1948 Bendix For Sale in the Seatle Area

[d-jones]

The seller is asking $250.00. I'm rather new at this, so I don't know if that's a good price or not. He says the photo that accompanies his ad was downloaded from the internet and is not the actual machine, though the actual machine is said to be in good condition.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/atq/2824692480.html

 

[qualin]

I've learned a long time ago that if you can't see it, touch it, hear it and smell it, it's not worth buying. Treat this like a scam until you see the machine in person.

I really should re-read the ads. The seller mentions the machine likes to walk across the floor. When you go to see the machine, check to see if it is bolted down. If not, I'd wonder why.

The seller is bidding high because it's an antique. If I were in your shoes, here's what I would do:

If the cabinet was in pristine shape and you don't see any rust, I'd offer $150 for it and keep ramming the fact the timer is hosed to them down their throat. Who knows how badly the outer or inner tubs are rusted until you tear the machine apart.

If the cabinet was damaged, dented or rusty, I'd probably either offer $50 or walk away, because that machine will cost you a lot more to restore.

The dollar amount suggested in the ad is an arbitrary figure. As much as I hate to say it, it sounds like the seller is nearly ready to scrap the machine, so take advantage of that and use that to get a decent price, assuming it's not junk.

 

[bendixmark]

bendix

This same ad was on this forum about 6 months ago or so.Dont know what to think but i will call him to see as I am looking for one of these machines.

 

[sudsmaster]

It could be a good deal, but it sounds like the machine will need restoration, at least for the timer and to check on the rear seal. Since the original paperwork has been preserved that's a good sign that the machine has been treated kindly, and the repairs needed are just from normal wear and tear. Hard to say, though.

I got a '41 Bendix a few months back. It had been kept in a half-basement, which probably was a bit on the damp side. The top is OK and the front and sides will need stripping, sanding, maybe some glazing compound, and repainting. The timer motor doesn't work but I got a replacement from another member here, just haven't gotten around to installing it yet. The front seal drips but I found a replacement on eBay that *might* fit. The lint trap is pretty rusty but it will probably respond to bead blasting and powder coating. There are more repairs needed but I love these machines since we had one when I was a kid and it was always intriguing.

As for the weight - I don't think it weighs any more than a vintage top loader with heavy gauge steel. There are no counter weights inside, which accounts for the need to bolt it down. I was able to manage it just fine with an appliance dolly, single handed. I think it weighs less than a 220 volt Miele front loader.

I got mine for $60, and it will probably wind up costing several hundred in parts and labor to get it back to full running and cosmetically acceptable condition.

 

[alr2903]

Tried and true Sudsmaster,  no need for motherboards and algarhytm's.   Four bolts in the floor and your good to go for the next 60 years.  alr  p.s.  Suds when you can, some more  of your vintage commercial archives makes a nice read.  Thanks alr

 

[d-jones]

As long as we're on the subject of Bendix washers

Here's another in the Nashville area. According to the seller it's a 1951 machine and it looks like it's in nice shape. Asking $125.00.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/atq/2822670695.html

 

[qualin]

Wow, that one looks like it's in pristine shape! For half the price, wow.

 

[northwesty]

Yes I posted that machine a long time ago.

Craigslist is free so I guess the seller has no interest in lowering his price. Seems like $100 would be a good price for one of these in decent shape. If anyone is interested I am in the area and could be of help.

Brian

 

[d-jones]

Between the two machines, I think I prefer the industrial look of the newer one. It has a rugged appearance that seems to say 'bring it on! I can take it!' I wonder what its actual load capacity was, and how that compares to other vintage machines?

 

[macboy91si]

Bendi

These are neat machines, and while I think it would be neat to have one, the bolt-down concept doesn't work for me, or probably very many other people.

 

-Tim

 

[bendixmark]

1951 bendix

I called to buy the 51 but it was already sold.Would have loved to have had that.