Thread Number: 19916
Vintage machines as daily drivers
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Post# 222794   3/9/2013 at 17:28 (4,036 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

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Hello, this is my first time starting a topic. I've read some people on here saying that nothing beats a dirty air upright for carpet cleaning. What's your opinion on using vintage dirty air uprights on carpeting vs. using bypass type upright vacuums? I've been thinking about buying a vintage Hoover to replace my Dyson as my daily driver at my dad's house. I used to have a Concept (1, I think. It was self propelled and had power surge, but it had a different looking handle than other concept 1s. It didn't have a hand vac though, so not concept 2) and it worked well, but the self propelled stuff and the handle messed up and it sat in a closet forever before being thrown away. I really dislike Hoover Convertibles. Does anyone know of a vintage dirty air upright that would be a good daily driver?

Post# 222799 , Reply# 1   3/9/2013 at 17:52 (4,036 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Myles v

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Glad you finally posted, now that you made it here, start a lot of topics, we'd love to know what you're interested in.

As for my daily driver, right now it's a tank, an Electrolux LX, my upright daily driver was a Kirby 517, but it's showing signs of age, so rather than a rebuild, I treated myself to a new to me, Kirby Classic 111. Once it gets here I'll post pictures.

Other daily drivers over the past 50 years, have been the following. A Regina Electrikbroom circa 1945, upright Electro-Hygine circa 1930, Vacuette, first upriight Air-Way from 1920, and a Kirby 512 to name a few. Aside from vacuum cleaners are a Hoover floor washer circa 1950's, Regina twin brush polisher circa 1940, Rlectrolux B-8 circa 1960, and several carpet sweepers pre 1900. These are the only ones that come to mind.


Post# 222807 , Reply# 2   3/9/2013 at 19:11 (4,036 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

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I just don't think I'd feel right using a vintage machine as a daily driver. I don't like many modern vacuums, but it feels like vintage vacuums should be collected, not used a lot. But I do think that I will buy a Hoover Concept or an older Eureka off Ebay to clean up and use as a daily driver. Craigslist in my area never has any good machines.

Post# 222808 , Reply# 3   3/9/2013 at 19:31 (4,036 days old) by bnsd60m9200 (Akron OH)        

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I exclusively use vintage machines as daily drivers. The perform better, and can be easily maintained. My personal belief, if something has a purpose, like a vacuum, it should be used for the purpose, even when restored to like new, which I do. I don't like collecting things that have a purose just to sit and look pretty unless that's their intented purpose,like a curio or knick nack. All of my 13 vintage machines run flawlessly, and I rotate them out so they all get equtal use. Use your old machines that's they were meant to do. I might suggest an electrolux silverado or kirby heritage II.

Will Hemb


Post# 222811 , Reply# 4   3/9/2013 at 19:44 (4,036 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi myles v

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that's exactly why I use my various machines, I feel good using a bit of history. I also like the sound of the moror, and the smell of the dust bag. But most important is the memory of the person who had it. My Electrolux LX was owned by my favorite childhood friend. She was also a second mother to me, so as I have her Electrolux, it's like she's alive again and with me when I vacuum.

Post# 222813 , Reply# 5   3/9/2013 at 20:00 (4,036 days old) by nubz3760 ()        

I almost exclusively collect vintage metal uprights. I use them all, they are so powerful and quiet. I simply do not have the room to collect machines I don't use. I also like that older vacuums are made to be repaired and not thrown away.

Post# 222822 , Reply# 6   3/9/2013 at 21:47 (4,036 days old) by compactc9guy (Bathurst NB)        
reply

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my dayly driver is my trusty compact electra c9 vacuum that i got on ebay for a grand total of 75 $ canadian all hte attachements VB3 power head im getting the original power head soon ill post pic when i have it but vintages machine should be collected but they work so much better easy to work on and trouble fre most of the time i mean they jsut keep on going on and on vintages machines are my favorites my second dayly driver is my shopvac6 gallons whit the 2/12 inches hose by 16 feet long whit blower

Post# 222823 , Reply# 7   3/9/2013 at 21:49 (4,036 days old) by KirbyUltimateG (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Hi myles_v,
I recommend these vacuum cleaners:
Sanitaire/Eureka F&G uprights, Hoover Convertible/Decade/Elite/Legacy/Concept/Innovation uprights, Royal All Metal uprights, Kirby uprights.
Rob


Post# 222824 , Reply# 8   3/9/2013 at 21:50 (4,036 days old) by KirbyUltimateG (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Here is a NIB Kirby Heritage II on Ebay:


CLICK HERE TO GO TO KirbyUltimateG's LINK on eBay


Post# 222825 , Reply# 9   3/9/2013 at 21:52 (4,036 days old) by compactc9guy (Bathurst NB)        
to caligula

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i know just how you feal when i use my compact c9 its like i am back a child using my grand ma C80-2 compact aah the memories that was the first vintage machine i ever touch so its a special one to me when i use my comapct i go abck to the early days you know ? no trouble easy life good vac ect just takes me back so you whit your Electrolux you feal shes there whit you so i guess what im trying to say is vacuum some time hold a special place in our heart and memories which is probably why so many people collect them use them and bring all those wonderfull vacuum to new life to live those tiems again

Post# 222839 , Reply# 10   3/9/2013 at 23:32 (4,036 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

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KirbyUltimateG-I really wouldn't like buying a NIB vintage vacuum and using it. I think I'd feel guilty if I even opened it. I think it'd be cool to buy a NIB vintage vacuum, but not to use as a daily driver.

Post# 222848 , Reply# 11   3/9/2013 at 23:51 (4,036 days old) by stricklybojack (Southern California)        
Dirty air daily driver pin-up girl Danielle Fishel...

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says, "Kirby!"

Post# 222863 , Reply# 12   3/10/2013 at 01:16 (4,036 days old) by hooverboy81 (Myrtle Place)        

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I only use vintage cleaners. Nothing else touches my carpets! If they are maintained properly and serviced, they will last for another forty or fifty years!

Post# 223216 , Reply# 13   3/11/2013 at 21:05 (4,034 days old) by vacuumman206 ()        

I wouldn't call it vintage, but it certainly is rare and delecate, my Innovation. And I know I probably shouldn't, but it is my regular use vacuum. Ranks at the top of my list for performance in every category besides easy manuverability.(At least it doesn't have a huge bag sticking out, like Kirbys that perform equivalently)

Post# 223226 , Reply# 14   3/11/2013 at 21:55 (4,034 days old) by filterboy244 ()        
Daily Driver

Soon as i get my Filter Queen off my friend i most likely will use it as my go to cleaner

Post# 223286 , Reply# 15   3/12/2013 at 13:47 (4,033 days old) by kenkart ()        
I dont own anything new!!

I switch my vacs around, but there is always a Electrolux G in the house, Donald keeps a silverado to use as he likes the direct connect hose better, and usually a Filter Queen of some type, right now a 31x from 1984, which is the newest thing I own.

Post# 223290 , Reply# 16   3/12/2013 at 14:18 (4,033 days old) by philip0603 ()        

My daily driver is a 1996 Kirby Gen 5, with a Hoover 612 (62 in the US) as back up. Currently I am using the Hoover as the handle of the Kirby keeps unscrewing itself. Waiting for a replacement to arrive.

Love the Hoover, it was my Mothers and I still have all the tools in their caddy, the only down side is you do rather get used to the power drive of the Kirby.


Post# 223553 , Reply# 17   3/14/2013 at 16:47 (4,031 days old) by kirbyfan99 ()        

I use my hoover Custom Convertible model U4395 as one my daily drivers; the other daily driver is my Kirby Sentria. here is a photo of my daily drivers. I have included a picture of my 2 daily drivers.

Jack
kirbyfan99
youtube: jedi 725


Post# 223782 , Reply# 18   3/16/2013 at 05:02 (4,029 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
My Daily Driver is

My good old all original(except brush and belts and lightbulb)53 year old Kirby Model 560. I just don't think the carpets are clean unless I use that old Kirby.There is nothing like the sound of that old Kirby.Yes it doesn't use disposable bags but I am not allergic to dust. And the bag doesn't seem to leak dust unless you bump into something. So yeah I would recommend vintage vacuums over modern ones anyday... Dan

Post# 223847 , Reply# 19   3/16/2013 at 14:47 (4,029 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        
thermokid

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I used to have a Kirby 560. I really disliked the fact that it doesn't use disposable bags. I never used it much and it needed a new brushroll.

Post# 223863 , Reply# 20   3/16/2013 at 15:38 (4,029 days old) by NYCWriter (New York City)        
Jack ...

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... love the textured carpeting! Very retro!

And as a collector of vintage AUDIO equipment, I can tell you that machines (ANYTHING with moving parts, in fact), need to be USED. On a regular basis! Otherwise the lubricant will dry up and turn to shellac, and the metal parts will oxidize.

Better to use vintage machines -- gently, of course -- and regularly clean, maintain, and keep buffed and freshly painted -- than to let them just sit and disintegrate.


Post# 223902 , Reply# 21   3/16/2013 at 19:05 (4,029 days old) by anthony (leeds uk)        
tony in the uk

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i use my mums Hoover 652 at least three times a week its been in regular use since new way back in 1963 i was terified of it as a little boy but grew to love it as i got older it came with tool but mum soon discovered they were little more than useless they are still in the box under the stairs where they have been for almost 50 years we got an Electrolux Z65 for the stairs which i still use

Post# 223907 , Reply# 22   3/16/2013 at 19:28 (4,029 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
I hear you Dan,

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I love my Kirby 517, but due to it's age, and need of several minor repairs, which I can't have done, because there isn't a single vacuum cleaner shop within 60 miles. I live in rural Pa., So, I'm doing the next best thing, getting a new (to me) Kirby Classic 111. I also dislike disposable bags, well except for my Electrolux model LX. Give me a Sani-En-Tor any day!

Post# 223908 , Reply# 23   3/16/2013 at 19:37 (4,029 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Sani-Em-Tor.

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If I remember correctly the Classic 111's the last Kirby with the Sani-Em-Tor. Both the Tradition, and the Heritage had the option of the Em-tor, or disposable bags. After that they went to the mini-em-tor/disposable bag only.

Post# 223939 , Reply# 24   3/17/2013 at 04:43 (4,028 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Old Audio gear-not only electromechanical parts-but regular use keeps electrolytic and other caps formed and in good health-yes reg use helps other items,too.Keeps lubes circulated,and bearings dampened with lube.

Post# 224195 , Reply# 25   3/18/2013 at 20:42 (4,027 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
My Drivers

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All my drivers are vintage. The one I use most is my Electro-Hygiene model 903. It's powerful, durable, maneuverable, and grooms the carpet well. Just an all-round great vacuum.
And by the way, I agree about the audio equipment too, and use all the functions on my stereo system (turntable, CD, cassette deck, and 8-track) from time to time, and wind up my old victrola every now & then and play the old 78's.
Jeff


Post# 224196 , Reply# 26   3/18/2013 at 20:50 (4,027 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        

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My Kirby Classic III also gets frequent use. It is the newest, most powerful, and most complete of all my Kirbys, and has the Heritage II (or is it Legend II?) conversion kit to use disposable bags.

Post# 224198 , Reply# 27   3/18/2013 at 20:57 (4,027 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        

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And Now & then I use my Lux G. Although it's not in the pic, I do have, and use, the power nozzle.

Post# 224200 , Reply# 28   3/18/2013 at 20:59 (4,027 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        

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Once in a while I like to use my Hoover 29.

Post# 224240 , Reply# 29   3/19/2013 at 07:53 (4,026 days old) by odle53 ()        
vintage vacuums as daily drivers

Before I hurt my back and had surgery, I was using my lux XXX as a daily driver, but having to use the floor brush on carpet to get out embedded dog hair was just too rough on my back. I broke down and got a Riccar Supralite (which I love, by the way.) The Lux XXX is now being used for bare floors and above the floor cleaning, as well as getting the edges of carpets, something the Riccar isn't the greatest at doing, and gets a workout a few times a week. I picked up some filtrete foam stuff at the store where I bought the Supralite, traced the ancient filter that Mom still had in the Lux when she closed up her house, and made a plastic template to make my own filters. I had heard that old machines put a lot of dust back into the air, but honestly, the Lux is a lot better than an el cheapo Bissell that I picked up one Sunday afternoon at WalMart for forty bucks a few years ago at containing dust and grunge.

After I laid hold of the Electrolux, I picked up some accessories for it. Mom had a crummy plastic hose with a machine end on it, and the metal wands were supposed to friction fit on it, but never did adequately. No wonder she relegated it to the closet and picked up a cheap canister! So I managed to get a woven cloth hose on eBay for about $30, including shipping. It isn't crimped or kinked, and I've not noticed any loss of suction when using that as opposed to the plastic hose. Still, I might get one of the generic plastic hoses just to preserve the woven one from the rigors of life in my house.

The guy at the vacuum store lit up when I mentioned that I had a XXX, and looked at me as a way of getting rid of some old accessories that he had lying around. So, for another $70, I got a new replacement cord, which appears to be Electrolux equipment, a metal wall brush, and a metal dusting brush (the ball shaped variety.) Somebody on eBay was selling the floor polisher, which I picked up for another $40 (including shipping,) and I was shocked to see that the seller also included the brochure for it. It appeared to be totally unused, and even included the lambswool buffing pad as well as two sets of brush inserts. That's been used a couple of times to scrub in dry carpet cleaning powder, as well as weekly to give the kitchen and bathroom floors a good scrubbing.

I'd love to get my hands on one of the metal chamber inserts to be able to use type C disposable bags: If you've ever had any kind of dog, but especially a beagle, those critters SHED! If anyone hears of one that someone wants to get rid of, let me know.

What I really love about this machine is it is easy for me to kick around, and even the air-driven floor scrubber is within my weight lifting limit. Plus, it's quiet: The dog is wary, but doesn't go into panic mode whenever I have it out for doing some cleaning. And my upholstered furniture and drapes have never been cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner itself is in great condition: Mom had the motor gone over in 2003. I think she paid more for that than HER mother paid for the vacuum cleaner itself in 1941! And the vacuum cleaner itself seems to be grateful for being returned to useful life--that motor just hums away as I do my cleaning. These guys were meant to be lovingly used, not stashed in attics or admired as museum pieces. They seem happiest when they are appreciated for their function.


Post# 224263 , Reply# 30   3/19/2013 at 12:46 (4,026 days old) by s31463221 (Frenchburg, KY)        
Carol

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I absolutely LOVE the XXX Electrolux! I keep one in my office here at the bank and use it to clean around my desk when the dust bunnies begin piling up around the corners of my desk/laptop. It's so awesome to use as my office is located within our call center. I can turn it on and vacuum the entire office and never have to worry about disturbing anyone because that old motor is so quiet.....try doing that with today's cheap plastivacs!

Anyway, even thought I rotate a lot between my vacuum cleaners, I ALWAYS seem to fall back on my old Electrolux Silverado for the biggest majority of my vacuuming needs. That vac is relatively quiet, has TONS of suction and my 2 1/2 year old daughter adores it when I'm running it, she likes to ride it all through the house! I have some "new" vacuums but I rarely touch them, the newest one I do occasionally use is my Kirby G5, circa 1999, so I definitely would say I prefer vintage over new any day of the week......unless of course, I could get my hands on a new Aerus Platinum, but that's a LONG way down the road for me :)


Post# 224265 , Reply# 31   3/19/2013 at 12:58 (4,026 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)        

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The sound of my Lux XXX could lull me to sleep, kitty not bothered at all, but need power head for my carpets, so out comes the Silverado.Or the Concept 1, in a quick hurry Hoover LiNX.

Post# 224274 , Reply# 32   3/19/2013 at 14:32 (4,026 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Mo XXX "ride it all through the house"

She is not the first.An autobiography of a famous Hollywood actor mentions dreaming of flying through the air on a sled runner Elux as he would ride the vac as the housekeeper pulled it around.He also wonders at the later condition of her lower back.And that was - Peter Fonda.

Post# 224301 , Reply# 33   3/19/2013 at 15:43 (4,026 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I have a plethora of Convertibles.

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Although I DO gravitate to a few. Once in a while, I'll use one just for fun, or, it has a sentimental significance.

Post# 224308 , Reply# 34   3/19/2013 at 16:01 (4,026 days old) by thekirbylover (Warrington, cheshire )        

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my Hoover Turbopower U2194 (the burgundy one on the right) is my upstairs daily driver

Post# 224313 , Reply# 35   3/19/2013 at 16:55 (4,026 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)        

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Nice machine

Post# 225841 , Reply# 36   3/31/2013 at 15:01 (4,014 days old) by andy-lux ()        

The hoover turbopower total system in my opinion is rather on the noisy side


Post# 330600 , Reply# 37   7/30/2015 at 22:08 (3,163 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)        

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Here are my daily drivers
1952 Electrolux Lx
1983 Electrolux Silverado
1994 Hoover Power-Drive
1999 Kenmore Progressive


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 4         View Full Size
Post# 330650 , Reply# 38   7/31/2015 at 12:52 (3,162 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        
I don't vacuum daily

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Well, none of my machines can rightly be called "daily drivers" because I definitely don't vacuum on a daily basis. I do well to get around to it once every two or three weeks. Lately, I've mostly been using my Electrolux 1205 and Super J canisters but for a deep down cleaning, nothing beats a Kirby. My G5 has been getting the most use of those lately.

Post# 330655 , Reply# 39   7/31/2015 at 15:47 (3,162 days old) by citroenbx (england)        

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my vax 121

Post# 330660 , Reply# 40   7/31/2015 at 16:58 (3,162 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

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Well, I do use vintage vacuums as daily drivers. However, the problem I have always found is the bags & filters they use. For instance, Filter Queen & Compact/Tristar vacuums, Kenmore canisters that use 5023 bags, uprights that use Hoover C & Eureka F&G bags....I have found that those vacuums, the bags clog more easily & make the vacuum lose airflow & suction faster than new vacuums that use HEPA Cloth bags.

My Electrolux canisters are a perfect example of this. Put in a 4 ply bag, & they filter well but clog easily, have to take it out & give it a good shake, then put it back in to restore suction. Use the Type C HEPA Cloth bags for them, though, & they filter much better & last longer before losing suction. Also, call me crazy, but I do like some of the features on modern vacuums....quick release wands & variable speed controls, for instance.

Will - Vintage vacuums aren't necessarily easier to maintain or clean better than modern vacuums. Look hard enough, & you can easily find modern vacuums that are equal to their vintage counterparts. However, having said that, the older cleaners are better quality than modern cleaners, unless you're willing to shell out big bucks & buy a high end brand, like Miele or Sebo.

Rob


Post# 330661 , Reply# 41   7/31/2015 at 17:01 (3,162 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Reply 11

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Robert, are you sure you like that pic for the Kirby? Hmm, something tells me you might be more interested in Danielle Fishel than the Kirby! :-). So turn in your gay card, LOL.

Rob


Post# 330682 , Reply# 42   8/1/2015 at 06:56 (3,161 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Vintage Daily Drivers

Living with my partner, who suffers from severe allergies, two dogs and a cat (none of whom will wipe their feet, I vacuum pretty much, every day! I have a good opportunity to choose a different vac for daily use. For true cleanliness, I regularly use my Rainbow. No matter how old it is, it is still a water filter and does what it has always done best, filter. My older vacs dont do much for out new deep, plush carpet. (wish I had never done this) but the filter queens famous rug tool does a pretty good job with NO dust escaping. But if I want compliments on the carpet (lines, fluffed up nap, etc) I fall back on my Eureka uprights. They do a beautiful job of grooming the carpet, cleaning etc. But I do stay on top of the vacuuming, so they do not have to work too hard! But my secret weapon in the old vac arsenal, is a "bo-jacked" Filter Queen that I mated a Rainbow power nozzel to. Now THAT will do the job!! Enjoy all of your collected vacuums, finding out the merits of each one, and the pitfalls. Its a great hobby with a great by-product!

Post# 330687 , Reply# 43   8/1/2015 at 07:33 (3,161 days old) by HisMastersVoice (Ferndale, MI)        

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I'm currently using my Kirby 508 as my daily driver, but I occasionally alternate. I'm looking for a Hoover 541 or a 700 at the moment which will be next in rotation. I like keeping my nice machines clean, so I don't use them all for sucking up dirt, but I do run the motors once a month or so.


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