Thread Number: 8867
Couldn't just leave it there...or...We're gonna need lots of braided cloth electric cording.
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Post# 98294   5/14/2010 at 20:43 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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Inspite of being so hyper busy at work I took this afternoon off to go enjoy the warmth and sun after 3 days of rain. Besides I have a matinee and an evening show Saturday. So, I head down the country roads to Woodstock. It's been a few months since I went Woodstock thrifting. Sally Ann/Goodwill - nothing/nada/zilch/nuthin but junk. So I went to the Big Old Junque Warehouse where many finds have been made in the past. They've opened up the entire second floor now, doubling the space above the main floor. I surveyed down all the aisles, looked under every table and all I found was nothing I wanted, even tho there are prominent signs announcing 50% off Everything.

This Bernina singlestitch is in superb complete condition with Manuals but with a price tag of $120 it still ain't worth $60. Besides I already have one.


Post# 98295 , Reply# 1   5/14/2010 at 20:45 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Interesting side table cabinet?

Post# 98297 , Reply# 2   5/14/2010 at 20:51 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Yes, all that and a CGE Radio Phono in the bargain...but not at $100 and a missing cartridge.

Kinda dumb place to put the Radio Controls when it's hidden behind a false drawer front. Might be convenient for changing the station but ya gotta scootch down un-graciously on yer haunches to put records on the changer - dumb. And with the lid open there's barely room for a table lamp base or large Blue Mountain Flo-ware panther sculpture. :-)


Post# 98298 , Reply# 3   5/14/2010 at 20:52 (5,067 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Wow!

compactelectra's profile picture
How things have changed!

Post# 98299 , Reply# 4   5/14/2010 at 20:54 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
No, not the Tilley Hat!

aeoliandave's profile picture
But then, in the last room, which appears to be the cast-off junque room this was whispering my name.

Post# 98301 , Reply# 5   5/14/2010 at 21:02 (5,067 days old) by petek (Ontario)        

Wow a dustbuster, I hope you grabbed it.

Post# 98302 , Reply# 6   5/14/2010 at 21:04 (5,067 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)        

suckolux's profile picture
Oh My! You lucky man!!

Post# 98305 , Reply# 7   5/14/2010 at 21:05 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
I fell upon it with a whoop of joy tempered with caution about just what the pricetag would be...

Only $10? Really?

I got her out in the light and began the examination...

Brushroll - check
belt cover - check
rubber bumper intact - check
No rust - check
no chips, gouges or broken aluminum bits - check
bag in un-rotted condition with no tears or repairs - check
Bag clamp - check
retracting bag tape still in place (tho detached from bag and replaced with a hair elastic) - check
switch in place - check
cord in servicable shape and non-crumbly rubber strain relief - check

Too good to be true! I couldn't haul it to the checkout fast enough. $5.

Got it out in the sun and just had to take 'as found' pictures.



Post# 98308 , Reply# 8   5/14/2010 at 21:11 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Made or re-furbed in the Canadian Hoover factory, it's a Special.

I'm sure someone will tell me what year & model it was before it got 'specialed'.

As I said, the bag was held up with a hair elastic quite cleverly. The tape had broken away from the bag holder. I was amazed to fish about and find the tape inside. The spring had detached. Love the braided cord, original or not. And the Bag. Sure, it's a Dust-Care replacement for Hoover but it is in amazing clean unstained or torn shape.

The rubber bumper too, replacement or not, is in like new supple condition


Post# 98312 , Reply# 9   5/14/2010 at 21:23 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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I did not dare to plug it in until I got it home.

First things first. The brushroll spins like new. The brushes tho are worn down but I noticed the roll was set at the highest position in the holders. Lowered it to the bottom position and it protruded through the carpet grill. Found a belt and put that on.
Clean unchipped fan.
Turns out all that electrical tape was simply hiding some worn cotten weave spots. The cord is fine otherwise so I only had to tape a few places.

The bag clamps tight to the supple rubber gasket and the handle bale locks into the three positions.

But what is the function and purpose of this thumbscrewed fitment on one of the bag clamp posts?


Post# 98313 , Reply# 10   5/14/2010 at 21:31 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Senstaional Singing Group, The Hoover Puffybags. and their M

aeoliandave's profile picture
Re-wired the plug, held my breath, crossed my fingers and fired it up. The machine was loved and used and updated as needed and appears to have been used up until very recently.

The Twingle Twangs again!

So quiet! So smooth! So thrummy! Carpet groom tracks are beautiful!

Davy's very first Coffee Can Hoover. Whee!


Post# 98316 , Reply# 11   5/14/2010 at 22:02 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Left side showing that fitting on the side by the bag bolt - I do not know what it's for?

Post# 98317 , Reply# 12   5/14/2010 at 22:03 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
The motor plate - made in Canada.

Post# 98318 , Reply# 13   5/14/2010 at 22:05 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Help please identifying the Previous Model Number?

aeoliandave's profile picture
Hoover Special front plate.

Post# 98324 , Reply# 14   5/14/2010 at 22:39 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
As well built as an ELNA. LOL

aeoliandave's profile picture
Fred! You are busy as a beaver churning out your new Appliance Quilt!

The multi-stitch embroidery Bernina RECORD with 3-drawer accessory kit box.


Post# 98326 , Reply# 15   5/14/2010 at 22:44 (5,067 days old) by portable (Corvallis, OR)        
I think....

portable's profile picture
it's a 541, but I could be off, too. I have NO idea what that weird thumb-turn thing is, though! What the hell!

Post# 98330 , Reply# 16   5/14/2010 at 23:05 (5,067 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        

My guess is 541 also, but the 541 (at least in the U.S.) had a straight handle. My first thought was that it might be a 543 until I saw the brush roll: The 543 was the first model to have the new agitator "it beats as it sweeps as it cleans" instead of the brush roll. Stan Kann used to kvetch about what an under-performer the machine was. The motor was the same as in the 541 and it didn't have enough power to properly drive the agitator. The reason I thought it might be a 543 was because of the curved handle. Maybe when it was rebuilt at the factory they upgraded the handle. I don't know if that was their practice or not with older straight-handle models.

Nice find! And you could hardly beat the price!!



Post# 98333 , Reply# 17   5/14/2010 at 23:30 (5,067 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Holy Cowfloppies and Oh Sweet Lord in Heaven!

aeoliandave's profile picture
You are absolutely right, John! Thank you. I had no idea! I'm hyper-ventilating at my twingle luck...I went over the Jack Copp's Vintage Hoover Emporium and discovered this picture: I trust he will not mind my copy & pasting to this thread.
The 541, the first Hoover to be made of Die-cast Aluminum, replaced the model 105.
Jack mentions the ball-bearing brushroll and mine certainly has those. He further explains that 541's destined for England would have been made in the commonwealth country of Canada - Hamilton plant - for export, as the Perivale West London Factory had not yet been built.

Mine has a hollow metal handle (and so the spring-encased motor cord plugs into a receptical in the handle/bale post) and the base & bale have a definitely dull matte unpolished satiny look. I'm glad I read that before attempting to buff it up to a blinding gleam. :-)

Even though Hoover sold nearly 650,000 541's in the 3 year production run, and this one was re-manufactured after that time, I am pleasantly stunned to have one for the Collection and only $5...all I really have to do to spruce it up is re-paint the handle and motor can - unbelievable except there it is right at the foot of my bed! Wow!

Dave

The one in this picture also has the mysterious thumbscrew thingie, too.


Post# 98340 , Reply# 18   5/15/2010 at 01:31 (5,067 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        
"It just so happens..."

Check out the cool, ancient bojack bag!



CLICK HERE TO GO TO electrolux~137's LINK on eBay


Post# 98349 , Reply# 19   5/15/2010 at 05:09 (5,067 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        
Once agan Dave

kenmore81's profile picture
You have found an awsome piece of history! That is one good looking Hoover and in great condition, thank goodness it found its way to good hands.
BTW how is Jack I havn't seen him post anything lately?
Take care Davy!


Post# 98350 , Reply# 20   5/15/2010 at 05:24 (5,067 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        
Dave wins the Best Buy of 2010 Award

arh1953's profile picture
Unbelieveable! I haven't seen anything that old around here since my 1940s GE upright!

Post# 98381 , Reply# 21   5/15/2010 at 14:43 (5,066 days old) by portable (Corvallis, OR)        
Dave (and Charles)

portable's profile picture
A lot of the earlier Specials that were reconditioned at the factory had their wooden handles replaced with a newer handle of the era. The fact that they put one of the handles with those quirky strap thingies on it tells me that the machine was probably reconditioned sometime in the last 30's or early 40's.
It IS a cutie!


Post# 98391 , Reply# 22   5/15/2010 at 22:35 (5,066 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Sidebar with a vacuum related conclusion - keep reading.

aeoliandave's profile picture
Packing-taped to the handle of the Hoover was a plastic bag with this advert and a Popular Mechanics magazine inside.

The advert, while not dated, is of a later Hoover and not from the Pop Mech magzine but it is the same dimensions. Printed on a heavy glossy cardstock paper like cover material. Possibly National Geographic Magazine?


Post# 98392 , Reply# 23   5/15/2010 at 22:36 (5,066 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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On the other side is this advertisement for the Parker Black-tipped Jade fountain pen.

Post# 98393 , Reply# 24   5/15/2010 at 22:39 (5,066 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
January 1958

aeoliandave's profile picture
I love to leaf through old magazines, Pop Sci and Pop Mech among my favorites, as my Dad had subscriptions to both.



Post# 98395 , Reply# 25   5/15/2010 at 22:51 (5,066 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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The Brussels Belgium centerpiece building for the 1958 World's Fair Expo still stands and was recently refurbished and the stainless steel and aluminum spherical pods polished.

This link will take you to the YouTube page of many videos.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO aeoliandave's LINK


Post# 98396 , Reply# 26   5/15/2010 at 22:55 (5,066 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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Now, as far as I can recall vacuum Companies did not generally advertise in Pop Sci or Pop Mech, being as how vacuums were being marketed to the Ladies of the home, not the gentlemen. :-)

In this January issue I did find this new Westinghouse being featured. I know there are at least a pair of guys that will be excited by this.

Dave


Post# 98399 , Reply# 27   5/15/2010 at 23:26 (5,066 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        

The Hoover in the first ad above is a model 700 and, yes, Hoover did advertise at that time. For quite a few years, they had the inside back cover and that's probably what you've got there.



Post# 98403 , Reply# 28   5/16/2010 at 01:23 (5,066 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
The ad is from 1927

aeoliandave's profile picture
Gotta love Google search.

Post# 98404 , Reply# 29   5/16/2010 at 02:12 (5,066 days old) by rexaird ()        

The mystery thumbscrew is actually part of the original height adjustment. There was a metal piece that went from that bracket down to the real wheels which originally moved. You used that thumb screw and another one more on top to lock the rear wheels in the position you wanted.

Post# 98416 , Reply# 30   5/16/2010 at 09:06 (5,065 days old) by collector2 (Moose Jaw, Sk)        

collector2's profile picture
Hey Dave:

Looks like a 425 to me. If it had originally been a wooden handled cleaner the base would have had the molded in part to hold the switch.


Post# 98417 , Reply# 31   5/16/2010 at 09:27 (5,065 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Thanks John. I really don't/didn't know much about early Hoovers as no one elderly in my family had one, or if they did it had long been replaced before I came along and Aunt Carol got her Constellation.

Another fine analysis of my Hybrid Hoover from my 'secret source':

"Hi again, Dave.
You’ll note the patent dates on the motor end in 1927 – during the run of the 543. It has to be a 543 motor since the motor housing has no switch housing ‘built in’ to it – the switch is in the handle (as were the switches on the last 543 models). Yet, the nozzle housing is a 541 (lack of agitator – only the ‘beating sweeping brush’). When they rebuilt it, they obviously used a 543 handle and motor assembly, and screwed the motor onto a 541 base/brush assembly. Your motor is turned the wrong way, suggesting a fan may have been replaced – the wording faces the rear exhaust opening. You also seem to be missing the pile height adjuster, it went through the middle of the ‘screw thingy’ and the large thumb screw ‘locked’ it into whatever position you selected. At some point, someone ‘unscrewed’ one of the bag holding screws and the vac shop that repaired it replaced it with a ‘bojack’ type – I’ve seem those odd bag holder screws in many ‘repaired’ machines – most ‘part houses’ carried them for the vac repair trade. All in all, you have a nice hybrid model. There actually were three versions of the 543 during its run – the first still had the switch next to the motor – the second had the curved handle and switch up top – the third had the curved handle with switch up top BUT the cord that ran down the handle actually ‘plugged’ into the side of the motor and not underneath the handle bail. I have all three ‘versions’ in my collection. You spent that $5 very well! Now to get you the actual height adjuster. You’ll note the patent dates on the motor end in 1927 – during the run of the 543. It has to be a 543 motor since the motor housing has no switch housing ‘built in’ to it – the switch is in the handle (as were the switches on the last 543 models). Yet, the nozzle housing is a 541 (lack of agitator – only the ‘beating sweeping brush’). When they rebuilt it, they obviously used a 543 handle and motor assembly, and screwed the motor onto a 541 base/brush assembly. Your motor is turned the wrong way, suggesting a fan may have been replaced – the wording faces the rear exhaust opening. You also seem to be missing the pile height adjuster, it went through the middle of the ‘screw thingy’ and the large thumb screw ‘locked’ it into whatever position you selected. At some point, someone ‘unscrewed’ one of the bag holding screws and the vac shop that repaired it replaced it with a ‘bojack’ type – I’ve seem those odd bag holder screws in many ‘repaired’ machines – most ‘part houses’ carried them for the vac repair trade. All in all, you have a nice hybrid model. There actually were three versions of the 543 during its run – the first still had the switch next to the motor – the second had the curved handle and switch up top – the third had the curved handle with switch up top BUT the cord that ran down the handle actually ‘plugged’ into the side of the motor and not underneath the handle bail. I have all three ‘versions’ in my collection. You spent that $5 very well! Now to get you the actual height adjuster – I think I have an extra around here on one of my ‘donor’ machines in the collection – it’s yours when ever you get time to visit. – I think I have an extra around here on one of my ‘donor’ machines in the collection – it’s yours when ever you get time to visit."

On the subject of renewing the brush tufts...which are worn to the point that I have to push and bottom out the roller mounts past the third indentation to meet the wire grill guards, leaving just enough clearance so the belt doesn't rub. But it does lift the carpet and leaves lovely groom tracks.

Examining how the bristles are wire-tied into the roller I can see that's a job I could do myself. Other roller brushes that are not cast-embedded in plastic usually have individual metal staples holding the looped bunch in place - like dusting brushes. Taking a wild guess and Hoover's early connection to horses and Fuller Brush would horse tail or mane hair be the thing to use? I know Sable and Boar are used in shaving brushes but that's much too soft of course. Brush tufts on a vacuum carpet roller are meant to be blunt cut and fairly stiff & resilient.

The rubber bumper strip, while still soft and shapely, has stretched a bit and sags along the front. After giving the aluminum a good cleaning I will bear no guilt for placing a strip of double-sided adhesive tape behind it so it won't slip and get pulled under the front, which would surely break it in half, causing great heaving sobs of despair on Well Street. :-)

Since this hybrid does NOT beat the carpet should I scratch out those words on the front plate with a large rusty nail?
Just kidding. :-)

Dave



Post# 98588 , Reply# 32   5/18/2010 at 21:28 (5,063 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
But wait! There's more!

aeoliandave's profile picture
On my way back from Woodstock I stopped in at Francis Furniture in Tavistock to look over sofas. I love my 35 year old 1970s sofa because it is 92" long and only 27" high with the arms and back in one straight plane. This made it perfect for watching the TV on the floor under the living-room windows - from the adjacent computer throne. It was long and wide enough that it could also serve as my spare bed for overnight guests and napping. But it is old and ratty and upholstered in awful orange and greem tweed stripes - the past 15 years it has been hidden under a white canvas cover I made up. In order to support the 3 cushions I laid a 3/4" plywood board under them years ago.

But as I say, I like the looks and the dimensions and the sorta Frank Lloyd Wright-ness of it.

In fact, it is the ONLY seating in my livingroom, what with pianos and phonographs and such vying for floorspace.

Since I turned 50 I have kept half an eye out for a similar sofa to replace it. The only couch that's some close to what I want was a $10,000 Italian leather job. Next best I found at IKEA a few months ago and I was seriously considering getting one, even tho it is simply foam blocks covered with blue denim. And the KLIPPAN sofa is 97" long - just a tad too much. But you get the architectural idea.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO aeoliandave's LINK


Post# 98597 , Reply# 33   5/18/2010 at 22:21 (5,063 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Francis Furniture is housed in the same storefront since 1937, still owned and operated by the Francis family along with their chain of Southern Ontario Funeral Homes. My co-department buddy Gerry's wife Nancy's divorced Mother Avis married the Francis heir about 5 years ago and is in charge of the store. It was Gerry who suggested I visit Francis Furniture and be prepared to be amazed at the selection and quality.

The simple storefront gives way to a huge 3 story barn warehouse out back stuffed with all manner of new high-end luxurious middle and upper class furniture. The store accepts only cash or cheques and furniture is ordered from Palliser in Winnipeg Manitoba for delivery in 8-10 weeks.

I do not know Avis personally and assumed the nice 80 yo lady that took me in hand was she. I explained my wants and needs and she turned me loose to explore the whole building to see if I could find something close to what I liked. Meanwhile, she would pull out some catalogs.

Way back in a dark corner covered in a dust cloth I found THE SOFA. A bit dusty and in a very thick masculine grade of oxblood brown leather, I knew immediately upon sitting down that this was the one!

When "Avis' came up to find me I was laid out all comfy and announced " I'll take this one." No price had been mentioned yet but one down on the main floor I rather liked in leather was $1500 and I was comfortable with that.

"Oh no". says "Avis". "We do not sell USED furniture! This was returned by a customer because the color was not right"
"So?" says I, "what will happen to this one? Will you send it back to the factory? Why can I not buy it today for ready money?" (ok, I didn't say exactly that - I was biting my tongue in rising disbelief)
"It will be used as a loaner for people waiting for their order to arrive, because it is so sturdy."

Sensing that "Avis" was not to be budged and was frankly disapproving of my work boots and dirty jacket I calmed myself down and let her show me the estimated order she had worked up. Making huge assumptions she had made her estimate based on a low grade leather, while telling me the one I was sitting on was the very finest best leather they could order - about $3000 worth.
I left the shop with information sheets to consider my options.
But I says to myself "there is no guarantee that whatever leather I choose it won't be an exact match for this one...and what if cheaper leather is just not right?" and so on.

I'd already had a great day, what with the Hoover in the back seat and so gave it not that much thought other than I had a picture and maybe ordering a sofa wasn't such a bad way to proceed.

Well, of course I started getting myself worked up, wanting this couch so very badly.
I showed the picture to Gerry the next day and explained my experience with "Avis".

"Oh, that's not Avis! You were talking with that nasty old Lydia Wormsbecher, who is all pissed off that Avis married the boss and is now her boss after she's worked for Francis all her working life. Would you like me to have Nancy ask about it for you?"
"Yes, please, if it's not too much trouble, because I know that this is THE SOFA I would be very happy with for life. But if it is not for sale, I'll just keep looking, now I've seen exactly what I need."

First Gerry called Avis while I listened in. "Oh, I don't know...does your friend realize how big that couch is? It's the best leather we stock and wass rather expensive..."
"Yes, he has a 92" couch now."
"Well, let me think about it and I'll get back to you."

Today's development, after Nancy had a second 'chat' with her Mom Avis last night:

Avis will sell me this sofa for $1000 cash, no tax and will have it delivered as well. They will not take away my old couch. "Have your friend Dave call me and we'll work out the logistics..."

Obviously I am over the moon with excitement. I will call Avis on Wednesday to propose my plan. Because of work commitments and the state of my house I will have the sofa delivered and put in the garage, hopefully on Saturday morning when I can be home. If not Saturday I will take a weekday morning off work.

Meanwhile, I am going to strip apart my old beater sofa, salvage the major wood frame members and cut up the rest with a reciprocating saw to take to the dump in pieces in the Subaru. The saggy old sofa is not fit to be sent to a Thrift store and it is too large and awkward to get out of the house easily, anyway. And then it would just sit on the lawn lowering property values until the junk man could be induced to haul it away.

I will do a huge clean-up of the living-room and kitchen so that Stanley, Gerry and I can move the new couch in from the garage over the weekend or asap I get the spot prepared and the pathway cleared.

So, anyway, this is my new SOFA! 87" long x 36" deep x 33" high - I can easily see over the back now that the new TV is on top of the window shelf.

Friday turned out to be a most fortuitous afternoon to take off work. :-)






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