1950s Pink Maytag Washer and Dryer

[EPiXNiCROS]

I picked up a matching washer and dryer set last night. I got them for free when cleaning out someones storage unit. I know there have been a few of these on here but I have a couple questions. The washer is a P142 and the dryer is a p 641C. After doing a little research I think they are either '57 or '58, I'm hoping someone can tell me for sure. They are in really good physical condition with no dents and only a few scratches in the paint. I was told that they worked but there was oil beneath the washer and the belt is missing (I have a spare belt for it). They sat in storage for a really long time. I Haven't plugged them in yet. I absolutely love them and having a hard time deciding what to do. I would like to restore them to fully functional / new condition and use them if it's not to much work. Are parts still available for these, the dryer needs a new front seal for example. What if the washer transmission needs to be rebuilt? would having them repainted the same original color devalue them at all? I ok with putting a couple grand into them to make them perfect again if I can.

Thanks

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

Washer and Dryer

Washer and Dryer

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

I also picked up what I think is a 1978 Maytag washer that is not in as good physical condition scratches and dents) but works perfectly, I'm wondering if it can be used for parts if needed.

 

[mixfinder]

Yes

Yes, yes and yes these machines can be pressed into daily service and should perform faithfully.  Many parts are available and if you watch Ben's threads of swaps and changes you'll see how easy he makes it all look to forage in working machines to save quality vintage units.

 

[dishwashercrazy]

My, what jewels these appear to be!

 

[westingman123]

**gasp**

 

[gansky1]

A few of the parts from the 1978 Maytag may be interchangeable with your pink 142(S?) but many will not. The pink washer is a very early, one of the first actually, of the helical-drive Maytag machines from about 1957-58. With some work and maintenance, you should be able to get those pink beauties running nicely. They are certainly worth the effort, beautiful!

 

[geoffdelp]

Stunning; absolutely stunning. Do you have photos of the interior? That looks like an AMP lid; one of the last, I would guess. This must be the suds saver model, huh?

 

[countryguy]

Was Maytag the only manufacturer to make a matching washer/dryer set with the dryer being so much larger than the washer? 

 

Gary

 

[mixfinder]

Nope

Whirlpool and Hotpoint had wider dryers and I'm sure there must have been others.

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

I connected the hoses and turned on the washer. The water flows into the basin and right out the drain. I doubt that is what it's supposed to be doing right? It looks like I'll need to tear into it. What should I look at first?

 

[pdub]

Beautiful machines

When filling make sure the drain hose is raised to sink or standpipe drain level. If the hose is laying on the floor or lower than the tub , the water will just run out due to gravity.

You should remove the service panel on the machine and do a visual check inside as well. If you get it to hold water, fill it with hot and let it sit awhile before turning the machine on so the seals have some time to soften a little.

Good Luck - glad you want to save the machines rather than make a quick profit.

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

wow, thanks for the quick response, that was the problem. I still have a couple minor drips inside but I was able to fill the tub just fine.

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

I'm still trying to pin down the year so here are a couple more pictures.

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

I replaced both bulbs and the small incandescent bulb works fine but the fluorescent bulb doesn't work.

 

[pdub]

starter

You probably need to replace the fluorescent starter. The originals look like the picture but are usually silver and about and an inch and half tall. Just twist and pull out the old one and match the number when buying a new one. They are cheap and often come in a 2-pack. If this doesn't do it then it could be your ballast but try the starter first. You are pressing the (black or red) button on the front to turn it on, right?

 

[swestoyz]

Beautiful!

Nice set! I'd put these as early as 1957 - the two piece AMP style lid was used on the briefly lived 141 and very early 142 model washers. Post the serial number off the machine, it should look something like 34256GF. The two letters will tell us the year and month the washer was made (as well as serial number from the dryer).

These also do not use the FS-2 starters. Instead the red and black push buttons control the panel bulb. Hold the red button until the bulb starts to glow on the ends. Release the button and it should light. These switches are known for going out, and when they do, are difficult to shut off. The tub light bulb is inside the two piece lid. Replace it with a 15w bulb bayonet bulb from your local hardware or box store. Make sure it has dual pins.

Your dryer door may not be latching due to the gasket no longer applying pressure to the door. You can compensate this by adding shim washers to the dryer door interior panel (disassembly of the door required). If the shimming does not apply enough pressure, or the gasket is just that dried out, a replacement gasket may be needed. Unfortunately those early style HOH gaskets have been NLA for quite some time now. Finding a good replacement may be tricky.

Let us know if you have any more questions --

Ben

 

[bajaespuma]

Aferim!

Really lovely old machines. My Aunt Dusty and Uncle Arthur in Lexington Massachusetts had a white  pair like these in their great old house on Muzzey Street. I remember watching her press the fill-control button on the underside of the lid as she added detergent to the load she was washing. I never understood that the dial also on the underside of that lid was what controlled the fill level until I saw it described here. Are these the washers that have the white porcelain washbasket that is bolted to an outer solid one?

 

[EPiXNiCROS]

Thanks for the tip Ben, I was able to get the fluorescent bulb lit. The button was just stuck. The serial # for the washer is 219849PG and the dryer is 611838.