it finally happened, the hoover bug bit me!

[bnsd60m9200]

I love kirby's, but after seeing other brands as i got exposed to other vacs on this site, the hoover bug bit me. in particular, the convertible models from the early 1970's that had a more squared hood and BIG headlight. i wanted one, but the couldn't afford what people on ebay were asking for them. as luck would have it, a local DFW collector here had one he was selling for a price my budget could hack. its a wonderful cleaner and had a great evening seeing his other vacs and trying them out! below are 2 pics. the 1076 by itself, and with my heritage II .

This is the shape i got it in. all i did was get a proper c type bag for it.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

..

 

[goadie12]

Wow good find so now that u have a Hoover which do u prefer Kirby or Hoover lol ? Zach

 

[bnsd60m9200]

they both have thier advantages and disadvantages. the hoover is lighter and gets into smaller spaces, but has a smaller bag and is harder (almost impossible, actually)to get the attachments for it. also replacement parts for specific models don't seem to be as available like color specific parts. ( kirby you can find replacement parts for models of the same era easier (mid 70's), spite the hoovers being made in much higher numbers, which i still dont get. )

in all honesty, the kirby wins, but not because of cleaning ability on the carpet. they are about even there far as a typical room cleaning test can be. its because the kirby has more capacity in the bag, and attachments are plentiful (and a very wide variety of unique attachments no other vacs have), as well as looks. all in all apples to apples i give the kirby a 10 and the hoover a 9.5 both very good cleaners.

 

[craig_1982]

your Kirby looks in excellent condition have you owned this from new ?

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Congrats on you HOOVER!

Y'all knew I'd comment.  It is a great vac.  The attachments aren't that hard to find.  The individual tools are great, but a canister gives better suction.  It IS a shame about replacement parts,  a great observation that SO many were produced.  Enjoy your Convertible.  If you need any help, just yell.  I'm sure you have seen mine, (1076). mint condition and mint performance,  since June 15, 1975!

 

[twocvbloke]

I once got bitten by a hoover bug, it crawled out of my Junior U1104 when I was stripping it down to clean it up... :S

 

[portable]

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;">The 1076 was one of the best Convertibles ever made. Nice big headlight, and that psychedlic bag....the bee's knees! Enjoy!</span>

 

[bnsd60m9200]

@ craig1982, no i got it for $20 at a thrift store and my friend and i cleaned it up. mothers and steel wool.

@ gottahaveahoove (john) i appreaciate the offer and if i have any hoover questions you or fred would certainly be the ones to ask! im thinking of hand painting the "covertible deluxe" on the headlight cover since it was a replacement and doesnt have that on it. to make it look a little more authentic, as i'd doubt id be able to come across that sticker anywhere. unless you have an idea?

@portable, yes it cleans very well. i want some of the brighter colored similar style ones with the big headlight. just gotta keep thrifting, ebaying and craigslisting

 

[ericaustin]

1076

I'm just glad it went to a fellow collector so that it will be well taken care of! Enjoy!