I acquired a Model 300 Hoover about a month ago and have questions.
Motor - it appears to have sleeve bearings at the top and bottom of the motor. I've always heard about greasing classic Hoover bearings (but then I always thought that sleeve bearings took oil). What's the right lubrication for a Model 300 motor?
Agitator brushes - my agitator brushes are actually worn so much they are pretty much gone. The inserts are still on each side, but the brushes are gone. Does anyone even know where to begin to find brush inserts for this? How do I disassemble the brush roll? What kind of bearings are utilized?
Cord - Interestingly, the cord appeared like an OEM replacement until I noticed Westinghouse's W logo on the plug molding. The stylized W logo with the dots on the ends of the W didn't come out until 1960 I believe. Big clue that this machine was serviced at some point in its life. Did Westinghouse manufacture aftermarket cords for Hoover?
Another clue that the machine was rebuilt is the fact that the bag has the Hoover logo that I believe was introduced in the 50s (as we know it today). I believe the original bag was black or dark grey with "The HOOVER" printed on it.
Fan - The fan is unusually light and I've never seen a metal direct-air fan have a somewhat polished appearance (the side of each vane that doesn't directly come into contact with dirt is smooth and relatively shiny). Usually aluminum fans are dull and have more weight. HOOVER is stamped on the fan so it should be an OEM unless there were counterfeits.
Does anyone have any useful things to know in restoring one of these?
Motor - it appears to have sleeve bearings at the top and bottom of the motor. I've always heard about greasing classic Hoover bearings (but then I always thought that sleeve bearings took oil). What's the right lubrication for a Model 300 motor?
Agitator brushes - my agitator brushes are actually worn so much they are pretty much gone. The inserts are still on each side, but the brushes are gone. Does anyone even know where to begin to find brush inserts for this? How do I disassemble the brush roll? What kind of bearings are utilized?
Cord - Interestingly, the cord appeared like an OEM replacement until I noticed Westinghouse's W logo on the plug molding. The stylized W logo with the dots on the ends of the W didn't come out until 1960 I believe. Big clue that this machine was serviced at some point in its life. Did Westinghouse manufacture aftermarket cords for Hoover?
Another clue that the machine was rebuilt is the fact that the bag has the Hoover logo that I believe was introduced in the 50s (as we know it today). I believe the original bag was black or dark grey with "The HOOVER" printed on it.
Fan - The fan is unusually light and I've never seen a metal direct-air fan have a somewhat polished appearance (the side of each vane that doesn't directly come into contact with dirt is smooth and relatively shiny). Usually aluminum fans are dull and have more weight. HOOVER is stamped on the fan so it should be an OEM unless there were counterfeits.
Does anyone have any useful things to know in restoring one of these?
