Thread Number: 3537
Guess what I found...
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Post# 39716   5/8/2008 at 14:28 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

A BIG clue...no mistaking that switch!

Post# 39719 , Reply# 1   5/8/2008 at 15:14 (5,803 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        

arh1953's profile picture
I can't wait to see the rest of it!

Post# 39720 , Reply# 2   5/8/2008 at 15:18 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Ok...here's your next glimpse!

;)

Post# 39721 , Reply# 3   5/8/2008 at 15:31 (5,803 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        

arh1953's profile picture
Oooh, it's imported!

Post# 39723 , Reply# 4   5/8/2008 at 16:14 (5,803 days old) by z30soulbrother (West Midlands, UK)        
red ball switch

didnt someone ages back say they were trying to identify a vac from childhood with a red ball switch?
si


Post# 39724 , Reply# 5   5/8/2008 at 16:15 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Cut to: The Big Reveal

Enough teasing! I can now reveal...newly-obtained property of The Vintage Hoover Emporium...Britain's only example (I would imagine) of the Hoover Lark Model 14!

Post# 39725 , Reply# 6   5/8/2008 at 16:20 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Sleek in form...

Smooth in function...a lightweight solution to your heavy cleaning duties...

Post# 39726 , Reply# 7   5/8/2008 at 16:23 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
The glamorous American stranger...

makes its English cousin look downright frumpy by comparison!

Post# 39727 , Reply# 8   5/8/2008 at 16:24 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
...

...

Post# 39728 , Reply# 9   5/8/2008 at 16:25 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
...

You may notice for the first time something's not quite right...

Post# 39729 , Reply# 10   5/8/2008 at 16:26 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
...

...

Post# 39730 , Reply# 11   5/8/2008 at 16:27 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
...

Red ball is still in place...although the upper plate is a little warped, as I hear is common :(

Post# 39731 , Reply# 12   5/8/2008 at 16:28 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
...

Is the problem a little more evident here?

Post# 39732 , Reply# 13   5/8/2008 at 16:32 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Ok, to make things a little clearer...

See it now?

The seller ignored my careful, detailed packaging instructions (Charles Richard, I'm sure you can feel my pain and frustration!), and as a result, this beautiful cleaner has suffered quite a bad distortion to it's handle bail *sob*

I don't know if I can put it right or not :(


Post# 39733 , Reply# 14   5/8/2008 at 16:32 (5,803 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        

arh1953's profile picture
My ESP made me feel like it was something like the one on the left. Now, somebody solve the next mystery!

Post# 39734 , Reply# 15   5/8/2008 at 16:32 (5,803 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Guess what I found?

What a find! When I was a child our local Hardware was the Hoover dealer in town. They had one of that model high up on a display self for years after they had quit making the Lark. I always wanted that Hoover. Of course THAT was NEVER going to happen! Is the handle a little bent? It looks so cool and even the bag spring is painted to match the blue.

Post# 39735 , Reply# 16   5/8/2008 at 16:35 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
But handle-bail aside...

I feel very lucky to finally have one of these machines in my possession. Now to find some tools and a manual...then a Model 12...and tools...and a manual ;)

I'll keep chanting ('I do it almost religiously, Sweetie!')


Post# 39736 , Reply# 17   5/8/2008 at 16:38 (5,803 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        

arh1953's profile picture
Never mind, mystery solved! I think you could straighten out that handle bail with very little trouble. This spoken with the optimism of someone who has never repaired a vacuum cleaner.

Post# 39739 , Reply# 18   5/8/2008 at 16:44 (5,803 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
A Henry Dreyfuss design...

From the chassis to the plug!

Post# 39744 , Reply# 19   5/8/2008 at 18:16 (5,803 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Jack, congrats on the model 14 Lark. They only sold about 90,000 + of these roughly half of the total number of maroon model 12s. These were a total flop here in the US. The Convertible Special model 31 was a huge hit in 1958 so we did not get another Junior until 1965 with the UK built model 1330. Hoover spent plenty to bring out the 12 and 14 only to have it suffer from major problems like the switch, outer bag, bag bellows, and not to mention the "too small" motor that must drive the full size agitator. I am glad to see too that yours has the handle bail cover still intact. Those are more often than not missing. It is a critical piece too since it holds up the electrical wiring! Many of these unfortunately bit the dust early in their lives. However, I still really like the design and the color combo on this machine. The UK version was a much better built machine!

--Tom


Post# 39849 , Reply# 20   5/9/2008 at 16:08 (5,802 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Thanks for the info, Tom :)

So not quite as rare as a Duster, then!

I love the design, it looks so much sleeker than our 1224, although I see what you mean about the design flaws. A shame - I'm sure with a little more thought, Hoover could have made a very decent little machine. I'm sure it would have been very popular if they'd sold it over here.

I'm so pleased with it, I just wish the seller had listened to me and bothered to take the time to pack it properly. The twisted handle bail spoils what would otherwise be a beautiful machine. I may try and twist it back into shape, if it looks like I can do it without causing further damage.

For anyone who's never seen one, here's what the switch assembly is like:


Post# 39853 , Reply# 21   5/9/2008 at 17:11 (5,802 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
Thats absolutely beautiful jack!

Congrats on being the only fellow in the UK to own one of those!

Post# 39868 , Reply# 22   5/9/2008 at 19:33 (5,802 days old) by z30soulbrother (West Midlands, UK)        
hose converter

i take it the front cover snaps off like the early junior and the converter snaps on after the belt is manually lifted off? and it would take a hooverflex double stretch hose in blue? maybe its the same converter as used for junior?
si


Post# 39876 , Reply# 23   5/9/2008 at 21:02 (5,802 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        
Lark 14

Congratulations. I have that same machine. A gift from Don
O Connor in Youngstown, Ohio. He gave me the 14 and the 12 when
Tom and I went over the visit him. We wanted to see what his repair
shop, vacuum and car collection was about.
I just had to fix that switch panel too. Was surprised when
I saw the ball. Always liked them, never thought I would own
one. I used it for awhile, but mine needs new brushes.
Norm


Post# 39897 , Reply# 24   5/10/2008 at 00:46 (5,802 days old) by mattl ()        
Very nice!

I was the one who was wondering about this machine back a few months ago. I remember as a kid being fascinated with the red ball on/off switch. Yours looks to be a beauty, even if it is off kilter a bit.

I don't really collect old vacs, somehow I've accumulated 4 or 5, but I wouldn't mind having a Model 14 for the heck of it. I did see one but it was brown/tan and not very attractive. I'd want one as pictured Blue/Cream & nice red ball!


Post# 39908 , Reply# 25   5/10/2008 at 07:48 (5,801 days old) by z30soulbrother (West Midlands, UK)        
hi matt

hi matt
remind me , could anyone place this at the time you were asking?
si


Post# 39909 , Reply# 26   5/10/2008 at 08:50 (5,801 days old) by 74simon ()        
Woo!

Real shame about the handle bail, but you've still got the best example of a 14 in the UK!

Look forward to seeing this baby in action!

Si


Post# 39912 , Reply# 27   5/10/2008 at 09:56 (5,801 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill (Birthplace of the Railway),England, UK.)        
Hoover Lark

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Nice one Jack, lovely smooth lines, love the Red Zebedee Ball!!! I`m sure you can work your magic on the bail, you`ve managed far bigger tasks with perfection...what difference is the size of the brushroll to the 1224??

Enjoy, Mike


Post# 39957 , Reply# 28   5/10/2008 at 15:33 (5,801 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Hi Mike and Simon...

glad you like it :)

Mike, thanks for your kind words, your faith in my restoration powers is reassuring! I'll have a go at re-bending it, and can only hope for the best. The Agitator is 12", compared to the 1224's 10" version. It's a Senior Agitator driven by a Junior motor, basically. It's easy to see why the motor might get a bit too hot under the strain, and cause the switch plate to warp and the ball to fall out. Seems like the Lark 14 was built to self-destruct, so I suppose I'm lucky mine's survived so well.

The bag material is quite thin, but I'd say the 1334's bag material was a little thinner.

Simon, you'll have to visit sometime, and you can try it in person :)


Post# 39960 , Reply# 29   5/10/2008 at 15:36 (5,801 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
Agitator

The agitator used in the 12 and 14 was the same used in the US model 29, with what we call the "canoe" brush strips.
Jack you *should* be able to swap the agitator from a 612 or 638 with the model 14's no problem. They should be the same mount and everything.


Post# 39981 , Reply# 30   5/10/2008 at 19:40 (5,801 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Thanks Jeff!

As it happens, the brush strips aren't too bad, but it's nice to know I have the option of replacing the Agitator if needed. I have a spare 612 Agitator upstairs.

Post# 39987 , Reply# 31   5/10/2008 at 21:11 (5,801 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
What a beautifully designed compact upright!

aeoliandave's profile picture
Being made from a shaped flat piece of steel, easy rebending it back into alignment,Jack.

I'd take the bail handle off entirely, clamp the top 'U', arms up, in the jaws of a padded bench vise (so the edge paint won't be marred) and grasping both arms at the same time torque ease them back into alignment. I think I also see an unwanted bend at the bottom of one of the arms - flatten it in the same padded vice jaws.

I use the bench vises at work to straighten such things with applied force, use long steel poles as bending levers and it's a great way to separate rusted jammed wands, when holding between your knees or standing on it just isn't forceful enough.

If you don't have a bench mounted vise...well, find someone who does. Or go to a garage or large shop tool vendor (Home Depot?) with the bail and a rolled towel and swiftly 'borrow' the heavy duty display vise on site...explain that you are testing the vise. :-)

Dave


Post# 39990 , Reply# 32   5/10/2008 at 21:40 (5,801 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
i have one too,

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
and, it's a nice little machine. My aunt maoved over here from Ireland, and they loved their "juniors".

Post# 40002 , Reply# 33   5/11/2008 at 00:54 (5,801 days old) by mattl ()        

z30soulbrother, yes with a little digging it was identified. I guess there are still a few around, perhaps someday I'll stumble across one.

Here is the link to my thread....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO mattl's LINK


Post# 40011 , Reply# 34   5/11/2008 at 10:40 (5,800 days old) by z30soulbrother (West Midlands, UK)        
cheers matt

cheers matt
well done. those memories are special and seem even more fun now we are older looking at them as collectable machines, but at the time were general household appliances

si


Post# 40012 , Reply# 35   5/11/2008 at 11:49 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

This is my model 14...built in October 1956. I have a new set of tools for this one too.

--Tom


Post# 40013 , Reply# 36   5/11/2008 at 11:50 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Here is the cover plate removed...

Post# 40014 , Reply# 37   5/11/2008 at 11:51 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Here is the converter...unique to the Lark uprights. All that you have to do is unhook the belt then place this item over the belt pulley and twist. Very simple...

Post# 40015 , Reply# 38   5/11/2008 at 11:52 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

The converter installed...

Post# 40016 , Reply# 39   5/11/2008 at 11:52 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Converter installed...head on angle...

Post# 40017 , Reply# 40   5/11/2008 at 11:53 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Hose installed...

Post# 40018 , Reply# 41   5/11/2008 at 11:55 (5,800 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Here is the basic set of tools for a Lark. This is the short set but I have read where you could get a deluxe set. I have yet to find a nicer set. Heck, it is hard enough just to find the machine let alone a tool set for it. This was a very simple set of tools, just the bare essentials. The Lark was a good idea. Had it not been for the Lark, we may not have had the Convertible Special model 31!

--Tom


Post# 40154 , Reply# 42   5/12/2008 at 16:45 (5,799 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Thanks for posting those pictures, Tom!

Your attachment set looks wonderful! Everything in such lovely condition. I'll be watching eBay for a set to go with mine, but somehow I think it'll be unlikely! For obvious reasons, I don't have any chance of coming across a set anywhere else over here.

What an interesting converter they have! I imagine the suction through the tools is quite good? The floor-suction on the Lark seems better than on a Junior, and the tool suction is quite good on those - better than on any of the post-war Senior models.


Post# 41062 , Reply# 43   5/21/2008 at 01:39 (5,790 days old) by portable (Corvallis, OR)        
Lark 14

portable's profile picture
Jack -

I rented a house years ago. I had known the former (deceased) lady of the house. In the front closet was her pristine Model 14 with the tool set that Tom shows above. But, my roommate and I hated it because the darn bag was so hard to change. I remember that the local vac repair store was able to get me a Hoover switch plate cover in white, which I painted to the correct color. Apparently, they warped so frequently that Hoover made replacements available to buy. Nice looking machine, though. But not too well engineered.


Post# 41065 , Reply# 44   5/21/2008 at 01:52 (5,790 days old) by carlstock ()        

Very nice, Jack! :)

What a lovely design! :)

As you know, my knowledge of many Hoovers... well... sucks! LOL :) (How many of us say something like that that regularly?! :))

However, I can appreciate it, and I can assure you I would pop over if I could (if invited beforehand of course!). :)

And hello, Mike! :) Sorry I’ve not spoken to you lately. :(

Carl :)


Post# 41102 , Reply# 45   5/21/2008 at 16:13 (5,790 days old) by z30soulbrother (West Midlands, UK)        
lark tools

i love this!!!
si



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