Hoover Preferred Elite Hardbag

[adiostoreador]

Recently I was able to come across a vacuum from my childhood that I had been looking for for a long time. It was the vacuum my grandma had for most of my time growing up, a Hoover Preferred Elite! It’s not the exact model as I remember her’s having a non-stretch hose that went over top the body while this one has a side mounted stretch hose. Other than that it’s all exactly the same. Overall the thing is in damn near in perfect condition! I genuinely think this had an easy life, It does need a new motor mount and I have one on the way but I attribute that breaking just do to the aging of the plastic. I was also wondering if anybody had as picture of the inside these fully assembled with the cover off just because I want to make sure everything else in there is good to go. Also can anybody give a little more insight into the machine? I know the Elite series of uprights had a long successful run, but I can’t really find to much about this model. From what I can gather it’s no different than any other Elite hardbag other than Hoover slapped another name on it to have another machine to sell. I’m assuming here this is a mid range model as it does have a stretch hose and headlight which is definitely a step up from the base machine, while the TOL model had the already attached and ready to go hose. But I could be wrong here as Hoover seems to have made every possible combination of Elite parts into every possible configuration and the names are kinda all over with different stores having different models line ups of Elites.

 

[adiostoreador]

So upon looking at this further I do think some parts are due to be replaced. I’m thinking motor retainer and the large motor mount (The large mount is fine just figured replace it with newer plastic since I’ll be in there anyways), the fan housing chamber cover. There is one part that was floating around and I’m not what it’s to but I’m assuming it’s part of something that needs to be replaced or repaired. Also is it possible to replace the fans on these? The fan that’s in there now is a little chewed up and honestly I’d rather just replace it. Sorry for bugging this is just kinda the first vacuum that I’m actually having to put work into and I’m excited but also don’t wanna mess this up as this specific machine is hard to come by.

 

[hoover300]

I know I have the fan side bracket. I may have a motor bracket and a fan case, will look this week

 

[adiostoreador]

I actually have the large motor bracket cause I accidentally ordered the wrong one. I wanted to get the smaller one first but oops!

 

[convertible18]

Nice Machine!

I have always loved the elite styled cleaners. My mother has a Hoover Dimension limited that she still uses to this day and it is mint! Hope you enjoy. I always love machines passed down from family

 

[adiostoreador]

Would any one happen to have a picture of what the under the hood of these elites should look like so I can gauge what parts I might need and so I can see what it should look like fully assembled.

 

[durango159]

There's really not much to see at all under the hood! The machines are basic.

The hood removes by gently releasing tabs marked with arrows at one each side under the unit between base and top housing. The height adjuster knob will also come off. With cover off you release the belt from the motor pulley and have access to the bulb sitting in top of motor. That motor exhast port is always full of a nice collection of carpet fiber, pet hair, etc. It boggles my mind how much gets collected around the headlight. Then you have motor support brackets that hold the motor in place.

The bottom plate comes off with a flathead screwdriver, again gently releaseing two lock tabs on the base plate. With belt released, you can pull out the brush roll.

The brush roll end caps collect hair and dust. They should be checked about twice a year or with every belt change. They remove very easily, just grasp each end cap with your hands and turn lefty loosey. The bearings on each end should be repacked with grease. It's actually a simple process of sliding a flat head screw driver under the white or black plastic bearing cap and then pack with all purpose grease. and press cap back on. Of course removing as much old grease or gunk as possible and making sure it turns freely prior. Sometimes it's worth it to clean them with WD-40 before repacking with new grease. A Hoover grease gun is the best way to pack these bearings, but so few have access to one, so you have to improvise. It's very important to clean and re-install the metal spring washer. Install with metal of bearing resting on the curved up middle and sides sloped towards center of agitator.

It's amazing to many collectors how basic and cheap these machines looked but how long they actually lasted when properly taken care. They clean very well. A great thing too is that HEPA A bags are now available which gives better filtration, makes air flow last longer and you don't have to clean bag compartments anymore.