1969 Malleys Whirlpool Washer

[mit634]

Hello Guys,

I purchased the Malleys Whirlpool push-button automatic washer that had photos posted on here a few weeks ago - a nice addition to our eclectic collection of vintage appliances. There is a handwritten date on the back indicating it was purchased in 1969.

I have attached some photos taken since it arrived.

Unfortunately the right-hand side control panel chrome end cap is missing. Does anyone know if this part is shared with a US Whirlpool washer ? Photo of the left-hand side included.

Tim

 

[imperial70]

switches on back of dashboard

Appears to be some switches on the back of the dashboard. What do they do?

 

[mit634]

Hello imperial70,
The two switches at right are to turn the internal water heater on or off, and to change the rinse temperature to cold or warm. The red button at left is the motor overload reset.
Regards, Tim

 

[eurekastar]

Very nice!  What a feature rich washer!

 

[corvairgeek]

I spy a '59

Next to the '69. Would love to know more. RHD?

 

[combo52]

Very cool WP 24" washer

I love these smaller models, in the US they had a few highly featured 24" models but never any this fancy with a 3 speed motor and all programed cycles. I would love to find one of these here in the US [ very unlikely ]

 

Unfortunately the missing end cap trim does not look like any WP ever used here, hopefully one will turn up there.

 

John L.

 

[mit634]

Eurekastar - Thank you ! It was a top of the line Whirlpool washer here in Australia.

CorvairGeek - I imported the 59 Impala from Boise ID about 10 years ago. Still LHD as it doesn't need to be converted here.

John L. - Thanks for your advice. Looks as though I will need to find another end cap or make one.

***

We started disassembly for restoration today. Disconnected and removed the control panel, cabinet top and drum cap. No serious rust so far which is a relief. Photos attached.

Got a little stuck with how to get the agitator out. Could someone advise ?

Thanks all ! Regards, Tim

 

[eurekastar]

By the way,

is that the rear end of a Chevy Impala that I'm seeing in the first photo?

 

[hippiedoll]

Eurekastar:

YUP...
That is the rearend of a 1959 impala that looks to be winking at us in that first picture! Doesn't it?
;o)

 

[washerlover]

Left-Hand Lid...

Interesting that the lid opens from the left. What a stunning machine! And love the ‘59 Impala! More pics of that would be fun.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[DADoES]

 
The lid is reversible ... note the screw-hole plugs on the other side of the loading port.

WP didn't have any auto-setting pushbutton-timer models on the U.S. market in 1969.  It's always fascinating to see what was in other areas.

 

[chaskelljr2]

Control Panel/Dashboard...

@ mit634:

I also take it that the control panel is also lighted?

Typically, TOL Washers from that era usually had illuminated control panels.

Here in the US, TOL Washers from Whirlpool and the Lady Kenmores certainly did.

But I’ve never seen a fully featured 24” All-Push-Button Whirlpool Washer before (at least, not here in the USA before).

That is a stunning machine.

Hope you can share a video of it working soon once you get it working again.

Did you ever see a matching dryer to it as well?

—Charles—

 

[mit634]

Eurekastar, Hippiedoll, Todd: will post some pics of the 59 Impala soon !

Todd, DADoES: sideways opening lids were common here at that time. I assume it was a design fad - maybe so that the controls were accessible with the lid in the raised position ?

***

I disassembled , cleaned and tested the bleach and fabric softener dispenser today. One solenoid was sticking but I freed it up. Photo of the test rig attached.

Also the centre pin of the snubber got broken when the washer was transported. I machined a new pin from steel, bored out the snubber and glued in the new pin.

 

[DADoES]

 
Surprising to me the snubber isn't worn down.  Our 1962 had that style of material, it wore down a good 1/4" in 10-ish years, and at an angle from the spring pressure.

 

[combo52]

Removing stuck agitator

Spray some penetrating oil at the top of the agitator and then take the palm of your hand and pound down on the sides and skirt of the agitator that usually loosens this type up you could also try dumping boiling water over it and then doing the same with the palm of your hand.

John

 

[mielerod69]

Congrats

Hi mit634,
Glad you got it. I had posted this machine here last month. Would be great to see some videos of the machine in action once you have it up and running.
Cheers
Rod

 

[mit634]

@chaskelljr2: Charles disappointingly the control panel does not light up. It's shaped as though there could be a diffuser with lamp behind, however, it's all solid aluminium. I don't believe many of the machines available in Australia had the gorgeous illuminated panels your US machines had (even TOLs like this one). I haven't seen a matching dryer yet but always looking ! I will definitely post a video once it's rebuilt and working.

@dadoes: I have the impression this machine has not had a huge amount of use which might explain why the snubber (and the machine generally) is in pretty good condition.

@combo52: John thanks for the tips on how to remove the stuck agitator. Will have another go at the weekend.

@mielerod69: Rod yes I saw you posted those pics. Was funny to see it on this forum before I got around to posting ! Will make some videos once it's up and running.

***

As requested by a few of you, attached are some pics of our 59 Chevy Impala. Enjoy !
Tim

 

[toploader55]

My Gawd...

What a Beautiful Mint Impala. I love everything about that model. Is that add on Air Conditioning ? I have seen under dash add ons but not like that configuration.

And nice Washer too : )

 

[vacerator]

Impala is gorgeous!

Did you it from someone who imported it from Canada, or the sates, as it is left hand drive. Or did you? Holden assembled US/Canadian GM cars from CKD kits back then, and were right hand drive, at least I thought so.
1965 Pontiacs from Canada didn't even get a Pontiac dash board or I.P. They came with a Chevrolet dash. Canadian Pontiac's also got Chevrolet V8's, not Pontiac mills.