Thread Number: 6863
Your favorite Hoover Convertible
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Post# 75764   7/18/2009 at 14:07 (5,395 days old) by gsohoover (Reidsville, NC)        

My favorite convertible would have to be the U4331

Post# 75769 , Reply# 1   7/18/2009 at 14:56 (5,395 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        

Mine would have to be the highly coveted gold model 65. Were I to find one, I'd spraypaint the bag gold just like Chad's! :-)

Post# 75770 , Reply# 2   7/18/2009 at 14:56 (5,395 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
First

compactelectra's profile picture
The Model 65 - The First!

Post# 75771 , Reply# 3   7/18/2009 at 14:57 (5,395 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
The Model 32

compactelectra's profile picture
Beautiful!

Post# 75772 , Reply# 4   7/18/2009 at 15:02 (5,395 days old) by vacman117 (Chicago, IL)        

vacman117's profile picture
If it counted it would be the Decade 80, but my favorite CONVERTIBLE is my 1070

Post# 75773 , Reply# 5   7/18/2009 at 15:03 (5,395 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

Did somebody say Golden Model 65? Sorry for the bad picture. ;)

~Alex


Post# 75778 , Reply# 6   7/18/2009 at 16:19 (5,395 days old) by xraytech ()        

My favorite would be the Convertible model 1020 in the beautiful spring green, followed by a model 33 Convertible special in the lovley dusky lavender

Post# 75786 , Reply# 7   7/18/2009 at 16:57 (5,395 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        

Yup, that's the one! :-)

Post# 75797 , Reply# 8   7/18/2009 at 17:59 (5,395 days old) by lux1521 ()        

Since I don't own any, I'd have to go just by appearance. I think the model 70 would be my choice. Blue is a good color. I might also like the light blue full hood model, don't know the number for that one.

Post# 75834 , Reply# 9   7/19/2009 at 04:04 (5,394 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        

hygiene903's profile picture
Hard to single out one Convertible, they're all great machines! But I would include the 65, 66, 70, 32, 33, 35, and 1070 as some of my favorites. The 35 and 1070 are the only ones of these I actually own.
Jeff


Post# 75849 , Reply# 10   7/19/2009 at 12:40 (5,394 days old) by constellation86 (Roy, UT)        

The favorite one I own is my model 36. I'd love to have a 68 or 70.
Nicholas


Post# 75873 , Reply# 11   7/19/2009 at 16:44 (5,394 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
Favorite Hoover

pr-21's profile picture
Model 70. I bought my mom one in the late 60's.

Post# 75959 , Reply# 12   7/20/2009 at 21:07 (5,393 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
here are mine

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
the 1076 is number one, but they are all here

Post# 76056 , Reply# 13   7/21/2009 at 22:17 (5,391 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        
Favorite Hoover Convertable

Models 584 (Green and white, no headlight, zipper bag and full bumper)
Model 707 (all over green, plaid bag, 3 positions, with Headlight)
Norm


Post# 76185 , Reply# 14   7/23/2009 at 08:33 (5,390 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Ok, technically it's a Hoover De Luxe Model 652, not a Convertible...

Post# 76196 , Reply# 15   7/23/2009 at 11:31 (5,390 days old) by hamiltonbeachbo (Milwaukee )        

Jack,
You model 652 is gorgeous!!
Love the color .... and an original bag to boot.
Doesn't get much better.
Pat


Post# 76267 , Reply# 16   7/23/2009 at 22:47 (5,389 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        
He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack

Yep, it's meeeee, the one and only (Thank God) Charles Richard Lester -- returning from a refreshing 8-month sabbatical. Lots of stuff has been going on -- some great, some awful, some just a matter of "life is session."

I am hoping all the various hard feelings and difficulties that formed the basis for my self-imposed exile have dissolved with the passage of time. For myself, I am here to "wave a white flag" to one and all, raising a plaintive cry "Can't we all just get along??!"

Okay, okay, enough emo....... Let's get to the subject matter.

When I saw this thread I knew that "Now is the time" for me to jump back in.

Now, I am not really a big-time Hoover Convertible fan, actually preferring the older Hoovers up to the 150, 28, etc. However, back in mid-May, I came across a very beautiful Hoover Convertible Model 704-01 on eBay, in beautiful two-tone ivory and yellow and with an automatic cord winder -- with the original cord, and ... a cord winder ... that works!!

This model is quite rare inasmuch as it is, I believe, the only Hoover-badged Hoover to have an automatic cord winder. There were several models sold under the Penncrest label (J.C.Penney) that had cord winders, including a turquoise beauty that I'd love to find someday. But I believe this is the only Hoover-branded machine with such an accessory.

Here are the photos from the listing:





The seller had a very low buy-it-now. Scarcely believing my good fortune, I "bought it now" and paid for the machine before I pinched myself and awoke from this magnificent dream, and began counting the minutes for it to arrive. I sent my usual "please pack carefully" message:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear mid-century-way,

Hello, just a follow-up on this auction. Since you are a dealer of mid-century merchandise, I am sure you are aware that this vacuum cleaner is pretty scarce, and that it's also very brittle and fragile due to its age.

You will need to wrap the machine in several turns of bubble wrap and ship it in a large, sturdy box full of styro peanuts. A few wads of crumbled newspaper won't do it. I will be willing to send you some extra money for packing materials if you did not figure them into the shipping cost. I'd rather do that than shed tears when the machine gets here smashed to bits because it wasn't packed properly. THANK YOU.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~




Well, the following email from me to the seller tells the tragic twist this lucky find took:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear mid-century-way,

Here I sit in a puddle of tears because once again, an eBay seller chose to disregard my clear and specific packing instructions; and, yes, of course the vacuum cleaner arrived damaged -- irreparably damaged.

The lower portion of the handle, the "fork" part that attaches to the motor base, got snapped right in two. There is absolutely no way to repair that because it's made of pot metal; to say nothing of never being able to get a perfectly clean repair and touch-up paint job.

You will please issue a damage claim with UPS for whatever amount of insurance you stipulated, at the very least the minimum $100 that UPS carries on all packages. I have attached photos of the damage, and will, if necessary, arrange for UPS to come to my house to inspect the damaged machine and pick it up.

But please note that no insurance claim, no matter the amount, will not even begin to cover the true loss of this vacuum cleaner. It's quite rare -- I'll not likely ever find another one, particularly in this condition.

One of these days -- after, what, a dozen such heartbreaks -- I'm gonna learn my lesson and stop buying stuff like this on eBay. It's just not worth the frustration and disappointment. And this disappointment is particularly acute given the rarity of the machine. It survived in excellent condition all these years, clearly having been lovingly taken care of by its original owner. All it took was one careless person to irreversibly ruin it.

Sign me,

"Not Happy in La-La-Land"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following three photos are of the Hoover's condition upon arrival:









~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Well, things got ugly when the seller resisted my brokenhearted demand for a refund. So I had to file a PayPal complaint. Then things got even uglier. But as it turned out, I decided not to pursue a refund from the seller. I just cut my losses and then started looking for a replacement handle fork.

I sent an SOS call out far and wide, to all the sweeper buddies in my email address. Seemed no one was going to be able to come through for me until Fred Stachnick stepped up to the plate and saved the day! He sent me not just a matching replacment handle bale but the entire motor unit of another 704!

When you see the photos, you'll understand why I have been smitten by this beauty.

The following seven photos were taken after its undergoing the transplant and receiving a Spa Treatment Deluxe. The operation and makeover were a stunning success!


THANKS FRED!!!!!!!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

















~~~~~~~~~~~~~


P.S.: The paper bag in this machine, which only had a couple bits of schmatta in it, is the old-color-scheme Type C bag in gray with dark blue lettering. I am wondering if it might be one of the original bags concurrent with that model.

Given its condition, this Sweetie appears to have hardly been used at all. The brush roller is in perfect condition and the bottom plate is nice and shiny, not at all scratched or banged up, and it's all just as clean and fresh underneath as it is all over.


P.P.S.: I also recently found a Model 63 in a local vac shop, but will save that story for later.

Cheers from Eeeeeee-137!!



Post# 76269 , Reply# 17   7/23/2009 at 22:57 (5,389 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
Just curious Charles....

eurekaprince's profile picture
I know that Singer was one of the first manufacturers to offer a cord reel on an upright. I always thought Eureka was next with a round cord reel on one of their early 1960's Automatic uprights. This Convertible makes me think Hoover offered this before Eureka. Any idea what year this beauty is from?

Eurekaprince Brian


Post# 76273 , Reply# 18   7/24/2009 at 00:39 (5,389 days old) by lux1521 ()        

Glad to see you back around Charles.

With that Hoover, I'd go so far as to say that not only are Hoover Convertibles with cord winders rare, but cord winders are a rare feature on uprights in general. The only other brands I can think of that included cord winders are Eureka and Singer.

Its also too bad to hear about the damage. Luckily, I've never had serious problems like these, but they sound all too common these days. I'm wondering if its a growing trend. I have not bought any larger items lately, so perhaps I've just missed out on the new wave of careless sellers.

Once again, glad to have you posting here.


Post# 76275 , Reply# 19   7/24/2009 at 01:31 (5,389 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        
Welcome back Charles!

Yes, I too am glad to see you back on this forum. You have one of the most diverse and interesting collections of vintage vacuums I've ever seen. I saw a documentary about the theremin on television a couple of weeks ago, and immediately you came to mind! I think your new addition is an excellent way to start off a Convertible collection! It really is a beauty.

- Karl


Post# 76279 , Reply# 20   7/24/2009 at 05:36 (5,389 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        
WELCOME BACK!!!!

arh1953's profile picture
I'm also glad you got your new treasure set to rights. Thank heavens for other meticulous collectors!

Post# 76293 , Reply# 21   7/24/2009 at 11:25 (5,389 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        

To answer the question about the 704 & 704-01's vintage, I am not sure myself. I believe it's from the mid to late 1960s. I do know it was only made for a short time.

As far as I know, Singer was the first -- by a long shot -- to offer an automatic cord winder, on the Model R3 ... from 1937!! And they continued with cord-winder models up through at least the mid 1960s.

In the late 1960s, G.E. had a cord-winder machine that was similar in concept to the contemporaneous Singer - e.g., low-profile, horizontal-motor design. Which of course predated by at least a decade the Eureka Bravo and similar machines.

But I'm getting out of my element here inasmuch my interest in vintage vacuum cleaners really only extends, generally, to the early 1960s.



Post# 76294 , Reply# 22   7/24/2009 at 11:43 (5,389 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        
70401 Cord Winder

I have the 704-01 section from an older Hoover Parts & Service manual showing a break-out view of the handle and cord winder. See below.

Interestingly, the illustration shows a round - rather than rectangular - cord winder housing. All the ones I have seen have been rectangular; however, the Penncrest models did have round ones.

I wonder if the cord-winding mechanism was made for Hoover by Belden. The tickety-tickety-tickety sound of the cord being pulled out and the smooth clicking sound as it rolls back in
sounds exactly like the older (pre donut style) cord winders made by Belden for Electrolux and Electro-Hygiene.



Post# 76346 , Reply# 23   7/25/2009 at 05:36 (5,388 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
Favorite Convertible

Mine would definately have to be the Model 33( why you say)... Because it is Purple or Should I say Lavender Darling..,, My second most favorite would be the Squareish Hood one that had a Turquoise Hood and a tan body.....

Post# 76349 , Reply# 24   7/25/2009 at 06:16 (5,388 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill (Birthplace of the Railway),England, UK.)        
My Fav Hoover Convertables...

chestermikeuk's profile picture
are:

Post# 76352 , Reply# 25   7/25/2009 at 06:55 (5,388 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
Over here

we call those Dial-a-matics! And yours are absolutely gorgeous!!! I wonder why Hoover had two different names for Hoovers that were in the UK and over here in the United states....Hmmmmmm

Post# 76354 , Reply# 26   7/25/2009 at 07:51 (5,388 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
'Hoover had two different names for Hoovers that were in

The D-A-M/Convertible even had a third name - it was known as the Dynamatic in Australia!

And why was it called the 'Convertible' in Britain? I feel the 'Convertible' name was actually more appropriate for this model, because it was genuinely equally good as a carpet cleaner AND suction cleaner, which could never be said of the US Convertible/UK Senior.


Post# 76356 , Reply# 27   7/25/2009 at 08:36 (5,388 days old) by tommymilan (milano)        

tommymilan's profile picture
Hello, also in Italy Dial-a-Matics were called "Convertibili", convertibles, while american convertibles were called "Senior", Senior Ranger", "Ranger" and later "Power-Plus".
Greetings,
Tommy,
Milano


Post# 76366 , Reply# 28   7/25/2009 at 11:42 (5,388 days old) by samotronic ()        

I never get used to seeing what looks just like our US Convertible with that enormous plug. It looks so difficult to wrap the cord with that huge thing.

But I never paid attention until this thread that the 652 Senior had the white handle and a handle grip which our Convertible did not get until the later blue models, 69 or so.


Post# 76390 , Reply# 29   7/25/2009 at 16:50 (5,388 days old) by ridgidvac ()        
My fav Convertibles

from the 1st thru the last ones in production (NOT the curent Guardsmans)

Post# 76910 , Reply# 30   7/30/2009 at 20:20 (5,383 days old) by myvacsrock (USA)        
My favorite convertible...

My new JCPenney (Penncrest) convertible. This was given to be by Stephan Neal, it is perfect and it purrs like new, not a bad rumble or anything.

Post# 76916 , Reply# 31   7/30/2009 at 21:03 (5,383 days old) by xraytech ()        

I have the same JCPenney Convertible, one of my favorites

Post# 77969 , Reply# 32   8/10/2009 at 17:26 (5,372 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        
Penncrest Cord Reel Upright

arh1953's profile picture
Check these neat Penncrest vacuum cleaners from the May 8, 1969 St. Petersburg FL newspaper. I found this while I was rifiling through AW.org. These of course are Hoover and Eureka clones. I figured it would go good in this thread.

Post# 77981 , Reply# 33   8/10/2009 at 18:14 (5,372 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
My favorite Convertible...

Is definitely the model 69.

Love the color, love the feel of it, love the sound of it. I think it's right about when the Convertible was at its best.

Here are a few pictures of mine...


Post# 77982 , Reply# 34   8/10/2009 at 18:14 (5,372 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        

Another.

Post# 77983 , Reply# 35   8/10/2009 at 18:16 (5,372 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
Love the attention to detail...

In case you don't know what brand it is... :-)

Post# 78051 , Reply# 36   8/11/2009 at 06:37 (5,371 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
Hoover 69

Hi Fred I LOVE your Hoover69 that and the 65 i would some day love to have. Ok have a good daty Doug

Post# 79211 , Reply# 37   8/24/2009 at 16:50 (5,358 days old) by tazcatsdad (Buffalo, NY)        
I have two faves ...

tazcatsdad's profile picture
... the 70 and the 1070. I'm partial to the 70 'cuz it was first introduced in the same year that I was born, and to the 1070 because I just love everything about it!

BTW - Welcome back Charlie! I'm new around here but you and I have corresponded before. Glad to see you're back here at VacuumLand!

Bill W.


Post# 79239 , Reply# 38   8/25/2009 at 04:16 (5,357 days old) by atrac (United States )        

I just purchased a Hoover U4373 Convertible (I think it's 80's and later actually) but I'm so curious about these models in general -- what's convertible about them? ;)

I can say that mine comes with the red outer cloth bag and it's a fill bag (it states "To Fit Hoover" so it must not be original).

Does convertible mean it can be converted to use a cloth fill bag or inner bags?

Sorry for the dumb question. ;)


Post# 79286 , Reply# 39   8/25/2009 at 18:58 (5,357 days old) by kirbfan94 ()        

Kyle, that JCpenny convertible is absolutly Beautifull.

Post# 79322 , Reply# 40   8/26/2009 at 11:35 (5,356 days old) by appliguy (Oakton Va.)        
My favorite is the Model 35

Love that yellow color. Excuse the big size of the picture. PAT COFFEY

Post# 323074 , Reply# 41   4/23/2015 at 15:41 (3,290 days old) by nazard (Paris, France)        

nazard's profile picture
Without any doubt, my favorite model is the OOVER SENIOR 652
I'm almost in love to my three Seniors 652
I had a green one but it is completely broken.


Post# 323115 , Reply# 42   4/23/2015 at 23:57 (3,289 days old) by paulinroyton (Royton, Lancashire)        
Hoover 652

Although not a Hoover convertible, it's the UK 652 model.

Post# 323133 , Reply# 43   4/24/2015 at 06:20 (3,289 days old) by nazard (Paris, France)        

nazard's profile picture
WOW.... Great !!! Love it !

Post# 323150 , Reply# 44   4/24/2015 at 09:23 (3,289 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)        
This is my favorite Convertible

jfalberti's profile picture
There is a story behind it. After my Nona passed away, I was the oldest in the family, so responsibility fell on me to take care of a lot of things. Vacuuming was one of my many jobs. There used to be a vacuum store across the street from the bank my dad used to work at, and I used to drive the owner absolutely nuts. One day we our Monkey Wards badged Eureka canister bit the dust, and I told my dad we needed a new vacuum. To my surprise, my Dad told me to go pick one out from my friend at the vacuum store, and this is the model I bought. It's the Convertible on the right hand side.

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