Newest Acquisition!

[charles~richard]

For a long time, I've wanted a turquoise Hoover Constellation. I have quite a few machines in turquoise and wanted to add a Connie to the set. Well, thanks to some good luck on eBay, I have one! There was only one other bidder on this so I got it very reasonably. And it's in absolutely beautiful condition! See piccies below <br
btw, stay tuned for a photo extravaganza from "Spring Clean 2007" which features a machine that should delight Sandy and Fr. Bruce, in particular! :

 

[charles~richard]

Photo

 

[charles~richard]

Photo
Ain't she purty! :

 

[vac-o-matic]

Connie!

Ya did good guy, very nice! I've been lucky with the vacs I've picked up from ebay, only a couple of bad apples out of quite a few.

 

[hygiene903]

Nice Connie, Charles!

What Model # is it? I have an 82 and an 858 myself (the first and last models made) and really like them. I think they were somewhat underestimated or underappreciated back in the day, as they were really quite powerful and well built machines, which I'm sure you noticed when you got yours.
Did you also notice the "famous Constelllation smell" when you ran it? Seriously, Constellations have a certain scent to them. It's kind of a clean, warm smell, nothing unpleasant. I HAD thought that my Grandmother had put a few drops of Lysol or something on the felt filter (under the bag) on hers, but then I found out they ALL smell that way!! If you didn't already notice it, try cleaning a whole room with it, & you'll see (or, smell) what I'm talking about.
Congrats on your acquisition, and thanks for posting the pictures--it's a real beauty
Jeff

 

[luxg]

Charles that is one beautiful machine!! You just have to love turquoise!! Congratulations!!

 

[buffalo-joe]

She Sure is Beautiful.............

Very, very nice Connie. I've always liked the turquoise ones. Of course I'm partial to ALL Connies. She has a good home now. Again, very nice.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Many Thanks Charles

Hi Charles That is a real beautiful machine. I have been wanting to thank you so much for all you do for this wonderful club. So thanks again. Doug.

 

[vacuumkid3]

Hey Jeff <br
That is the model 454. I have that exact one and had fun vacuuming with it last night! Does anyone have a spare filter for underneath the bag? Mine didn't come with one...I hope I don't ruin the motor! <br
~~K~~

 

[hoover28]

nice hoover 454 constellation

I have some 454s two. love the turquoise color too. I almost have all the constellation models <br <br
chirs

 

[charles~richard]

I also have the same model

in orange and tan. Well, I assume it's the same model -- it looks the same <br
You can see it in the photo below

 

[vacuumkid3]

The weird thing is, Charles...is that each color had a different model! Go figure! :-D I don't understand the purpose(s) of that, but that's what they did...Or at least to my understanding. Oh, and BTW: I have 7 green/turquoise vacuums:
Air-Way 88 Mk. I
GE Roll-Eas
Hoover Constellation 45
Lewyt Leader 9
Lewyt Golden 9
GE Swivel Top (2-tone green
Hoover 105 Specia
Why do ya'll think turquoise and green were such popular colors? Another famous green vacuum, or two, were the Bison and the Kirby DS 80. I can't wait to get me hands on one of the DS 80s <br
~~K~~

 

[danemodsandy]

Charlie:

"btw, stay tuned for a photo extravaganza from "Spring Clean 2007" which features a machine that should delight Sandy and Fr. Bruce, in particular! &quot <br
I shall wait with bated breath!

 

[myhooverco]

The 454 Connie was built from 3-3-66 to 5-1-67. It was replaced by the 843 on 5/1. The color was Nassau Blue. You found a very nice example. Congratulations <br
--Tom

 

[hygiene903]

Constellations!!

Kyle
In case you don't find an original filter, here is a fairly cheap substitute that works well. Go to your local auto parts store, and pick up a package of cotton terry polishing bonnets. The 9-10" size works for the constellation and they come 2 in a package. They do an excellent job of filtering with no loss of suction. They're even cheaper at Odd Lots (if they have them when you go), where I got mine for $1.49. Credit for this great idea goes to R.J. Vanik, who wrote an article on the use of these bonnets as filters and the sizes to use for the different vacuums they will work on. Even if you do get them at the auto parts store, I'm sure they'll still be cheaper than what the original filter would cost if you find one
Charles, the orange and tan one you have is a model 858, the last one they made intil they came out with the new one last year. I have an 858 myself, and it's the one I have the polishing bonnet filter on. My other Connie, a model 82 that was my Grandmother's, has the original filter in it. And by the way, WHAT IS the vacuum standing on end in the picture to the left of the Modern Hygiene?? It looks like some sort of Lux XXX mutation, but I've NEVER seen anything like that before!
Jeff

 

[charles~richard]

Polishing bonnets

is a great idea! Both my Connies have filters in them but I bet those thick wadded-material filters cut down on the suction. I'll check it out and see <br
The "weird Electrolux" you see is a Canadian model, I think the ZB55 is the model. I have more pix that I can post when I get home. (Still at church <br

 

[vacuumkid3]

Aww...thanks Jeff! I appreciate the idea! And thanks R.J.! I did make my own bonnet filter for my Rexair B. Just got some cloth and put it over the exhaust covering thingy. It seems to work great! It's black, so it'd be hard to tell if it picked up any carbon dust. It should, since I have only ran it with the bonnet on since I replaced the carbons. I expect it has done its job so far. I might even have a bonnet at the house to try it with. We'll see! My friend Toby has (for me) a tan and orange one, the 858, I suppose. I can't wait to get that one, too! That'll match my Kirby Heritage! :-D One of the few orange vacuums I can think of! LOL <br
~~K~~

 

[frkirby511]

Charles-Richard...!

"machine that should delight Sandy and Fr. Bruce, in particular!" <br
...Ok...so the anticipation =is= killing me! <br
Fr. Bruce

 

[charles~richard]

Constellation Smell & Weird Electrolux

Jeff, I have not noticed the "Constellation Smell." But, then, I have not used either machine enough, really, to detect it <br
I do know that Electrolux XXXa have a very distinctive scent. As you say, not unpleasant, not strong, kinda "warm and cuddly" like Grandma <br
Then, here are some photos of the "weird Eletrolux!" It's a model ZB54 btw, not ZB55 <br
I will note that since those photos (taken several years ago), I have found a cord winder and rear wheel assembly. See last couple of photos of a ZB30 to see this. It's an odd cord winder -- the winder and wheels are one unit! And instead of hinging open from the side, it hinges down from the top and the spring is hinge-loaded so it will stay closed when the blower is not used. That system really makes more sense and is more practical, on both counts. Hmm... I may have to take some photos <br
Now I just need a Companion for it, and I'll be all set <br
Oh, and that's not the correct hose although it's the one that came with it. The original hose was the same as the American LX, LXI and E <br