2 heuge vacuum projects!

[washernoob]

Wow! I struck 2 diamonds in the rough today.

Got me 2 raaaare hoover 150s from my favorite vacuum graveyard, odowds.

I think I overpayed for these two, but I just had to take them. There are 4 total in the basement, but I didn't want to dig out the other two.

One will most definitely go do Gansky, aka Greg.

Pardon the dirt of course. Remember these spent over 25 years down there!

 

[washernoob]

Bases.

 

[washernoob]

The one handle of the brown one Has the two speed switch and all. Also original but nasty cord.

 

[qsd-dan]

Congrats!

They look perfect, besides being just a little dirty. I bet they'll gleam with a few cleaning supplies and some elbow grease.

 

[washernoob]

You know what, they really are in fantastic condition once you get past the rust on the brush rolls, and dirt.

The hoods have no scratches. The finish on the two really are not bad either. Just need some scrubbing.

So new cords, a little steel wool, and some paint for handles and perhaps bases, and these babies will look nice.

Cant beat the ingenious streamlined look of these gorgeous machines.

 

[gansky1]

It will be interesting to see how that handle cleans up - so rare!

 

[pulltostart]

Someone in Atlanta has been trying to sell this vintage Hoover for a long time (the asking price used to be even higher). I'm not a 'Hoover Person' so I have no idea how this one compares to what you bought, but I thought you might find this offering interesting.

Lawrence

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/atq/2080676578.html

 

[pulltostart]

Here's the model plate...

 

[washernoob]

Yep The model 543 was around 1925 or so. The 150s I have came out in 1936, as hoovers very first ever dramatic change. New bakelite hood, lighter weight, deluxe height adjuster, bag full indicator, quick connect hose port, and a few other changes.

That 543 has the original bag, but would take a lot of work to restore it. I have a 575 with a similar styled bag except mine has a fancy curly question mark like thing on it.

Also their asking price is just ridiculously high. For that one a more realistic price is $30.

 

[washernoob]

Alright. Gave the two old gals a dusting. No detail cleaning yet, but it gives you a better idea of what they look like.

As you can see, the rebuilt one actually is NOT BROWN like I thought it was. LOL thats how dirty it was! This is its original paint I think!!!!! It does need major touchup-ing near the corners though. Overall its a kind of rough finish though.

I can see these twos' future! They are going to look great! The hoods are in just fantastic condition!

Now that thar is a quality vacuum cleaner.

(ouchy note, the brown one has a chip in one of its blades. Hopefully its not large enough to create too much vibration)

 

[washernoob]

Original plug maybe!!?!?!

Jack, maybe you can shed some light from above!

Wow! Even if its not original it sure is gorgeous! The new cord is definitely getting fitted with this baby!

(the other end is square shaped, and looks to fit the switch plate well, so I believe the cord is original. (but oh so much duct tape! Probably not worth taking that off)

 

[washernoob]

Also on the handle, it looks a bit nicer in person.

It does have this brown tinge color to it in person though. it aint perfect, but really, from the front, it doesn't look too bad.

I think Ill leave it alone, its rare to find a handle like this, with the front still very distinguishable. Or Maybe Greg can work on it. This handle will be going with whichever machine he choses.

 

[washernoob]

Just got done washing the hood of the brown one out. Looks much nicer!

Its got some paint scuffs and a few very light scratches, but overall looks quite good for being 1939!

Also gave the metal band a light polishing.

 

[washernoob]

Here is the side of the hood.

These have to be the best designed hoover hoods after the coffee cans. The big rounded front, tapering back, with the gleaming blue and silver band, with the headlight beaming out. Just fantastic.

I <3 Henry Dreyfuss.

 

[washernoob]

The forever fantastic Marty Kaplan gave me some awesome tips on restoring these machines.

First of all he gave me great tips for paint. There is a spray-paint color called Krylon 1605 stone grey, which is fairly close to the original color.

And the handle and dark trim on the bail are actually a very deep green, not black. That should be interesting. Might have some custom black paint with a slight tinge of green made.

The handle will be thoroughly washed and armor-alled, and left as is. It could use a dip in plastidip at the very top, but I will not be doing that myself.