1952 or '53 Westinghouse Twins

[rex]

Hi, Group,

I have been interested in vintage appliances for years but only recently joined the group. I'll start with a question that has been posed many times I am sure. For over 20 years, I have owned a 1952 o '53 Westinghouse washer and dryer. I think they are fraternal rather than identical twins as I bought them separately. The dryer works okay and has the cool little xylophone which plays "How Dry I Am." The washer worked, but it leaked while running, and I was never quite sure where, and it was funky about going through the cycles. Anyway, I am wondering if there is any way to restore these really? I hate to tear the washer apart unless I am rather confident I can get parts for it. Also, I'd actually like to use these on a regular basis, which may not be feasible either. Anyway, I would like to hear what you more experienced folks think. Thanks, Rex Crews Durham, NC P.s. I am also desperately trying to find a door striker for an early 1950's Norge refrig., and posted for that in the Super section.

 

[jetcone]

If your door boot

is okay then you are 90% home with one of these machines and if the leak isn't from there then the next culprits are the pump and the tub seal. On a machine this early you may have the cork gasket and if so the machine needs to be run regular to keep that cork plump. If the machine is used infrequently or hardly at all then the cork will dry out and she will leak on the next loads.

The remedy for that is to run her regular and usually the cork plumps and you're good to go.

 

You know the front bottom panel pops right off so you can observe the machine running????

 

 

 

[rex]

Thanks, Jetcone. It was leaking from the tub seal, not the rubber door seal. It sounds as if there is a good chance of making this work if I am willing to figure out the problems. Fortunately, my laundry area is below the level of the rest of the kitchen and had a floor drain, so if it blows, it won't ruin the house! Rex

 

[jetcone]

If it is the cork gasket

it will self correct in a week or more with regular use. So you're half way home.

 

 

[turquoisedude]

Rex, if you do happen to need a replacement pump, I know of a place in Ohio where they have a good supply of 'aftermarket' Westy Laundromat pumps. My 53 Canadian Laundromat was saved by one of them...

 

[rex]

Thanks

Thanks, TD, for your help and to everyone who answered. I'll officially add these to my long list of projects.

By the way, does anyone know if Westinghouse made a gas dryer during this period?

Rex

 

[moparwash]

Gas Dryers

The first W gas dryers came out in 1964, the same year they went to the flat-front washers and dryers..