1959 Kenmore - Restoration

[swestoyz]

Here she is, ready for the wash tub to be installed.

I had broken the plastic dome in the hose dome assembly. Thankfully I found a supplier that still had one the shelf. After doing some research, it seems that they changed to the all plastic dome assembly in 1969.[this post was last edited: 12/31/2013-19:34]

 

[swestoyz]

Here she is, almost ready for some wash! Note the 1 year, 1 model only softener dispenser. I had to bi-pass it as the hose is starting to dry-rot. The solenoid is still hooked up so you can hear it engage right after the first spin.

 

[swestoyz]

Glamor shots!

 

[swestoyz]

More glam!

Note it has an NOS replacement filter cartridge. It really catches the lint!

 

[swestoyz]

Final glam!

Note the 1959 Kenmore's were the last to have the 4 holed tubs. The tub in this machine isn't perfect, but it still is nice. I borrowed the scrubber cap off the '59 Lady K. The scrubber cap that will go with this machine is missing some of the nubs.

 

[swestoyz]

AND.... I threw together a film. Enjoy!

It might be one of the quietest, non Quiet-Pak, belt drive Whirlpool/Kenmore washers I've heard.



It's not quite 1080p HD, but it should look great at 720p.[this post was last edited: 12/31/2013-20:07]

 

[swestoyz]

Here's the model tag. It seems this girl has had some engineering changes noted by the 03 in the model number.

 

[swestoyz]

I'm sure I missed something, but that's all folks! She will be for sale soon, once I get a few finishing touches done. I'll post in the Shoppers Square when ready.

Ben

 

[kenmoreguy64]

GREAT job Ben, it really looks as though you have all the bases covered here for lots of service to come from this machine.

Using a 1978 and newer gearcase in a pre-1978 machine really is an excellent thing to do. Not only is the agitator shaft essentially all-new where it counts when swapped this way, it allows parts to be re-used which otherwise can be questionable when used again in a post 1978 machine (those grooves on the shaft can prematurely wear-down new seals if the seal winds up in the same or nearly same spot). Agitator shafts are getting hard to find, so this is a great way to recycle them without using NOS parts.

Great score on the NOS filter - it realy jazzes up the appearance of the machine.

Question - was that an original metal pump? I'm surprised it survived all this time in the machine, but probably well past time for the new one. I can't see from the pics, but if the pump bolts don't have the washers with them, you'll want to add them. For some time in the 70s and 80s, WP/FSP was including two washers to be added to original bolts with their new pumps in case they were used in original metal bodied installations. The plastic pump needs these washers to be fully secure when installed.

Someone will surely be glad to acquire this great machine for their collection. It looks ready to wash up the great un-washed!

Gordon

 

[swestoyz]

Hey Gordon, I was hoping you'd chime in. Yes, I love the idea of recycling later transmissions on earlier machines, and visa versa (if needed). I also liked the idea of having a transmission that was full of honey-looking oil, and it also has a tight agitator shaft seal. No leaks!

Thanks for the tip on the pump bolts. I used the pump bolts from the '78 and later trans as I do recall the washers on the bolts. I was shocked to see the metal pump still in use. When I first got this machine the pump was working fine, and worked even back in 2011 when I filmed the 'Pissy Kenmore' clip. But, it was frozen solid when I tore the machine apart. I may take it apart and see if I can free it up and throw a new seal in it. Or maybe it will just collect dust in the parts bin.

You know I'm a Maytag guy, but I've got to admit, I do like working on these washers. They are a lot of fun!

Ben

 

[hippiedoll]

you did an amazing job!!!

that is one pretty looking machine. i love how the letters light up in the dial knob. and it seems to run sooo smooth now. you did an "OUTTA SIGHT" job on this washer!!!

thank you for sharing the great pictures & 2 videos.

 

[bigalsf]

Wow!!

You did a fantastic job on that machine! Your attention to detail is amazing, and the results are perfect. The machine sounds like it just came off the factory floor. Thanks for sharing your work, and for the video!

The cycle selection knob is interesting. Does the letter section turn in both directions or just to the left? Also, is the dispenser assembly dual or just for fabric softener?

 

[abcomatic]

Wow Ben, I am so impressed. Gary

 

[toploader55]

As always Ben

Beautiful Restoration.

Love that Machine. That is the model my neighbor bought when she upgraded to a automatic from a Easy Spin Drier.

 

[goatfarmer]

Great job, Ben! And thanks for the play by play.

 

[alr2903]

Ben, as always a beautiful restoration job. Thank You for posting. Happy New Year!

 

[peteski50]

Kenmore!

Ben - this is a awesome restoration
Best Wishes,
Peter

 

[frigilux]

A standing ovation for you from the frozen prairie of Minnesota, Ben! What a beautiful machine.

I haven't the skills or patience to perform such a wonderful transformation, so the sequential photos and explanations are fascinating. I once took these old Kenmores for granted (having grown up with a 1960 Model 80 while enduring a severe case of Frigidaire envy), but they now hold a very soft spot in my heart.

Two questions and a comment:

1) The photo at the top of the thread shows the lid reversed (handle on left; opening to the right), while the post-repair photos show the lid in its standard position (handle on right; opening to the left). Did you acquire the machine with the lid reversed?

2) The lint filter shown is the same as on our Model 80, though it was my understanding machines prior to that had a filter with two cylindrical "bottle brushes" attached to chrome front-piece. Was the original filter one of those, or did it also sport the wraparound metal screen?

3) You mentioned the '59s were the last tubs to have four rows of holes at the bottom. I'm 99% sure our 1960 had four rows, as well. However, I had custody of a '59 LK for a year, so perhaps that's what I'm remembering. Calling Gordon: Can you clarify this for us?

 

[yogitunes]

Excellent as always Ben.......LOVE that filterflo.....

suprised they never added a clear lens in the splash shield for the tub light like Maytag did...

 

[swestoyz]

Thanks for the kind comments everyone!

The cycle selector can be rotated in both directions. Once you've picked the cycle you want, you pull the timer dial out, turn the dial clockwise until it mechanically locks in the cycle, then push in to start the wash.

The dispenser is for fabric softener. Whirlpool could have done a better job designing the reinforcement for the dispenser, as this one has cracked up quite a bit. With the cabinet changes in 1961, it was much easier for them to suspend a reservoir in this corner.

I did acquire the washer with the lid reversed. I believe one of the former owners was a member, and they mentioned their preference for the reversed lid. I personally couldn't stand it, LOL.

The washer came with what I think was an early style lint filter cartridge. The mesh for the filter was a flexible material, where the later ones are stamped stainless steel. The later versions are much easier to clean. I've attached two pages from the Kenmore manual, discussing the changes to the chrome filter.

My reference for the 4 holed tubs goes to a response from Robert years ago. They may have used up some of the stock in '60, or maybe they made the change when they changed the cabinets in 1961. Anyone else out there have a pretty original 1960 Kenmore?

Ben