Thread Number: 31012  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
Hoover 700 help needed!
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Post# 342742   2/3/2016 at 06:58 (2,977 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        

I recently bought a one family owned Hoover model 700. Great buy, great condition, original bag in excellent shape, etc, etc. My problem is it is in the midwest at a friends house and I am in Atlanta! We are trying to choose the best method of shipping, and so far its so expensive it will have to continue to live in the midwest if we cannot figure out how to break the cleaner down to ship it affordably. As I am not there to look at the cleaner, I cannot guide them on how to disassemble the handle so it can be shipped. Can anyone offer guidance with this that has done it before or suggest an affordable way to ship it safely other than the obvious?
Thanks for any help!


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Post# 342743 , Reply# 1   2/3/2016 at 07:35 (2,976 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

coffeecanman's profile picture
Congrats on the 700! The bag spreader is a fortunate find, those are scarce. The bag isn't original to a 700, it should look like the one on the front of the manual linked below (and it's also my profile picture). I've never seen that bag before, I see that it says HOOVER Vac by RS Co. I'm thinking its a well done early aftermarket replacement bag, but maybe someone else knows better than I. Regardless, it looks good and appropriate on the machine.

The handle is one piece unfortunately, however you can separate it from the base by loosening the wing nut where the handle connects to the handle bail and pull it out. There's a plug in the end of the handle tube that connects power to the base so don't worry about ripping out wires, it will just unplug. Then the base can be packed in a smaller square box and the handle in a tall skinny box. Avoid using a shipping tube, I had the handle to my 450 almost lost because the end cap popped off and the handle slid out. An empty tube was delivered to me, luckily fedex was able to locate it and I picked it up. Good luck!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO CoffeeCanMan's LINK


Post# 342746 , Reply# 2   2/3/2016 at 08:10 (2,976 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Shipping info/Thank you!!

Coffeecanman!! Thank you so much! I thought it must be something simple. My dear friend offered to to cut the cord and take off the handle, thankfully she asked me first before doing so! This sounds very manageable and I think she can accomplish it. I have seen this bag before, but not sure on which model. But like you said, its "appropriate" for the time period and is intact. What belts should i use? It has been in service most of its life according to the owner. Should I service the motor before using? I may need brushes also, any advice?
Thanks again for helping me out. I just saved $300 that the USPS wanted to ship it (wonder why they are not doing so well???)


Post# 342756 , Reply# 3   2/3/2016 at 09:45 (2,976 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

coffeecanman's profile picture
I'm glad she didn't cut the cord! Hoover originally shipped these in 2 boxes as described. The bag certainly is similar to a Hoover bag, like on my 450 below, but the R. S. Co leads me to believe it was not made by Hoover, as these bags said "The Hoover - Reg. U.S. Pat. Off."

As for service, I would take the cap off and blow any dust out and inspect the motor. If it looks ok, fire it up and see if it sounds good. It the bearing sounds screechy or the brushes are arcing you may need to service it. The brush roll bearing will probably require cleaning and greasing as well. A Eureka RD belt should work.


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Post# 342764 , Reply# 4   2/3/2016 at 11:26 (2,976 days old) by Hooverboy81 (Myrtle Place)        

hooverboy81's profile picture
If you have a vacuum shop nearby, ask for a Hoover 44783ag belt. They're also available online! 😊

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Post# 342780 , Reply# 5   2/3/2016 at 16:08 (2,976 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Hoover

Thank you for everything!! Im glad she did not cut it either. Those are two beautiful vacuums you have there!!


Post# 342823 , Reply# 6   2/4/2016 at 13:14 (2,975 days old) by Vintagefox (California)        
Service and Cleaning Information

vintagefox's profile picture
Nice to meet another new Model 700 owner! They're tough little machines. I do agree with everything CoffeeCanMan said.
However, mind you this machine is about 90 years old...Heaven knows when it was last serviced. This is a ball bearing motor so oil isn't recommended.

One thing you can do to clean out the old grease is by placing in a few drops of Zoom Spout oil on the top bearing. Run it for a minute or so and wipe up whatever gunk falls out of it. I should mention you should probably disassemble the machine to get the rest of the gunk out underneath the bearing. Same steps apply for the bottom bearing but space might be a tad limited if you aren't able to pull the armature completely out.

Once all that's done, you can take a syringe with synthetic wheel bearing grease and squeeze it in within the visible crack. Its best to keep do so until you see grease coming out from the bottom end. As for the bottom bearing, you can do this step from the outside (where the shaft protrudes). Just remember how everything comes out first. [fan pulley, fan, washer, and tube sleeve.]

Sounds like a lot of work but its peace of mind knowing you have some new grease in the bearing as opposed to 90 something year old or so grease. But like CCM said, if it sounds smooth, then I suppose you can skip this step.

For the brush roll its much simpler. Just twist off the end caps. [You may have to use a crescent wrench to get the other cap off]
Once you've done that, there's a washer, then a fiber washer, the bearing itself and behind that a tension washer [looks like a wobbly washer]. A degreaser or Simple green will get the old grease out. Once that's done, just use the same synthetic wheel bearing grease and pack it in until it starts oozing out the other end. You can do this by hand but its much faster with a syringe.

For the Motor brushes you can try to find some NOS ones online. However its just a plain motor brush, just find some around the same size. As in spring length and shape. Or you can take some Kirby Heritage II brushes and sand them down to size. Just be sure its able to side in and out freely in the brush holder. I should mention that the springs that these brushes come with are TOO long for the brush end cap to twist back on. So one trick I used was to twist off the old springs from the old brushes and once I took the springs off the Kirby brushes I twisted the old Hoover springs onto the new brushes. Some fine tuning might be required [especially where the brush spring sits against the brush, since the kirby springs that were on these were a tad wide in diameter. A little chiseling, like taking a knife to a stick, creating a spear should do the trick.

But again like CCM said if they aren't arcing or damaged there's no reason to replace them.

For the belt, a Eureka RD belt will work [might take some effort to get on but it will work] I prefer a stretched Hoover Convertible belt(meaning not new,as the new belts are way too tight and difficult to install), it slips on much easier since its more elastic, yet still snug compared to new Eureka belt.

Lastly if you want to shine it up a little, some Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish, a terry cloth, and a microfiber cloth will do the trick. Just follow the instructions on the container. [These polish supplies can usually be found at your local auto store]
If you're going for that mirror shine, it might take about 4 or so applications.


My apology for quite a long read, I just got done fully servicing my Hoover Model 700. But I hope any of this information is of use to you. The guys on here are more than welcome to correct me.

Happy Hoovering!

-Alex


Post# 342856 , Reply# 7   2/4/2016 at 17:44 (2,975 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Hoover 700

Alex! Thank you for taking the time explain all of that. What a wealth of information. As soon as it is shipped from Minneapolis, I will dig in!! Pics to come.
ken


Post# 342858 , Reply# 8   2/4/2016 at 18:23 (2,975 days old) by Vintagevaclover (Athens, GA)        
Hi Ken!!

vintagevaclover's profile picture
I'm sorry I haven't called you in forever but I've lost your number!!

Post# 342863 , Reply# 9   2/4/2016 at 21:15 (2,975 days old) by Vintagefox (California)        
Hoover 700

vintagefox's profile picture
No problem Ken! If you ever need help, I'm sure anyone of us here is glad to be of assistance.
Looking forward to your project!

-Alex


Post# 343204 , Reply# 10   2/8/2016 at 21:48 (2,971 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        

Austin: Check your email and lets catch up.

Post# 343216 , Reply# 11   2/9/2016 at 00:51 (2,971 days old) by Vintagevaclover (Athens, GA)        
I actually have a new email now,

vintagevaclover's profile picture
Akivy1991@gmail.com

Post# 343501 , Reply# 12   2/11/2016 at 12:13 (2,968 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        

Austin: your email does not work

Post# 344872 , Reply# 13   2/21/2016 at 22:47 (2,958 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Hoover model 700 arrived!

Coffeecanman and Alex: The 700 arrived and I just got it unpacked. Very disappointed. Was told this was a working machine when I bought it. Guess Im not the first person this has happened to?!! The motor tries to turn, but fan will not spin. Its either locked up, stuck, or something more serious. I am going to tear into it in the next few days. Another question for Coffeecanman, Your models have black and chrome trimming. Mine is completely paint and trim free. Wonder what the difference is? Its all metal. Also does anyone know where to get the black bumper replacement? Any suggestion as to how to proceed here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again to everyone for your input!!

Post# 344942 , Reply# 14   2/22/2016 at 15:27 (2,957 days old) by VintageFox (California)        
Regarding your 700

vintagefox's profile picture
The Model 700 is just plain jane! They originally come from the factory in a rather dull looking aluminum finish, most of us just polish them up to make them look a little nicer!
There was an add on for it called the "Dirt Searcher" basically replacing the top cap with a cap/light installed. Otherwise, as you see it, is how it came from the factory! I'll attach a video below. It is a 750 but basically the same machine. The 750 was just a 700 with the dirt searcher light attachment as standard.

As for the black bumper replacement, you can just have your local Vacuum Shop install one for you. Its nothing but a black strip of rubber riveted to the machine.

For the motor, did you run it without the belt on? The brushroll could be locked up (old grease or spun in bearings) and prevent the motor from turning.

One common mistake people do when they service these machines is that they forget to replace the sleeve spacer (metal hollow tube in between the bottom motor plate and the fan)
Doing this, basically locks the fan against the motor housing and prevents it from spinning.

If that's not the case just open up the top cover and (with the machine unplugged of course!!) see if you can spin the commutator by hand, if it doesn't budge then there lies your problem.

To double check, just remove the fan completely and try spinning the bottom shaft by hand, it doesn't move then its possibly a shot bearing or a bearing with old hardened grease within it.
BUT if it does spin free by hand and there isn't any up, down, side to side play in the shaft then it could possibly be that missing sleeve spacer I mentioned earlier.

Some pictures or a video would be great help in assisting you as well. Take a few shots as you tear it down if you can.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO VintageFox's LINK


Post# 345082 , Reply# 15   2/23/2016 at 08:39 (2,956 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

coffeecanman's profile picture
What he said! ^

The ones I posted above are Model 450s and made many years after your 700. These are common enough that you may be able to find a parts machine for very little money if needed. The original bumpers were molded but you can just use a strip of black rubber and it would look fine. You'll want to use split or bifurcated rivets to attach it. These are pretty easy to install using either a rivet spreading tool (fortunately I have one from installing transmission band linings on my '26 Model T) or you can just use a large flat head screwdriver to spread the rivet apart once it's inserted and then use pliers to flatten it. I'm going to be installing a bumper this week, I can take a few photos of the process.


Post# 345211 , Reply# 16   2/24/2016 at 06:42 (2,956 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Hoover 700 part needed

Guys! Thanks for all the great advice so far!. Got it unpacked, and unfortunately it is missing the belt cover underneath!!! Anyone have an extra for sale that they would part with?

Post# 345228 , Reply# 17   2/24/2016 at 12:43 (2,955 days old) by VintageFox (California)        

vintagefox's profile picture
Just glad to help! I don't have any sadly. Might have to do some eBay searching there, I'm sure someone here has a parts machine.
It doesn't have to be a 700 cover, one from a 725, or a 750 will also fit in its place.

-Alex


Post# 345567 , Reply# 18   2/27/2016 at 08:18 (2,952 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

coffeecanman's profile picture
Ken, I have one. Send me a private message.

Post# 345678 , Reply# 19   2/28/2016 at 09:26 (2,951 days old) by Packardmanken (atlanta ga)        
Model 700 progress!!

Coffeecanman!! Thanks so much!! Private message sent!
Thanks to all of you as I dig into this project. I will post photos as it progresses. Did follow the directions Vintagefox provided and got it on the workbench and running!! Now for some rewiring and onto the brushroll! Found NOS brushs for the brushroll, but understand they are tricky to install. Any suggestions?


Post# 345699 , Reply# 20   2/28/2016 at 13:26 (2,951 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

coffeecanman's profile picture
Ken, it's my pleasure to help get your 700 back in service. I sent you an email. As for the brushes, they aren't too hard, see page 42 of the Hoover Service Manual which you can download from my website, The Vacuum Archives.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO CoffeeCanMan's LINK


Post# 345708 , Reply# 21   2/28/2016 at 14:47 (2,951 days old) by VintageFox (California)        

vintagefox's profile picture
Glad to hear you got her running again Ken! Can't wait to see photos of your progress.
As for the brush strips, as CCM stated, they aren't too difficult to install..
You can either move the "eye" to the opposite direction with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull up on the old strips with the pliers. Place the new ones in and move the "eye" back to its original position, locking the brush strips in place

OR

If you're taking the brush roll ends to service the brush roll bearings, you can simply slide them off and slide the new ones in. When the time comes to reassemble the the brush roll, just slide the cap ends back on, tighten the caps on and done.

I found this option much easier to do as sometimes the dirt and years of grime lock in the strips. With the end caps off, you can simply slide in a flathead screw driver and gently lift them up and off the brush roll.


Post# 346800 , Reply# 22   3/8/2016 at 22:15 (2,942 days old) by pmintun (New York)        
Brush and Agitator Issues With My HOOVER 700

I am a former member of the Old Appliance Club, which kind of disappeared when the Internet replaced magazines and newsletters!

I have used my upright Hoover for more than 30 dirt-free years. My Hoover 700 is beautiful, and I just bought (eBay) a second for parts and upgraded vacuums. The upgraded machine has no brushes in the agitator. A friend gave me some NOS replacement brushes for the agitator, but they ALMOST but DON'T QUITE fit. I have followed the instructions from my original manual. The replacement brush has a part number of 41468. On one side of the brush it says "<----TOWARD PULLEY WHEN NEW" and on the other side it says "<----TOWARD PULLEY WHEN WORN." The ends of each replacement brush are not identical. The brush channels on my agitator are empty and clean. Each channel has a little sliding latch at the outside edge. I cannot get the replacement brushes into the channels. They are one RCH (smallest unit of measurement) too long.

NOW, if I could remove the brushes out of my first Hoover's agitator I might be able to install THOSE in the agitator of the second. BUT, I cannot get them OUT of the old agitator. I have used a little solvent and tried pressing down on one edge like the manual instructs, but they will not budge. I have used a rubber mallet with a strong old screwdriver, to no avail.

So I am stuck with two new old stock replacement brushes, and an agitator that will not accept the replacement brushes.

Furthermore I cannot remove the brushes from the first agitator.

If you ask, "why don't you replace the whole agitator with the one that has brushes," the answer is: The first agitator FITS, but is slightly different and scrapes against the steel guard.

I POSTED A VIDEO (viewable only with this link) that illustrates the problem:




If anyone wants to want me directly, I am at pmintun@mac.com

THANKS!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO pmintun's LINK


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