Another possible vintage score for me??

[turquoisedude]

A step closer...

to a dream machine set! I picked up the Maytag washer this evening! It's an A 702 and the last two digits of the serial number are 'OC' full details to follow. The washer will be installed this weekend and I'll be taking plenty of photos and hopefully a video or two... Stay tuned!!

 

[gadgetgary]

Congrats Paul

Can't wait to see the pics!

 

[dnastrau]

Date codes

The "OC" is probably "QC" as the old Maytag chart does not seem to use the letter "O." So, it looks like January of 1965 for the washer.

"LV" looks like August of 1963 for the dryer.

 

[turquoisedude]

The washer made it....

eventually! Oy, I swear that there are two ways to do things: the easy way or the 'turquoisedude' way... The washer was safely loaded into the Focus wagon on Thursday and it was sent down to Ogden with Hubby on Friday. Trouble was once he got to the house, we didn't have a driveway! It was being totally re-done to eliminate the seasonal wash-outs we have every summer - the work was supposed to be done by Friday. Nope! By the end of the day Friday, the contractor put down some loose fill but with the weight of the machine, the poor 'lil Focus huffed and puffed, but couldn't get up the hill... So on Saturday morning, we brought the SX4 out of storage and used it to haul the A702 up the hill. It barely fit, but it made it safe and sound!

 

[turquoisedude]

As the washer's suitor DE700 looked on, I went through the ritual inspections. The machine looked AMAZING inside!

 

[turquoisedude]

The control panel was safe, thanks to the advice I got here about taping down the lid! Push buttons are a bit faded, but that will be a future project.

 

[turquoisedude]

Inside the control panel, the wiring and controls looked like new. I do believe that the timer is, quite literally, new. The former owner had mentioned the machine needing a repair a few years ago and the part required was not available in Canada, so it was sent in from the US. Wonder if that happened before Whirlpool sucked Maytag into their universe...

 

[turquoisedude]

Now, this may be excessive

and I don't normally go to this kind of effort, but I just had to give the base plate and inside cabinet a cleaning. The result? I felt like I had just had the washer delivered by Eatons or Dupuis Freres... The machine was still pristine under the dust!

 

[turquoisedude]

So, the next logical step was to bring the washer into its new home - the basement laundry room! This was the big test - to make sure there were no leaks or other surprises. The original Maytag hoses were still on the machine, but had become stiff with old age. I changed them and also replaced the drain hose with a more flexible one. It was worth it - not a drop of stray water anywhere!

 

[turquoisedude]

And to my delight - I found the washer has a tub light! I honestly did not notice when I found it - pure oversight or just pure elation at finding a machine in this kind of condition!

 

[turquoisedude]

And of course it still washes!

The first cold water wash test! Once that was done, it was time to get the dryer down to the basement, too.

 

[turquoisedude]

Reunited

and it looks so good, if I may paraphrase the old song! The machines may not be a matched set that started life together as such, but they look great as a long-lost matched set!!

 

[washernoob]

Wow that really is stunning! Someone really loved this machine. What a beautiful time machine.

Congratulations. It really is something else. Treasure it forever!

 

[washernoob]

I just noticed.

Its interesting the size difference between the dryer and washer! Usually machines are about the same! These two are quite different in size.

 

[turquoisedude]

And as promised, I took a series of videos of the machines! Here's the introduction to the pair. Just call me 'Mr. Lucky'!!!

 

[turquoisedude]

Here's the A702 starting up with its first load of clothes.

 

[turquoisedude]

And some wash action...

 

[turquoisedude]

And finally the dryer in operation!

 

[turquoisedude]

BUT

and there always is one, I think I have an issue with the water inlet solenoid in the washer. When the 'HOT' button for the wash water temperature is pressed, no water flows into the washer and when he 'WARM' button is pressed, the water flows, but really, really slowly. It's a fancy water valve, too, with three solenoids... Would this part still be available??
AND, the door gasket on the dryer is pretty rough. I will have to look for a replacement there, too.
However, I cannot and will not complain. I got a dream machine set, they are in beautiful shape, and I did not have to do any major work on them! It has totally inspired me to get the Inglis set back up and running, just so they too can illuminate the laundry room!!

 

[turquoisedude]

Brandon, I could never understand why the Maytag dryers were always wider than the washers! I have an older GE that is like that, too... But what the heck - they look great!! Thanks for your comments!!!