My collection at home right now consists of 12 Kenmore belt drive machines - one I bought new on 8/24/86, one I made from parts and ten others ranging from a 1961 model 70 to another 1986 late-built belt drive machine that I extensively rebuilt in summer 2008. I also have a 1993 Direct drive that Sears gave me brand new which sat unused until last year. I have in storage probably 55 other machines that need repair or good homes.
What are your dream machines yet to be found?
When I first signed on here I thought "Ill never want one badly enough to consider it a dream machine". WRONG! I recently acquired the machine on the top of my list - a 1961 Kenmore 70. Now, Id LOVE to find an early 70s Kenmore "Jumbo Capacity" machine and a 1972-1973 mid-line Kenmore 60 series with the metal control panel. They were really attractive to me, and I passed up a couple in the 90s and am still sorry. On the top of my dream machines list is a 1962 Kenmore 800 washer. I just got a dream set, a 1963 LK pair. I would also like an early to late 60s Kenmore 400 BOL machine.
What are your earliest and favorite appliance memories?
My mother had a late 1961 Kenmore 70 washer as her first machine along with the matching dryer. I recently acquired an exact duplicate to restore which I am enjoying. I used to stand on a stool in front of Moms as a little kid and watched that machine for hours. I would put a Lego or two in it during the wash and wait for it to disappear then reappear somewhere else. When I was really really little, I could not figure out why the water level wasnt rising with all that water coming in from the recirculating filter! I spent so much time in front of that machine that the stool I stood on made permanent marks on the cabinet.
What is the history of appliances you have owned?
I have owned three washers that Ive used regularly since before becoming a "collector". I still have all three. In the 1990s I rebuilt about 60 belt drive Kenmores and Whirlpools for resale to friends and needy folks. Many have gained more than 10 years in their useful lives. I have more in storge waiting their turns.
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any major appliances?
Yes. I have done in-home repairs but dont like to. In my rebuilds I always included a new belt, pump, center post gasket and seals, in addition to whatever the machine needed. I did that for the enjoyment of it, not necessarily the profit.
