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mistereric

mistereric

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2006
Messages
1,526
Location
New Jersey (Taylor Ham)
Hi folks!

I finally got my first vintage machine. Its a Kenmore, was on craigslist for $25 in central NJ, so I was able to grab it yesterday.

After an hour or so of straining and busting ass, we finally got it out of the basement of this old house and got it into the wagon. It weighs at least 17 tons. The lady said that it was her grandmothers and hadn't been used in at least 32 years. The power cable is horrifying and needs to be replaced, the cabinet is filthy and most likely needs to be repainted, but otherwise it seems decent.

Its in the back of my wagon right now, and I have no idea how I am getting it out of there. Its going to go into the garage for now, and when it gets warmer I'll play with it.

Here are the pics from the seller. I'm going to post the model number as soon as I get the beast out of the car... how do I figure out how old the machine is?

1-22-2007-07-45-58--mistereric.jpg
 
I think that is a 1955 - very nice

You might have some luck locating a dryer to match that too. Not too much of a holy grail I think. I do like those kenmores, nice 10 lbs. capacity for the year.

Here is a set that is in a museum over here. Must be a collectible.

1-22-2007-08-41-27--northwesty.jpg
 
Better off with that Surgilator.

I hope all those hoses underneath are o.k.
IMO it would be a good idea to get on the phone and track down a tub to pump hose-----they are getting scarce for that vintage 'Kenmo. and you are dead in the water (pardon the pun) without one.

I learned the hard way to test these old machines for "seaworthyness" out in the driveway in case they are leaking from somewhere. The old hoses are almost so dry- rotted that they will give way just by touching or pushing on them the wrong way---or water pressure from within.
If you have a tub full of water and that tub to pump hose pops----the whole tub of water will drain like the whole bottom of the tub fell out! A flood!

These are great old machines, congratulations on your find!
 
I'd noticed a machine like it in someones collection, not sure who's. Mine is rear hinged like the picture NorthWesty posted... in fact, the machine is a virtual clone save for the gold-tone on that one versus mine which is chrome.

I'd wondered about the agi as well. I like the look of the big fat Kenmore one, but if this works better, I'd stick with it. Maybe I can source one of the proper type to have just in case.

This tub-to-pump hose.. is it something that couldn't easily be replaced with a generic lenght of hose? I suppose I ought to get the model number off the beasty and see if I can locate one. Any ideas on wherefrom, other than repairclinic.com?

FWIW, there is a rubber "skirt" inside, at the top of the machine (the dirty part on the second picture) and it seems be be very much intact, so I am hoping for the best.

Anyone have a service manual, or some diagrams of her guts? Or a hand truck I can borrow for a few days in the NYC/NJ area? :-)
 
No "generic" hose will fit the tub to pump!
In order to replace it the inside tub MUST be removed as the correct hose has a flange that fits snuggly against the bottom of the outer tub around the opening. It is the only way. Don't be intimidated---it is time consuming but fairly easy, AND it gives you the opportunity to address rust issues that might go unnoticed otherwise.

Hopefully the one you have is still workable---but beware---if it does go, you will have a real mess on your hands unless there is a floor drain handy!
Good idea to start trying to track one down and have it on your shelf just in case.
Be sure the person you are talking to understands just how old the machine is---I've had them try to pass off hoses of later design that won't fit! Try to get an "old timer" on the phone.

My '55 "frog-eye" still has the original "straight-vane" agitator with the cap that has the three little tabs.
It purrs like a sewing machine. That Surgilator is like a "state-of-the-art" version of the same thing. IMO the best agitator WP/KM ever had!
 
If you kiss the frog will you get a prince?

..........and since these machines are probably not grounded /earthed to today's standards, if at all, I wouldn't kiss it while plugged-in! *LOL*

CONGRATS. What a catch!
 
grounding...

There was a bare wire that was attached to the frame that i imagine was a ground at one point. Only has a 2 wire plug, but the machine will get a new 3 wire grounded one before I try anything with her.

Looks the the metalwork on the top is indeed a gold color, not chrome like i thought. I've been trying to read the model number but its only inches from the roof of the car. I got my camera up there but the model still eludes me!

The hoses in question seem dry, but like they might last a little while before giving up. I'll have to find a place that sells them - repairclinic won't take any of the permustaions of model numbers I throw at it.

Thanks everyone!

1-22-2007-10-59-31--mistereric.jpg
 
Hey Eric, congratulations on your first vintage washer!!! And what a beauty you found there. As for the tub to pump hose check it when the machine is warm. See if it is really hard and brittle or if it is relatively soft.

Repair Masters for these are plentiful and show up on eBay quite often. I have one and I can scan a secion for you if you need it. If you look in "Vintage Fun Stuff" under Whirlpool/Kenmore I have some repair information there on the Transmission and Spin Drive assemblies.
 
hm...

you've got a good point, kenny. i tried to get a hand today to get it out of the car, but all my musclular friends are laid up with whatever green meanies are going around.

there isn't a chance in hell I am going to get it out on my own. its at least twice my weight (i'm five foot ten, a buck fourty). i'm hoping that the incredible cold is congealing everything and keeping it in place for the moment.

i drive 30 miles each way for work every day, so i have every intention of getting it out of the car as soon as humanly possible.

why is it that its never warm and sunny when these things appear? why must it be january... or august? :-)
 
Re: Washer Removal:

Hi! Eric, if you've got some Cardboard or a real thick old Blanket or Comforter, lay it/them covering the Tailgate of your Wagon and you can slide the Washer out towards the Tailgate. I do have to admit that I'm somewhat larger than you, but anyone should be able to use their Body as Leverage and do this.

When you get it to the end, pull the Washer out slowly, acting as leverage/balancing over the Tailgate's opening. Put your Hands against the lower side of the Cabinet {side, front or rear it is laying on} and ease it down to the Ground, also using your Leg/Knee as a holding area, until you get enough of the Washer towards the Ground area. The Washer should be able to slide right off of the Tailgate onto the Ground and then just tip it upright.

I've done this a "Million" times, not only in Station Wagons, but my Ranger and I even used the Trunk of an older Chevy Nova, to haul Appliances in and I did the same thing, with the Blankets, Conforter or Cardboard, to cushion the opening of the Trunk and Latch Assembly, or the Tailgates. Good Luck, let us know what you are able to do to get the Washer out and how you and it is doing, after this task of getting it out. I know that you can figure out how to do this and become a "Master" of unloading Appliances by yourself.

Peace and Fun Old Kenmore Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
 
My bigger problem is getting the machine from the street to the garage. My driveway slopes downhill and will be a bit icy, and its quite rutted up... I could most likely get it out of the car on my own, but getting it to the garage safely is going to be a challenge, and not one I can undertake on my own.

Looks like I'm going to be able to borrow a handtruck tonight, and maybe have a friend drop by to give me a hand. Will keep y'all posted.

If I could manage to sell the Karmann Ghia, that would help clear up the end of the driveway. Anyone in the market for a volkswagen? :-)

http://www.wuxy.com/eric/cars/The Ghia.html
 
Thats a great

"First Vintage" Kenmore, Eric, congratulations!!!!
The Ghia is sharp too. It will be exciting too see you get that cyclops agitatin' and spinnin'. They are my fave
Kenmore. Just think, you have a washing machine that was
22 years old when you were born!!! That is cool x deluxe
to the 10th power squared!!!
 
Great lookin' Kenmore

Eric-Your gonna love yours-I know I love mine. It washes sheets every week and once in a while I use the sudsaver option and wash a second load. It's really a hoot to watch the wash water re-enter the machine while that big old roto swirl brings the suds alive for the second time!

Mine is going to need some trans. work in the future but at present it washes and spins like a trooper!

Enjoy it!

Dick_S.

1-23-2007-21-18-33--Dick_S..jpg
 
Kenmore!

I really like this style Kenmore. The rear opening lid is awsome with the big opening. I wish they would have kept that style instead of going to the side opening lid.
Best Of Luck with this real gem.
Peter
 
Wow, Eric. I love all the detailed pictures. Great find you got there. YES...20 degrees is too cold to expect the transmission to work smoothly. That old oil would thicken up too much. You could warm up the garage with a space heater or just wait until warmer weather and clean up the cabinet and insides while your waiting. Have fun!

Patrick
 
ah how fun.. dont ya just love it when the come back to life..yeah... yea 20 deg is to cold for the old girls.. mine sleep in the garage too and its usually 30-40 deg out there i dont even run them during the winter i hate the thought of damaging something.. bring that baby in the house they always lookk good in the living room ha ha...
 

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