Saw This Custom Convertible U4195

[wyaple]

And I have questions.

First of all, how old is it? The serial number is 00133886. Second, with it needing a new belt and headlight (I assume it has a headlight), is it worth the $20 asking price at Goodwill? Upon starting it up, the motor ran but had lots of grinding bearing noise. No tools are included. Lastly, what is that rectangular cutout for on the top left of the motor housing? Thanks for any answers you may have as I am unfamiliar with these machines.

Bill

 

[gottahaveahoove]

It is a plastic base "ranger" style Convertible.

It has a strong, high performance motor. That 'cutout' was on many hoods, with the carpet settings visible through a little plastic 'window'. The cutout was in the mold. Some vacuum models, (a lot) didn't have the display, just having the colored plastic window there, unused.
It was a very popular machine ...late 70s into 80s My aunt bought one in 1981...it had been around a while.

 

[wyaple]

Thanks! Any Idea About The Date Of This One?

Is there a way to tell the date of manufacture by the serial number?

Bill

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

only Hoovers made after....

1987 can be dated by the serial number. This is one of the first plastic based Convertibles from 1979 or 1980.


That little cut out is what Hoover called the Pile Eye. When a model used the same hood mold, they just covered it with a cap. I will post what one looks like.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Excellent

examples !!!!!

 

[wyaple]

So I'm Guessing That Since No One Has

said go grab that machine, it probably isn't worth fixing up. It looks like a cool vac, but I have gotten stung with putting more $$$ into something that wasn't worth it in the end. Thanks for the replies though...

Bill

 

[KirbyCollector01]

That goodwill looks familiar
Is it in Hilliard?

 

[wyaple]

It's a New Goodwill in Canal Winchester

that just opened up a few months ago. Right off of Rt. 33 exit.

Bill

 

[KirbyCollector01]

I've been there once

We have two here in Hilliard
One being identical to that new one

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I'll say this:

IF you collect HOOVER, it should be one of your 'must haves', because that RANGER is an iconic hood. IF the motor is not great, re think. I believe that if you collect Hoovers, some must haves are:
a 28, 69,707, at least one Ranger, a 1070, 1076, gold Constellation, the last (pumpkin and Seal greige), the very last (stainless steel Connie), etc.....
I disliked the ranger when it was new. I have one "in every color", to quote the great Jackie Kennedy. But, if there ever were to be a fire, (God forbid), it wouldn't be the FIRST one I'd grab.
I MUST get a British Ranger AND a Dirtsearcher. They are 'on my list'.

 

[wyaple]

I love the iconic style and remember this machine

in various form and colors throughout the 1970's very well. I looked at eBay and similar machines seem to sell for $50-$80, which I would think would put me close to being "upside down" financially on this particular example after a restoration. If I see the price lowered to $5-$10 in the coming days/weeks, I'll probably pick it up if it's still there. My Hoover collection so far is below.

Bill

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Nice beginnings there

The Tempo is a no frills...probably the 'best bang for your buck' HOOVER out there at the moment. You'll need to add a Convertible at some point. Best of luck.
John

 

[wyaple]

The Widepath Tempo Cleans Unbelievably Well

My measurements for this (still available on eBay el cheapo unit) machine are:

80" of water lift
114 CFM (with Crucial cloth HEPA bag)
More than 10 lbs. rug plate suction

I don't know how TTI can produce such a great/powerful cleaner so inexpensively.

Bill

 

[wyaple]

KirbyCollector, Did You Pick It Up?

I went back yesterday and it was gone. I probably would've picked it up, but the motor sounded far too rough for the price it was being offered for.

Bill

 

[KirbyCollector01]

No I went there back in June

 

[durango159]

Nice collection Hoovers! That Ranger looked nice. If it was just a bearing issue then some grease in the lower bearing and replacing the top bearing plate--cheap, may have fixed it. Also combined with most likely dry brush roll bearings that probably didn't help either.

Love your Turbo Power 5000 S3612 and the Steamvac Widepath! I'll agree with others that the Tempo was very powerful! I liked it with the Hoover genuine original style brush rolls and not the CWP one that they started using.