1959 Kenmore "Frog Eye" Washer - Texas

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' 59 ????

I don't think that is a '59, maybe a '55 or '56. I always thought Kenmore had white inner tubs .... this one looks dark gray like the Whirlpools used. Doesn't look like a "fat roto-swirl" agitator either ........ interesting cap ......... maybe not original ??
 
sorry

hmmmm, gheez, forget to mention above that maybe with that model one would sure think it was a '59, but I have a '59 Kenmore and it doesn't look anything like that .........
 
I doubt it's 1959 either, but it COULD be. Maybe a 1958. This had to have been a pretty basic model. Not even a water level knob. An aunt of mine had a very similar looking washer. Timer face was same color. And yes, her's had the same color tub. Only more expensive models had the white porcelain tub. And that agitator cap is original. My aunt's had the same narrow straight vane agitator. Her's did have a water level knob too unlike this one.
 
The straight vane agitator and darker colored tub was used on lower end models, although this has the "modern fabric" cycle. I do know that '55 models had the back opening lid so it could be late 50's. Also the timer knob is similar to the LK '58????
 
From the 1959 Fall/Winter Sears Catalog...

Now go for it Austin, this would be a wonderful vintage addition to your collection and while you still can get some belt-drive Whirlpool parts.

12-20-2004-22-15-43--Unimatic1140.jpg
 
In Today's Money

Just so people know, $190 in 2003 money is about $1,100, and $210 is about $1,200. Yet there are those who would complain about the high cost of today's appliances. Mind you. highly doubt many washers and dryers built today have anywhere near the quality construction these baby's had.

Launderess
 
Odds are good this time around...

The good news is that my Whirlpool/Kenmore Repair-Master from 1963 covers this model (how to remove the control panel is crucial) and I have all the necessary tools (including a multimeter for electrical testing), so we should be in good shape. I'm glad I have a repair manual to go by so I won't be diving into this project blindfolded (from now on I'm not buying ANYTHING I don't have a repair manual for), so to speak. It works; that's the most important thing, but still, changing the drive belt will be a must. Now, as always, I have a few questions:

1. Where can a 3-prong 120V cord be found? I see dryer cords by the numbers, but can't seem to locate these.

2. Is Jubilee appliance wax still made?

3. What's the best way to repair any scratches or chips?

4. If the cabinet is worn, what will restore the "porcelain" finish?

5. What about dulled chrome?

6. Any other advice is appreciated!

I think that pretty much covers it; IMHO this looks like a better, much more promising project for a beginner. If I bid and win the auction, this '59 will be kept inside the house (not the "death shed"), GENTLY used, and hopefully it will outlast me! I'm hoping that in another year or so, this will be my only vintage automatic; I'm keeping only my vacuums, tabletop washers, and of course my Maytag and this machine.

--Austin
 
Austin,

First let me say I'm rootin for ya!

Next, if by "Jubliee" kitchen wax you mean the liquid in a bottle, it has been discontinued for ages. You are not the only one searching for it either. Seems to be a cult out there and every now and then bottles show up (old store stock/estate sale).

SC Johnson has a spray version, don't know if it will suit your purposes though.

 
Jubilee and electric cord

Jubilee is NOT discontinued (there was a thread on this in the old site) and be be directly ordered from Johnson.

The three prong cord WP used from the time they started using them is still available, it's the same for virtually ALL the full-size machines. Wouldn't surprise me if it's still the same on the DD models
 
six vane agitator?

My mom had a lower end KM in the mid sixties with this same agitator.Where do they get six vanes from?Do they count those cigar shaped humps on the base vanes?

Austin i hope you get this machine,...i'm rootin for ya.

Pat
 
Austin, go to Home Depot or Ace Hardware and get a $5 3-prong 13amp replacement cord. I keep a bunch of them in my workshop.

Pat, I'm sure Kenmore was counting the 3 vanes plus the 3 humps on the agitator base to make 6 vane. It's a bit of a stretch.
 
Wow!! I'm new to collecting and I never knew the Whirlpool belt drive machines had been around this long. I took my mom's machine (1990 model Inglis Niagra plus) when it's timer died. It's been working flawlessly since the day I fixed it about 5 months ago. Great machines that just keep going.
 
Does anybody know how long KM continued these lower end "Frog Eye" models?Maybe when they squared off the cabinets in about 61?

Anyhow,i always thought those black straight vanes had very good washing action.
 
frog eye,or bulls eye

My mothers first automatic looked like this,but it had a water level control knob next to the water temp knob. I think hers was a 1957 mol model. I think the first two numbers after the "110." are the model year for Kenmore. This would indeed be a 1959. I have heard people call these the "Bullseye" and "Target" models. The older ones with two knobs in the front of the cabinet look more like the "frog eye" models to me.

Thanks,
Rick
 
Pilotless ignition on 59 frog dryer

I noticed the gas dryer offered came with electric ignition(in the catalog ad). Wow, like that was offered back then! Seems like it took other gas dryer makers along time to catch up(three come to mind-Maytag,SQ, and Norge still had pilot lights in the 70's). I believe that Whirlpool and Kenmore must have been the leader in innovations. Incredible!
 

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