What's your opinion on customizing old vac's?

[oreck_xl]

There was somebody on here at one time, I believe his handle was RocketWarrior. He used to convert vacuums into art. That kind of takes customization to another level. When you start pulling essential components like motors and switches to build said "artwork" I gotta say "no." Even if they're still fairly common, it's destroying a piece of history.

 

[vacmadman]

As a collector it's always best to keep your vacuums original whenever possible. Having said that it's not always possible to find the parts you need to do so. Original trim, cords, and bags can be challenging to find. I view a number of my vacuums as a "work in progress". My Kenmore Automatic was modified to look as original as possible and feel it would be a shame to discard or hide away simple due to the fact that it's not all original. I look at it as giving it a new opportunity to shine again.

 

[luxlife]

That Kenmore is beautiful!

Really makes me wish that some of you would post more videos to YouTube of your more unique machines. There's so much out there that I've never seen in person.

 

[vacmadman]

You would never know

My Eureka Model K is modified to use a paper bag, but it could easily be returned to original. You would never know it was modified.

 

[vap0rtranz]

museum

Lots of hardline opinions, so my 2c:

If the machine cannot (or should not) be used, then preserve and donate to museum.

My machines are daily drivers, so they're a "converted" / upgraded. (My "collection" of retro / vintage daily drivers is basically every facet of life, from fridge to lawn mower to vacuuming.)

A word on collectors: You have a passion. It inspires. Can't beat the looks of your machines.

Then I see collectors entire estates on auction sites. Whole collections in prestine condition entirely for sale.

Why do these collectors eventually auction their entire "museum"? Hmmm... well I don't want to be in a position of inevitably parting with a passion that eventually must go ... and to whom?

I still 'luv the looks of a preserved machine! Prestine is just not my goal. Everyone's different.