. Thanks for asking.
--Bernie

 

[brandon_w_t]

WOW! Thanks Bernie. That was very informative. I have seen both I think. My friend who has the spangler suction sweeper also has a Baby model C from the early teens thats all original. I wonder what kind of housing it has. Ill have to ask him.

 

[truckerx]

541 Power Switch

You're welcome, Brandon - anytime. I've been on this earth for a while - don't know it all - but sometimes I might be able to help. ;-) Feel free to call. Thanks,
--Bernie