What makes Hoover Convertibles so desirable ?

They are pretty much the Lada of vacuums. Simple design that rarely changed, common to find in various models, easy to diagnose a problem and repair it, parts are cheap, and they do the job they are supposed to do without fail. No bells and whistles, can suck up virtually anything, and a lot of people have nostalgia for them since they were around for so long.

You could have someone born in the 50's and remember them as a kid, and I myself was born in 1992 and I remember using one as well! It's one of those rare times that a vacuum cleaner model can span numerous generations. Most collectors that just start out, their first few vacuums they get is usually guaranteed to be a Convertible.

The only bad thing I can say about them is their belt is unprotected and directly in the debris path. They can suck up a heck of a lot of things and take all kinds of abuse, but any large solid object picked up will slice right into the belt. But belts are cheap today so it won't hurt your wallet much to change belts as it used to.

Depending on the type of Sanitare model, they used the same design as the Convertibles, and if you figure they use industrial grade belts made of stronger rubber, I can see how they might need some herculean strength to install. If I recall the domestic Hoover Convertible models used a slightly softer and more pliable rubber.


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Post# 396238 8/4/2018 at 23:00 (2,091 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)
Checkrate/Likes Okay, I don't know much about Hoovers ( just posted another thread on one) so I'm asking you experts. I read how many of you love the Convertibles....not sure entirely how long they were built, and wanted to know the specifics on why they are so desirable. Are they direct air units? Are they super strong in suction/air flow, quiet, light weight, low maintenance? Did I read putting on belts are a bit of a chore or is that the Sanitaire's I"m thinking of?' I recall from all the pictures on here that they came in a plethora of colors.... Thanks in advance. Kelton

Post# 396244 , Reply# 1 8/5/2018 at 00:30 (2,091 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)
Checkrate/Likes 3 *Although the tool suction is not fiercely strong* especially on the rear conversion, they are great machines. They were made for 40 years.... made The Hoover Company a ridiculous fortune! They are easy to maintain, easy to use, if you do it right, easy to change the bags. They 'convert' to "above the floor cleaning" easily. I mean, HOW MUCH suction does one really need? If maintained properly, they can last a lifetime. Some may "poo poo" them, maybe not 'publicly', but, secretly hate them. They are a major part of Hoover's "finest hour".

Post# 396250 , Reply# 2 8/5/2018 at 01:46 (2,091 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes 2 They are pretty much the Lada of vacuums. Simple design that rarely changed, common to find in various models, easy to diagnose a problem and repair it, parts are cheap, and they do the job they are supposed to do without fail. No bells and whistles, can suck up virtually anything, and a lot of people have nostalgia for them since they were around for so long. You could have someone born in the 50's and remember them as a kid, and I myself was born in 1992 and I remember using one as well! It's one of those rare times that a vacuum cleaner model can span numerous generations. Most collectors that just start out, their first few vacuums they get is usually guaranteed to be a Convertible. The only bad thing I can say about them is their belt is unprotected and directly in the debris path. They can suck up a heck of a lot of things and take all kinds of abuse, but any large solid object picked up will slice right into the belt. But belts are cheap today so it won't hurt your wallet much to change belts as it used to. Depending on the type of Sanitare model, they used the same design as the Convertibles, and if you figure they use industrial grade belts made of stronger rubber, I can see how they might need some herculean strength to install. If I recall the domestic Hoover Convertible models used a slightly softer and more pliable rubber.

Post# 396254 , Reply# 3 8/5/2018 at 06:24 (2,091 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)
Checkrate/Likes 3 Hoover Convertibles---THEY WORK and can clean BETTER than modern vacuums using like 3 times the power!!!You have to admire the Convertible for its simplicity and efficient design-the guy that designed it was a genious of the time.

Post# 396264 , Reply# 4 8/5/2018 at 09:25 (2,091 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)
Checkrate/Likes 2 Good cleaning, long running, easy to repair,nice sound