Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hi. Would any of you be able to walk me through the replacing of the vacuum release pedal on a Hoover Windtunnel? I have the U6425-900. Thanks, M

CarmineD wrote:

Hi Carmine,

They made a good number of cart-vacs over the years.  The torpedo shaped models came first but later came a rectangular version of markedly different desing, which I have, with its own specially designed rug and bare floor tools.  Later, when Kenmore started putting out the flat, squarish cans they also made up a cart version too.  I actually saw one of these late models being used as a prop in "About Schmidt".  It sat besides the entryway to Kathy Bates' living room.

The Kenmore cart-vacs appear to have been more popular than I'd imagined for as many as I see turn up on eBay.  Considering time and place and that sales were angled toward women, I thought the size and the weight might be a deterent. Still, no matter how modern, everything was heavy then.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

As I recall, these rocket & launch pad styled Kenmore tanks were widespread.  Also as you mentioned very heavy.  Although many years ago, back in the 50's I saw these come in my vacuum store for parts, repairs and trade-ins on a frequent basis.  Attesting to their sales popularity. 

Interestingly, the McCall's article from April 1955 recently posted here on another thread showing 6 uprights and 13 canisters/tanks of the era doesn't have one of these kart vacs pictured.   Obviously, the McCall's article is not complete.  Several popular brands/models of the day were excluded.  In my experience the Kenmore brand/kart-vacs were more pervasive than some of the brands/models pictured in the McCall's article.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Hi Carmine,

You're right.  I remember trips to our local Sears in the late 50s and the vac department always had a truckload of models.  They sold lots of cans though I recall seeing few Kenmore uprights circa that point in time in homes in my neck of the woods.

Maybe the McCall's article was a marketing tool.  Electrolux, Singer, Eureka, Hoover, Landers, Frary, Clark and Westinghouse and Lewyt did a lot of advertising in women's magazines.  I've no recall of Kenmore vac advertisements in ladies mags.  Kenmore had the famous -- and also free -- Sears' catalogue for its advertising platform.  Lots of people used to love to thumb through "the wish book."

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hello Venson:

You're right. 

Over the last half century plus some, SEARSs vacuum sales popularity rose and fell.  Uprights have never been its forte even with Consumer Reports favorable ratings in the past decade right along side HOOVER.  SEARS canister sales on the other hand have in the past decade been praised by CR as capturing almost 25 percent of the new cann market every year.   Although this CR claim has not been made [or at least I have not seen it in print as I once did] in most recent years.  I suspect the rise and fall of SEARS vacuums mirrors its yearly overall successes/failures.  In recent times, even times better than these now, SEARS has struggled to stay competitive with other retailers. 

Maybe SEARS should bring back its free catalogue which died an ignominious death long ago. 

Carmine D.

The new release pedal came in the mail yesterday and BAM! we are back in action. Thanks guys.

marcbike wrote:

No more excuses.  Back to vacuuming. 

Carmine D.