Hoover Vacuum Help

[kevin313]

I've never been to interested in vacuums, but in the past month I have run into a number of them at estate sales and thrift stores, all for $10 or less. I picked up two Hoovers, a Royal and just recently a Kibry Omega (I paid $5 for it).

They all seem functional. So, I cleaned them up, put in a new bag (where appropriate). I don't know much about them, but here's an old Hoover that I bought for $7 and I liked the design. Can any of you vacuum experts give me a vintage on this old girl?? Thanks mucho! Kev

 

[xraytech]

Well that is the Hoover model 28, it was produced from either 1947 or 48 until about 1950, I believe they sold around 2 million of these. They were designed by Henrey Dreyfuss

 

[kevin313]

Thanks, Sam.

Sounds like this was a very popular model. It still works very well and the motor is very strong.

 

[washernoob]

Yeppers. One of my most favorite machines. I've had mine for quite some time now, and its still my best running vacuum!

Love the way they purr so quietly. And a very good vacuum cleaner believe it or not.
Mines got a crack in the bakelite unfortunately.

You need to check out Gansky1's model 28. Its absolutely drop dead gorgeous! Its got the rare early cast metal hood. Looks a bit different, and is indestructible!

Congrats on your wonderful find! At an excellent price too! Mine cost me $80!

 

[washernoob]

Also you should post some pics of your other finds.

 

[kevin313]

Here's my $5 Kirby Omega - from the 70's maybe??

My whole life I heard people taking about Kirby vacuums - how great they were, how they lasted a lifetime. My mom always had a Eureka (they were originally made here in Detroit, I believe).

I don't get this cup thing on the side that holds all the dirt and dust - how is this better than a bag? And yet, the unit has a bag on it, but there's only enough room for you to put your hand inside of it to push out the dirt. Doesn't seem very practical to me.

That said, I can't believe how powerful this motor is. Very, very strong. I'm in the process of cleaning it up a little, but I'm looking forward to trying it on the carpet.

 

[dustin92]

kirby...

I think the classic omega was made from 1973-76 (kirby experts please correct me if im wrong!), the upper handle is from a classic 3, and if you had not figured it out... that plug is *not* orignal... the bag will collect the light dirt (hair, dust) and the emptor under the bag will collect the heavy dirt (sand,etc.) The zipper on the side of the bag should contain a pocket with a scraper on the end, which is used to loosen dirt from the inside of the bag. if you have not done so yet, i would suggest that you remove the bag from the emptor, turn it inside out, vacuum it with another vacuum, and then hand wash it.

 

[maytog77]

if i may?....

i think your Kirby Classic Omega has a Classic III handle....the original handle should be choc brown like the rest of the trim....but very much worth $5.00!

and that Hoover 28 is stunning! and just a bit of trivia on that machine...when that machine debuted in late 1946..the first little while they were made they were produced with a metal motor hood.... than after the first year because of the war effort the switched to the Bakelite like what yours has...to conserve resources for the war.... the metal hood variations are very rare i was once told...and i actually have one...but otherwise the body and motor etc is identical...

congrats again!
jason

 

[washernoob]

There are actually three hoods for the model 28 apparently.

Cast aluminum, steel (I believe) and bakelite. Greg told me that. Perhaps he can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[kevin313]

Thanks for all the info. I'm always amazed at the collective knowledge here at AW! It's good to know a little more about these fine machines!

 

[austinado16]

Let's see your Royal

Big Royal fan here, so let's see that one. I'm no oracle on year or models, but I do like them and they are bulletproof in design and function.

If you haven't tried it, "Simichrome" metal polish will make the Kirby and the Royal shine like a mirror with just a good arm workout.