The Amazing Quality of Eureka

[hoover300]

I picked this up recently from my local garbage center. While it only cost $1, it was sitting in the rain and ivy, the bag zipper was stuck, the switch was stuck in the "on" position and the bag, which was exploded, was FULL of potting soil. I tested it without the bag when i got home, and it actually still worked! After cleaning the outer bag, oiling it, replacing the switch, and buffing the scuffs off with magic eraser and steel wool (the marks in the photo are actually rust, I didn't want to harm the paint) , it works like new! The sound kind of reminds me of a church organ. From what I can tell, it was made in the early 80s. It is a model 1425 f. Unfortunately, the soil has stained the bottom of the outer bag. Will washing it in the washing machine it make it worse? i did rinse it gently in the sink and hand dried it to get the smell out.
~K
BTW an oreck foot switch is interchangeable with a Eureka f&g style switch, and seems to be made better.

 

[human]

Yeah, they don't make them like they used to. Great save for just a buck.

 

[huskyvacs]

Great find! I seen one at Goodwill for $20 last year, same color and model, but passed on it.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

Nice machine, great price!

I would not recommend washing that outer bag in a washing machine, as the vinyl could get damaged due to its age. They like to wear at the folds. I would recommend gently hand-washing it again, but this time with a little laundry detergent. Maybe you could soak it first as well?

I would also check the brushroll brushes for any visible wear, and no matter what I would recommend replacing the belt (makes a HUGE difference, even if the old one isn't broken).

Those machines are lightweight and pretty quiet! Hope you like it.

 

[lladvac]

Nice find, brings back memories, my folks had the same one when I was a kid.

 

[hoover300]

Thanks!

I will definitely hand wash it. The bristles seem fine, but the roller is missing all of its paint. I will replace it and the belt soon. Actually, I got 4 vacuums and an old fan for a total of $5. I will make posts of all of them soon, but they were a pair of blue 1999 Dirt devils, the shell of a premier branded swivel top, and of course the Eureka.
~K

 

[desiredname]

That is the same model that my parents got as a wedding gift. It was the first upright vacuum that I ever used. Nice find!