Top/bottom fill Convertible

[justjunque]

Hi all,

Please be gentle if this is a stupid question.
It's not something that I'm looking to do either.
I'm just putting the finishing touches on the cleaning of the U4423, and getting ready to put the bellows back on, and it just got me wondering.

If you wanted to convert a bottom fill Convertible to top fill; would it just be a matter of installing the bellows and fill tube from a top fill version, or is there more to it than that?

Thanks,
Barry

 

[fan-of-fans]

I've heard of it being done, I remember someone restoring a metal base Convertible and making it a top fill. The biggest issue is fitting the bellows inside the outer jacket along with the A bag. The A bags are bigger and inflate more than the C bags which can cause the outer jacket to rip. If you could restrain the bag somehow it would probably work.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Ah, here you go

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?17780
http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?17780

 

[gottahaveahoove]

First of all, it's NOT a stupid question.

And, yes, you can get a whole new bag (top fill) apparatus, OR get it in pieces. The cloth or vinyl outer bag (white) will work. But, an "A" type (top fill) unit will not work )fit) with athat outer jacket... too small. that was MAde for A "C" bag.
Lot's of times, after an overhaul, the serviceman would change these Convertibles to top fill.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks Cole

Man! That was an interesting thread!
I just got finished putting my U4423 back together after what was the most thorough cleaning I've ever taken on.
Then, I read what, (was it Tyler?) did with that gorgeous Convertible, and I feel shame!

I so admire people who are able to do stuff like that.
I am just NOT mechanically inclined at all!
Basic cosmetic freshening up is as far as I'm comfortable going.
Even then...I broke this one down more than I've ever done before, and part of me is afraid that things are going to fly off when I fire it up for the first time!

If all goes well, I'll either start another thread with post-cleaning pictures, or update the older thread from when I first got the machine.

Barry

 

[justjunque]

Hey John

Thanks.

You responded while I was writing my response.
I figured it seemed doable.
I only have two Convertibles, and they're both top fill, so I don't have to worry about it.
I did put a HEPA bag in the 4423. My first time trying them.
If I didn't screw anything up on the re-assembly, and it doesn't fall apart when I flip the switch, I'll post some "after" pictures.
It's still not a show stopper. It has its battle scars.
But I think it's nice, and like I said, it's the most thorough cleaning I've ever given one!

Barry