Sweeper-Vac Model 49

[vintagehoover]

Announcing the arrival of a new baby!

My new Sweeper-Vac Model 49. It's come all the way from Littleton, Colorado to Woking, Surrey! It seems to be missing its furniture guard (does anyone have one of these going spare?). I love the red and blue bag, and the Sweeper-Vac graphic! Very highly-polished, too - it didn't need much work, just some shining-up with metal polish.

Runs fine with a voltage adaptor (see video). However, it's missing its drive-belt - any suggestions as to what kind of belt could be used?

Also, does anyone know when this dates from? I'd guess late 30s or early 40s?

 

[vintagehoover]

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[vintagehoover]

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[vintagehoover]

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[vintagehoover]

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[vintagehoover]

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[vintagehoover]

'with motor driven brush'!

...or not, since the drivebelt's missing!

 

[lux1521]

Post a pic of the belt pullys and I can give you some belt advice.

 

[vintagehoover]

Belt pulley...

...as requested:

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I'd say...

Maybe a Hoover Junior belt?

 

[vintagehoover]

Hmm...

I think a Junior belt would be too thick...a 370/375 belt might be a better match...but it looks like the original would have been thinner even than that.

 

[lux1521]

It's a crazy idea, but I'd try taking a flat belt of the proper length and cutting it's width down to a smaller size with a razor knife. You could use a ruler or a piece of wood as a guide. A bench vice would be even better if you have one.

 

[vintagehoover]

Not to worry about the belt...

...I've found an elastic band that seems to work ok! It could really do with a smaller, tighter one, but I'll have a look in town and see what I can find. Thanks for the suggestions, anyway!

Can anyone give me a manufacturing date for the cleaner?

 

[chestermikeuk]

Sweeper Vac or is it??

Hi Jack, congrats on another classic find, now to the question, is it a "Sweeper Vac" or is it a "Little Wonder" I found a similar one about 5yrs ago and have never known where / who made it!!!

This one is a Little Wonder "Whisk Brush" Vac, New York, USA, 220volts, AC/DC, no handle, the tube is metal coated with burgandy paint....the belt is miniture, just had a look and an elastic band is the nearest...another thought, a nylon sewing machine belt might work, will have a look this week,love the dinky brush-roll..

 

[chestermikeuk]

Little Wonder Brush Vac

Decal

 

[chestermikeuk]

Whisk Brush

With belt attached

 

[chestermikeuk]

Little Wonder

Belt & Agi

 

[chestermikeuk]

Sweeper Vac Vibro De-Luxe

I have a sweeper vac that I picked up in 2001 when attending my first Washer Convention at Roberts place...while out estate sailing I found it in the attic of a massive 3 story house...this one dates to 1926 , 110v and purrs...it needs a furniture guard still, wondered if a Kirby or Royal wouuld do??

 

[vintagehoover]

Hi Mike!

Thanks for posting those pictures - I LOVE that upright Sweeper-Vac! Beautiful machine. I wonder if my Model 49 dates back as far as '26, seeing as it has the same bag design...

I've seen the Little Wonder before, there's one in the Science Museum in London (dated 1933) - I think it was Stan Kann who joked that it was called the Little Wonder because it was a 'little wonder' it picked anything up! There seem to have been several variations on that design...don't know which came first!