1982 Kenmore 60-series

[kenmoreguy64]

Yesterday, while working more on the 1980 TOL machine I got last weekend, I decided to finally water test and hopefully use the 1982 Kenmore 60 series machine that I essentially ground-up rebuilt last summer/fall.

The machine has new bearings and seals, a re-sealed outer tub, new belt, timer, etc. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. After I did the work, I don't know why, but I never water tested it. I think the weather was lousy to be working in the garage by then.

So, yesterday was the day. It worked well in tests, so I hooked it up and ran a load of towels. I haven't had much experience with the Penta-Vane lately, but this will change that hopefully. On the other side of the dryer from this machine is my '77 with Penta-Swirl, so that should be a fun comparison if (or rather when) I run them simultaneously.

This model is the lowest in the line features-wise to have earned the black-panel 'wet-look' control panel. All other machines including some very similar, had the cheaper, platic control panel.

I hope you like it (though I know it's not TOL enough for some and too new for others). I enjoyed the work.

Gordon

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I think I'm going to like the Penta-Vane

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Washing...

Note to self - remember after all these years not to wash towels with that much detergent.....

DUH

 

[kenmoreguy64]

A fun machine for a semi-basic model. This is probably what I would have bought had I been on the market then.

 

[pulltostart]

Gordon,

You do have a way with those consoles! Looks great, a job well-done.

Lawrence

 

[kenmoreguy64]

This machine is one of the escapees from the Arizona desert. They are GREAT because like the cars out there, they don't rust. This one has some hard water stains on the porcelain, but I'll get rid of that eventually.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Thanks Lawrence! It's a labor of love for me with these machines. One day I am all about the black panel machines, next day I like the early 70s stuff, then I am into vintage 60s machines. I guess I am just fortunate to be an equal-opportunity Kenmore fan. BUT, my Mom bought a 1982 black panel upper 70-series machine when I was still at home, and I got one myself four years later, and those experiences, especially buying one myself, solidified my appreciation for these machines permanently (which is a good thing considering how many I have).

Gordon

 

[gyrafoam]

That's a great restoration, Gordon. Those machines are such good workhorses.

 

[mickeyd]

I agree, they are just fabulous washing machines!

They're fun, they're powerful, they're efficient, and they're beautiful, the apogee or apex of belt-drive evolution and perfection.

When I moved into Columbia Pkwy above Bill Downstairs, I brought along my cabinet-crashed early 80's Norge, and a KM dryer which matched the machine you're featuring today. There was only one washer hook-up at the time, and Bill's dryer was broken, so he suggested we use his washer and my dryer.

As much as I loved the ever-urgent Norge, this KM was sheer delight. The clothes were spun noticeably dryer than I remembered from an earlier KM, for the reason you explained the other day. Thanks. Was and still am I great fan of this machine. In fact, the exact machine we had, just a hair above yours, is included in Jason's slide show today(supersurgilator_68).

Despite your losses, it must be comforting to know that you have your favorite machine available in perpetuity or ad infinitum, depending on what side of the bed you got up on ;-D

 

[aldspinboy]

Gordon my aunt had that model only the same Penta vane agitator in gold color that was the first time i seen it work.
I really like BOL models GREAT work on the machine !
I hope to get some of my models in perfect condition as yours in the future i
would be a very happy camper.
I really need your help ! HELP lol.
And guess what when your excited about all the work you put into it and you turn it on it is ok if you overdosed it's just a little cake.
Nice machine !
Best cleaning has a Penta-vane model here is a video of it.
I like the rollover.

Darren k.

http://www.youtube.com/user/bestcleaningwasher#p/u/9/VQIF3MwjefA

 

[cfz2882]

that spiffed up nice! great machine,i have two big BDs from
around the same era and just found a 3rd,an '84,in a junkpile
that i will likely fetch and fix(it's pretty decent except
control panel is missing)

 

[mrb627]

Open Lid

I have to say that I appreciate that the lid has been properly adjusted so that the weight of the lid rests on the hinge bumpers rather than the edge of the cabinet top which usually results in finish damage and eventually rust!

Nice work...

Malcolm

 

[lebron]

Nice looking Kenmore, that's for sure. Is it standard or large cap? I can never tell

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Jed - It's a large capacity (2.8 cu. ft.)

Malcolm - I always adjust the lid hinges. It takes about 3 seconds with the top propped up and a large pair of pliers. You are right though - I've seen lots pinched areas where the porcelain is damaged due to the lid being pushed back too far. The 1980 model I got last weekend was like that. Fortunately, FSP touch-up paint works well on that.

Gordon

 

[kenmoreguy64]

cfz2882 - if you give me the model number to the machine at the yard, I can tell you what console to look for to put on it, OR I might have a spare (if you want the exact one that is).

Thanks for the nice comments on this washer. I am looking forward to using it.

Gordon

 

[cfz2882]

i'll post the model # after i pick it up(a dumptruck was in
the way but when they move that i will fetch the washer)i
would like to have a general idea of which panel would be
authentic on this machine-i have collected a few spare panels
too as the "black panels"with their plastic and sheet aluminum
constuction are kinda fragile and get broken at the dump etc.pretty easy

 

[70series]

Nice job on that Model 60. The console sparkles probably better than it did back in 1982.

The lint filter is obviously working well. From the action shot it looks like water is projecting outward from it more than you would see with a filter of this type in my opinion. It definitely looks like a fun machine to play with, and the sounds it makes must be awesome.

Have a good one,
James

 

[best-cleaning]

Ah! I want to use my Kenmore tomorrow!

Nice action and thanks for sharing.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Update:

I've been comparing the action in the 1982 Penta-Vane with my 1977 Penta-Swirl. The two machines may as well be considered identical mechanically, but there is no comparison in agitation. The 'Swirl is far more gentle, yet it keeps things moving unless the tub is really full. The Penta-Vane is almost rough in certain situations, and keeps suds caps on the water, clothes very much in turnover, and a lot of action going on in general. The lint filter in that machine, which is the same cartridge as in my 1979 straight-vane standard capacity machine, fills after one load, whereas it takes two or three in the '79.

The Penta-Swirl is becoming in my mind a 'cultured' effective agitator, whereas the Penta-Vane is just a brute.

Gordon