“Happy” Bendix

[northwesty]

Well I got the rebuilt timer back from Reeco so here is the new Bendix all hooked up and ready to go.

I know the handles are not original as mine were damaged but I kinda like the chrome.

 

[northwesty]

Here is the before shot

The machine was in pretty good shape, though, and hopefully will run for some time.

 

[northwesty]

A clue to its last use

After that first test run, this 1951 dime showed up in the lint trap. With a little Sherlock Holmes deduction I see that is has about 10 years of circulation wear on it, plus these all silver coins started to disappear from circulation I believe in the mid-sixties. So I am guessing the machine hasn’t been run in 40 years!

 

[northwesty]

Here is one process shot

– a new coat of paint on the undercarriage.

I did do a lot of cleaning and rebuilt the water valve too.

 

[northwesty]

Washing away

Has a nice sound to it. All these machines have their own "personality" that's for sure.

 

[northwesty]

Spinning and bolted down

Whooo-eeee 144.3% of residual moisture after spinning!

 

[northwesty]

Success

Thanks again for the help to all and Happy New year

 

[scott55405]

Very nice! I think the chrome handles make it look really nice too.

 

[pumper]

it's beautiful. you did a great job. i like the chrome too.

 

[pturo]

Truly icon status design and conditon. Not a square edge on the thing. Great Job!

 

[exploder3211]

Great Job

 

[westytoploader]

Congratulations Brian, awesome job on the restoration! Are those Chevrolet parts you used? That door handle looks very familiar...

 

[appnut]

Brian, your excellent, outstanding job as usual. I too like the "after market" handles. And I think it's wonderful to get the future washerholics involved too!!

 

[mixfinder]

Sweet Child

Brian,
It is so cool that your children are in every part of your life. It is how mine were. I have pictures of them watching, then learning and then helping. This Christmas was an amzing time to be with them, now as adults. Sara had a baby girl on December 15th, so the cycle of life continues without a timer rebuild, from Reeco. The world needs more patient fathers, like you, Brian.
Kelly

 

[frigilux]

Great job on the restoration, Brian! Looks like there's a future AW.ORG member in the family.

 

[bpetersxx]

yup members start early

i think I was 5 when I investigated the 61 LK

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Brian,
Amazing job!
Your Paint job looks show room new! Very Nice!
It is great that you brought this ole gal back to life. I bet you are just loving the sounds of the wash to spin. Isn't it great to know that you have this machine washing your clothes, and doing a great job, knowing all along that it could have been crushed in the trash. So many memories from the past, and now you and your family's memories. I think it is so cool.
Do you have it set up in your main laundry room?
I have a feeling that you are going to find a Bendix Combo in 2007.
You are started now.....the Bendix's are going to come looking for you now. They know you can save them, and use them again!!!!
Thanks for sharing your pictures!
Happy New Year!
Brent

 

[swestoyz]

Great photos Brian - the resto was a brilliant success! Great to see the family involved in all the fun - sharing experiences with those closest makes everything worth it ~

Ben

 

[northwesty]

The 1947 Bendix

Is in the garage and yes it does have hot water going to it. I plan on doing the work clothes in it and lightly soiled rags as it is probably a good idea not to have these in the general laundry anyway. My next project is to finish remodeling the laundry room so I can get the other vintage machines hooked up. I am about 1/2 way one.

Thanks for the kind words, Kelly. Yes it does take patience but it is nice to get away and work on something in the garage - like a 1947 Bendix.

Austin you have a good eye - that was a spare (new) door handle from my 1953 chevy suburban. It works great and fit right on. The other handle is a period pull I bought at an antique store. It actually does work alot better at opening the lint door in my opinion.

My happy suspicion is that this machine has seen light use but we will see how it holds up under a little more light use. I am still a little edgy as it does the wash - like it might blow up or something - but it seems to work fine.

 

[48bencix]

Many memories

This was our first washer. I have many memories of watching that machine, something a toddler could to as it has that nice window. I remember the solonoids clicking when it would drain or go into a spin. I was never allowed to touch the controls of that machine. But I was very curious as to how it worked.

Obviously that curiosity stayed with me.

You mentioned that lint trap, I remember my mom cleaning that every few washes, and yes, it did trap coins. Too bad the new front loaders don't have something like that. You have to take the things apart to get the change out before it damages your machine.

Great job restoring this wonderful machine.

Martin

 

[easyspindry]

FANTASTIC machine and wonderful restoration. Such memories I have of these Bendix machines. Whenever I was "lost" as a kid, Mother could always find me at the neighbors' house watching the Bendix.

It looks to be in great shape. I would love to have one.

Thanks for the story and pictures.

Jerry Gay

 

[sudsmaster]

Gorgeous

Fantastic!

 

[washendry]

The Bendix

Wow, it looks Great, I have the same machine, haven't restored her yet, Yours gives me inspiration, any tips on what to do first, Enjoy
Kim

 

[Unimatic1140]

Brain another Amazing restoration job!!! And you have to love that machine, its definitely a very dramatic front loader to say the least.

 

[customline]

Veree KeweLL !!!!!!!!

Nice Job !!!

 

[gansky1]

Wow! Another amazing restoration, it's fun to see the kids getting in on the fun too.

 

[waterstreet]

A Bendix Kid

My mother bought a Bendix exactly like this one when “help” was no longer available to come to the house and do the laundry. I was fascinated by its looks, and of course the water show through the window.

My mother saw me reading the Bendix instruction book and got the idea that I should do my own laundry. We had a quick “check out” with the machine and a laundry hamper was installed in my room.

I enjoyed using the machine; everything about it had a solid sense of quality about it. The Bendix was soon joined by a massive Westinghouse slant front dryer which made carefree washing complete.

I get a fond feeling looking at this beautifully restored machine.

David

 

[pdub]

Another great job as always Brian. You are very talented.
Beautiful machine and so fun to see it all apart and the
work in progress. Congrat's!

Patrick

 

[sheerlookhomes]

congratulations on getting your lovely machine up and going, it looks great. Another beauty saved, may it give you many years of service and pleasure...well done!
I love the boldly 'spotted' interior enamel of these ones..nice.