Let's see your Pre-War machines!!

[hygiene903]

Hoover 541--close-up

Here's another shot of the 541. A slightly unusual one, it has a polished aluminum motor cap instead of black, and has a headlight. I found out it was rebuilt in 1929, so I'm assuming these updates were done at that time. It's also a complete set, with cleaning tools and an instruction book.
Jeff

 

[hygiene903]

475

Terry,
Thank you for the compliment. However, I guess the photos didn't quite do it justice, as what you saw as red is actually orange, on the bag, the badge, and the motor cap. But I do agree, I love the way they all match.
Jeff

 

[vintagehoover]

475...

...

 

[charles~richard]

Well, since we're on the 475...!



http://www.137.com/hoover/

 

[vacuumkid3]

Well, all I can say is...those are some beautiful vacuums...and Charles...that 541 is AMAZING!! Is that 100% original? That is just simply amazing...

You must know that the "coffee can" Hoovers are my favorite. I also enjoy the Dreyfuss machines. Just the look of both kinds intrigue me. Alrighty, well, this thread turned out better than I thought! So many pictures and such beautiful machines!!

~~K~~

 

[vintagehoover]

A few more!

Left to right (and not in order of production)
475
450
425
543
541
800
925

And the floor nozzle of the Airway is creeping in in the bottom left-hand corner!

 

[vintagehoover]

543 and 541

543's in as-bought, totally unrestored condition. A project for the Christmas holidays! The 541's survived in good condition - it only needed a good clean-off!

Some previous restorations:

http://www.freewebs.com/vintagehoover/beforeafter.htm

 

[myhooverco]

Here is the model 25 from 1937-1938. This is the makeup of 3 or 4 of these. I am still looking for an original bag! It runs like a champ.

--Tom

 

[myhooverco]

Here is the US version of the 160. This is the Hoover model 150...could it be because the machine would cost you $1.50 per week on credit? Or was it so named because a certain famous industrial designer was paid $150,000 to style the machine? I will let you decide. The original cost was $79.95 in 1936. The model 60 replaced it in 1940. Oh by the way this one cost me all of $3 in 1997 at a local barn sale. The way you see it is how I found it all those years ago!

--Tom

 

[myhooverco]

This is the model 26 sometimes known as the "Ensemble in Brown" from 1938 to 1941. This was the first US Hoover to not have the handle "fork". Usually these have hood damage where the rubber strip runs down the middle. This one is very much intact and even sports the lady's initials on the handle bail. This was a dealer option during the holidays. The machine was then gift wrapped in cellophane. Again...this one was cheap...free! I found it along with the tools and hose in a junk pile by the road. It looked like they gutted the house and threw out everything. This one did not run well so I replaced the motor. It is like brand new!

--Tom

 

[myhooverco]

The 305 is often overlooked. It ran from 1938 to 1945. These were supposedly built in very limited numbers during the war. It has fixed rear wheels and the belt has to be removed to put on the tools. This one was made in the aluminum chasis and steel chasis depending on the availability of materials during the war. The 305 has the distinctive "HOOVER" embossed in the hood.

--Tom

 

[myhooverco]

The model 60 replaced the famous 150 in 1940 and ran until 1942. It had a very short run so these are hard to find. The 61 that was made after the war was much more popular and had a longer run. The main difference between the two is that the model 60 had the unique handle release on the grip. The 61 had the conventional toe handle release pedal. The 60 was designed to get under low furniture. It came with the Hygiensac disposable bags that could be reused a few times before throwing it out. This was later named "Handisac" and later still Type "W" bags. The shake out bag was an optional feature on the model 60.

--Tom

 

[myhooverco]

This is a closeup of the model 60's handle grip showing the release lever....

 

[vintagehoover]

Tom:

Do you have a manual for your 305? I have one and I'd be happy to scan it for you if you don't. Let me know!

Jack

 

[myhooverco]

Yes...I have one for both machines. I just did not photo them. Thanks for the offer!

--Tom

 

[vintagehoover]

No problem!

I'm scanning it anyway, so if anyone wants to see, let me know and I'll post it in the forum.

 

[vintagehoover]

305 production figures:

Made from 1938-45

First serial no: 3,280,001
Last serial no: 3,659,624

So total number manufactured = 379,641 ??

Or have I got my maths wrong? lol