1966 Kenmore 500

[repairguy]

I said I wasn’t going to but I guess I lied. This one was built in late 1965 as a 1966 model. It is in great shape externally for its age. It will need a full restoration but once completed will last at least another 30 years. Thanks to Robert for posting this one so it could be saved. I wasn’t able to locate the post in shoppers square for reference. I’ll have to get some more pictures.

 

[maytag85]

Looks like it is in overall good cosmetic condition. What work needs to be done to it?

 

[tomturbomatic]

YAY! Congratulations!

Not at all bad for 54 years old. I'm happy for you.

 

[repairguy]

The gearcase will be rebuilt with fresh oil and possibly a new agitator shaft. I won’t know the condition until the gearcase is removed. The center post is in bad shape and will be replaced with new bearings and seals and probably a new spin tube. Luckily the outer tub is in excellent shape and will get new rubber seals. I do need the lint filter if anyone is willing to let one go. It would’ve originally had a plastic filter. I located a NOS filter housing. The filter system is of the “waterfall type.”

 

[repairguy]

Thanks Tom! The main reason I decided to go after this one was its external condition. All I had to go by was the pictures and they didn’t disappoint. The machine is in all around great shape.

I always expect to rebuild the mechanicals on these machines that way they’ll last another lifetime.

 

[maytag85]

Surprisingly my ‘63 RCA Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII was in working condition and didn’t have any major leaks or make and funky or odd sounds when I first tried it out. Reason why it’s all apart at the moment was I wanted to clean some things up and rust proof certain things like the outer tub and painted the center post with POR15 and center post in the tub as well and surprisingly the bearings are in good shape despite them being 57 years old. I replaced the tub seal, bought a good used transmission off of eBay and bought a few other odds and ends while it’s all apart. Not a full restoration but more of a partial rebuild/refurbishment and cleanup.

 

[repairguy]

There are a lot of these machines out there in working condition but with the newest ones now reaching the 35 year old mark they need some TLC to keep them going. From my experience the newer ones usually have rusted outer tubs a lot of times to the point of being non repairable. The older ones usually have rotted center posts and the oil in the gearcase has turned to tar if no water present. New rubber would definitely be in order for any of them. I like these machines so it’s worth it to me. Just a little manual labor.

 

[goatfarmer]

Congrats!

You're going to need a bigger barn!

 

[repairguy]

Thanks Kenny! You’re right the current barn is too small. I really would like to have more room for wayward washers and dryers.