Hi Guys Im Back!!!!!!!

[matchboxpaul]

Hi Sadose.

there were a series of which I know very little about which followed this series - the autocare machines (including models A3140 automatic 800, A3146 autocare 800 & A3156 autocare 1100). I know virtually nothing of this series of machines. Only that they were fairly short lived and were rapidly replaced by the early Electron series - A3182, A3184, A3186 Electron 800 dual spin of which you mention.

Then there was a second seies which introduced the A3268 computer control 1100 and the A3260 electron 1100 de luxe.

Then came the third series - the energy control.

Can anyone clarify the Autocare machines for me?
(Please correct any errors in the timeline)

 

[seamusuk]

Im facinated....

By the Selectamatic!- was the timer different from the normal 1100 or was it just the illuminated display???

Seamus

 

[nickuk]

Hi guys.

I spent quite a bit of time using an autocare in the early eighties. I would guess 1981/2 as a year when they came out. The one I used was an 800 spin. Control panel identical to the basic 800 one pictured above but was in a sort of cream colour. Had a `This one's made in Britain'! sticker on. No FS dispenser IIRC. The one I used had a very strange, slow tumbling action and the motor really rumbled when it washed. Either it was faulty or that's what `autocare' meant!

Don't know if that helps....

Nick

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hi Nick and Seamus

Hi Nick.
Would the Autocare series, therefore simply be a warmed over A3108 through A3114 series of machines, maintaining their facia styling and square doors etc, just different colours and maybe wash technology?
The years sound about right. I have a brochure from 1983 introducing the Energy Control series, making the A3252,54,56,58,60 and 68 Computer Control 1100 the 1982 series.
This could render the Autocare series and first series electrons at about 6 months per series in 1981, as I think (may be wrong) but the A3110etc lived into he 1980/81 period.

Hi Seamus.
The Selectamatics (A3064 and A3114) are a complete mystery to me and its only over the last 4 months or so that I even got to know of their existence.
One theory is that they used the internals of the Keymatics but without the keys, using the dial instead. Or maybe it was the precursor of the system employed on the Logic and Ecologics's (the horizontal slide thing).

Anyone care to spill the beans on how it worked.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Autocare!!

The Autocare line was definately a buget line, lots made for independant dealers, and less features, like no fabric conditioner dispenser, and very plain bezels , like cream and a grey one...

I never forget being so disapointed after finding out my aunt with the 3243H Keymatic, had replaced it with the Autocare 3146 !!!!I couldnt understand how anybody would trade down after having the features of the TOL Keymatic etc...but it was such a great price...

Nick, the wash action was the same as the previous 800`s so sounds like it could have been in need of a tune up...

A Schauzer owner dog walking friend has 4 months ago, only just gotten rid of her Hoover 3146 Autocare and replaced it with a hoover/candy 1300spin HP13...she used to change the belts and bearings on it herself and kept it going all these years...

Mike

 

[74simon]

I'm wondering...

if autocare machines were simply the previous range rebadged. I remember reading a Which? magazine from about 1975/6 pointing out that Hoover's 'new' Electronic range was no more electronic than the previous machines.

I counted the programmes on the machines illustrated on the consoles in the manual above, the Selectamatic has 18, compared to the Keymatic's 16 and the Electronic's 12. So presumably the Selectamatic was even more superior to the KM! Very sad of me, but there you go...

I'm sure my mum had that Electronic 1100 at one point - the half spin button really rings a bell!

Si

 

[chestermikeuk]

Badged

Hi Simon

That Which report related to the Hoover Automatic Delux model A3006 with 770spin and the new Hoover Electronic 800 the A3058....

AND, whats even sadder than you counting....I `ve just worked out from the A3112 keplates that I have, what the extra programmes are....

They are Cottons Normal Spin, Prog G, and Reset, programme T, which is why the Selectamatic has the programmer like the keymatic, you need to re-set the timeline before you can dial another wash programme...

And now..Its Goodnight from me