1970s WCI Kelvinator Washer and Dryer set

[norfolksouthern]

How sad.

Ordinary people want brand new, current high-efficiency models that are under warranty and save energy. Most of us collectors look for what is unique and uncommon. WCI did a super job of ruining two great designs and manufacturers. The lack of an oscillating agitator really puts this set to a disadvantage. And that, unfortunately, could lead to their demise. If I had the funds and the space, I would certainly put forth my best effort in trying to save them. I wish the seller the best of luck in finding them a good home.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[mrb627]

Stickers

A little GOOF-OFF will get those stickers off these beauties lickity-split.

The L cycle is nothing more than a rinse and spin at slow speed. To the right of the timer dial the solid dot indicates the position in the cycle is a CUSTOM SOAK.

 

[gansky1]

Never been hooked up - I wonder if the outer tub rusted anyw

Cool - never used! This is a fun washer, the agitator isn't as effective as you might imagine for really dirty things, but it does give a good show.

I have a brochure for the Gibson-branded laundry line exactly like this but from the later 70's when they went to the plastic tubs. "You too can be a Gibson Girl!"

The first non-American Motors Kelvinator washers & dryers were sourced from Norge. We saw a couple of them out on the South Dakota Sacred Appliance Burial Grounds.

 

[toggleswitch2]

Makes one wonder WHY a homeowner would not want to have a W&D. Was there another set in the basement?

Some people are actually under the belief that doing laundry OUT is more economical. It does give one the excuse to get out and see people..........

 

[bajaespuma]

Don't look at me Dolores, all my money's tied up in

I'm sorry, but that dryer looks too much like a GM 1-18 Frigidaire model. But then I have to admit I've seen some WCI Frigidaires with GM parts floating around. What'd they do, phase them out?

But gee, y'all know how much I love blue polypropylene and there's that lovely turquoise blue Pig agitator and I imagine it has the huge deep pig tub that the Grant's machines had...

Hmmm, let's see; I'm in Connecticut and I really want to tie up more of my pesky barely existent cash in old appliances...

 

[scrubflex]

Can you post MORE pictures of the agitator in the washtub?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Robert, where are these located? Connecticut?

Yes I believe so. These look like fun, a 70's version of the pig but with a perforated 18lb tub. Index away. I hope someone here gets them.

 

[spinmon]

waasshhinnggggg

Up to 18 minute wash! I've never seen over 14 on any the tl's I've used. Sheltered life,I guess...

 

[bobbyderegis]

OK guys, educate me. What is a pig?
Bobby in Boston

 

[rll70sman]

Long wash time

My 2002 Whirlpool Ultimate Care II that bit the dust in March had a maximum of 18 minutes of wash time on the normal cycle. It would fill and "prewash" for three minutes, partially drain, refill, and continue washing. The owners manual recommended one and a half times the usual amount of laundry soap on this setting. My Kenmore 500 series model that replaced the Whirlpool has a maximum normal wash time of 16 minutes.

I always thought it interesting how the old Maytags washed only 10 minutes on the regular cycle, but Kenmore, Whirlpool, and many of the other brands washed 14 or more minutes. The same with rinses. Maytags seemed to have really short deep rinses. Did it have something to do with agitator effectiveness or simply with how each manufacturer designed their timers? Just a thought....

 

[mickeyd]

Hi guys! ...

Rob, my 1994 WP does the same thing. Were they still calling it a "Super Wash" in 2002.

Will, the older GE's have 18 minute washes, and I think I've seen it elsewhere, maybe the Frigidaire1-18. Other members will know. My GE is a late 70's model.

Bobby, one of Robert's DVD's feature what I think is called the Franklin Pig, a machine that both uses a ton of water in the rinse, and splashes out a ton in overflow during the wash, requiring more water to be added. Haven't seen the flick, but there have been many discussions. Think it was sold by Wester Auto and my have been a cousin to the Norge.

Will, in the 50's many machines had a standard 10 minute wash. Frigidaires, Maytags, etc. the KM/WP's had 12. Then the wash tines started getting longer. Like you, I think it had to do designer preference. There was some research from CU, on optimal washing time, but my memory is murky there. Of interest is that many coin-ops wash for only 6 minutes. Maybe you should start a thread. Cool stuff will surface from the club's collective knowledge.

 

[bobbyderegis]

Thanks Mickeyd! Any more of the "pig" DVDs kicking around?
Bobby in Boston

 

[Unimatic1140]

Thanks Mickeyd! Any more of the "pig" DVDs kicking around?

Give me a bit of time and I will remaster it and re-release it.

 

[bobbyderegis]

Thanks Robert.
Bobby in Boston

 

[mickeyd]

Self Correction

Was saying that 10 minute wash times were the norm in the machines of the 50's , citing Frigidaire and Maytag. Then on my bike ride with an brisk autumn air-cooled head, I remembered that the early Whirlpools had 20 minute washes as does Robert's '47 GE. So there goes my 10 minute warrrrsh theory. **chuckle**

In another realm, the automatic timers on the wringers I've had are as follows

Speed Queen 8 !!!!!!! pretty darn brief
Visi-Matic 20 (5 bonus minutes, unmarked between 20 and HOLD)
Norge "Heavy," no minutes listed, just soil levels, but it's 9, 10, or 11--I forget which
Easy Spin 20 (Not automatic, just a chime)
And the Hoover, of course, at 4

So I guess the wash time was whatever they damn well pleased ;'D. Would it be a fun thread to let everyone give the time ranges on their machines. That way we could find a normative range and a mean, medium, and mode for the number lovers among us. Calling Eugene Frigilux.

 

[rickr]

Hi Mike, I just looked at a couple of my 50's machines. The 56 Kenmore and 56 Whirlpool have 13 minutes, and the 58 Maytag has 14 minutes.

 

[mickeyd]

Hi Rick, That's wild--never seen that one!

13--huh! Is that a bonus minute beyond 12? :-> I'd love to see a dial marked 13. What a sense of humor that dial dude had picking an unlucky number. Thanks, Rick.

 

[frigilux]

Bobby, I think it's also called The Pig because of the sounds it makes during agitation.

Hi, mickeyd! Nice to see you back here.