Hoover Convertible Broken Handle Repair

[firebirdman55]

Ok, here's an unusual fix needed. The actual handle on this convertible has snapped on one side. What would be the best method to fix it? Or can it be repaired. I wanted a convertible for so long and it took me forever to get this one and then this happens. So upsetting! Any help or ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

that cant be repaired without it looking veery ugly or the possibility of it falling apart again. best to find a new yoke, strip the white paint, and paint it to match the rest of the machine.

 

[firebirdman55]

That's what I was afraid of

Thank you so much for the reply.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

aluminum really doesnt take welds well, its too soft. when it snaps, jb weld couldnt hold the weight of the machine. ive seen repairs to these yolks, but it involves very ugly and unsightly bolts, and a steel or aluminim c sleeve around the contour of the shape of the metal

 

[firebirdman55]

I thought about brackets and bolts but there is no way I would do this to this machine. I can't bring myself to make such a beautiful machine look so nasty. It would be difficult to find the parts to fix it. Convertibles are non-existant around here. Looks like it's time to retire it and just keep it around for collection.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

if i find a spare yolk on my hunts ill keep an eye out. i always have parts machines and keep and eye out for parts i need if theyre not on a machine i picked up. convertibles dont exist here either. its about networking with other collectors, vac shops and supply sites do get old parts.

 

[firebirdman55]

I would greatly appreciate that. The vac shops here don't have much for Convertibles either. If you need a bag and belt, they've got it, otherwise you're out of luck. This is a model 1010, with the metal base. I used the machine regularly and loved it. It was heartbreaking when I realized what had happened. I have been collecting Kirbys and Eurekas forever and always wanted a Hoover in my collection. I actually bought this machine from a guy on this site a while back.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

1010's and 1020's are still extremely common. id probably have better luck finding an entire replacement machine than just the handle yolk. the photos show it with a pink tint, and thought it was a model 65...

 

[marks_here]

I would try that gorilla glue it seems to work for everything I've used it for but find a new bail too as Will said, sometimes you'll find them floating around on EBay which I think 1 or 2 might be on there now.

 

[super-sweeper]

A better question is how this even happened! I've never seen anything like that! 

 

[marks_here]

Oh it's happened to me before & especially with the ones @ the hotel. I tripped & crashed into mines & it snapped so they do break very easily & replaced quickly too. We had to order them by the peck or was it gross just to keep them in stock.

 

[firebirdman55]

I had lifted this one by the handle to move it over when I was moving a bookshelf into the house. It was sitting in my way and I had the heavy load in my hands, so I gently picked it up by the handle and scooted it over and sat it down...I paid no attention until later when I went to use the machine and noticed it looked strange. The handle and bag looked twisted. Then I realized what had happened. Sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Never will I make that same mistake again!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Those Convertibles are wonderful. They are rather plentiful

around here. I always found it rare to see the handle bail broken like that, although I HAVE seen it. You can/will find another part to simply replace that one. Best of luck. It is a great machine.

 

[firebirdman55]

Just a little update...a temporary fix until a new handle bail is found. I was tired of not being able to use my convertible. A brace, 2 screws, and two nuts. It's not the prettiest thing in the world but it makes my beloved Hoover alive again.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

That's actually not bad at all.

Good job there!
John

 

[super-sweeper]

Don't feel bad, one of my Convertibles has a red Bic pen holding the handle bail to the base! You can't keep a good HOOVER down! 

 

[firebirdman55]

Got a permanent fix for my Hoover on the way with a kind story behind it... Be looking for the story in the next couple of days here on the forum.

 

[cuffs054]

That fix does look good.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Nate I cant

Wait to here the story I'm sure it's gonna be a great one .

Dan