1950s Swanmaid dishwasher like kitchen aid new find

[ricky5050]

Hi Guys,

 

I've done it again, and bought another dishwasher, again with the hope of finding a true vintage machine that i could use.

 

The machine is a 1950s uk maid Swanmaid machine , but it bears very close similarities to vintage KitchenAid machines.

 

Its rough  in condition and sadly someone removed the motor and pump.

 

Is there any chance of being able to restore this do you think?

 

Enjoy the pictures

 

thanks

 

Richard

 

 

[ricky5050]

the name- cute

Door handle

 

[ricky5050]

inside

the racks are rusty and the plastic is falling off

 

[ricky5050]

racks

racks

 

[ricky5050]

top rack

top rack

 

[ricky5050]

inside

a bit grubby

 

[ricky5050]

the rotor arm

very heavy cast iron arm

 

[ricky5050]

filter

copper and plastic coated metal

 

[ricky5050]

sump

..

 

[ricky5050]

the remaining insides

plus a lot of dust

 

[ricky5050]

the internal heater tank

heater 3kw

 

[ricky5050]

the manufacturer

They maid kitchen appliances such as swan kettles, toaster etc

 

[rapunzel]

Well, there is a project for you to get stuck into

Something to keep you busy on a cold and rainy day. There is something very familiar about this machine. Looking at the door handle, the rack configuration and cast iron wash arm, it all looks very KitchenAid. Not a bad find underneath the dust and cobwebs.

Good luck with your find and, should you start the re-birthing process, keep us posted.

 

[ricky5050]

its home

the machine has sat in the pantry for 50 years of a manor home called Asthall Manor , see the link to wikipedia

 

 

Asthall Manor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[ricky5050]

link to brochure

i hope its ok to link this previous thread as it has a brochure on the machine and uk which test report

WHICH? Magazine, Feb. 1963 - Dishwashing Machines Report

Hi everybody, as promised a few days ago in the "First Indesit Dishwasher" thread, I'm posting a Which? Magazine report, dated February 1963, on dishwashers. Let's start with page 1 below, enjoy :) Ivan

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[74simon]

Hey Ricky,

Another excellent find! It's cool to know its provenance too!

 

I think that 1/4 HP motors were quite common, so if you figure out how the old one was mounted and the size of driveshaft it needs, you'd be on your way! Is the diverter mech for the pump outlet still in place, or is that missing too?

 

The only real alarm bell ringing is that some Swanmaids were not recommended by Which? due to being electrically hazardous - if I remember correctly, if the machine overfilled water could reach live parts. I think it was fixed on later machines though. 

 

You might be able to figure out when it was made, Swan kettles seem to have the month and year stamped on them.

 

Did you have no luck with the Colston? If the door seal is still the issue, might be worth trying some liquid gasket? Worked wonders on my car's leaky sunroof, if you apply it, cover it with clingfilm that's been lightly oiled then close the door to allow the sealant to take the proper shape of the seal, it means that you can open it easily once it's dry, take off the clingfilm and hey presto! Waterproof again!

 

[ricky5050]

link to Roberts window machine

this is how mine should look inside,

Soon to be very COOL KitchenAid KD-12 Dishwasher

About five years ago I picked up this relatively common KD-12 KitchenAid dishwasher from Bismarck, ND in pink. Inside its in nice shape, outside is kinda crappy and mechanically it needed some work. This was the first time in 5 years I've ever plugged it in and gave it a whirl...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[ricky5050]

thanks

hi Simon, it has the sump solenoid but not the pump or drain valve, ive had no luck with the colston, but i may try your trick!

 

thanks

 

Richard

 

[oldwasherguy]

Wow!

Very nice!!!