Hoover Dial a Matic

[lux1521]

Ok guys, so I'm not much of a expert when it comes to Hoovers after 1930 or so, but I've been looking at the Dial A Matic, and it seems like a very interesting design, but I don't really know much about it. I have repair diagrams for them, but I would still like to know more about the air routing, filtration, and stuff like that. I know from reading previous comments that they are a durable design, but the handles can become loose.

I'd also like to know what they are like in use. Noise level, carpet pile lift, weight? I'm thinking about one as a possibility for my dorm room in the fall. I like their attachment advantages over Convertibles and their superior carpet cleaning (I assume), but I'm concerned about noise. I've seen some youtube vids, but I still can't tell how loud the sound really is. If possible I'd like general comparisons to: 5 amp old style Eureka, Lux upright, or 12 amp Kenmore canister.

 

[vinvac]

Eric,

You would love the Hoover Dial-a-Matic, it is a very well built machine, tool usage is so simple. However, if you are in a dorm room a simple canister my be a better choice. If you just have an area rug, lots of furniture, the Hoover may be to bulky. Perhaps if you could find a Dirt Devil Can Vac...with powerhead, it would handle all your chores nicely.

I always felt the Dail-a-matic cleaned well, noise level was not that bad and bag changing was easy.

If memory serves me correctly some of the later models actually cleaned a little better than the early models due to a change in the brush roll design. The handle was a problem as well for the early machines, but I think the later runs were better as well.

Just my two cents!

Morgan

 

[lux1521]

Sounds good. I'm going with some kind of vintage machine because I want a nice decoration in the room, and I also want a potential conversation piece. I've gotten tired of concealing my vacuum collection from my friends, and I want a machine that would leave a good first impression. Something cool, but not too strange. As an engineering student, a cool mechanical design also helps.

I originally thought about a blue Lux model G, but I think I might want something more self contained. The model G has nice polishable metal which I thought would be nice, and the lack of bare metal is the only thing about the DAM that bothers me.

 

[kenmore81]

Ohhh Erick

The Hoover portable if you want a potential vintage conversation piece, its a little on the Innovative side,the way everything stores inside also makes it compact. Just an idea, the only dowside is it doesn't have a PN. But you could change that ;~) I have done it.

BTW-Where will you be attending in the fall? Are the dorms on the large side?

 

[luxg]

Erick, you can't go wrong with an Electrolux G!!!! Very quiet as well and perfect for the dorm.

 

[kirbfan94]

I agree with Kenneth, The hoover portable would be great for you! everything stores inside and it dosent even look like a vacuum, so if you really wanted to you could tell your friends it was a suitcase haha


http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n283/ghag_2006/Vacuum Cleaners/91495239_tp.jpg

 

[vacman117]

ya i agree

Hoover Portables are very good machines. Very strong also. I love mine, and the good thing is you can still buy bags at most stores.

 

[lux1521]

Ok, so I've looked over all of your comments, and here's where I'm at.

Lux Blue Model G: Quiet, stylish, classy, easy to store under a bed. I already have most of the tools for a model G, although not original ones.

Hoover Dial A Matic: Fairly self contained, bright colors, durable, good carpet cleaning. I currently have only a few Hoover attachments from this era (1960-1990), so that could be an issue. Its also different from everything else in my collection.

Hoover Portable: Cool design that most people would be unfamiliar with. Easy storage, durable, but lacks carpet agitation.

I'm also bouncing around the idea of a Constellation or Celebrity, but the Dial is still appealing to me. I also think I might be able to get one soon at a good price, but I'm not 100% sure of that.

Luckily this year I got a single room, so space is not an issue. Last year I had to share a small double room, so space was tight a times. I'll be at the University of Maine at Orono for my second year, and I think its going to be fun. Its a nice place as long as you don't have any problem with walking to class in 0 degree temps or fresh snow a few days a year.

 

[akabent]

Nothing sucks like an Electrolux!

But the model 30/XXX will keep people talking. They are quiet, later ones (after 1948) are plenty powerful, and they run forever. Just find one with awesome chrome (and there still are plenty) Who needs wheels??? This is a real crowd pleazer, but then, I have a prejudicial bias toward them.
Rick

 

[lux1521]

Thats also an idea, considering that I have a model 30 in my collection already, along with the paper bag converter for it. It just has some motor issues, primarily from explorations of its workings when I was younger. I guess the model 30 motor is not the best project for beginners. The later ball/bushing motors seem more forgiving as the bearings seem to have a lesser role in the alignment of parts.

 

[xraytech]

Here are a few suggestions that may work for you,
Possibly a GE swivel top or a Singer upright or canister of some sort.
Because most people didn't know that either company made vacuums, or a private label Penney's or Ward's vacuum since it fits into the same category.

As for the Hoover Portable suggestions, if you have a little time anyou could always wire in an outlet for a PN and use a nice Quadraflex PN and make a longer cord on it and use straps to fasten the cord to the hose, same thing could be done with a Constellation.You couldalso use a turbo brush on either of these, as I am sure that it would be a low pile carpet in your dorm.

They both woth great with a PN, I use both of those with a spare Quadraflex PN I have.

I( also like the DAM for your dorm, but would probably choose a non-powerdrive model due to the tight quarters, or I think a nice Hooverl model 29 or a 60 series machine would look great also.

Sam