Question for all you Hoover experts!

However, unlike with Kirbys, which have a moulded connector plug, you can use a standard cord. With many 1920s and 1930s machines, such as 541s, 700 and 800 series, you'll find that later replacement original and non-original parts will fit. I use a Hoover 612 belt on those, finding the normal senior/convertible belt too tight. I have found original round-necked replacement bags, including gen and non gen types..but I've also been able to stretch the neck of a 912 bag and make it fit.

Brushrollers can often be repaired, bearings regreased or replaced if necessary and the brushes rebristled or replaced. The sweeping brushes are usually obsolete but one or 2 collectors may still have some. Sometimes a roller out of a later model can be substituted or modified. Then there are the carbon brushes but usually something can be substituted or filed down if originals aren't available.

It's nice to have original bumpers..but they're not that essential to the functionality of the machine; they help to protect furniture and improve the appearance. It's fairly easy to cut down something suitable and rivet it in position.

I don't know if any collectors on here make their own wheels but it might be worth looking into?

..but perhaps the hardest thing to find will be the fans. If the blades are broken, the machine may run out of balance or not pick up properly. Having said that, some of these older ones often carry on working quite well unless the damage is severe. It's sometimes possible to perform a modification utilising an alternative fan, though, as with all mods, this spoils originality..and might alter the performance.

Other parts, such as bottom plates will either have to be made up, sourced from a spare machine..or if you're very lucky as New Old Stock, which turns up from time to time.

Stephen C


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Post# 101805 6/24/2010 at 12:55 (5,052 days old) by tom519 (Long Island, New York )
Checkrate/Likes I know Kirby still makes a lot of parts for their old machines, but does Hoover still make old parts? I don't have any Hoovers but I may like to get one from the 1930's at some point, but was wondering if you can still get some of the parts (brushrolls, belts, cords, fans, bumpers, wheels) from the manufacturer. It also seems like many of the old Hoovers I see on Ebay still have original cloth bags, where as Kirbys do not. Maybe Hoover made a better bag than Kirby?? Any opinions ? Thanks !

Post# 101806 , Reply# 1 6/24/2010 at 13:02 (5,052 days old) by vinvac (Dubuque IA)
Checkrate/Likes Since the end of Hoover as we knew it...parts for older machines are not available... I have noticed a change even in the C bag...doesn't seem to be as good as it once was. I don't know how to answer your question about the original cloth bags. I seem to see more old Hoovers with replacement bags than original..Kirby still makes some of the original bags back to the D80 I believe. Hoover bags tened to wear at the bottom of the bag. Just my thoughts...perhpas other will have a different view. Morgan

Post# 103074 , Reply# 2 7/11/2010 at 15:52 (5,035 days old) by hooverbaby (Dalton in Furness, UK)
Checkrate/Likes *Generally Obsolete* However, unlike with Kirbys, which have a moulded connector plug, you can use a standard cord. With many 1920s and 1930s machines, such as 541s, 700 and 800 series, you'll find that later replacement original and non-original parts will fit. I use a Hoover 612 belt on those, finding the normal senior/convertible belt too tight. I have found original round-necked replacement bags, including gen and non gen types..but I've also been able to stretch the neck of a 912 bag and make it fit. Brushrollers can often be repaired, bearings regreased or replaced if necessary and the brushes rebristled or replaced. The sweeping brushes are usually obsolete but one or 2 collectors may still have some. Sometimes a roller out of a later model can be substituted or modified. Then there are the carbon brushes but usually something can be substituted or filed down if originals aren't available. It's nice to have original bumpers..but they're not that essential to the functionality of the machine; they help to protect furniture and improve the appearance. It's fairly easy to cut down something suitable and rivet it in position. I don't know if any collectors on here make their own wheels but it might be worth looking into? ..but perhaps the hardest thing to find will be the fans. If the blades are broken, the machine may run out of balance or not pick up properly. Having said that, some of these older ones often carry on working quite well unless the damage is severe. It's sometimes possible to perform a modification utilising an alternative fan, though, as with all mods, this spoils originality..and might alter the performance. Other parts, such as bottom plates will either have to be made up, sourced from a spare machine..or if you're very lucky as New Old Stock, which turns up from time to time. Stephen C