New Member

[bedford]

Apologies if this ends up in the wrong FORUM etc. Joined the site today having dropped by on many occasions to research facts and info on Twin Tubs - mainly the Hoovermatics. Seemed a good idea to sign up and get to know like minded souls and to learn more about the older washing machines etc. For years I have collected HOOVER vacuum cleaners and occasionally other popular brand names too but have become increasingly interested in HOOVERMATICS and similar. I guess my interest in HOOVERMATICS stems from watching my Mum's twin tub gurgling away in our kitchen when I was about 5, maybe 6 and loved watching the water disappear down through the grid in the bottom of the tub. Though was forbidden from watching the whole process of emptying the wash tub on account of the kitchen ceiling being washed!! For reference her machine was the model before the one that had the two dials on the front of the casing. Ours had one dial on the front and one up on top of the machine located on the spinner side and it had a red dot in the centre of it.

Anyway, like I said, if this ends up in the wrong place then I sincerely apologise and maybe someone could move it to its proper place.

Thanks.

 

[wft2800]

Pretty sure this is the right place for Hoovermatics and so on (square-door front loaders, Keymatics etc). Welcome to the forum!

 

[foraloysius]

Welcome to the club! I like that Nilfisk in your avatar!

Are you on Facebook too? There is a group for the vintage washing machine too called Service Wash.

 

[panthera]

Welcome!

I shouldn't worry too much about what goes where around here. If it really matters, Robert fixes it - otherwise, we're not like so many places where you get snapped at that 'this question was answered in 1879 and again in 1931. Go through the archives before posting.'

 

I like vintage Hoover appliances, glad you're here.

 

[parunner58]

Welcome, I actually know where and have been to Bedford in May of 2005 for a week. The company I'm retired from had an office there. I did a training class for everyone on the email system we upgraded to. I had a great time the whole week. I do not remember the name of the hotel, it looked like a castle to me and was within walking distance to the Bedford train station.

 

[mralex]

Welcome!  

 

[keymatic]

Welcone Paul
This is a fantastic forum & group
Cheers
Keith

 

[appnut]

Welcome Paul!!! 

 

[tomturbomatic]

Welcome, Paul!

 

[keymatic3203]

welcome

by chance I've mine in bits in the kitchen this weekend, (what we get up to whilst the other halves away lol) hopefully to have it running for a gathering next weekend, as this year is the 60th anniversary of the Hoovermatic, your mums was the first model, 3174 from your description.

I've had it running many times, but the reseliant mount has been on borrowed time for years, so finally getting to fit a new one, plus new pumps, internal hoses and a drain valve box.

But so far have only got as far as parting out an old spinarinse for the spin can, the base of the hoovermatics was corroded, so wouldn't hold the shaft seal square against the bearing seal. Then of course the pulleys weren't compatable, the original had the key way in the shaft and the replacement has the cross pin in the pulley, and the spinarinse pulley is smaller so back to the garage to find another, anyway should be all set to fit it all back together tomorrow.

The little red label above the main switch, says `Supplied by Hamment's Bell St, Henley on Thames'. So I've kept it on the machine as it add that bit of history.

And oh yes don't touch the lid whilst draining the tub, one member left it draining whilst he left the room and returned to water dripping off the ceiling and everything else in their garage/laundry, no it wasn't me honest.

Mathew

 

[bedford]

Thanks

Just wanted to say 'thanks for the warm welcome from -
Wft2800, foraloysius - pleased you like my Nilfisk, panthers - your kind words are appreciated, parunner58 - Bedford is very much an historic town and does have a castle which may have been where you stayed, Mr Alex - thanks for the welcome, Keymatic - guessing you know a lot about the sloping front Keymatics, my Mother had both versions and to say they were like wild beasts on the spin cycle with drivers overalls in would be an understatement - you were best off out of the kitchen when they were in that mood!!! Appnut and Tomturbomatic - thanks. And, finally, keymatic3203 (Mathew) "That is the exact identical machine - I remember it so well" Thank-you!!!