Found this at the estate sales today, this was the second 305 found within a month, so I'm thinking that these are relatively common.
Another Three Dollar 305
- Thread starter unimatic1140
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Is this the original bag???
The last one I found with Charlie, the hood had Hoover running down the top, this one is blank, was this one post war and the other one pre-war or something like that?
Not sure if the cord is original but it does say Hoover on it and its in really good shape. Overall the whole vacuum is in really good shape.
hoover1060
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Holy Cow!!!
Robert,
The 305 is not all that common, it was in its day the *cheap* cleaner, bare bones no frills model, selling new for $49.95, +$$$ for tools.
The 305 was interestinng because they were made from stamped metal, spot-welded together instead of the cast aluminum that the regular models were made from.
However research has revealed that 305's were made from both the stamped metal and cast aluminum.
Yours looks to be all original, down to the cord. Very nice.
I am at Michael's at the moment, when I get home I can post the serial numbers and production dates, so we can see where this one falls in the mix.
The 305 was made 1940-1042, with a handful more made in 1945 as the war was ending.
Hope this helps some
JP
Robert,
The 305 is not all that common, it was in its day the *cheap* cleaner, bare bones no frills model, selling new for $49.95, +$$$ for tools.
The 305 was interestinng because they were made from stamped metal, spot-welded together instead of the cast aluminum that the regular models were made from.
However research has revealed that 305's were made from both the stamped metal and cast aluminum.
Yours looks to be all original, down to the cord. Very nice.
I am at Michael's at the moment, when I get home I can post the serial numbers and production dates, so we can see where this one falls in the mix.
The 305 was made 1940-1042, with a handful more made in 1945 as the war was ending.
Hope this helps some
JP
Robert,
Took a break here at work to read the forum...WOW! It has been a busy week, I did not get a lunch break yesterday and it is not looking good today!
I think I need to move North... I never find items that even come close to your finds.
Your flowers are simply georgous, are you the gardner too!
Morgan
Took a break here at work to read the forum...WOW! It has been a busy week, I did not get a lunch break yesterday and it is not looking good today!
I think I need to move North... I never find items that even come close to your finds.
Your flowers are simply georgous, are you the gardner too!
Morgan
vintagehoover
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Congratulations, great find! 
I have a feeling the bag may be a replacement, though - I have a manual for Model 305, and it shows the cleaner with a different bag design. Since it's worded 'The Hoover Special', I'd suggest it may be a Hoover-Factory rebuilt version.
Jeff, it's interesting what you say about some being made from aluminium and some from stamped metal; my list of serial numbers shows Model 27 was made in both steel and aluminium, but it doesn't say that for Model 305. It could be an error in the listing, or perhaps they just didn't bother to change the serial numbers when they changed the material. It also lists 305 production dates as 1938-45, with 379,623 made in total.
I have a feeling the bag may be a replacement, though - I have a manual for Model 305, and it shows the cleaner with a different bag design. Since it's worded 'The Hoover Special', I'd suggest it may be a Hoover-Factory rebuilt version.
Jeff, it's interesting what you say about some being made from aluminium and some from stamped metal; my list of serial numbers shows Model 27 was made in both steel and aluminium, but it doesn't say that for Model 305. It could be an error in the listing, or perhaps they just didn't bother to change the serial numbers when they changed the material. It also lists 305 production dates as 1938-45, with 379,623 made in total.
hoover1060
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Ok...I missed that totally!!
Hoover Special = Factory rebuild.
Robert, have a look at the front of your cleaner, the nameplate under the headlight. If you do have a rebuild, it will say there something along the lines of "previous model reconstructed at the factory"
You will also find in the base a date stamped into the metal, thats when it was rebuilt.
Jack, once I get home I will post the info I have on the production of the 305. I do know that 305's were the last models produced before they shut down for war production.
Hoover Special = Factory rebuild.
Robert, have a look at the front of your cleaner, the nameplate under the headlight. If you do have a rebuild, it will say there something along the lines of "previous model reconstructed at the factory"
You will also find in the base a date stamped into the metal, thats when it was rebuilt.
Jack, once I get home I will post the info I have on the production of the 305. I do know that 305's were the last models produced before they shut down for war production.
camelotshadow
Active member
$3..I want to shop at that place!
Nice machine
Great garden too!
Nice machine
Great garden too!
hoovercelebrity
New member
Wow!
That's amazing!
Follow my link, see post #38361 for productions dates.
http://www.vacuumland.org/TD/ARCHIVE/SANDBOX/2008/3407x22.htm
That's amazing!
Follow my link, see post #38361 for productions dates.
http://www.vacuumland.org/TD/ARCHIVE/SANDBOX/2008/3407x22.htm
hoovercelebrity
New member
And, yes...
Jeff is correct about yours being a re-build... which probably makes it even rarer!
Fabulous!
Jeff is correct about yours being a re-build... which probably makes it even rarer!
Fabulous!
Robert, congratulations with all your great luck! That will set off the collection like a rare gem.
Thanks guys for all the information. And Neal is in charge of the gardening, he likes to do all that, I on the other hand hired someone back in my old house to mow the lawn, feh to yardwork lol.
Anyway, yes you're right it is a factory rebuild...
Anyway, yes you're right it is a factory rebuild...
Jeff I can't find any date stamped underneath...
hoover1060
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LOOKIE LOOKIE LOOKIE!!!!
That 305 is cast aluminum!!!
And its a rebuild, which makes it very rare.
The date would be stamped into the fan chamber, nearby the model and serial number I would guess.
I would venture that was done sometime in the early 50's.
That 305 is cast aluminum!!!
And its a rebuild, which makes it very rare.
The date would be stamped into the fan chamber, nearby the model and serial number I would guess.
I would venture that was done sometime in the early 50's.
hmmmmm
The date would be stamped into the fan chamber, nearby the model and serial number I would guess.
Is it inside the fan chamber? Do I have to take it apart to find it?
The date would be stamped into the fan chamber, nearby the model and serial number I would guess.
Is it inside the fan chamber? Do I have to take it apart to find it?
williamr1248
Well-known member
another 3 dollar 305
Where is the slot for the tool converter? Could you purchase the dusting tools for this cleaner? Noticed the wheels seem to be not as wide as the 28 too.
Where is the slot for the tool converter? Could you purchase the dusting tools for this cleaner? Noticed the wheels seem to be not as wide as the 28 too.
vintagehoover
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The 305 didn't have 'plug-in tools'...
You had to attach them with the motor off and the belt removed, using a converter similar in style to the one supplied with Models 425/450/475/300.
You had to attach them with the motor off and the belt removed, using a converter similar in style to the one supplied with Models 425/450/475/300.
