Thread Number: 17799
Hoover Matchbox dryer - I got one and its unusual!
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Post# 290369   7/13/2008 at 13:40 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Hi guys and gals.

Just wanted to show you my early birthday present from Rob.

I stumbled across the advert on ebay for a Hoover D6081 Dryer de luxe - but with no picture. So I emailed the seller who duly provided a photograph.

I first saw the picture during my dinner break at work and nearly burst with excitement, as Rob and Mike (chestermike) will be able to testify.

I initially thought that this was a new model, that I hadn't seen mentioned anywhere else so, for the timebeing it was a D6081!

Rob arranged to purchase the machine for me, as a birthday present, off ebay and I went and collected it three weeks ago.


The ebay image is below......I knew there were matchbox dryers with porthole doors!!!!!





Post# 290371 , Reply# 1   7/13/2008 at 13:44 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

I initially thought that this was a new model, that I hadn't seen mentioned anywhere else so, for the timebeing it was a D6081!

Rob arranged to purchase the machine for me, as a birthday present, off ebay and I went and collected it three weeks ago.

It was only when I read the instruction book, that I realised it was a typo and the machine was a D6018.

Things began to fall into place as I knew of this model, but knew not what it looked like OR the fact that it was a Matchbox.
I had placed it amongst the Matchbox replacement series, which contained the A3006 and A3008 washers and the D6008 dryer.

Here is the instruction manual cover...


Post# 290372 , Reply# 2   7/13/2008 at 13:48 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

So I drove and picked it up from Lincolnshire - from a really friendly chap, with a beatiful house set in a tranquil village.

The machine had, like my parents 3022 Matchbox dryer, hardly been used and is externally immaculate!

So I loaded up and drove over to Rob's where the tinkering began.

Rob took the lid off and recoiled in horror!
Not being a fan of arachnids, the sight which met his gaze was not fun for him.....


Post# 290373 , Reply# 3   7/13/2008 at 13:51 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

some more of the gory detail....

The 'y-shaped' seemingly padded arrangement is actually metal work covered in about half a centimtres worth depth of solid dust.


Post# 290374 , Reply# 4   7/13/2008 at 13:52 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and another shot.

Post# 290375 , Reply# 5   7/13/2008 at 13:54 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

So I got to work with the vac, removed the back and spent about an hour vacuuming nooks and crannies of the machine.

All the surface dust lifted and the internals of the machine, like the outside, came up new.


Post# 290376 , Reply# 6   7/13/2008 at 13:55 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and another shot, this time of the top.

Compare to the earlier pictures


Post# 290377 , Reply# 7   7/13/2008 at 14:00 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Once cleaned and put back together, we were able to admire the machine.

The facia is Winchester Blue and is a full adhesive sticker, according to the service manuals.

Other than that it is visually a Matchbox Dryer, but with the addition of a classy, chrome Porthole door.


Post# 290378 , Reply# 8   7/13/2008 at 14:01 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

another shot

Post# 290379 , Reply# 9   7/13/2008 at 14:01 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

again another shot

Post# 290380 , Reply# 10   7/13/2008 at 14:02 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

This time of the left hand part of the facia in detail...


Post# 290381 , Reply# 11   7/13/2008 at 14:03 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and of the right showing the high and low heat switch and timer...

Post# 290382 , Reply# 12   7/13/2008 at 14:04 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and with the instruction manual...

Post# 290384 , Reply# 13   7/13/2008 at 14:05 (5,737 days old) by electron800 ()        
it's absolutely beautiful!

The blue facia and chrome door are so classy!
It looks like new.
I'd love a machine like this.
Such a great find


Post# 290385 , Reply# 14   7/13/2008 at 14:07 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and with its first load in many, many years.

Unfortunately the fan belt is perishing and slack, so the draw through of air is weak.

Nevertheless the clothes dried well and, last week, we purchased a replacement fan belt which will be fitted before the machine is used again (at the moment it is in storage, stacked on top of the A3350 Electron 1100)...



Post# 290386 , Reply# 15   7/13/2008 at 14:08 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and finally of the ratings plate which dates the machine to November 1975...

Post# 290387 , Reply# 16   7/13/2008 at 14:10 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Here is the D6018 alongside my present to Rob - a November 1972 Hoover 6525C Senior...

Post# 290388 , Reply# 17   7/13/2008 at 14:14 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

The D6018 was a Currys special and was sold alongside the matchine Matchbox washing machine - the A3040.

In the absence of a real A3040, of which I only ever saw one and I was at Play School at the time, here is an image of them both (cheers to Mike for the image of the A3040)....


Post# 290389 , Reply# 18   7/13/2008 at 14:15 (5,737 days old) by aquarius1984 (Planet earth)        

aquarius1984's profile picture
Paul - So pleased you love your birthday present, it was a plasure to arrange for you to own it!

just thought id sneak a pic of the Junior in seeing as we are in a Blue mood.

Junior and Senior to mtach the era of the Matchbox although both cleaners are ever so slightly earlier.

R xx


Post# 290390 , Reply# 19   7/13/2008 at 14:16 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
Wthout being overly slushy....

Thanks for my present Rob!

All my Love
Paul


Post# 290391 , Reply# 20   7/13/2008 at 14:19 (5,737 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Hi Matthew.

I agree - the combination of blue and chrome is great.
I am so pleased with the machine and its condition is truly superb.

Now the pressure is on me and Rob to keep it looking that way!

I did ask the bloke we acquired it off whether he had the matching washer, but unfortunately not. The search is on for an A3040!!!!!

Cheers
Paul


Post# 290414 , Reply# 21   7/13/2008 at 17:04 (5,737 days old) by seamusuk (Dover Kent UK)        
Very Nice :)

seamusuk's profile picture
Rob took the lid off and recoiled in horror!
Not being a fan of arachnids, the sight which met his gaze was not fun for him.....

Hey Paul

In that case he wouldnt have been too impressed by my 3226 either!.

Got my fingers crossed for a A3040!

Seamus


Post# 290530 , Reply# 22   7/13/2008 at 21:53 (5,737 days old) by tlee618 ()        

Paul that is really a neat dryer, I love the chrome around the door.

Post# 290686 , Reply# 23   7/14/2008 at 14:07 (5,736 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

here are the machines from which the D6018 and A3040 were derived...

the 3236H automatic de luxe


Post# 290687 , Reply# 24   7/14/2008 at 14:10 (5,736 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and the 3022 dryer de luxe...

both the above machines were owned by my parents and were the machines i grew up with (along with the Hotpoint 95452).

great machines - sadly all long gone.
the D6018 repairs some of the dyer damage for me though.

paul


Post# 290774 , Reply# 25   7/15/2008 at 01:36 (5,736 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Hoover - Who Better!!!

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Nice work boys, that really is a superb looking dryer, such a good colour combination!!! and chrome door as well...did they ever have a keymatic in this colourway??

Was this the changeover model Paul do you think?? using spares for the specials etc??, the backplate lookes more modern than earlier matchbox dryers,

Cheers, Mike


Post# 290780 , Reply# 26   7/15/2008 at 05:07 (5,736 days old) by robm (Buxted)        

robm's profile picture
Rob and Paul, just a quick note from me to say what a great find! It's a lovely machine and just goes to prove that there are still some great vintage machines out there. I hope it lasts many years.



Post# 290836 , Reply# 27   7/15/2008 at 13:27 (5,735 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Hi Mike and Rob.

Cheers for your messages.

I think, Mike, that the D6018 is deffo a cross over machine. obviously it is matchbox style, but whether it is mechanically a matchbox - I dont know?

It would mechanically either be the modernised version of the 3022 dryer de luxe, which was called the 3022A. I have never seen a 3022A, but it boasted a different motor and bearings.

OR

it could be mechanically a D6008 from the new series of machines.

mmmm, who has a D6008 or two? lid off - back off and camera at the ready Mike!

we will have to solve this mystery.

Cheers
Paul


Post# 290858 , Reply# 28   7/15/2008 at 15:29 (5,735 days old) by 74simon ()        
So Jealous!!!

A Matchbox for you two at last! The facia is a beautiful colour, you two really need a matching 1346A Junior now!

The timer looks identical to that on my D6040 - that's handy to know if I can't get mine in full working order, as I guess it was a pretty universal component.

The D6018 probably is a hybrid type, I know Hoover did some washers with new-style mechanicals and old type cabinet (or was it the other way round?), and ISTR a Norwegian member posting pictures of 1979 A3236 on here, so I guess Hoover didn't want to waste the press moulds! The font looks the same as the T500X series of twin tubs, it suits the machine well.

Incidentally, Hoover started to preface serial numbers with a letter some time in 1973, and there are definitely other Matchboxes in the A/D serii.

Bring on the A3040!

Si


Post# 293381 , Reply# 29   7/29/2008 at 17:03 (5,721 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Hi Simon.

Yep I managed to get one - and hopefully another one fairly soon!
not counting any chickens with this one, after the dishwasher debacle - so i emphasise the word 'HOPEFULLY'!!

Yep - there is an A3236 about - owned by tom (timon90) I think - see piccy below.


My understanding of the 1973 numbered matchboxes is as follows:

A2018 Leccy Board version of 3235 Cold fill only automatic.
A3040 Currys version of 3236H automatic.
A3050 Leccy Board version of 3243H keymatic.
A3052 House of Fraser version of 3236H automatic.
&
D6018 Currys version of 3022A dryer


Query machines:

A2020 Automatic.............anyone have a piccy or knowledge of this machine at all? mystery to me.

D6030 dryer.............probably the matching Leccy Board dryer to the A2018 and A3052. Again though, any piccy or info on this dryer would be really appreciated. According to the service manual, this had a bronze facia with a 'flame' motif.

D6??? dryer.............this machine is an assumption. They made an exclusive washing machine for the House of Fraser (A3052), but i cannot find any trace of a matching dryer! anyone any ideas on this one?


Spark any memories at all, anyone?

Cheers
Paul


Post# 293383 , Reply# 30   7/29/2008 at 17:11 (5,721 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

I meant to post this picture before now, but kept forgetting to.

The Queens Award to Industry 1971 - was this the Design Council fiasco at all?

Top row would be (i think) left to right:

3102E / 3104E / W7002 single tubs

Bottom row would be (I think) left to right:

3021 / 3019 spinarinses
3310E / 3314L hoovermatics
&
3243H Keymatic
3236H Automatic de Luxe
3235 Automatic
3022 Dryer De Luxe

Oh to be able to raid the Design Council archives!

Cheers
Paul


Post# 293614 , Reply# 31   7/30/2008 at 15:28 (5,720 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Nice restore there

jetcone's profile picture
Pretty dryer but what is Winchester Blue I wonder? Was there a castle at Winchester decorated in this blue?

I know Royal Blue and Racing Blue and where they come from but Winchester Blue is a new one!

Jet



Post# 293622 , Reply# 32   7/30/2008 at 16:46 (5,720 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
Hi there Jon!

No restoration done with the dryer - apart from a internal vacuuming, she is as the day she left the factory at Merthyr.

The previous owners, whilst hardly ever using it, cleaned and cared for it extremely well.

You ask of Winchester Blue - looks very much to be the shade of blue present in the coat of arms of Winchester College - a 625 year old, English public school public (meaning private) school. Their motto is 'Manners Makyth Man'.

A very tasteful shade of blue it is too.

cheers
paul


Post# 293628 , Reply# 33   7/30/2008 at 17:11 (5,720 days old) by aquarius1984 (Planet earth)        

aquarius1984's profile picture
SWOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOons with affection!

Manners do makyth man, my man that be!

R


Post# 293629 , Reply# 34   7/30/2008 at 17:13 (5,720 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

Wow nice dryer...I couldnt help but notice how similar in design the Hoover dryer was to our Maytag Halo of Heat dryers. With the heating elements in the front and the fan in the back. Even the fan belt looks like a portable Maytag design. Very interesting!

Post# 293631 , Reply# 35   7/30/2008 at 17:29 (5,720 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Paul

jetcone's profile picture
Thank you! now I know Winchester blue! It is a nice shade, enjoy your dryer!

How close are you to Mike? You're in Derby, He is in Chester.

Jon



Post# 293635 , Reply# 36   7/30/2008 at 17:48 (5,720 days old) by aquarius1984 (Planet earth)        

aquarius1984's profile picture
Jon!

Just thought id pop in and say hi too! Glad you like Pauls new dryer (My present to him for his 30th birthday which was yesterday) - well its a nice story to be told.

We (Paul and myself) met at Mikes last September as it happens and now its coming up shortly to our 1st anniversary as being a couple.

I live 20 miles from Mike and Pauls not that much further either.

Mike had some pix in Flickr of the meet we had where we are both in the photos.

Il try to post a link to it if I find the Flickr page.

Pic of the last time we were at Mikes, cant find one of Paul on it but here I am.





Post# 295821 , Reply# 37   8/10/2008 at 13:36 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
Bit of an update.....

also acts as a useful comparison and kind of answer the question of what generation of machine, mechanically, the D6018 is.

Picked up something else over the weekend.

this is the filter....


Post# 295822 , Reply# 38   8/10/2008 at 13:37 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and we remove the mesh....

Post# 295823 , Reply# 39   8/10/2008 at 13:37 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

delightful.

methinks someone was a bit lazy - quite a depth!


Post# 295824 , Reply# 40   8/10/2008 at 13:39 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
useful comparison - picture 1

off with the top - no cobwebs this time...

Post# 295825 , Reply# 41   8/10/2008 at 13:41 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
useful comparison - picture 2

and off with the back for a quick vac out.

Quite surprised to find that this machine, which has actually been used over the years (as opposed to hardly ever for the D6018), was also really quite clean...


Post# 295826 , Reply# 42   8/10/2008 at 13:42 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
useful comparison - picture 3

different motor and fan arrangement on this machine, when compared to the D6018...

Post# 295827 , Reply# 43   8/10/2008 at 13:43 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

May 1974...

Post# 295828 , Reply# 44   8/10/2008 at 13:45 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

its a third generation 3022...

Post# 295829 , Reply# 45   8/10/2008 at 13:47 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

First generation 3022 was a half panel machine with slate grey bezel and red ring round the timer...

Post# 295830 , Reply# 46   8/10/2008 at 13:48 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Second generation 3022 was a full panel machine with slate grey bezel and red ring round the timer...

Post# 295831 , Reply# 47   8/10/2008 at 13:50 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and this, the third generation 3022, sported a brushed aluminium bezel, with an orange ring round the timer and was the last of the standard matchboxes, the series being replaced by the A3006/A3008 and D6008...

Post# 295832 , Reply# 48   8/10/2008 at 13:51 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

left hand side of the facia - detailing...

Post# 295833 , Reply# 49   8/10/2008 at 13:52 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and the right hand side...

Post# 295834 , Reply# 50   8/10/2008 at 13:55 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

and a final portrait.

Overall it is in very good nick - just needs a new fan belt, due to the old one being a tad slack.

Underneath it has undergone some non-standard surgery in that, during its life, the machine has been stacked and has lost its original wheels.
Whoever had it, when the machine was unstacked, had it mounted on casters which, thankfully, stand the machine pretty much at its correct height off the floor.

what was it stacked on I wonder...


Post# 295835 , Reply# 51   8/10/2008 at 14:00 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

could it have been stacked like this - on top of one of the sorely missed (by me anyway) 2nd generation 3236H.

Will one of these Automatics ever come to light again......mmmmmm......unfortunately methinks it will forever live on as just memories.

Hey ho.
All the best guys.
Paul
p.s Cheers to the mate in Cardiff for the truly superb image you see above. Many thanks!


Post# 295836 , Reply# 52   8/10/2008 at 14:05 (5,709 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
ohhhhh nearly forgot.....

here is the 3022 sat alongside another new acquisition - the 3021 Spin Dryer.

The spin dryer is a wee bit earlier than the 3022, being from September 1972, but they still look good together....


Post# 295842 , Reply# 53   8/10/2008 at 15:07 (5,709 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
Blue and Chrome

electron1100's profile picture
Hello rob & Paul well what can i say, FOOOOOOkin Luvleeeee pair of dryers...........so well made, they inspire confidence.........they make me feel sad when i look at the mainstream shite on offer now.......none of these old machines are perfection but they are honest products with a bit flair...........also i am envious that you two as a couple support each other in your passion for these old machines, mine thinks i am mad and i need a rest in a home for the bewildered :-)
I got two contellations in at work today so that cheers me up as i needed some tools for one i have restored an am keeping

Rob i have one of those orange timer knobs that i took from the same machine at work ages ago, it had been totally dismantled and trashed and i took the rubber door seal

CHESTERMIKE
Mike i still have the purple/chrome Hotpoint liberator tumble dryer door if you want it.....send me a message please matey

here is a picture of the lovely Hoover tumble dryer i bought of Michael way up in west lothian

Gary


Post# 296074 , Reply# 54   8/11/2008 at 16:31 (5,708 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

eh up Gary.

Re the Liberator door....Just to let you know that Mike is abroad at the moment, so will be incommunicado, until later in the week.

Would that dryer be a D6144 - I wish I had the courage to entrust couriers with mine and robs purchases. things getting so hectic at the moment, i dont know whether i am coming or going, with running around picking up stuff.

paul


Post# 296346 , Reply# 55   8/13/2008 at 00:44 (5,707 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
Hoover tumble dryers

electron1100's profile picture
Hello Paul

You are on a roll at present with the Hotpoints and Hoover dyrers......i am not surprised you dont know whether you are coming ot going........but its bloody good fun......arghhh that buzz when something turns up......:-)

As regards Michaels tumble dryer i had no choice, i looked at the milage and all that, and it was just too much to do in one day........interms of petrol it was also cheaper......Michael wrapped it for me and the local courier company put a blanket over it and it all worked out well.

The computer 1100 i did pick up from bolton, merely because i could do the round trip in a day (about 12hours in total) still nackering but worth it.

Thanks for letting me now that about Mike (the king of domestic appliances) *bows* *grin*

One thing i forgot to mention that came into work Sunday was a Hoover carpet sweeper, i nearly missed it as these things dont interest me at all, but i saw the "H" word on it and nabbed it.

I need to get back to the garage and carry on with the A3350 but i havent time at present, as the lovely constellation has been receiving full attention, plus i need to do work for ebay so i can earn money to fund all this........grrr its not fair

Right thats me lot

Enjoy all your lovely new toys

Gary

Ps I know the fot is off topic but I am loving it at present and it has replaced my 612 as the downstairs vac


Post# 296354 , Reply# 56   8/13/2008 at 04:25 (5,707 days old) by sparkymarky1973 ()        

Hi Gary

Just to let you know my name is Mark not Michael...lol

Mark
xx


Post# 296359 , Reply# 57   8/13/2008 at 05:01 (5,707 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
MARK/MICHAEL

electron1100's profile picture
Hello Mark

im glad about that as it easier to type MARK :-)

Sorry

anyways how are you and your lovely 3060 sitting so pretty in your kitchen.........envy............ :-)


Post# 296388 , Reply# 58   8/13/2008 at 07:59 (5,707 days old) by seamusuk (Dover Kent UK)        
Belt

seamusuk's profile picture
Hey Rob/Paul

The fan belt is still availiable - part # is 09012006

Seamus


Post# 296393 , Reply# 59   8/13/2008 at 08:11 (5,707 days old) by seamusuk (Dover Kent UK)        
Theres magic- in a Hoover Constellation....

seamusuk's profile picture
Hey Gary

Im guessing your 867A is from 1970- the serial# would confirm this.

The link is the TV ad for this version :)

Seamus


CLICK HERE TO GO TO seamusuk's LINK


Post# 297988 , Reply# 60   8/19/2008 at 17:43 (5,700 days old) by aquarius1984 (Planet earth)        

aquarius1984's profile picture
How do Seamus,

Got spare fan belts galore but thanks for the shout.

Still not got my mobile phone working - bloody things is kaput i think as it only shows half the screen.
Teach me for dropping it I guess. shouldnt of had my hands full of paperwork.

Il try to catch up with you this weekend when I figure out how to use a spare phone of mine. been a while I have forgotten how to use it lol.

R



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