Looking for a Connie!!

[westytoploader]

Hi everyone,

Greg suggested this after many failed eBay attempts (especially this time around), so I decided to post on here about it. I have been looking for a Hoover Constellation for 3 years, ever since I've entered the world of vacuum collecting (yes, vacuums and washers are my two main interests that I've had for as long as I can remember). I've been TRYING to find the "perfect one", though nearly all of them are incomplete as far as tools are concerned or have that increasingly frustrating hose-separation problem near the handle grip. OY! I'm not new to hovering cleaners; the first machine I bought was an early-80's Celebrity III Air-Ride, and it was fun. I could kick myself for selling it! I've never seen a Connie in action though, and I've always wondered what kind of machine they were.

So I'm sending out a plea to any member who reads this...if you receive any "leads" on a Constellation and know someone who has one they would like to sell or just "part with" (or have an extra duplicate of one you already have), PLEASE let me know! I'm not looking for anything special or rare, just a hovering Connie in good shape (i.e. no broken, leaky hose) with no missing accessories. My email address is [email protected].

Thanks!!

--Austin

 

[jasonl]

I thought you wanted either a girl or Veg's washer.

I'd go with the girl, they're softer than a vacuum cleaner.

But you can't switch them off when they're making too much noise.

(Ducks and runs)

 

[veg-o-matic]

Good point, Jason

But a vacuum cleaner will, er, uhm, never mind.

veg (ducking and running from the lightning-fast hand of Launderess!)

 

[petek]

I'll let you know if I see anything out there. Getting a complete package though, that's tough. I'm still scouting for some missing Connie pieces for mine, but they'll turn up sometime or other, usually when I least expect it. BTW,, stop selling your stuff!!! hahaha, another 20 years or so and that 70's stuff is gonna be antiques and you won't even be forty, many of us will be in Shady Pines.

 

[jasonl]

Veg

Some do, and some don't. Depends on the model.

 

[tolivac]

I would like to run into a "Connie" as well-hard to find around my parts-the ones I have seen at yard sales are beat to death!Missing attachments,ripped hoses,and dented canisters.It sounds like folks use their "Connies" until they are about to die.Are the bags still available for them?-Or do you have to try to retrofit a newer bag to fit them?

 

[petek]

They use the Hoover J bags which are still around in generic forms, not sure about originals though. And you're right, they are quite beaten the ones I've seen. Even my two aren't flawless beaties but I'll fix them up eventually.

 

[hooverwheelaway]

Connies, Connies, Connies!

Hey Austin,

Is there any one model Constellation in particular that you're looking for? I have some extra "parts" machines, that have given up motors, gaskets, cords, handles, etc... and I'm sure I could assemble a machine for you out of the various corpses I have laying in my basement. Send me an e-mail and we can hammer out the details (email address in my profile).

J Bags--
They are still available through Hoover, but I don't think that Hoover makes them anymore. The old Constellation bags were grey with blue ends, and stapled closed on each side; then they went to the green bags, with darker green ends and stapled. Now I think that DVC or whoever makes them for Hoover, and they get put in "Genuine Hoover" packaging. The current bags aren't at all as nice--I think they leak more dirt, and the cardboard collar is flimsier. But, I usually replace the bag after a few uses anyway--so I save the old, genuine bags for show purposes, and use one here and there.

I'm pretty sure that this picture has been posted more recently than not, but I can't help posting it again, they're like my children, and I their proud mother...

~Fred

 

[westytoploader]

Hey Fred,

Thanks for your offer...I'll definitely email you for more details. Any "newer" model with the white toggle-switch will be perfect, although I have to admit, I am partial to the 843 "Tilted" machines. I can easily find Type J bags on eBay as well.

You have a great collection of Connies and Convertibles, by the way...BEAUTIFUL machines.

--Austin

 

[tolivac]

I ran into one-but it got away---went to my favorite vac place here-and in Bill's service pile was a "Connie" He knew I would ask about it-but it was brought in by a lady that loved it and still uses it-she wanted it fixed-the complaint was --doesn't float anymore"The machine was in pretty good shape-needs cleaning up-hoping she "abandons" it and then its fair game.any machine brought in for repairs there-after 30days---it is sold to me or he strips it for parts.He recovers the new parts he puts in-he may also put it on his "used" floor.I check those regularly.He has a blue neon "Royal" sign that I will pick up tomorrow.Its a neon wall or window sign.

 

[shanonabc]

i had a constellation but when my mum left my dad she forgot to grab it and it ended up in the tip boo hoo :-(