I recently got a Hoover 541 off shopgoodwill, and I'm wondering what it should look like. The metal is relatively tarnished, and I want to polish it, but I read somewhere that some of these older Hoovers were not shiny, but had a flat finish on the metal. Also, the vacuum has a white bag. Is that original, or was it a later replacement?
What should a Hoover 541 look like?
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kirbykid
New member
no idea
caligula
Well-known member
Hoover 541
I have a number of vacuum cleaners from that era, and ALL have been cleaned, and polished to a high gloss with two things. I start with Brasso to get the dirt, and tarnish off, then I let it dry before giving it a final once over with Mothers polish. My Kirby Vacuette (1917), Electrolux V (1924), as well as Electrolux LX (1952, and several others all shine like new.
Vacuum cleaners made back then were very easy to polish. The hardest part of the job is dismanteling and reasembling the parts.
If the lug nuts holding the bag ring to the cleaner are tight, try a shot of WD40, it works wonders.
Finaly let me stress that the cord is most likely opiginal, so DON'T wind it in a figure 8 pattern as it will add a lot of stress, also wind it LOOSELY!
The Hoover 541 was the first appliance to be made of magmesium, and was introduced around 1923.
You have a great machine, enjoy it.
Alex Taber.
I have a number of vacuum cleaners from that era, and ALL have been cleaned, and polished to a high gloss with two things. I start with Brasso to get the dirt, and tarnish off, then I let it dry before giving it a final once over with Mothers polish. My Kirby Vacuette (1917), Electrolux V (1924), as well as Electrolux LX (1952, and several others all shine like new.
Vacuum cleaners made back then were very easy to polish. The hardest part of the job is dismanteling and reasembling the parts.
If the lug nuts holding the bag ring to the cleaner are tight, try a shot of WD40, it works wonders.
Finaly let me stress that the cord is most likely opiginal, so DON'T wind it in a figure 8 pattern as it will add a lot of stress, also wind it LOOSELY!
The Hoover 541 was the first appliance to be made of magmesium, and was introduced around 1923.
You have a great machine, enjoy it.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hoover 541 bag.
The 541, and 543 did have a light colored bag. Mine is a replacement, though it is a genuine Hoover. I can't tell for sure if the bag on your 541 is original without seeing a picture of it, but I seriously doubt if it is!
The dome over the motor that looks like a coffee can is black and you have to be sure to wipe off ALL of the Brasso. If you can, remove it from the cleaner then soak it in hot, soapy water, if not, use mild dish soap on a damp sponge (do not use a lot of water) and wipe it clean. The main housing, handle adjustment thingy, and handle grip will all polish nicely if you follow my previous post.
Take before and after pictures so we can all see the progress.
Alex T.
The 541, and 543 did have a light colored bag. Mine is a replacement, though it is a genuine Hoover. I can't tell for sure if the bag on your 541 is original without seeing a picture of it, but I seriously doubt if it is!
The dome over the motor that looks like a coffee can is black and you have to be sure to wipe off ALL of the Brasso. If you can, remove it from the cleaner then soak it in hot, soapy water, if not, use mild dish soap on a damp sponge (do not use a lot of water) and wipe it clean. The main housing, handle adjustment thingy, and handle grip will all polish nicely if you follow my previous post.
Take before and after pictures so we can all see the progress.
Alex T.
hooverboy81
Well-known member
Magnesium
Actually, the model 150 was the first Hoover cleaner to be made of magnesium. The 541 was aluminum. If memory (and history) serves me, the model 700 was highly polished aluminum, whereas the earlier "coffee cans" were more of a dull or matte finished aluminum. I have had two model 541s; one was a wrinkle finished special, and the other was all original. It was not super shiny as the 700 series cleaners and up were.
Actually, the model 150 was the first Hoover cleaner to be made of magnesium. The 541 was aluminum. If memory (and history) serves me, the model 700 was highly polished aluminum, whereas the earlier "coffee cans" were more of a dull or matte finished aluminum. I have had two model 541s; one was a wrinkle finished special, and the other was all original. It was not super shiny as the 700 series cleaners and up were.
kirbykid
New member
so the 541 was aluminum?
This is the one I bought. Thanks for all the information. The 541 is proving to be a very interesting cleaner.
http://www.shopgoodwill.org/auctions/Vintage-Hoover-Vacuum-Model-541-11740020.html
http://www.shopgoodwill.org/auctions/Vintage-Hoover-Vacuum-Model-541-11740020.html
kirbykid
New member
can i buy it from you?????? i just got the model 103
athanasius80
Active member
Good find! The 541 is an aluminum body. Originally they were supposed to be a dull cast aluminum, but the vast majority have been polished over the years. I would try using some Nev-R-Dull wadding before using anything more abrasive. Your bag _might_ be original, but I can't tell without seeing the bag inflated.
Great price! And they're beautifully built cleaners.
Great price! And they're beautifully built cleaners.
hooverboy81
Well-known member
It was most definitely aluminum. Magnesium wasn't introduced until the first 150 rolled of the lines in 1936. Your bag and cord could very well be original! Your cleaner is in beautiful shape!
OMG!!!!!
his cord and bag are original!!!!! DONT YOU DARE REPLACE OF TOUCH THOSE!!!!...if you do send them to me..lol.....=)
but really, thatch is not common in all original condition...those bags had a bad habit of just flat falling apart. all u need is a hanger for it. and that amazing original cloth cord...i am THOROUGHLY jealous...=)...
enjoy your all original 1920's Hoover!
his cord and bag are original!!!!! DONT YOU DARE REPLACE OF TOUCH THOSE!!!!...if you do send them to me..lol.....=)
but really, thatch is not common in all original condition...those bags had a bad habit of just flat falling apart. all u need is a hanger for it. and that amazing original cloth cord...i am THOROUGHLY jealous...=)...
enjoy your all original 1920's Hoover!
caligula
Well-known member
Wow!
That is one beautiful Hoover!
Yes, the bag IS original, so is the cord.
Without my notes, patent books and other paperwork (which are in storage) I lean on memory.
Go easy on the Brasso, and Mothers polish, and Never Dull, is also a great product. While you may not get a srong shine, it will look great. I have a 541 and it does shine like a new penny!
You have a fantastic find there, enjoy it.
Alex T.
That is one beautiful Hoover!
Yes, the bag IS original, so is the cord.
Without my notes, patent books and other paperwork (which are in storage) I lean on memory.
Go easy on the Brasso, and Mothers polish, and Never Dull, is also a great product. While you may not get a srong shine, it will look great. I have a 541 and it does shine like a new penny!
You have a fantastic find there, enjoy it.
Alex T.
