I just wondered if any one has info on my model 1 norca upright by hoover. I know it was made from 1937-1939 serial #s 100,001 to 109,627 acording to my 1959 hoover book it lists all old hoover years in it. mine is serial # 107852. I just wondred who sold them back then.
Post# 8753 , Reply# 1   1/30/2007 at 09:57 (6,266 days old) by rexairman ()  
I don't know if I can give you as specific an answer as you are looking for, but here is some helpful information. The Norca was considered a separate brand from the Hoover, and sold by non-Hoover dealers. I'm not exactly clear who these would have been. Essentially the Norca Model 1 was a Hoover Model 300, but with a 4-brush agitatior without Hoover's biggest selling point, their patented metal beater bar. The successor to the Model 1 was the Model 80. It was just like the Model 305 (successor to the Model 300) again with the agitator without beater bars. I believe there was also a Norca hand vac around the same time. I believe it was no different from the Hoover, just a different name and dealer network. In later years Hoover used the Norca name on a line of replacement bags and accessories for use with competitive brand vacuum cleaners.
Post# 8759 , Reply# 2   1/30/2007 at 14:20 (6,266 days old) by kirbyvacuum(Long Island New York)  
Hi Chris I also have a Hoover Norca Model 1 My vacuum was made the first week of production in 1937. It has a chrome handle4 row bristle brush (Only Hoovers sold door to door had beater bars).Hoover made only two Norca models the 1937 unit and one in 1940. Chris i received this unit as a Christmas gift in 1999 .My brother got it on ebay from Tom G he paid 52.00 plus shipping. The handle was sent in a seperate box Hoover did not sell their handle in two parts until 1960. I hope this helps you a bit. Keep that collection going try to add some Kirbys you will love then. Take care God Bless Doug.
Post# 8774 , Reply# 3   1/30/2007 at 18:43 (6,266 days old) by hoover28(Oneida N.Y.)  
I have all brands of old and vintage vacuums over 800. I have many kirbys. I like the D80 and older because they are light weight and smaller than the newer ones. thanks for the info on my norca model 1 any one have brush strips for it or a bottom plate, a 300 plate will fit. O'Connors can not rebristle the brushes. must be because they are an odd-ball brush strip.
@hoover28 as soon as you get a chance can I have a picture of your norca model 1?
I can't tell you how much I enjoy my model 80 I have a lot more to learn about the idea behind them.
I can't tell you how much it means to be able to get obsolete parts from you.
Damien