1957 Duomatic

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retroroy4800

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Joined
Apr 22, 2006
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16
Hi everyone, well it came today all 580 lbs. It was a bittersweet meeting.The machine has a rusted bottom pan, I assume from leaking. I plugged it in and immediatly blew a fuse. It didn't even light up, now does nothing. It just sits in the garage mocking me...... It does look pretty good though just some pitting on the door. I figured it would need attention but am feeling buyer remorse big time. Where do I start? Does anyone work on these monsters?
 
Sorry to hear it's not working, but you've certainly found the right place to get help! It's not uncommon, and even expected, for a machine this age to need some TLC before it can be used again. Many a hopeless case has been revived in our member's hands so with a little patience and time, you'll be washing AND drying in one machine soon!

First, I would check the obvious with electrical troubles. With the machine unplugged, check underneath and remove the back panels to check for a loose wire. There are many wired in this machine so take your time.
 
I Feel Your Pain

While have not worked on anything remotely as vintage, still know what it is like.

First things first:

It would help greatly if you could take some detailed photos and post them here in the group. This way those in a position to assist you know what they are dealing with/can give you pointers.

Next start reading the archives of the group, there is lots of valuable information there on many vintage machines. If using Windows OS, use the "Find" function to make things easier.

Also keep your eyes on eBay and other sources for manuals including repair/service books. Yes, they do pop up from time to time and are invaluable to working on any vintage appliance.

It is important to remember "haste makes waste", when it comes to restoring a vintage appliance, especially if this is your first time at the rodeo. Things this old rarely are plug and play out of the shipping box. It going to take some time and TLC before you get her up and running.

In the mean time you have come to the right place for assistance, and if need be a shoulder to cry on. Look at it this way, you now have a project to keep you busy for at least the summer!

Best of luck, and keep on keeping on.

L.
 
Thanks to both of you for the kind words. Being completely OCD After getting Gregs email I grabbed a light, toolbox and a favorite beverage and headed to the garage. Indeed somehow the power cord had been pulled loose from its connecting wires. Whew I can sleep tonight after all! The 580 lb gorilla has loosened it's grip. At least there is a chance this is not the dumbest ebay purchase ever made (though I shall never reveal the purchase/transportation cost lest it be used to confine me to a mental institution)
 
Working or not, you made one lucky find and a lot of us I'm sure envy you -- I know I do! You will be so proud once it's restored :)
 
hang in there

seem they like to mock me too when the first get here but you just have to show them whos boss..ha ha..hang in there and just take your time..youll have things back up and running in no time just dont loose the faith..
 
OCD is only going to rush

the job and make things come out inoperable.

Adhere to Greg and Launderess, and of course now from me.

"TAKE YOUR TIME", retro, do not rush. I personally know how it feels to want it up and running, in place, not a big mess all over etc. etc. etc. BUT, with a machine of this age, you will have some issues. Maybe not many, but do keep us informed, as we can all give some advice, but most of all, just to listen to how you are coming along.

Steve
 
Hi Retrojoy, YAY, I'm thriled you found the first problem easy. That probably wont be the only issue you will find, but I'm sure you will be able to figure it out.

And by the way, in order to do anything great in life you need to some help from OCD! :)
 
WooooHooooo, It is alive. replaced the power cord and a few questionable looking wires and she roared to life....man oh man what a rush! Now to connect her to water and gas and see if that 50 year old gas valve works. Thanks everyone for your support!
 
Am very happy you were able to start up the unit, but again please use baby steps, especially when it comes to gas.

Personally the first thing I would do is see if the unit is water tight including the pump (if there is one). If the unit has not been used in a very long time, you may wish to pour some water into the wash tub to "prime" the pump. Things will need time to rehydrate.

One thing that should be done is a good cleaning out of any lint,dead rodents/insects, or other rubbish which may have accumlated during previous use/storage.
While you have the bonnet "popped" have a good peep around to see if everything looks as it should. Granted you don't really know much about how things should look, but instinct should tell you if something is out of place. Look for leaking/corroded hoses/connections.

Am not in any way trying to rain on your parade. We all here know the "new item in the collection" feeling, but trust me, push a vintage appliance too fast too soon and it just may decide to act up. Remember spare parts for these units are not exactly easily found, so you want to make sure nothing is damaged by going to fast too soon.

Keep up the good work!

L.
 
Howdy Launderess,
Nah I don't consider you as a raincloud. You are exactly right, and it serves me well to be reminded! Though it is not exactly first time at the rodeo, I cook on a chrome top 1948 O'keefe & Merrit and my fridge is a 52 Norge. Current favorite restoration project is a 1966 Mercury Parklane Breezeway sedan, which I am trying hard to finish before delving into the duomatic.....but as u said it is easy to get excited about the new project.

Never thought about pouring water directly into it, need to replace inlet hoses and its looking like the timer motors are shot as well. Any ideas on where to find those rascals?

Keep reminding me slow down, breathe, in with the good air, out with the bad. lolololol
 
Hi all, ok so thought the timers on both sides weren't working because they didn't move when I cycled her dry but heeding L's advice I connected her to water and by golly she cycled through the wash cycle. However she didn't click over to dry and water continued to enter the tub, I'm wondering if she knows the dryer has not been connected to natural gas. the fill valve seemed to operate correctly through out the wash cycle..questions, comments, observations?
 
yes water entered the tub after cycle ended, even when machine powered off. However , water entered the tub only when "called" during cycle
 
Yes sounds like you need a water valve repair kit. You can get one at any good appliance parts store, although they might have to order it. Be sure to tell them you need a metal style repair kit, as opposed to the new plastic style.
 
Hi Everybody, believe it or not I found not one but two original water inlet valves at a local appliance store. The repair guy sold em both to me for $20. The first load of laundry was done today sans dryer. Gotta get some buds to help me get the monster into the house from the garage. I am eager to "Let the 1957 Duomatic change your washdays from the dull drudgery they have always been to carefree happy washdays where your clothes are ready to wear, store, or iron."
 

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