Hoover Dial A Matic 1178 Power Drive

[convertible18]

Hi everyone.
Im a little new and I'm sure you guys see these a lot but I wanted to share my first Hoover DAM. My Dad was working out in New Jersey and I saw a free Hoover Dial A Matic on Facebook Marketplace. My dad went to get it for me and it fired up great when I plugged it in. All it needed was an unclogging because the people never changed the bag and it needed new belts. This is the power drive version so it had 2 belts, both needed to be replaced. even the headlight worked which was surprising because i thought it would be burnt out for how much use it had. thanks for checking out my post.

 

[oldcrankman]

Thats a nice machine

I never came by one of them yet, but I hope you enjoy that machine. Take care buddy.

-Scott

 

[gottahaveahoove]

wow!!!!!!

That looks like a real beauty.  I have one, and am getting another when a family friend moves to a nursing home or 'passes'. But, you have a great looking unit there!!!!!


 

 

[gottahaveahoove]

now..................

you'll need a nice set of tools!  Do you have/need TYPE "D" bags????


 

 

[electro]

I have one and it is a very good deep cleaner for carpeting. Word of caution: DO NOT LIFT machine by the top of the handle (above the bag compartment). Because of the weight, you will end up with a wobbly handle. We were advised about the issue when the machine was bought new in 1972 and never any problems but I have seen a lot of this type Hoover with handle problems. Just use the built-in handle on the front of the bag compartment if you are going to lift the machine. I

 

[convertible18]

Thanks everyone.

John, I do need some type D bags my friend installed one for me when i had him look at it. I will also look into finding some attachments

@electro I do know about that, I have been warned many times!


And Scott, thanks for commenting. I'm sure you will find something with also those amazing thrift stores you have.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I can send

you some bags.

 

[convertible18]

@gottahaveahoove

That might be nice, though my friend Chris Szwejk has his store packed with a lot of stuff, last I asked him if he had type d bags, he said he had a lot.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

ok

then.

 

[huskyvacs]

Nice find! I got one locally within my state from a vacuum shop/vacuum collector a few years ago. It's a great machine and I'm always dumbfounded how it can be twice as heavy as a Kirby! It's insane! I noticed a lot of collectors pass over them for more colorful DAM's because this is just in a yucky brown on brown color scheme, so it makes them relatively cheap as a first DAM for people like us.

Also what electro said is correct and that is what doomed many DAM's and why Hoover put a locking mechanism on the handle when they introduced the Windtunnel line. Always pick up the machine by the carry handle or lower section of the handle and never the handle grip itself. 3 of my Power Drive Hoovers have broken drive mechanisms and you can hear the handle wire scraping around inside and you have to really smash the handle to get it to even go into gear.

 

[panasonicvac]

I love Dial-A-Matics, they're one of my all time favorites from Hoover

 

[electrolux137]

A friend's mom had a two-tone blue Dial-A-Matic when I was just out of high school. I never saw her use it.