I wonder what could be in here?

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YAY!

I didn't have any pre-Convertible Hoovers from the 1940's or 50's, until last week when I bid and won a Hoover Model 28 which hasn't arrived yet but appears to be in decent shape from the pictures. The same seller also had a really nice Model 61 which I was really interested in, but it ended for around $122.50, not really what I had in mind considering that they're not exactly rare.

So imagine my surprise when I open the boxes and find a 1940's Hoover Model 61 from fellow club member Greg Nunn in just FANTASTIC shape, complete with original attachments and attachment holder! While the metal-base Convertibles are great machines and I do like them, after I used some of the earlier models at Roger's last Spring I fully understand why these (as well as the heavy-duty 90-series machines) are so much more desirable. The quality is outstanding, and the weight at the base really makes them "hug" the carpet as well as prevents you from pushing it too fast, making the machine handle so much better. What I like the best about these, however, is the sound of the motor...there's more of a "whine" present (especially when you first turn the machine on) that is like music to the ears! The early Convertibles (at least through the early-60's) seem to share this sound as well.

Greg, thank you SO much for this beauty! Of course it is nothing less than mandatory that I send you something in return, so your "care package" will be forthcoming. Stay tuned...

1-6-2007-17-03-12--Convertible68.jpg
 
Lights on!

Since the bag is configured to use the NLA Type W "Handisac" bags which I don't have, I was able to modify a Type C bag to work in it. I simply cut off the tapered (and stapled) end and pushed it very far onto the fill tube. The clamp was plenty strong enough to hold it on, although the jury is still out to see whether it will leak dust. I'll probably use a Convertible belt, which seems like the appropriate diameter for this fill tube, to secure it in another spot. This machine will only get occasional use anyway, so I'm not that concerned.

1-6-2007-17-27-21--Convertible68.jpg
 
Very nice

I agree that the hood on these machines looks outstanding - always reminds me of the curved windows on 1930s buildings. Have fun with it!

Si
 
That's just wonderful Austin, what a great unit! I find the beater bar "humming" to be much more intense with the older units as well. Perhaps that is owing to the fact the machine is heavier and holding more fast to the rug.
 
Wow...your model 61 is in very good shape. They do clean very well and the C bag fit is a good one. At least you can use the machine. You will have to try some Handisacs some day. They help the machine breath and you get tremendous air flow. Your tool set is newer a model 6200 set and it is a later 6200 set since the box type mothimizer is not there. You probably have the newer "veriflex" hose with it too. These are very beautiful machines. The attention to detail is very evident. The individual Hoover letters on the hood are all brass. They can even be removed! The lens is glass and it has genuine brass trim. These were made to last a lifetime. Thanks for you pics!

Happy Hoovering!

--Tom
 
Speaking of 61s...

A guy called the store today...

"Do you guys know of anyone that collects vacuum cleaners?"

--a co-worker took the call, I was on lunch.

Got back, he gave me the message... I call the guy.

"I have my Aunt's old vacuum, she told me once that she remembers getting it in the 30's."

So, I load my pocked up with cash and go to the guys house after work.

*The cash--($20 or $40)--moreso for his time and generousity than worth of the cleaner.... depending on the condition of the cleaner.... I've gotten my hopes up, then smashed reeeeal quickly before.

Well, this is what he had for me (See link below)

I presume the delivery carton is from the machine from the 30's, which got traded in for the machine that I ended up getting...

http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum26.html
 
interesting contrast in base paint on Austins and Freds cleaners. mine is colored like Austins. Austin, the condition of the paint is AMAZING! Austin, remember the vac shop i told you about, in Houston? they have tons of DVC for Hoover W bags. i imagine Houston has some good vac shops, do you ever visit?

Fred, you think Hoover Co used model 28 paint on yours? the finish does look original. and the guy even saved the handle box! the bag looks FLAWLESS.
 
WOW!

Hey Fred

VERY nice :)- pity bout the plug, but im sure you can do something about that ;)-wonder why it needed replacing so soon.

I LOVE the "mirror" Hoover lettering on the handle box, im sure there cant be many of those around- the 450 delivery carton is a nice find as well.

Isnt it great that the guy thought to call your work before disposing of it- as you say the $40 was well worth it for his time/trouble.

Wonder what you would have to pay for one as nice on Fleabay lol!!!!

Seamus
 
Yeah..

David~ the bag is FLAWLESS! Except it needs a new bellows. Oh well, I'll figure that out. I think depending on if it was later or earlier in production, the color of the base was darker/lighter. I've seen model 115s with the same paint issue, early ones were darker, later ones were lighter.

Seamus~ I know, just a rotton shame about the plug. I have something up my sleeve. Jeez, I was thinking of throwing it away because of that yellow plug... maybe I will change my mind and save it (kidding). Gosh, what kind of a company makes a product whose plug doesn't last more than 50 years....? The nerve. :-)

~F
 
Fred...

Congrats on the beautiful 61 ensemble. The handle box is nearly impossible to find. It just goes to show you that there are still good cleaners out there to be found. Thanks for the link. Your pictures look great!

--Tom
 
Fred

I congratulate you as well, on this beautiful 61. I have several model 28's, but somehow the 61 has always eluded me until a few years ago. I found one thrown away in Jamaica, Queens. It was converted to use paper bags, had a broken fan, noisy bearings, and was in absolutely deplorable condition. After much hesitation, I finally decided to throw it out. Had I known then what I know now, I would have kept it. I'm still kicking myself....
 
Congratulations Austin & Fred

on both of you getting really great looking model 61's. Unusual for 2 club members to acquire the same make and model vacuum within a couple days of each other.
Happy Hoovering!
Jeff
 
Fred, congratulations! That machine looks like it's in good shape as well, especially the original bag and hose. I now need to find a hose for mine (have the converter already); I'm sure one will turn up on eBay soon. What a shame about the original plug being replaced with that ugly yellow thing, though. Do you have any vintage round plugs you could possibly put on it?
 
My 61 & 28

I found this 61 at an estate sale, complete with paperwork, attachments, hose and the original box. It was all original and looks barely used. I grabbed the cleaner and put it aside at the sale and went on to fight with an old bitty over some dishtowels. It can get ugly at these sales, but that's another story ;-)

The 28 came from the same thrift store I found the Scott&Fetzer in and it is in wonderful condition too. When Roger and Terry were here last week, Roger told us that the 28 hoods came in die-cast metal, stamped steel and bakelite. This one is die-cast. It also has all the original paperwork, bag, cord, attachments, hose and box as well. The paint inside the brushroll area is barely nicked or scratched at all. I was very lucky to find a nice 28, one I've wanted as I remember using my grandmother's many times. She used to fuss at me to not leave it turned on because it would "eat a hole in the rug."

1-10-2007-17-55-43--dial-a-nap.jpg
 
Oh Greg, that "eat a hole in the rug" comment had me roaring! I remember hearing similar remarks as well! Glad to see Jack's nose hit paydirt again!! At least you know that he will be able to dig up the occasional snake this spring! LOL

These are all beautiful machines that have ended up in the perfect homes!! Congrats to all on these wonderful finds!!
 

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