I'm not a vacuum cleaner collector, but due to a few not-so-subtle suggestions from my wife, I am in the process of downsizing my sizable collection of seldom/never used items. Most items are headed to the Salvation Army in exchange for a receipt to be used for 'charitable contributions' on next years income tax filing, but I thought I'd check on e-bay to see if an over-50 Hoover might be worth something. I was surprised to discover that not only were some vintage machines worth more than a tax write-off, but they also had a sort of cult status, U-tube action videos, and various organizations devoted to their maintenance and well-being.
Before I go through the hassle of e-bay, I thought I'd check to see if there is anyone in your group who might want to discuss the Hoover Lark, Model 14, s/n 8842421 that I have. I will list the bad stuff as well as the good stuff, and if there is any interest, I will post pictures plus any other relevant info that I can.
Non-original features/repairs/modifications:
1. Replaced bolt and nut which secures the bottom of the handle to the yoke.
2. The spring-loaded retainer mechanism for the port end of the rotary agitator failed several years ago and my fix is a stationary retainer. Now the retainer for the opposite end serves for agitator removal and replacement.
3. When unable to find a replacement belt a while back, I discovered that the rubber gasket on an oil filter (AC-PF13) for a '90-something Saab was a perfect fit and is still going strong.
4. The injection-molded blue plastic switch cover is warped and also cracked. I tried to mend the cracks with glue, but as expected, it held until the first time I stepped down on the red ball. I then added a formed aluminum tab which is a little longer than the standard steel clip at the free end of the cover and it works fine. Still have the original steel clip.
5. I never had/didn't know there was a tool kit that came with the unit.
Positive factors:
1. All other parts of the unit are original and in excellent working condition.
2. I have thoroughly cleaned the unit, though I did not take it apart beyond the removal of the agitator and the switch cover/ball/spring assembly.
3. Cloth bag vacuum-cleaned and new paper bag installed.
4. Vacuum has been in my ex-wife's family and then mine from original purchase to present.
I just joined your forum and don't know if solicitations such as this are appropriate--if not, I apologize.
Before I go through the hassle of e-bay, I thought I'd check to see if there is anyone in your group who might want to discuss the Hoover Lark, Model 14, s/n 8842421 that I have. I will list the bad stuff as well as the good stuff, and if there is any interest, I will post pictures plus any other relevant info that I can.
Non-original features/repairs/modifications:
1. Replaced bolt and nut which secures the bottom of the handle to the yoke.
2. The spring-loaded retainer mechanism for the port end of the rotary agitator failed several years ago and my fix is a stationary retainer. Now the retainer for the opposite end serves for agitator removal and replacement.
3. When unable to find a replacement belt a while back, I discovered that the rubber gasket on an oil filter (AC-PF13) for a '90-something Saab was a perfect fit and is still going strong.
4. The injection-molded blue plastic switch cover is warped and also cracked. I tried to mend the cracks with glue, but as expected, it held until the first time I stepped down on the red ball. I then added a formed aluminum tab which is a little longer than the standard steel clip at the free end of the cover and it works fine. Still have the original steel clip.
5. I never had/didn't know there was a tool kit that came with the unit.
Positive factors:
1. All other parts of the unit are original and in excellent working condition.
2. I have thoroughly cleaned the unit, though I did not take it apart beyond the removal of the agitator and the switch cover/ball/spring assembly.
3. Cloth bag vacuum-cleaned and new paper bag installed.
4. Vacuum has been in my ex-wife's family and then mine from original purchase to present.
I just joined your forum and don't know if solicitations such as this are appropriate--if not, I apologize.
