1971 Maytag Porta-Washer M0D. A50

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Thanks to Martin (yogitunes), I got the heads up on this washer. Just a hours drive from Brooklyn (now there's a switch, I usually drive a lot further for an appliance). It has been sitting in a kitchen, unused for decades. Thankfully it wasn't located in a damp basement. Supposedly it worked the last time it was used.  I gave it a quick wipe down since it was quite grimy. The tubs are still dirty with, looks like old spices that have fallen in through the years. As a nice bonus I got the operating manual that's virtually mint. Serial number 393807 MQ (1971, July) making it 50 years young.

 

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I haven't tried it yet. Want to open it up and see how are things inside. If it checks out, I'll try it outside in the terrace in case something leaks.

 

[gizmo]

That looks lovely.

don't forget to take photos of the inside for us.

 

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Absolutely Chris.

 

I know the belts are either broken or will soon be.

 

Agitator belt is part number 251021

 

There is a reproduction available on ebay for $23.99

 

[repairguy]

Congrats! I see it worked out after all.

 

[bradross]

Great find!

I remember as a child of about 10 years old, seeing these in a department store, and REALLY wanting one! It would have been an expensive "toy", and my parents wouldn't buy it for me, of course. Years later, I bought a second-hand Hoover AND a Simplicity/Speed Queen Super-Twin. I guess that made up for it!

 

[ea56]

Congrats on your score Louie! You’re gonna love this little dynamo! I thoroughly enjoyed the A50 that I had from ‘77 to ‘81. It was fun to use, quick and really did a great job washing in a very short time.

Eddie

 

[electronicontrl]

And the instruction manual!

You have the soft cover in color to boot!!!!!
So happy for you, Louis!
(Nice find Martin)

 

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Thanks guys!

 

 

Like every other A50 I have seen, the plastic top has oxidized with time. Other than using hydrogen peroxide, are there other methods that can whiten the top?

 

[yogitunes]

save time/money and make your own belts....

 

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Hey Martin. How can you make your own?

 

[yogitunes]

O-Thane cord and a slug.....

1/4" works best....

I think it runs about $2.95 per foot, and the slug is .75.....

I get it from a local Vacuum/Sewing shop.....across from one of the Habitat/Restores you and I visit...

Belts for TwinTubs....part2

With advice from Tim and Ted, and putting our heads together.......I think were hitting the nail on the head of creating belts for the TwinTubs, which are working and holding up......though a few ideas that didn't work out at first..... Ted has purchased NeoPrene cord which will be glued...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

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Thanks Martin...

 

 

But I decided just to purchase the belt ready made. I'll be posting pictures soon.

 

[swestoyz]

Congrats!

Louis, this is such a fun save. I had one years ago that ended up with another member. It's one of the few machines I wish I had saved, delivery cover and all.

Ben

 

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Thanks Ben!

 

 

Well I opened the back cover, and that's that. Hopefully the new belt arrives today.

 



 



 

Looks pretty decent for a 50 year old machine.

 

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The spinner belt looks OK, but I would still like to get a back-up. I read somewhere that replacing that belt is quite involved.

 

Spinner belt part # 251023

 

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I also decided to order a diverter valve, as a back-up.

 

Part # WP204313

 

[egress]

we use this sort of stuff https://superiorbands.com/material-handling/polycord/
to make belts at my robotics club. you cut it and join it with a special iron, though i believe a heat gun or soldering iron could work too. it looks very similar to the old belt, albeit not as crusty. it can be easily made to any length.