58 Four Star is back in action!......
- Thread starter Dick_S.
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danelto
Well-known member
A Beauty
Give this pretty thing a crown and we'll have the next Ms. America!
Graham, are you looking at this?
dan
Give this pretty thing a crown and we'll have the next Ms. America!
Graham, are you looking at this?
dan
****
Those old four-stars were absolutely beautiful. Dick, your's looks like it's in even better condition than the one Aunt Helen had when it was new! Even then, I knew it was something special.
I'm curious too about the four-star designation. Surely sounds TOL, but the LK bests them? What was the difference? What years were we treated to the four-stars?
Great job there!
Kelly
Those old four-stars were absolutely beautiful. Dick, your's looks like it's in even better condition than the one Aunt Helen had when it was new! Even then, I knew it was something special.
I'm curious too about the four-star designation. Surely sounds TOL, but the LK bests them? What was the difference? What years were we treated to the four-stars?
Great job there!
Kelly
Thanks for the picture of the '60 'alphabet' washer, Dick! That is the same one our neighbors had. Love the preggers Roto-Swirl and the waterfall lint filter. Brings back many fond memories of the '60 Model 80 I grew up with. I had a lot of fun pushing all the rocker cycle buttons when I was a kid.
mickeyd
Well-known member
Looks like summer, so bright and nice in the sunshine state
That machine is gorgeous, Dick.
Are those buttons gold ?
That machine is gorgeous, Dick.
Are those buttons gold ?
jamman_98
Well-known member
I remember
My Aunt had this machine on her back porch when I was growing up. Brings back some wonderful memories. I still love Kenmores because they remind me of my mom so much.
Jamman_98
Joe
My Aunt had this machine on her back porch when I was growing up. Brings back some wonderful memories. I still love Kenmores because they remind me of my mom so much.
Jamman_98
Joe
1958 Lineup
I'm posting a pic of the 58 Lady Kenmore set from the 58 Sears catalogue and then I will post the Four Star models advertised which were on the opposite page to the LK's in the catalogue.
You can see how similar in basic design they both are, with the exception of the timeline cycle modifier on the LK and some cosmetic differences. Mechanically there were some differences as the LK had a self cleaning lint filter, a fabric softner dispenser, and a chime signaling end of cycle. But I'm so happy and satisfied with the Four Star.
I really don't remember that much about the "Four Star" models or how many years they were featured as a model by Sears.
Mickeyd-the control knobs are I guess you could say "gold" plated and I believe the backsplash is some form of plastic or maybe even eisenglass. Not sure. I have been fortunate in that all my old Kenmores have had decent control panels and all the plastic and knobs have been in fairly good condition right from the start. You might as our leader Robert as he did considerable work on the control panel of his 57 LK.
I do know that I'm still trying to figure out how to get to the front of the console panels on both the washer and the dryer so I can check the flourescent lights on both of them, which at this time are both working.
Dick
I'm posting a pic of the 58 Lady Kenmore set from the 58 Sears catalogue and then I will post the Four Star models advertised which were on the opposite page to the LK's in the catalogue.
You can see how similar in basic design they both are, with the exception of the timeline cycle modifier on the LK and some cosmetic differences. Mechanically there were some differences as the LK had a self cleaning lint filter, a fabric softner dispenser, and a chime signaling end of cycle. But I'm so happy and satisfied with the Four Star.
I really don't remember that much about the "Four Star" models or how many years they were featured as a model by Sears.
Mickeyd-the control knobs are I guess you could say "gold" plated and I believe the backsplash is some form of plastic or maybe even eisenglass. Not sure. I have been fortunate in that all my old Kenmores have had decent control panels and all the plastic and knobs have been in fairly good condition right from the start. You might as our leader Robert as he did considerable work on the control panel of his 57 LK.
I do know that I'm still trying to figure out how to get to the front of the console panels on both the washer and the dryer so I can check the flourescent lights on both of them, which at this time are both working.
Dick
and now for......
....the Four Star
Some member asked about the "V". I do believe Roberts 57 LK also has a "V". I could be wrong as I don't have the time to go look for a pic of his 57.
I don't remember seeing the "V" on too many Kenmore models back in those years.
Dick
....the Four Star
Some member asked about the "V". I do believe Roberts 57 LK also has a "V". I could be wrong as I don't have the time to go look for a pic of his 57.
I don't remember seeing the "V" on too many Kenmore models back in those years.
Dick
exploder3211
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2006
- Messages
- 1,664
Love the fact they tote the dryer as being able to warm up a room with the "Built in Air Flow"
two things:
1. Built in airflow was a feature discussed a couple months ago--you removed the lint screen, and put in a deflector. Someone on here had pictures.
2. Four-star was their "buick" in the day---nearly all the functionality of the LK, but in a slightly de-contented way. Compare the two here: LK was all porcelain, had a softener dispenser, automatic lint filter, colors, signal. 4* was simpler to make, simpler to sell (only white), and probably more profitable.
1. Built in airflow was a feature discussed a couple months ago--you removed the lint screen, and put in a deflector. Someone on here had pictures.
2. Four-star was their "buick" in the day---nearly all the functionality of the LK, but in a slightly de-contented way. Compare the two here: LK was all porcelain, had a softener dispenser, automatic lint filter, colors, signal. 4* was simpler to make, simpler to sell (only white), and probably more profitable.
....and I might add, a bit simpler to repair and keep running, while still retaining the basic design and look of the Lady Kenmore. The bottom backsplash strip (if that is what its called) is the same stamped design as the one used on the LK.
I guess you all can tell that a big portion of the attraction to Kenmores for me is their design and cosmetic features.
I'll be posting close up pix later this week and get some video footage of her hopefully by this weekend.
Dick
I guess you all can tell that a big portion of the attraction to Kenmores for me is their design and cosmetic features.
I'll be posting close up pix later this week and get some video footage of her hopefully by this weekend.
Dick
sheerlookhomes
New member
GORGEOUS,GORGEOUS,GORGEOUS, well done saving it...can't wait to see it in action!
Thanks for pics.
Thanks for pics.
As promised, here 'tis in action.....
..plus pictures of the console up close for those of you who asked for some.
Does any of you know HOW to disassemble the console???? I got to a certain point this morning and couldn't figure out how to remove the front panel. I need to find out as I might need to be taking out the timer in the near future.
I really need to talk with someone who understands these old machines. I've come a long way in diagnosing and fixing them but there are some areas I am still in need of a lot of guidance. This machine has got a few issues that are really confusing me. Thanks
John from SD came up last weekend and we braved the cold temps in the washroom to run a few machines and take this video of the 58. Hope you enjoy.
..plus pictures of the console up close for those of you who asked for some.
Does any of you know HOW to disassemble the console???? I got to a certain point this morning and couldn't figure out how to remove the front panel. I need to find out as I might need to be taking out the timer in the near future.
I really need to talk with someone who understands these old machines. I've come a long way in diagnosing and fixing them but there are some areas I am still in need of a lot of guidance. This machine has got a few issues that are really confusing me. Thanks
John from SD came up last weekend and we braved the cold temps in the washroom to run a few machines and take this video of the 58. Hope you enjoy.
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Great Video Dick!! Almost like being there! Thanks!
Try roughing up the snubber on the sidewalk. The snubber needs to be rough in order to grip the tub ring so it can limit the movement of the tub. Also make sure there is enough pressure on the snubber bracket.
You should also check the spin bearings for wear.
Put the timer on the spin cycle,with the machine turned off. Hold the spin basket, then turn the machine on. Let the machine on for a few seconds while holding the spin basket, then turn the machine off, while still holding the spin basket still. The machine will now still be in the spin cycle, without the brake on. Grasp the spin basket at two places directly across from each other, then see if you can rock the spin basket back and forth.
A VERY small amount of movement could be considered normal. Howewver, if you get a CLUNK CLUNK with a lot of movement you need spin bearings replaced, and also a replacement spin shaft.
From your video I did not notice excessive cabinet vibration, however you know your Kenmores, so if you say the vibration is excessive, I take your word for it.
Another thing that could be a problem would be the suspention balls. I have rebuilt 6 or 7 old KM/WP machines, and only had to replace the balls on one machine. That machine had sat out in a junkyard.The balls on the junkyard queen were hard as a rock. Usually the balls do not need to be replaced, but your machine might need them. They are available yet, and are not that costly. Or you could try a ball transplant from a newer parts belt drive machine, as they are the same size. If you replace the suspention balls, be sure to replace the lower balls as well as the upper. (6 balls) Also make sure the tub is centered before tighting the balls down. Otherwise the rub will not be centered when the machine is level.
The other probem you are having sound like it might be the timer itself.
Best of luck Dick, and hit me back if you need me.
Rick
Try roughing up the snubber on the sidewalk. The snubber needs to be rough in order to grip the tub ring so it can limit the movement of the tub. Also make sure there is enough pressure on the snubber bracket.
You should also check the spin bearings for wear.
Put the timer on the spin cycle,with the machine turned off. Hold the spin basket, then turn the machine on. Let the machine on for a few seconds while holding the spin basket, then turn the machine off, while still holding the spin basket still. The machine will now still be in the spin cycle, without the brake on. Grasp the spin basket at two places directly across from each other, then see if you can rock the spin basket back and forth.
A VERY small amount of movement could be considered normal. Howewver, if you get a CLUNK CLUNK with a lot of movement you need spin bearings replaced, and also a replacement spin shaft.
From your video I did not notice excessive cabinet vibration, however you know your Kenmores, so if you say the vibration is excessive, I take your word for it.
Another thing that could be a problem would be the suspention balls. I have rebuilt 6 or 7 old KM/WP machines, and only had to replace the balls on one machine. That machine had sat out in a junkyard.The balls on the junkyard queen were hard as a rock. Usually the balls do not need to be replaced, but your machine might need them. They are available yet, and are not that costly. Or you could try a ball transplant from a newer parts belt drive machine, as they are the same size. If you replace the suspention balls, be sure to replace the lower balls as well as the upper. (6 balls) Also make sure the tub is centered before tighting the balls down. Otherwise the rub will not be centered when the machine is level.
The other probem you are having sound like it might be the timer itself.
Best of luck Dick, and hit me back if you need me.
Rick
Whoops... Forgot about the panel. Have never worked on a 1958 model, but the whole top comes off a 1956 and 1957. Just remove all the knobs, then remove the rear panel and gently push the whole console forward. It comes off as an assembly, and all the controls stay mounted to a grey plate on the top of the machine. I would think a 1958 would come apart the same way.
R.
R.
westytoploader
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
Dick, that is a great video, both the 1958 and 1960 Kenmores sound like they run flawlessly, and who can forget what beautiful machines they are as well. Thanks for sharing!
Dick thank you so much. The video brings back so many memories. And beautiful machines as always
Kenmores
Thanks so much for the fun video. What a real pleasure it is to hear that wonderful belt drive sound again.
Best Wishes
Peter
Thanks so much for the fun video. What a real pleasure it is to hear that wonderful belt drive sound again.
Best Wishes
Peter
Blast from the past! I love the spaceship-esque "wooo-wooo, wooo-wooo" sound they make during agitation. The dashboard on that '58 is gorgeous. Growing up with a 1960 Model 80, it's funny how decades later a person remembers every idiosyncratic sound those belt-drive Kenmores make... Thanks for the video, Dick.
