Westinghouse rocket tank

[Liamjohn1420]

I just picked this up for free. Cleaned it up and installed a new hose so I could use it. Original was fallen apart. It works perfectly. It seems to be uncommon, I can't seem to find another one. It's a t 62 westinghouse. I know lucy used one on her show. But that's about all I can find. Anyone know anything about this? How rare? Years of manufacturing? Any other info? Value? Thanks liam

 

[vac-o-matic]

Liam, check the Convention thread, there is a pic of mine, looks just like yours only a cranberry color. My model plate says Cat. nbr. T-53, no other model number. Sorry I can't answer you on the year, etc. I was lucky enough to find mine complete, all original with the box. Nice find, very decent suction. Since I Love Lucy was in black/white, it's hard to say what model it might be, but I have seen them in a few different colors.

 

[Liamjohn1420]

Rocket tank

So are these rare, I can't seem to find any others I'm terms of price or availability to refrence. Is this a vacuum to let the kids use? Or something to go on a shelf? Collect or use? Will I hurt it? It works very well. I know nothing about vacuum cleaners. I collect lawnboy commercial mowers, I hunt craigslist and got this from a junk pile. What would you say mine is actually worth? I think it's cool either way but don't want my 5 year old daughter to play with something priceless, I grabbed this to keep her of my dyson actually.

 

[Liamjohn1420]

Rocket tank

This works as well or better than any new vacuum cleaner

 

[Liamjohn1420]

Just like lucy

 

[collector2]

I wouldn't say that they are rare as you see them on ebay fairly often. They are a very unique looking machine though. I have the grey version (Model T4 from 1950) courtesy of a good friend in Florida.

 

[Liamjohn1420]

Rocket

So no one here with all this vacuum talk knows what this is worth or anything else about it? I got pics of others similar vacuum cleaners but no one actually answered me. Is it trash or treasure?

 

[super-sweeper]

Treasure! Hold on to it, it'll serve by your side for many years to come. Definitely a lot more bulletproof than your Dyson!

 

[dysonman1]

I think what you want to know about is 'value'. In the condition it is in right now, with broken switch kick and bojack hose (no attachments) it's worth about $20 for parts. Not a treasure. Doug's machine, complete with original hose, and attachment kit, is worth several hundred depending upon the number of eBay bidders.

 

[Liamjohn1420]

What is the switch kick? I'm unfamiliar with vacuums, but do small engine repair and am fairly technical. The switch on this is the metal push button on the back, it seems to work just fine, but I have no other experience than looking at this one an other very few pictures. Please tell me what is broken so I can understand. This has scratches and junk hose, but I had no other and just wanted to use it, but even still out preforms my dyson dc 14 and is just a bullet proof design. I got my dc 14 out of the trash almost unused from some rich peoples house, it had its foot hose disconnected. So I've got a nice set of trash vacuums I think. I wasn't really hung up on $ I just didn't want to drive a 19 50s Bentley in the mud I guess.

 

[Liamjohn1420]

Can someone please tell me what a switch kick is and look at my pics and tell me what's broken. I go on my tractor forum all the time for vintage lawnboy mower advice, vacuum cleaner collectors are way less friendly or willing to talk to you, intersting. I guess people that use vacuum cleaners are just better then everyone else. Just kinda what it seems here. Ask a ? About vacuum cleaners here, they send pics of there's and tell you how there's is the best. Not much help guys

 

[suckolux]

My guess would be it's a lever that covers the switch, making it look nicer and bigger target to tap?Probably hinged to something? TOTAL Guess

 

[rugsucker]

the Westinghouse in your House

I don't think anything is missing or broken on your switch.All through the late 40s to mid 50s WH had good quality tank vacs using the same basic major parts and body shell,bag,etc.Every year would have a style and color change on the handle,switch buttons and nameplates.I have several upstairs I will take a look at when time permits.(They will also be available to any other house that needs a Westinghouse.)The WHs are much more rare than the Electrolux and others.Also easy to repair or find attachments(original are scarce but fit all works).Should still be great for dusting,hard floors and cars.Enjoy!

 

[dysonman1]

If you look at both Doug's machine and the still from Lucy, there is a metal cover, hinged onto the back of the handle, that the foot actually hits - not the top of the switch itself. That part is called a switch kick.