Hoover virgin no more!

[jdinstl]

I picked up my first Hoover today! Woohoo! Saw it on Craigslist and...well...you know how the rest of the story goes. Also picked up a Kirby 516 in the deal!

But,here's the Hoover for your viewing pleasure, and my restoration pleasure. It runs great, picks up well, and is rather quiet if you ask me!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

But of course it does,

It's a HOOVER now, when the others arrive, well...............

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Kirby Vacuum

Hi John Would love to see the Kirby 516. i just got a 519 from a dear friend looks like and sounds like new. Cant beat a kirby i also have a Kirby 511 from 1951 runs very well Take care Doug

 

[jdinstl]

Doug,

The Kirby is in pretty skanky shape, but I'll post pics of it when I get the batteries charged up. No deep scratches or anything, though, so I think it will buff up nicely.

I have since learned my Hoover is a Model 300...the El Cheapo Hoover for the budget conscious in the '30s. (I guess so, with a Depression going on) It looks like it is going to be a very enjoyable restore job.

John

 

[normvac]

I have a Hoover 300 in my collection in honor of my Aunt, who had one almost her whole life long. She bought it in 1932,
when my cousin Lyn was born. Used it until the mid 90's. when my uncle decided it was not worth replacing the motor brushes every month. As the armiture was wore out. Knowing my uncle, he would have replaced the armature if he could have got one.
A couple of years back I got the orginal attachments from my cousin, but he had no idea what had happend to the orginal vacuum. I had a vacuum shop friend. Give me the 300, so I
would have the attachments and the vacuum.
I just used mine this eve. It purs like a kitten!
Norm

 

[vintagehoover]

Hoover Model 300 - 1935-38

Congratulations - the first cleaner in your collection to offer you all three essential cleaning actions! Your rugs won't know what's hit 'em!

It was indeed the budget model in the 300/25/150 range - the most inexpensive model in Hoover's history at that point - but in no way was it 'El Cheapo'! At $49.75, it was still a significant purchase, and usually paid for by monthly installment.

It was basically previous Model 475 restyled by Henry Dreyfuss, but with one alteration: the upper motor bearing was a sleeve bearing, not a ball-bearing as with the 3 previous 'Popular Price' Hoovers.

Hoover made 27,447 of these during its 3-year run, and changed the 300's trim-details no fewer than 4 times!

 

[vintagehoover]

Here's mine 'before'...

 

[vintagehoover]

...and 'after'! Granted, the handle needs sanding down and respraying, and an original bag would really finish it off - but an improvement, surely?

(As far as I'm aware, this is the only Model 300 in the UK)

 

[brandon_w_t]

WOW!

looks great. Im jealous. The bag is nice too.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

in 2 words

"Most impressive"

 

[jdinstl]

Very nice indeed!

...worrying that the 300 would get lonely all by itself, I took my own advice and picked up another Hoover... This time a 700.

Some pics:

 

[jdinstl]

Can't leave out...

the relief...

 

[jdinstl]

And lastly...love the...

...switc-H

A bit more restore work to do on this one than the 300. Some kind of reasonable bumper. Bag is not original, but serviceable. Also, I understand these did not have a chrome-look finish, but more a satin finish. I think I can do that

 

[vintagehoover]

Wow - the Hoover bug has taken hold quickly!

The 700 is just a wonderful machine - one of my favourites! And also, one of the most significant vacuum cleaners in domestic history!

Here's mine before:

 

[vintagehoover]

And after:

 

[vintagehoover]

And the complete ensemble!

 

[jdinstl]

WOW!!!

That. Is. Absolutely. Beautiful!

This is an example of what I love about this hobby. The restoration to their former glory. They are works of art in their own way, beautiful to look at. Nothing the average consumer (note I said average consumer -- not us) buys today can compare.

 

[crevicetool]

That is VERY impressive Jack!

John, I am anxiously waiting for "after" pictures. I know you will do a great job as well. I had never noticed that "H" in the switch before. You learn something new everyday here on this site.

Rick

 

[jdinstl]

Will do, Rick...

...right now, I have a Sanitronic VII on the bench. Was going to do one of the 500-series Kirby's next. But I think instead I'll slot in one of these Hoovers. I have a few pics uploaded to my album here, but need to upload some more.

Jack, thanks for posting those pics! That is indeed impressive.

Cue the music:

"It Beats, as it Sweeps, as it Cleans, These are a few of my favorite things!"