Vintage Hoover Questions

[ttuee2006]

A 91 year old neighbor's daughter had a garage sale this weekend to clear out a bunch of old "junque" to make way for her to go to a nursing home. Unfortunately I didn't go to it, but things worked out for me in the end.

Out in front of the house (sitting for the garbage truck) was a Hoover 28! One of the machines I've always had lust for (cause I love the way it looks!).

Here's the problem: It has no bag (but it does have the bag holder) and the brushes on the beater bar are all but gone. It also needs a belt....Will a Convertible belt fit it? Where can I get parts for this machine? The motor runs, and I can clean it up, it just needs some TLC and a bag!

Here's another question, which may be blasphemy in the collector's realm, but is it frowned upon to remove the brown paint from the base of the machine? I've always really hated the way these old machines look when the brown paint gets scarred up and peeled. Has anyone ever repainted one of these machines, or even better yet....just polished the metal underneath?

Opinions/sources for parts are appreciated!

 

[electroluxxxx]

hello
I have two of these machines and yes a convertable will fit. it might be a little tight at first but it will wear in just right. funny thing is that I have had mine since Jan and have not had to change the belt because it is showing no signs of wear yet. it still beats the crap out of the carpet like a good old hoover should. also I think I might have an extra bag and brush roll for you if I can find it in the storage shed. since I moved there is a lot in the shed and alot of the things that I want are hiding in hard to get places. however I have three boxes of vac parts in the front one of which might have the pieces for your 28. so give me about a week and I will look to gather the parts for you

Mike

 

[ttuee2006]

Awesome!!! I'd be willing to pay you for your time as well! Please let me know!

--Eric

 

[electroluxxxx]

dont worry about paying me for my time Just shipping will do and email me for my phone number and maybe we can tlk a lil about vacs
hope to tlk to u soon
Mike

 

[akabent]

Hoover 28/belts

As Mike said, the converitble belt will fit, but the
Eureka F&G belts are slightly (just slightly) bigger and will I believe will out less strain on the bearings. Just a thought!
Rick

 

[ttuee2006]

Yeah, after hearing his comment about the convertible belt being tight, I thought the exact same thing about the Eureka belt! I just happen to have a ton of them since I have a Sanitaire in my collection! The Sanitaire belts are stretchier too

Anyone have any thoughts about the repainting or polishing of the 28's base?

 

[truckerx]

Eric

Hi Eric.....These are only my suggestions for repainting the 28
Most of the 28's that I have been familiar with have had a non-shiny and slightly rough painted finish (see example). If I were doing this, I would first have the color computer matched. I would then select a paint product that would yield the same type of slightly dull finish. I would have this product mixed and put into a pressurized spray can. Many paint stores can do this. I would NOT remove the old textured finish but simply clean it well to be free from dirt, grease, oils. Lacquer thinner works well for cleaning. I would then remove as much of the trim and other removable parts as possible. Mask remaining parts and lightly overspray the original paint until the imperfections are covered and even in color.
**THIS IS ONLY WHAT "I" DO ADDITIONALLY AFTER PAINTING:**
If the base is free of the motor, cover, handle, and any rubber trim, I preheat my oven to 200 degrees. TURN THE OVEN OFF - then place the painted base in the warm oven for about an hour to dry and bake the finish. Hope this might help you.

 

[truckerx]

Incidentally.....

The model 28 in the above photo has NOT been repainted. It's the original finish. I have no plans to refinish it because it is not that badly scarred, considering 70+ years of service.

 

[ttuee2006]

Hmm.....good suggestions. We have access to an industrial tintable acrylic paint at my work that's tough as nails. I may get a quart and have it color-matched. Incidentally we also have a "curing oven" that we use to cure paint and coatings that just happens to regulate itself at 180˚ and has an 8 hour timer on it. Because of our industrial nature at work, we've got all sorts of tools that I've got access to, so maybe this is a good route to take! I'll have to mull it over and figure out what I want to do with it.

 

[ttuee2006]

Calling Electroluxxxx.....

Mike,

I fired an email in your direction, but never heard back. Did it make the trip?