the MOST fabulous dustpan

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support AutomaticWasher.org:

mrcleanjeans

New member
Joined
Aug 27, 2019
Messages
4
Location
milwaukee wi
Alright Hoover aficianados,what is your favorite Hoover upright of all time?Mine is the,believe it or not,Hoover model 14 Lark lightweight upright,tied with the model 64 Citation.
 
Heck I dunno, I've got so few and haven't tried so many. But the DAM believe it or not I really like probably because when I was but a wee lad and they came out in the early 60's I thought they were so cool and modern looking as compared to the old baggy vacs. And then the self propelled model came and that was even more neato but we never had one :(
 
The one I have!

The blue and white Model 70 Convertible.

Flawless performance since 1967.

Other models appeal to me, particularly the Junior, but you'd only get this Convertible out of my cold dead hands.

Lawrence/Maytagbear
 
The one I chose my screen name from

1060 Convertible, 1966-1969
The Convertible's finest hour, by that time the design was almost 10 year old, all the bugs had been tweaked out, and the new "crisp" hood design looked very nice.
By this time too the Convertible was considered the industry standard. It consistently scored tops in consumer reports tests, was well made and affordable. The competition couldn't come close in peformance.
I don't know the exact number of 1060's made, its over 450,000 and I would venture a guess that a good number of them are still in use today.
 
Rose colored glasses...

"all the bugs had been tweaked out".... does that include the treacherous bag lever? the handle on my 1060 is cracking in two spots and looks like it may break off. would the loosey-goosey lens be considered a "bug"? and what about the fragile foreskin-style bag retainer? the 1060 is prolly one of the most attractive Convertibles. and i cant argue with the Convertibles superior cleaning ability. we need some vac-drama to really liven this place up... jeff parker where are you? David
 
I personally like the colors of the Guardsman upright. Red and chrome. It was also the only Hoover to have a polished aluminum base, which looks great with the other colors.
 
i agree. Hoover shoulda had a whole series of uprights with the polished aluminum base. also a bigger series of cleaners with the cafe au lait base, like the lovely #1060.
 
David, David, David...

My glasses are actuallu tinted grey...

My friend:
1- I hate drama. I am a wallpaper guy, that is I hate being the center of attention and am very happy to blend into the wallpaper, so please don't ask me for drama.

2- I'm more than happy to have a great vacuum discussion, anytime anywhere. On that note:

I won't call the bag latch on the 1060 a bug, as snapping handles is not so much a design defect as it is PILOT ERROR. I'll admit the Brits and Aussies did the "diving board" bag latch much better than we did here.
Same with the foreskin bag retainer. Not so much bad design as how the cleaner was taken care of by its user.

I forgot about the lens, yes that was a BIG flaw in the new hood design, even the lens on my NIB 1060 falls out if I look at it the wrong way. They could have thought that one thru a little better.
I think the polished base Guardsmans are beautys too, and look great with the red. Only one downside to that, the aliminum is really HIGH maintenance to keep shiny.
 
Hooverhooverhooverhoover.

I'm not one for drama either... I have enough of that in my life already--vacuums help me regain my sanity a lot of the time.

I do agree with both of you-- Jeff and David.. It was partly pilot error... but I also think the design could have been improved--or not even used at all.. Hoover has always been good at over-engineering things, too. I mean, the spring. Classic. Just makes sense. And Hoover must have had reports of folks snapping handles. But, I also see what Hoover was doing; as they have always looked for ways to make the TOL model just that: TOL.

They're stil doing it today, look at the little things; 24' cord vs. 31' cord; the Embedded Dirt Finder; a 2-year warranty; 15" cleaning path vs. a 13" cleaning path; a blow-molded hose vs. a stretchy hose.. It would make a lot of people's lives easier if we just had a few models to choose from.

The "diving board" machines that I have, have no signs of handle cracking whatsoever, and operate just swimmingly. Now, if I over-filled the bag, ran it into furniture, and was rough with them, I'm sure it'd be a different story.

I also have a few machines that have the "foreskin" still intact. That was kind-of a silly design, but it worked. If the user over-filled the bag, too, that part could become stretched out. The desintigration of that piece could also be caused by the climate in which the vacuum is/was stored. Dry climate=it will dry out. Damp climate=it won't. Finding them still operational is fun. But again, a simple spring works without a problem...

The headlight lens falling out could probably be attributed to pilot error also on some level--I mean, sure... ram the machine into a sofa hard enough, and it will pop out. I wonder why they didn't fix that problem until well into the 70's..?

Just my two cents.

~Fred
 
Not to hijack this thread....

but a Hoover question for Jeff or Fred or any other Hoover aficiondo.
In today's local newspaper, is a Hoover advert. Pictured is a new "Ultra Light Weight 8lb Vacuum" model HSCU8000. It looks suprisingly like a Oreck upright, although it didn't show the top of the handle, similar body, similar bag. No price indicated.
I checked Hoover's web site and didn't find any info.
The reason I ask is my dad's nextdoor neighbor works at Hoover in the dept where they do factory repairs and test competitors products. He never had much good to say about Oreck, but apparently the styling impressed someone.
Does anyone know anything about this model?

Bill
 
Hoover...Who Better...!!!

My choice would be:
Number 1, my Hoover 700, the first "Hoover" vintage cleaner I found,
Number 2 would be my Dial-a-Mat 1128 Convertable,
Number Three would be my Rose Pink 1334 Jumior ...

My "Overseas Choice" is no contest, its the Electrolux XXX presented to by Uni Robert at the 2001 convention, I also picked up a rare 1923 "Sweeper Vac" in Minneapolis at an estate sale....

Happy Hoovering , Mike

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/chestermikeuk/my_photos
 
To Bill,
That lightweight Hoover is made by Tacony as is the same as the Simplicity Freedom and the Riccar Supra-light. It may look like an Oreck, but it cleans like a Hoover!
Those little 8 pound machines sell for $300+

Chestermike - That picture is awesome, but I have one request: can we see some more pictures of your model 160? I know thats one that ALL of us USA Hoover collectors would love to see!
 
Hoover's ULW

Hey Bill,

The Hoover ULW is an exclusive thing to the Hoover Factory Service Centers. That's probably why it's not on the website, or being nationally advertised. I know they had been in the works for some time, as Hoover wanted to get a slice of the lightweight market--or that's my understanding, anyways. It was also partially due to customer demand. You'd be surprised about the number of people who come in asking for a "no-frills, lightweight" machine that they can use solely to vacuum their carpet.

The machines are not made by Hoover. They are made by Tacony, and are for all practical purposes are the same as a Riccar SuperLite. They are great machines (for what they are), and will clean circles around an Oreck (thanks to a larger fan that moves more air, and stiffer bristles on the brushroll that actually clean the carpet, instead of just fluffing up the nap and getting the surface dirt).

I've been using our ULW to clean the store at night, and it does a pretty decent job. It's definitely NOT my type of machine--Personally, I would draw a parallel to using one and driving a mini van... I can do it, but prefer not to (no offense to those mini-van drivers out there).

They retail for $379 and $279, however--at our store--we offer "trade-in" prices of $299 and $239.
There are very minor differences between the models... I'll try to grab some pictures at work, tomorrow.

~Fred
 
Thanks Jeff and Fred

Thanks for the info. The advert was from the local service and sales center. I guess I need to get out more!
Fred, no offense taken about the mini-van. LOL The price was right and I needed something to drive at the time. I am however a little more selective about my vacuum, which is a Hoover.
Bill
 
Orange and brown DAM-Convertible-Dynamatic

That one went 'round the globe.
In the US its model 1120
in the UK model 1128
In Australia model 1125
Whats the Canadian model number Pete?
 
Great pictures Mike...fabulous collection!

As for me, the best vintage Hoover is a little hard to decide. My first choice would be the Convertible 1020 (yes, it is a 4-position machine), but the (non-Power Drive) Dial-A-Matic 1149 and Junior U1025 do a wonderful job as well.

I have to add, though: at the Omaha Convention last June, I was fortunate enough to be able to take Fred Nelson's Hoover Model 29 for a spin. All I can say is WOW...that is one smooth-handling machine, and it did a great job of "gripping" the low-pile carpet in Greg's kitchen. I put my hand next to the nozzle, then a few inches away, and the force of the beater bar was of equal strength at both distances. Gives a whole new meaning to "Beats-As-It-Sweeps-As-It-Cleans"!!

--Austin
 
For me, it's a tie.

...A tie between the model 63, and *all innuendo aside* the Convertible model 69.

The model 63 has such beautiful styling... Blue happens to be my favorite color, and this machine wears the color so well; it looks so regal. The way the sateen bag inflates when the machine is on, the sound of it beating, sweeping, cleaning a carpet, the shorter handle... I also like the way the rear wheels are set up; two position adjustment. I personally think that this was Hoover's finest hour. The quality of these machines is unsurpassed... if you have ever had one apart, they just fit together so well. The only real drawback was the one-speed motor--for carpet cleaning and tool use.

My other favorite, again.. *all innuendo aside*, the model 69. I love the styling of the hood. They finally got the warping issue out of the plastic... These machines still had the large Hoover medallion, opposed to the sticker that followed on the 1060. I've heard other collectors say as well that this is their favorite Convertible--there's just something about it. The RPMs of the motor, the handle grip, the way it sits on a carpet, just the overall feel. Who knows exactly what it is..? I also love the colors; Neptune Green and Pearl White, and the way the white handle offsets the bag and hood--compared to previous models. I prefer the earlier models however, with the red switch and the word "Hoover" embossed on the handle grip and plug (discontinued about halfway through the run, when they started making machines for Penney's).

I'll post pictures of my 63 and 69 later tonight.

~Fred
 
My favorite Hoover is...

I have to put my two cents in here. I just love the Hoover Convertible for two reasons. It is a great carpet cleaner and it is the one I grew up with in my home. The one model I like is the model 719 which was introduced in Feb. 1969 and began production in Nov. 1968 and ran until Nov. 1971. My parents were married in June 1971 and my mom put her 719 on layaway at the department store where she worked until it could be paid off. This was their first vacuum. I came along in March 1972 and it was our sole machine until Christmas 1977 when my dad got her a U5017 Dial a Matic. The old 719 hung around in the basement until it just did not work anymore around 1986. I have fond memories of the machine so I seek them out. I currently have 5 machines and am always looking for more. I like the four position adjustment...I have to laugh mom always used hers on indoor/outdoor because it was "stuck". We had low and shag carpet too! If adjusted to the carpet, they work great. I also liked the tool connection at the rear and the higher speed. These machines are easy to use and are efficient. There were some changes. The hood colors varied due to different suppliers, the switch plate went from painted to polished nickel, the foot pedals went from large and smooth to small and ribbed. The handle grip changed from smooth and cheap to the traditional Hoover style grip late in the run. I think that the 719 was the best Hoover for 1969 because it did not use the troublesome bag latch but used a spring. Ours got a lot of use and abuse. The motor just gave out and they replaced it with another Dial a matic in '86. It was a used 1140 they bought at an auction which I still have! I also have my mom's DAM from '77! Thanks for this great thread...I have really enjoyed reading it. You guys are great!
 
this is the kind of

added comments: im over concerned with perfect. i love the 913 because its a fun and fabulous. for everyday cleaning i might prefer another Hoover. very good points about the model 719. all the features of the TOL but no bag latch and a ring-style bag retainer (?). i suspect many of the old latex bag retainers have fallen apart due to oil. grease and latex = ruined. like oily hands and such. lovely Hoovers, "chestermike". i have a very nice 63 and its near the top of MY list of favorites. i only wish the bag wasnt so fragile and that nylon brushes were more available for that model. i think i would prefer a cloth-bag model 29 instead, blue is NOT my favorite color. im surprised nobody has mentioned the model 60/61. from the bag to the motor cover, a smashing looking Hoover. about the polished alum base vs painted, in my mind, once the paint on the base of a classic Hoover is noticeably scratched it is RUINED, unless you have genuine Hoover paint or a perfect match. on a polished base, you can simply buff it. i suspect if you give a Guardsman a once-over with Mothers polish maybe once a year it will stay perfect forever. when i was a child, Eureka uprights were my faves. i wont talk about Hoover's canister/cylinder format cleaners. but NOBODY did uprights like Hoover. you could get a more versatile (kirby) or more expensive cleaner, but for a better part of the 1900s, if you wanted the cleanest carpets, cleaned gently, and done with a spiffy looking, easy to use vacuum, you HAD to get a Hoover. PS, "chestermike", "Hoover... Who better?" is one of my FAVORITE Hoover lines of all time! Right up there with "America Trusts Hoover". today, Hoover ads should say "America TRUSTED Hoover". no offense to all the lovely folks currently selling Hoover products. David
 
Love those Hoover Juniors Mike, naturally 1956 was the best year, right Venus? Speaking of Juniors, stupid me, about 10 years ago I was in a flea market and saw an old old black Hoover junior in great shape for next to nothing but I put it back when I saw it was a UK machine and I wouldn't be able to plug it in.. LOL
And guess what I found today,, another Hoover convertible.. pic to follow later..
 
OK - Time to Chime In

Here is a picture of the Hoover 29 that Austin referred to in Greg's kitchen this summer in Omaha. It is a beautiful machine (color and style) and an incredible performer. I have a Hoover C paper bag inside the cloth bag to protect it. I had one of these in college given to me by a lady whose daughter bought her a power drive Dial-A-Matic. I don't know what it is, there is just something about it. . .

It's awful to ask one of us vacuum nuts to pick one favorite. Each one has it's high points.
 
Here are her sisters lined up

The 28 (with an awful replacement bag - since replaced), 29, 63 and 64 Citation. I agree, the Citation is a beautiful machine as well. Their attachments are in back.
 
OK David - Here's One for You

My 61 that was stripped of its paint, polished and sold as a commercial rebuilt in California in the early 90's. Every vac person says the polished base is not original, but beautiful. You are right. The 61 is a special machine.
 
Back
Top