Another 'Burpalator' found: The Montgomery Wards

[redcarpetdrew]

It's already been said how much fun it is working at a dealer where I get the pick of the litter from the haulaways. Having seen Bobbyderegis's Magic Chef washer, I was just thinking how it'd be fun to play.. Eeerrmmm... WORK on one again and this showed up the next day! Apparantly, the previous owner wanted a new machine 'just to get the modern features' and bought a bol Whriltag. Sheesh!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The machine is in great shape, considering. The console is clean and is a perfect example of later Wards styling.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

This is the id tag. I'm not totally sure of age. early 80's?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The lid is in decent shape. I've got a little more polishing to shine it up. Definately more inforative than modern machines...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Inside is clean. It was pretty well cared for. Look at the schematic on the tub. There is no friggin way the new washers come with cam charts. Most won't even give you a ladder diagram. This chart is a Tech's dream as it is also not easily misplaced by the homeowner who thinks that they can fix anything just because they have a 50/50% chance of grabbing the screwdriver by the right end...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Like stopping a bike by shoving a pipe thru the spokes...

The brake assy is fantastic. Stopping from a full speed spin to stationary in less than a second. How it does it with out shattering into a million pieces is a mystery.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Does it work?

Oh yeah. The fill rate is fast and forcefull. It could (and did...) whip up a suds cake with the fill alone. I had to rinse it out and try again for the picture...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Speaking of which... I didn't even use much detergent!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The wash action is very strong. The towels really moved. The lint filter made that distictive noise I remember so well.

Just for kicks, I shot video of it working for those who have never seen the filter system work before.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Water launch without the ring in the way...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I like the way it drains down a bit before the brake solenoid 'clacks' and releases the tub. This thing spins fast! I agree with the foresight of the designers who had the timer kill the motor and let it coast down to a stop before engaging the brake. Otherwise, I think it actually would tear itself apart. I wonder if the first generation of this design just engaged the brake right away and stopped the tub at full speed tnen later added the spin down time due to mechanism damage? This picture was a full speed.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

A sure sign of a fast spin speed. Tub Dimples! Does anyone know the actual RPM's these could get up to?

I'm not totally sure what I'm going to do with this machine, ultimately. It's really cool but room is at a premium. If it wasn't so neat to use...

RCD

 

[gyrafoam]

Hey Drew, congratulations on your find. That is really a clean one. Those things are real brutes, made to wash field-hands clothes!

Might as well make room. You would be crazy to let one this nice get away. Pretty soon they will all be gone.

 

[yogitunes]

I was told that these machines carry a 1 horse power motor, the only one that does in fact, to handle really Heavy Duty use......

 

[appnut]

I wonder if the first generation of this design just engaged

Drew, our 1964 Norge was probably just a couple of years into the perforated tub design. It always coasted down before the brake was applied. Both for the rinse fill as well as at the end of the final spin. This was how things were done for the life of this design.

 

[mrcleanjeans]

Now there's a high powered HEAVY DUTY wash action-turbulance city!

 

[mrcleanjeans]

Now there's a high powereed HEAVY DUTY wash action-turbulance city!

 

[mrcleanjeans]

whoops! pardon the double post

 

[alr2903]

Drew very nice MW, I wonder how the lady that traded it in is enjoying the ka-chonk, ka-chonk ka-chonk? I hope you keep the MW. alr2903

 

[gansky1]

This washer hasn't had a hard life, it's way too clean and rust-free to have been abused. I always thought the fill was too forceful - those suds are just too much - but what a great sound the fill makes.

 

[norfolksouthern]

I wonder how the lady that traded it in is enjoying the ka-c

Direct-drive shredpools don't go "ka-chonk ka-chonk". They go "chucka chucka chucka chucka". But still!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[aldspinboy]

Andrew that washer is Rockin!!!!
Your video is very kool!
The washer look's and sound's mint.
Nice,Nice,NICE.
Love the Dispenser cap!
Shotgun brakes are the best.
Good washing to you!

Darren k.

 

[revvinkevin]

WOW, very cool Andy! I've always thought it might be fun to have one of those... and then YOU find one! Yes it looks to be in just spectacular condition.... I had no idea Norge built that design for that long!

Congrats!
Kevin

 

[bobbyderegis]

Andy:
Aren't they great??!! Congrats!
Bobby in Boston

 

[travlincub321]

Thats an awesome machine.. I liked the Magic Chef versions

 

[mickeyd]

Andy, awesome pix--especially dazzing is "Water launch.

Once you've had a Norge?Wards, etc. it is hard to be without one. They are really in a class all by themselves. The powerful fire hydrant antics atop the agitator, the insane agitation itself, the wonderful partial drain and spin clutch pop. Sure miss mine.

HERE's a WASHER TRICK for you; During the partial drain at full water level, turn to the selector to ex-low and you can extend the drain, getting most of the water out, and have more fun and see cool things when the spray kicks in, if your model does that. Experiment with the water level control; enjoy all the havoc.

If you get a chance, would you give me the you-tube title of your flick. I can only see it by accessing you-tube thru the back door, via an email. Gotta glitch.

Also, if you're quick and agile with the camera, why not share your wildest finds more often. Yours is a dream job for a washerman. How I'd love to have it. Thank You, Andrew.

Michael

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The title is 1988 Montgomery Wards washer Agitate & Spin

I do actually shoot video on some of the neat stuff. Just search my channel out by RedCarpetDrew. I'll try messing with the water levels a bit and see what happens...

RCD

 

[mickeyd]

Thanks, I meant photos though--they're easier-- but, hey

;'D

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Ahhhh, I get it...

Sure. I will share things I find during my calls... It's fun.

RCD

 

[mickeyd]

Wonderful and so nice.

Asking you to make a movie for a daily find would be rather bold and greedy, don't you think; but snappin' a pic, which you do with such ease and skill, not so much.
I sit back in delight thinking of the fun and excitement of your job, you lucky Dude. And you live in the land of the slots !!!!