I was able to obtain a new clockwork timer from a firm in South Africa. An electric timer was fitted back in 1991, but I think to enjoy the full charm of these dryers, you should be able to hear it ticking.
The company in SA were very efficient and I'd recommend them to anyone. Their page for Hoover dryers is at the link.
I obtained a new door seal from the supplier in SA, but it must be for dryers with glass in the door. The seal is not tall enough to reach my door and seal it. As the doors with glass have a raised section to retain the glass (the same pressing as the washers), the seal must be for them. My seal is not too bad luckily.[this post was last edited: 11/27/2013-00:22]
At risk of boring you further, I'll add some further images to this thread rather than create another.
I decided to treat the 455 to a new control panel which has been in my possession for many years. It's like the old joke - I'd better not use the last one in case I need it later. Hehe.
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The control panels on these machines are retained by diabolical pressed steel nuts. The (soft) plastic posts also break off very easily.
When you try to undo them, they just keep rotating on the stripped section of the plastic post. The panel needs to be pulled outward when unscrewing them.
Once again, the mess is the fish oil paint I used on everything. The only slight bit of real rust is at the centre top of the detergent dispenser aperture. This was quickly cured with Kurust.