1953 Bendix automatic home washer

[ricky5050]

Hello, you may remember a Bendix Washer was posted by a new house holder in middlesbrough, well i spoke to him , agreed to go and see him as it was only 45 mins form me. Well Ive bought it and its now in my garage awaiting some TLC.

 

I may be asking for some information, please enjoy the pictures so far!

 

Richard

 

 

[ricky5050]

the house

The house was built in 1927 and owned by the same family until recently, the original owners daughter must have got it some time in the 1950s, and modernised a few things, cream tiled fireplaces, lights and a shiny new Bendix! It was fitted in a built in cupboard and a bit of a bugger to get out. It was still connected to water (turned ON!) and has a gravity drain. I havent tried it yet but after looking at it i think it may be ok.

 

The house is gorgeous , big rooms big box square bay windows on upper and lower levels. a double garage with sliding wooden doors and its never been touched since the 50s, even some of the light bulbs are ancient (Boots the chemist brand!!).

 

 

 

[cleanteamofny]

Nice machine!
Can you give us a close up on the timer?
Thanks!

 

[ricky5050]

what a housewifes dream!

Here it is in my garage! next to my last purchase, what a dream these duo must have been in the 50s!

 

[ricky5050]

the hoses

i managed to un plumb the pipes and bring home the orginal taps, i had to cut the hoses but they are very perished any way but modern ones can be added to the fittings

 

 

[ricky5050]

the back

i dont think its seen the light of day for 50yrs

 

[ricky5050]

the back

after i managed to remove it from its built in cupboard

 

[ricky5050]

pump and filter access with drop down front

All looks good

 

[ricky5050]

water rationer and temp control

a simple switch for hot or warm ( no heater so relies on incoming water temp) and water rationer simply raises or lowers a switch mechanism in the float chamber.

 

[ricky5050]

timer

Timer turns ok but knob looks a little melted.

 

[ricky5050]

badge

.

 

[ricky5050]

the top removed

no suspension here just bolt it down and hope it dont shake too much!!

 

[ricky5050]

water jets

inlet jets from water valves

 

 

[ricky5050]

serial number

on kick plate

 

[ricky5050]

the lid

the lid is enamel with a wiring diagram underneath

 

[ricky5050]

rear shot

drum etc

 

[ricky5050]

motor etc

two speed motor, i pretty sure the gear box needs oil and not sure if the spin solenoid shifter actually shifts anything as its all a bit sticky.

 

[ricky5050]

inlet valve

dated 1953

 

[ricky5050]

condition

its a wee bit rusty and a someones been at it with gloss paint and its very dirty as was a lot of the house (nicotine i think) but as the casing seems to easily remove i may get it shot blasted primed and resprayed professionally.... eventually!!

 

What should i look out for from anyone who has brought one of these to life?

 

many thanks

 

Richard