Trashfind and Restored Hoover Elite 200

[hank]

I got really lucky a couple weeks ago and picked this off of the curb. This machine was in really bad condition and very dirty. I took the outer bag off and after vacuuming out all the debris from the inside of it, I threw it straight into my washing machine. As for the plastics sans the electronics and motor they also got vacuumed for all the major debris and then put it straight into The dishwasher. I inspected the brush roll it appears to be in very good condition I did put a new belt in and amazingly to me this machine being it is incredibly easy to service and take apart I expected the belt change to be a lot simpler than it was. However it wasn't a big deal and I got the new belt on just fine. The amount of suction this machine has is amazing, maybe it is just because it is light and completely made out of plastic but it sucks itself straight to my carpet and I can push it but there is some amount or resistance because of the suction.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I love the early elite models and this one is my favorite. This model was introduced in 1988 in the original elite line up. Your serial number will date it for you. The first four digits will be date and year. It's going to be between 1988-1992.
Congratulations on saving a great little vacuum. This was when even plasti crap vacs were still good.

 

[hank]

Thanks for the info. Appears to be from march of 1989. Here are some more pics as well as what it looked like before

 

[alexhoovers94]

I have one of those, it is a British model though.

 

[broomvac]

I agree with kirbyvertibles; I have a lot of respect for the early Hoover Elites. I especially like to 200; the basic, no-frills construction makes it particularly light weight and gives it a clean look. The sleek hood without headlight, height adjustment, or hose port looks great.

I have made the same observation you have about the cleaning performance, too. You can really feel these cleaners latch on to the carpet and groom vigorously. Here's a tip I discovered: if you use the Genuine Hoover HEPA Type A bags made from the white synthetic "cloth," you will find the cleaner's performance goes through the roof. Not only is the air flow better, but it can endure more dust before performance drops off. Of course, improved filtration is an added bonus, keeping the inside of the outer cloth bag pristine.

I don't have an Elite 200 per-se, but I do have the commercial version, model number C1403. It's virtually the same cleaner with a few added reinforcements for heavy-duty use. I'd like to get my hands on a 200 too so I can complete the pair.

Have fun!

broomvac