new-to-me Hoover Convertible U4007 questions

[psychedelichome]

Hello! I'm an avid vintage appliance enthusiast but a new vintage vacuum owner. I was lucky enough to receive this Hoover Classic Convertible U4007 from a generous neighbor a few weeks ago, and after replacing the belt and bag I'm happy to say it's functioning like an absolute dream. But I couldn't leave well enough alone, and I tried to order the attachment hoses, so that maybe I could put my Dyson away for good. My Google research led me to Hoover 4109, which I found on eBay. The connection point, sadly, is not the right fit for this machine. Can anyone point me a better direction?

I've also tried to find the manual (it has some groovy photos of the unit on the cover) to no avail. I'm not even sure if the manual would tell me the attachments stock number...ANYWAY, I'd love to own that cool original manual for a lot of reasons. So if anyone knows how to get one, let me know!

Last question, maybe? I see how beautiful and shiny some of y'all get your Hoover hoods, and I was wondering if there's a go-to wax or something you can recommend? Anything else I should know? I sure appreciate your expertise, and I love being here wallowing in the beauty and performance of mid-20th century vacuums!

 

[paul]

Welcome to Vacuumland & vacuum cleaner collecting!

You've started with a 1973-75 vintage cleaner in Goldtone & Taupe that was part of a Convertible "A" sales line of 4. The U4007 & U4003 had the full Custom trim, and the U4005 & U4009 had the Deluxe trim with less features. All sported the new-style "full" hood.

Here's an old VL thread that includes an upload of the specs brochure.


https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?22426


I think the optional tool sets described & pictured in the brochure but unidentified by model numbers are the standard model 1031 and the deluxe model 1077. As far as I know the U4901 & U4903 sets were introduced in 1977 with the front conversion.

Regarding the users guide, in 1966 Hoover USA simplified production and cataloging by printing multi-model booklets. Those printed from c.1972 to c.1982 bore the repeated H layout.

Hood polishing products vary among collectors, so I'll let the more seasoned collectors weigh in on that. I personally have used SC Johnson's Jubilee Kitchen Wax liquid available from Ace Hardware.

Happy Hoovering & again, welcome!

 

[paul]

Here's the users guide cover layout:

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Hi ! Welcome !!!

That's a great machine, I have 4.  You'll need a 'rear conversion' tool set  model 1031. (standard set).  The 'deluxe' set has a few more tools, but the converter and hose are the same.


 


Best of luck!!!!!

 

[suckolux]

I have a similar style Hoover with a Montgomery Ward's label in a rust color, nothing special about it but I just happen to like the way it works and sounds I use it frequently. It did come with a tool kit still in the box with a minimum of tools but I've just never bothered.

 

[psychedelichome]

Thanks all!

Hey hey! Well, oddly enough I ended up making a new friend here in Chicagoland who I think may have once been a member here under the handle Hoover1060. He told me about an adaptation I can do to make the 4109 kit work ("you just need a belt in the converter track to trip the speed switch")...and he says it'll have improved suction over the 1031 even, "because it covers the brush roll, whereas the rear conversion set leaves the brush open which loses some suction." Anyone have thoughts about this? I'm mostly happy because it means I get to use the hoses I have and not search for the more elusive 1031s on eBay.

I'm a mechanical idiot, so I think he's actually going to walk me through the process in person. I'm going to see him on October 30th when I pick up a vintage Kenmore 900 washer-dryer set in coppertone with those awesome console lights (I'm so excited)! That'll make our home 100% vintage appliances (except HVAC and hot water heater of course)!

 

[repairman]

hoover1060 is Jeff. I've never met him before, but my boss has and I've heard great things about him.

I have that exact machine and love it. Like everyone has said, you'll need a rear conversion tool set. The suction on the hose is pretty lackluster however. The reason the rear one works better is because it blocks off suction to the brushroll and diverts it to the hose. It also triggers a switch to activate high speed. I personally recommend using a separate canister for above-floor cleaning. Perhaps Jeff can show you the suction on a Convertible before you shell out money for a tool kit that you'll never use.

Mike