1977 LK set and another belt drive

[repairguy]

I made a 435 mile 7.5 hour road trip to acquire this 1977 Lady Kenmore set. They are tired but I couldn’t let them be.

I also picked up a 70 series Kenmore that was gently used. I did some service for a lady about a year and a half ago or so and mentioned if they were ever going to get rid of it to call me. I got the unexpected call a few days ago and picked it up. It was one of the last belt drive Kenmores built . Manufactured in 1986 the model was introduced in 1982 or 1983.

 

[appnut]

Melvin, I'm glad you saved all 3. That 70 series is extremely special as it was one of the last produced.

 

[repairguy]

Thanks Bob! The 70 series is very clean.

I’ve been wanting one of the original dual action agitators for a long time. Little did I know I would find one in a matched avocado Lady Kenmore set. Some people may be annoyed by the constant clicking but I kind of like it.

The 1977 machines are actually 1976 models. So it’s like getting the first and the last of the black panel series. The ‘77 set will require a complete rebuild.

 

[DADoES]

 
Full-featured 70 with programmed temp!

 

[appnut]

I recognized that was a high-end 70 also.

 

[maytag85]

There was a early to mid 80’s Kenmore belt drive set I was going to pickup in late May early June but the deal didn’t end up working out and I was bummed but I think it was meant to be since I ended up getting the 1963 Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII set that was 70 miles away from where I live.

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice save on the Lady's. A little rough around the edges, but a great set to have.

 

[frigilux]

1977–the year I graduated from high school! Your LK set is in better shape than I am 43 years later, lol.
Congratulations on scoring the last of the belt drives in that Model 70. Truly the end of an era for the Whirlpool corporation.

 

[combo52]

Great Save Melvin

What week in 1986 was the Kenmore washer built in ?

 

John L.

 

[swestoyz]

Nice saves! The 70 series machine will clean up nicely.

The ‘76 LKs seem to be scare these days. The only one I’ve seen was a panel last summer. I left this behind as most of the lettering was gone - probably a victim of Spray and Wash.

I like the black tops with the chrome being more pronounced. Wish I had saved it now.

Ben

 

[agiflow4]

Those center dial Kenmores look just as good now as they did when first released in 1975-76. That design aged very well.

 

[gansky1]

I told you to stay in the toy aisle!

I was 11 when that LK set came out, shooed away by the sales guys more than once.  I was completely enamored with the dispenser, all those shiny dials and that black panel top instead of woodgrain.   You'll have fun with them. 

 

The 86 looks pretty good, probably needs some work but should clean up well.  I worked at Sears when the 86 washer was new.  Soon after the DD models came out, one like yours was returned.  It was $119 on clearance - as is.   The entire basket of the machine looked like it had been dipped in orange/rust paint.  I'd never seen iron water that bad before.   I asked why they took it back, the answer at Sears was always the same; "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back."

 

[repairguy]

Thanks folks! I’m starting to have quite the vintage whirlpool/kenmore belt drive collection. The problem is they all need work done to them and I never seem to make the time. I don’t know why I didn’t look to see what week the 70 series was built. I’m not home for a couple of days but I’ll definitely look when I get back.

Guess I’m going to have to build the southeast Texas branch of the famous museum in Maryland. It would be really nice to have all of the vintage machines I have rebuilt and connected in a climate controlled building.

This site keeps me always looking and that has gotten me into trouble. I have a lot of neat machines but no more room as you’ve heard many times before.

Ben I’m glad I didn’t see that pile you came across because I probably would’ve brought a lot of that stuff home.

 

[repairguy]

The 70 series was built the 7th week of 1986 so no prize here. I believe I have a whirlpool that was built the 20th week of ‘86. Wasn’t the latest one in the club like the 35th week of 1986? Anyone know?

 

[DADoES]

 
I have an LA7800XP, 6th wk of 1986.

 

[maytag85]

I rem reading somewhere in the archives and I don’t exactly remember what thread it was, but Gordon said he once saw a Whirlpool belt drive washer made sometime in 1987.

 

[repairguy]

Well the good looking 70 series is leaking like crazy through the tub seal and has been for a while. I’m not sure how that went unnoticed as it was inside the house. Otherwise it runs smooth and quiet. May have a chance later today to remove outer tub and see how bad center post and tub lip are. I had already expected a full rebuild so I wasn’t surprised.