westytoploader
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
I've been after "early" Hoovers for quite some time, and when this 1910's Model 103 appeared I just had to go for it! They seem to be quite rare, as this was only the second one I had seen on eBay since 2001 if you can believe that! Even though this one is called the "Baby", don't let it fool you...it's bigger than you think! I was surprised to see that it the nozzle is the same width as my Convertible 31!
Surprisingly, the brushroll is in FANTASTIC shape as you can see and the tufts are still nice and soft! I was worried the most about this as I had seen a lot of older Hoovers on eBay with the bristles completely gone. I spent all afternoon cleaning it of the 70+ year old hair that had been wrapped around it and re-packed the bearings with white lithium grease. I almost thought with all that old, caked-on grease, the only solution would be to Varsol them, but after a thorough washing with soap & water everything came right off!
The motor initially ground horribly on startup. I oiled it with a small amount of electric motor oil (SAE-10 I believe), and the grinding is a little less. I was surprised at how smooth it runs after it sped up. I'm going to let it "sit" overnight. Any suggestions on how to adapt a belt to work in this one? I'm using a Model 63 belt in it now but it comes off and seems "loose". I wonder if a Junior belt will work?
However, as you can also see, the machine is in absolutely HORRIBLE cosmetic shape and will need a full restoration. Half of the right front wheel is missing, and it looks a lot like the base had been repainted a metallic color ages ago (I noticed some specks on the motor as well). Either that or the chrome has come off completely in some places. The (non-original) cloth bag seems to be in decent shape but has many repairs to it. It is very dirty, though, and it will probably look better after I handwash it. The wooden handle, motor, and brushroll holder will also need to be repainted. I removed the ugly grey rubber bumper on it (that was obviously non-original); but after I removed it I saw that one of the screws had broken off on the front beneath it. So it will need a new black bumper as well!
--Austin, who is anxiously awaiting to finally send in that VCCC registration form this August!
Surprisingly, the brushroll is in FANTASTIC shape as you can see and the tufts are still nice and soft! I was worried the most about this as I had seen a lot of older Hoovers on eBay with the bristles completely gone. I spent all afternoon cleaning it of the 70+ year old hair that had been wrapped around it and re-packed the bearings with white lithium grease. I almost thought with all that old, caked-on grease, the only solution would be to Varsol them, but after a thorough washing with soap & water everything came right off!
The motor initially ground horribly on startup. I oiled it with a small amount of electric motor oil (SAE-10 I believe), and the grinding is a little less. I was surprised at how smooth it runs after it sped up. I'm going to let it "sit" overnight. Any suggestions on how to adapt a belt to work in this one? I'm using a Model 63 belt in it now but it comes off and seems "loose". I wonder if a Junior belt will work?
However, as you can also see, the machine is in absolutely HORRIBLE cosmetic shape and will need a full restoration. Half of the right front wheel is missing, and it looks a lot like the base had been repainted a metallic color ages ago (I noticed some specks on the motor as well). Either that or the chrome has come off completely in some places. The (non-original) cloth bag seems to be in decent shape but has many repairs to it. It is very dirty, though, and it will probably look better after I handwash it. The wooden handle, motor, and brushroll holder will also need to be repainted. I removed the ugly grey rubber bumper on it (that was obviously non-original); but after I removed it I saw that one of the screws had broken off on the front beneath it. So it will need a new black bumper as well!
--Austin, who is anxiously awaiting to finally send in that VCCC registration form this August!
Enjoy!!!!
