An AMP comes back to life!

[combo52]

An orignal AMP

AMP washers, Ben you should know me by now and I call appliances as I have experienced them, I am just as critical of WP, GE and WCI-Frigidair products as MT. I did exaggerate a little when I said that the 1959 LKM washer was superior to the AMP in all respects, because actually the AMP has a much better and faster spin brake, so the MT does indeed stop much faster than the LKM from what it is barely doing LOL. I know that you are a big fan of GM built automobiles and WP built laundry is truly the GM of laundry appliances. Both companies had nearly 50% of the market for years, they must have been doing something right.

 

Mark I to am very interested in trying out the early MT water condenser dryer, if you can't get Ben to get his running you can come visit anytime and we will fire up mine. As you probably know I have a 2nd generation MT water dryer from 1957 that is fully restored and it works very well. I would put it ahead of the original FD Filtrate-rs that were built through 1960, although the FD Filtrate rs from 1961-1968 were completely redesigned and much better performers.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I understand your appreciation for all appliances and brands-alike, but within this thread itself, I'd like to think that for a moment we don't need to be reminded of the differences between Maytag and their competitors - regardless if it is within the same model year or decade - and rather for a few minutes enjoy the fact that those who made the historic purchasing decisions did so, allowing us to enjoy the past, today.

I couldn't agree more with Ben, in most instances how a machine performs is not nearly as important as the drama its wash cycle creates, its condition, style and beauty, not to mention how rare the machine is. At least in my book that is what is most important. Under many circumstances performance is subjective to what is most important to each washer user anyways.

 

[alr2903]

Congrats on Your cool new AMP

Thank You Gentlemen for a fine thread and a bonus of 2 video's.  Your restoration work is well done and beautiful photography. I too, am addicted.  You gotta love that lighted Maytag badge.  I could tell it was a solid tub during the cycle portions when the pump was wanting some water.  A distant cousin to those thirsty Speed Queens.  alr

 

[lebron]

Don't dissuade combo52 John from comparing the machines too much, a good critical review is the best way to learn about the vintage machines, and each models tendencies as to how they actually performed over the years

 

[aldspinboy]

Mark and Ben what and event and a undertaking.
Ben it always good to see what you do best im always learning.
I have to say Mark I almost got that wringer washer but it
did not happen because of a not so pleasent man who had it in a back of his
truck and gave me the wrong address to get the wranger from him.
That was a true dissapointment..
love the shaftless Gyrator and blue tub.
THE BELL IS TO DIE FOR in the drain and spin mode ..That made my whole day.
Never heard that sound before and never knew it excisted.
Here is a regular gyrator with a blue tub someone posted here.
Darren k

 

[tomturbomatic]

Hey, John, "Fire up" is probably not that far off for describing the high temp scorching operation of the first water dryer.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Maytag AMP

Looks like another good time had on another restore Ben & Mark, videos are great, thats some pressure on that fill flume, nothing like a quick fill....never realised the detail of the inner inner & outer tub - thats what its all about for me the learning...

 

[easyspindry]

Great machine . . .

. . . that was our first automatic and may have been the same year. It replaced a Thor automagic which I wish I still had.

My father nearly passed out when he discovered I had taken the lid apart and was operating the mercury switches by hand so that I could watch the action.

As I remember, it was then that I realized that you could set the dial in the large "off" space, and it would agitate and the timer would click all the way into the regular wash space.

Ours lasted 16 years and went through 3 children and one move to a new house. I was in college when it gave out and was replaced with a Frigidaire.

Jerry Gay

 

[jetcone]

TOM

It is exactly the reasoning Ben & Robert gave, the fascination with how each manufacturer came to the table with a different solution and how they accomplished it. That is what holds my interest.

I could go head to head with John on Frigidiare VS KM or Bendix vs WP both have attributes and both have detriments. So no one machine is really better than another---are you listening John????

John was always terrified of the pump on motor design of the Bendix, and my machines are hitting 60 years now and they are still my daily drivers. Yes new pumps, BUT there isn't a machine in this club (except my 1957 Charcoal set) that hasn't' had a pump change in 60 years. So my point is---- Bendix is just as reliable as Kenmore ever could be. And a Maytag AMP is also just as reliable, it gets the laundry done, which is all the housewife ever wanted in the first place.

WE- want more from our machines, we want history, knowledge, experience, no one goes as deep into laundry as WE do, not even the Engineers building these products are as knowledgable as we are.
So I think a little perspective is important to keep in mind, we tend to split hairs which is all well and good but it should NEVER interfere with ANYONES enjoyment of this great hobby.

 

[rickr]

Cool old machine machine, guys! Glad you got it up and running. Very rare to see this kind of Maytag machine. We see centre dials, 50's to late 70's all the time. Don't see many AMPs at all though. Thanks for sharing the photos and video!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Sometimes it is all about how things are said...

and this reminds me of when I got my first car. I was 17 - many of us have fond menories of those times. In my case, it came after a year's battle with my Dad as he and I postured over what was going to park in the driveway, as we each were contributing half the purchase price.

My Dad and I finally settled on a brand and a car, with effects of that decision having an impact on me even to this day (good things). I took the car to school the first time, and a friend at lunch said "Oh, we had one of those! Nice car but the 4-cylinder engine (mine is a V8) made it the worst car we've ever owned".

My reaction was "Thanks Kevin, that tidbit does what for me now...?" While he was probably correct, I didn't buy that version, and even if I had, the comment was unnecessary at the given time.

Same thing here applies to our appliances. The point of our posts is to enjoy a re-born model for what it brings us, and to offer our enthusiasm to the rest of the group. Nobody is required to share another's appreciation. However we need to be considerate enough of others not to "rain on another's parade" or "Pee in someone's Cheerios" as we say here in the office. Doing so doens't accomplish anything except stiffle other's future enthusiasm.

Gordon

 

[mickeyd]

Mark & Ben

You guys made history--a beloved spray rinsing, gyrating Maytag that can now do the coveted Frigidairian overflow rinse. This is pure bliss! I was so happy and exciting watching, that I longed to be there so I could flip the switches and initiate a static overflow to see how its sound compared to that of the Unimatic when the motor is off and the water starts flowing into the outer tub. I tired to imagine this historic sound. Some day I hope to be there to hear it.

 

Soon after this model, Maytag moved the fill flume to direct the water spray directly onto the load in the tub and extended the spray to a full minute, (not sure how long yours sprays--a half from the Maytag DDD chart a few days ago?). When they did this, and it was a very long time ago, this they accomplished one of the best spray rinses in the business. Mark, I think the turnover just needed another minute to adjust its pattern to the higher level. Have seen this in my Conventionals. And then there was that irksome air pocket being stubborn.

 

So you made a fantasy come true. A genuine Maytag overflow. Thank you. And extra buttons to play with too. For what more can one ask?

 

Dearest John, our first disagreement: a Maytag will out-rinse a WP/KM any day of the week. There is no contest! It spins more soapy water out, (660 vs. 525?) and it sprays twice as long, 60 seconds vs. 28 sec. ( I hear ya: there's another 28 sec. after the WP/KM rinse.) Still, "nolo contendere."

 

Love,

 

Mike

 

[mickeyd]

Just up from the first swim of the day

And while in the lake, I had a funny thought, thinking of the polished chrome dome gyrator rising higher and higher like a wiener swelling on the grill. YAY

 

And for the record, John's most sought after dream machine is a Maytag, a combo, yes, but a Maytag nonetheless.

 

 

[tomturbomatic]

But Jon, my question was why now? You have watched this type of machine before or had the opportunity on visits to Robert's studio, but only now you say you want one.

Brenda Bendix, my Duomatic still has her original pump, too.

 

[mickeyd]

MT does indeed stop much faster than the LKM from what it is

ummmmmm, spinning. What a riot.

Just read the entire thread. So funny. Sorry for the double entendres, ie., penis jokes. Didn't know they had already been made. I really laughed hard. Thank you. Wish I could have been around for the weenie roast when it happened. John likes everybody and would never intentionally dissuade any of us, as any of you who know him already knew And it all came out in the wash. What a lovely wash we hang--as the old saying goes--at Automatic Washer. We cherish each other....madly, sometimes passionately. The heart, among other things, lifts up.

 

[lesto]

Great machine! I love that bell sounding solenoid. Looks like the was no change from Robert's 49 to the 53 model. What year did Maytag begin using the black gyrotator instead of red in the AMP?

 

[alr2903]

re: Maytags RED bakelite....

I know my grandmothers Tag wringer required a new agitator because of "worn" splines, i still remember that the new one was black not the bright red, this was about 1965.  I do not know if this would apply to AMP agitators.  This factory color change was very traumatic and inconvenient for a 7 year old.  alr

 

[combo52]

1953 Maytag AMP Washer

I would like to apologize to Ben and Mark for the poorly timed and placed comparison that I made between our families 1951 MT AMP and our 1959 LKM washers. You guys put a lot of effort into documenting this very cool machine which everyone including me enjoyed seeing running. I have over $700.00 invested in my MT AMP washer and water condensing dryer and have no plans of selling them.

 

Even thought the AMP and 59 LKM are almost 10 years apart in design and build for my families experience they were only a year apart so I always associate these two washers and early experiences are often very powerful in our memories. So to me it is like comparing a 1953 Nash Rambler to a 1959 Chrysler New Yorker [ both really cool cars ] but certainty an unfair and poorly placed comparison.

 

So once again Sorry, and keep up the good work, now we can see who gets the matching MT water condensing dryer running first.

 

[mayken4now]

Very Very Nice

Machine you all have there! Loved it!

 

[mixfinder]

Stand Up Guys

It has been my pleasure to meet Ben, John and Jon and have developed a pleasant friendship with Tom although we have never met. This is a case where a machine filters the humananity from the author. Ben is a mechanical genius, has accomplished so many things at such a young age, is a budding intellectual and one the kindest, most generous and unsuming people I have met. John can sound caustic in an email but I suspect it is a product of writing invoices for so many years and listing the pros and cons in bullet points. To meet John is to instantly want to know him more. How one man who is so busy can find the time to run a business, have a successful relationship, be a participating player in his family and then mentor and advise us all is almost unbelievable. John is kind, compassionate and insightful and can't wait for the next oppotunity to be together. I struggled with Jon. He is obviously a key player, has a great collection, loves to cook and collects all things house making yet I hadn't found an inroad for connection. Meeting Jon is Long Beach was a surprise to find such a brilliant continental gentleman but a witty, self effacing, warm and inclusive manner that made feel chagrinned for my former critical thoughts. I have always been drawn to Tom's amazing memory, his willingness to open up and share equally with us all and he has always been open and available to me on a number of subjects club related and personal. I might daresay Tom has been the recipient of as many pot shots and vitriol as any member in the group and somehow he finds the grace to continue with dignity and aplumb. Reading some of the posts in missing Longtimers hints of past flame ups have been alluded to. In the case of this thread we saw Ben simply ask for what he felt he wanted, John apologized and disarmed any issues and Tom and Jon had an opportunity to offer up what they do best, a little tongue in cheek tit for tat. In Andy's thread regarding his new coppertone Lady Kenmores I made a disparaging remark about agitators that quickly took the thread in a discussion of money and culture detracting from the beautiful machines. I was saddened by my selfishness and Andy was gracious enough not to hold it against me. I am so very proud to know these men and gratified for the thoughts we all have shared. You are an amazing man Ben and as always your work is nothing short of genius.