A very long wait and a Hotpoint Micro Profile De Luxe 9560

[supermaticjames]

Hi all,

A few of you are aware that Mikey Clark was looking after this machine for me. He unknowingly purchased the machine for 99p on my behalf in January of this year (I cannot believe how time has flown!) shortly after my birthday. How nice of him!

He looked looked after it until last month when I decided to arrange a courier to transport it and a rare Servis Spectrum 6800. I was extremely let down by the original courier who kept going AWOL and giving me poor excuses before finally admitting he couldn't do the job. Luckily a courier from Northern Ireland saved the day and I no longer have to stress myself out about them like I have for the last month. You can imagine that I'm so relieved to see these in the flesh at last!

They just about survived the journey across the Irish Sea however they have both sustained cosmetic damage, some of which will be incredibly difficult to repair/replace. I should be thankful that they both work though.

Can anyone help me with a replacement dispenser front? I don't mind what state it's in. Even if someone could provide me with a good photo or scan of one I could try and replicate it.

Regards, James

 

[supermaticjames]

Apologies for the poor photo.

 

[supermaticjames]

It's very clean internally with hardly any rust on the fixings on the inner drum. I will take better pictures tomorrow as I will be working on it all day tomorrow - naturally!

James

 

[supermaticjames]

Hi everyone,

I spent most of today working on the machine and although there was lots to do, I had fun.

First of all, I finished cleaning out the base of the machine. I discovered that the pump is the original one with the metal guard manufactured in December 1986 and fitted sometime in early 1987. I also removed the trap in the sump hose to find much to my surprise - absolutely nothing! I do think that this machine was well looked after and used with care despite the cosmetic damage. Well, it did cost £389.95 brand new which is approximately £989 in todays money when adjusted for inflation.

I then very carefully tackled the fascia which cleaned up nicely and I made sure to give the display window a clean as well as the display itself to allow it to shine crystal clear. I love the display on this - it's just typical high-end 1980s.

After giving the cabinet and the front panel a quick clean, I was in a position to start reassembly. I had just enough time to run a rinse programme and a super spin to check for leaks and to check the electrical integrity of the machine. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to let the machine spin at 1400 rpm with an empty drum even though I was reassured that it is okay to do. The one horror story I've heard about Paul & Robs 9560 is enough to put me off and because the motor fitted to mine is the original GEC one which doesn't enjoy being pushed to its limits the last thing I want is it to be destroyed. So, with my finger placed over the on/off button just in case, I let it run at 1400 rpm even though Hotpoint states otherwise with 1300 rpm on the dispenser drawer handle and the display itself. It was certainly music to my ears.

I can't wait to run a full programme tomorrow to fully test it out. I will also tackle the very tired looking lid as well. I really am so happy right now as such a machine would not be possible to find here and this is just what my collection needs.

James

 

[supermaticjames]

Original pump, manufactured in December 1986. Note the stain from a previous leak (presumably bearing failure).

 

[supermaticjames]

Final picture for tonight (I will take more tomorrow in daylight). It looks a bit more tidier now and once I sort the kickstrip and lid out it will be a lovely example. It's almost as if Polar White was designed for these machines and I may paint the door trim just to age it a bit so that it ties in with the yellowed plastics. I'll be removing the gold sticker too.

James

 

[chanceskydiver]

9560

It was a pleasure to look after them for you, and to fetch the 9560. Didn't expect it to sell for £ 1. But however it has been a long stressful time for you. My dad is delighted that you have them, and you're happy

 

[robliverpool]

Congratulations James
I personally love the old hotpoints. They are so easy to work on and access for repairs is great. I love the way you can just Un clip the front off the outer tub.
Looks like the machine has found a good home with many many more years of enjoyment left in it

Robbie

 

[supermaticjames]

Hi Robbie,

Yes they were definitely built with servicing in mind. The two modules are mounted at the top to allow for easy swapping, the front panel comes off to allow you to change the heater, thermistor, door interlock and door seal.

I definitely won't be letting this one go, it's a wonderful machine and clearly a lot of work was put in during the design process. The 9560 is a bit of a rarity too, the only other one I know of is Paul & Rob's 9560W

James

 

[robliverpool]

I couldn't tell you how many of these I've repaired over the years. Even just changing the carbons is easy. Pop lid off and there's the motor. Even changing the bearings are easy. Just a shame machines are not built like this any more with basic servicing in mind.

 

[gizmo]

hi James

I have a drawer front and front display panel. Mine are brown however.

there may be small chips in the plastic round the edges - I'll have to check.
From vague memory the drawer front is perfect, the fascia panel has a small chip on the corner.

I'd be happy to send them to you if you'd like.

I'm in Australia so it might take a while to arrive...