1972 Kenmore 24-inch washer local Craigslist find

[kenmoreguy64]

Tuesday of this week I was scanning the local Craigslist ads. I have a routine where I filter out high-priced dealer ads and recent stuff from private sellers. I always make sure I include "Washing machine" in my search wording in addition to just "washer".

I don't find much in Charlotte, but C/L will show stuff nearby, which is how I found the 1973 Kenmore suds model last fall.

This time the ads yielded a 1972 Kenmore MOL 24-inch washer, much to my surprise. The ad was nearly 2 weeks old, but I contacted the seller and he still had it, not at all surprisingly. The machine was in a house he purchased after the owner passed away, and he was fixing up the home to become rental property.

We agreed on a price via e-mail and phone calls. Wednesday night I went to get the washer, the day before his new tenants moved in. Ad says the machine needs a good scrub down, which is not an understatement. Nowhere to be found is the timer knob, but I was undetered as I have several new in package (Kevin says right on queue yesterday "Well of course you do!"). Yep...

[this post was last edited: 5/10/2014-10:26]

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/app/4436366614.html

 

[kenmoreguy64]

pictures from the ad

 

[kenmoreguy64]

[No message]

 

[kenmoreguy64]

[No message]

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I have a strict rule, "no new washers at home until I finish the few that await work". Well, I broke that rule because putting this washer in storage would require it to be hauled up about 8 stairs by myself at 11pm at night. Not happening, so, home it came.

Yesterday I brought it in the garage and tested it out, to my satisfaction it sounds pretty nice. Nasty it is though, lots of dried soap suds and splash residue. The lint filter was jammed in place, so I figured it was completely clogged.

I did some research on the timer dial and knob, as the dial fits only loosely with the knob missing. Both are NLA but I found sources on ebay and in Atlanta if I want to buy new and replace the knob I used from my stock. I learned though that tightening the new knob on properly secures the dial, which was awesome.

The machine seems to work well, but I have my work cut out for me cleaning it and fixing some cosmetic rust.

Here are a couple more pictures:

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Now for the yuk!

I did get the lint filter out, by removing the whole assembly and soaking it with the hose. It was quite full of lint but not clogged.

I've seen this model in B&W ads in Sears catalogs, but I had no idea the consoles were tan colored.

I was really surprised that this machine has a standard frame timer, NOT a quick disconnect like most of its 29-inch counterparts had. I would love to know why this had the old-style timer while the full-size machine of the same cycle arrangement had the new-style. It makes for interesting trivia if nothing else, but I'm glad I rescued this machine as it was headed for the dump.

Gordon

 

[hippiedoll]

nice save!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

i can wait to see picture of this lil' cutie all spiffied up!!!

)

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice save, Gordon!  I don't recall ever seeing one of those.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Reminds me of a 24" washer you might have gotten from Nevada... LOL!

RCD

 

[tomturbomatic]

Is that a porcelain outer tub top?

 

[arris]

Nice

Gordon
Congrats.....

 

[mtn1584]

Is that the original lid? What happened to the chrome lid handle? Couls the lid have been replaced?
Mike

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Some answers to questions

Thanks everyone! I didn't realize this might be a rare machine, it was in several catalogs, but if you've never seen one Kenny, then it is probably more unusual than I thought.

Tom -- Yes, that is a porcelain tub ring. I think they are all porcelain from this era, though the 24-inch version has a splash barrier built into it around the rim that is a little different in appearance from the 29-inch.

Mike -- For 1972, Kenmore eliminated the chrome lid handle in every washer and went to the notched handle. The purpose I think was to make a more modern look and save the cost of the chromed parts. This machine was made in February 1973.

Gordon

 

[pulltostart]

Sweet Find

Gordon - nice save, will be eager to see it polished and running like a top (as we all know it will when you have finished).

And now, if you will allow me to share a short story...

Once upon a time, when I was a pre-schooler, I was "helping" my dad work on our car. I believe he was changing the oil and filter; we were in the backyard. When he finished whatever he was doing, and I knew that he was finished, my reaction was to say "Now, turn on the radio and see if it works!" My dad used to love to tell that one and point out how un-mechanically-inclined I have always been.

So, back to the current day. Once you've waved your magic wand over this one "turn on the radio and see if it works!"

lawrence

 

[xraytech]

Great find Gordon,
Its a very cute machine

 

[70series]

Great save Gordon! It seems like we're seeing several rare early 70s gems come out of the woodwork. This one is kind of like an updated version of your 67 24 inch washer.

Good luck getting it up and running.

James

 

[ovrphil]

it's good...that unusual or rare finds their way home to some of the best caretakers of these machines...and though you're just one, you're definitely one of the most respected. Glad to see its under your umbrella of care - and expect the unexpected - more rarities are out there, looking for someone...maybe...named Gordon.

I like the panel alot.

 

[combo52]

Old Style timer In a 1973 WP Built BD Washer

WP was still building many machines with the older style timers with individual wires on their timers, The KM lineup got the new quick-disconnect timers first on some machines starting around 1967. I think that most appliance people will agree that the individual wire timers were much more durable when QDTs first came out.The bad thing about the individual wire timers were the nylon hubs that held the timer dail in place were not very sturdy and were easy to break and allow the timer dial to become misaligned.