Back in Service!

[jetcone]

I inherited a beautiful looking 1956 Bendix Duomatic from Gregm awhile back.

It was the very LAST Duomatic that would carry just the Bendix name.
It looked great and I thought it would be a quick restore -Boom Boom Done and back into service- boy was I wrong.

This machine couldn't have been farther from the truth!

Its taken two years and EVERY system had to be rebuilt, every gasket replaced- even the diaphragm on the pump. I've never had to do one of those in a Bendix before.Its a completely new machine from stem to stern.
I usually don't have to get that detailed but this machine was heavily used. You'll see.

Pictures to follow.

 

[jetcone]

First off when Jeff and I examined her

two years ago we found the mechanism was locked up. We figured a dime or quarter had gotten into the pump somehow, couldn't even turn the motor shaft after unhooking the drive belt!

Well I got into it and found the pump was seized alright but not by a dime! The last load done must have been work clothes with cement.
I found the pump bound with almost 2 inches of cement in front and behind the impeller! I had to chip it all away to get the impeller out.

You can see the cement line in the photo:

 

[jetcone]

Pump

body below. I tried saving the pump body but it was just brittle and full of tiny holes eaten by the cement which kept breaking through. So it was a complete new pump for her.

 

[jetcone]

Next

I find that the timer is barely advancing. Upon inspection the factory had tightened the chain sprocket so tight that the escapement gear had actually worn down and wasnt' driving the mechanism anymore. (See pix below several panes)
After trying to switch drive gears I gave up! But Larry actually found a timer , it was from a '55 but it fit so in it went!
Try swapping out 19 wires between timers!!

I'm still gonna repair the original timer, John thinks he may have the part in the vast storage facility known as THE MUSEUM. I'll see the gang in a couple weeks.[this post was last edited: 10/15/2012-02:26]

 

[jetcone]

Once I got it all back together

it was time for the water test!

Off I go fill the machine and bam! Drip Drip Drip right from the WORST SPOT! The tub backplate was leaking.

Bastard! You can see where by the rust line at the bottom.

 

[jetcone]

So out the tub had to come

fortunately that conicided with the washer boys visit this summer. You definitely need two people for this operation as its a huge mechanism. I don't know how John E does it by himself!!

 

[jetcone]

The inner sanctum

or the forbidden view. Just a frosting of lint after almost 60 years! These machines keep themselves really clean.

Even the Master of Clean -Gansky1 was impressed. [this post was last edited: 10/15/2012-07:42]

 

[jetcone]

On with a new gasket

and some overnite glueing. "Parts in Stock" is the best![this post was last edited: 10/15/2012-02:28]

 

[jetcone]

Suddenly

Robert realized he could see what the clothes see.

And now you can see what the clothes see- The Forbidden Image: Scary huh??

How'd you like to be flopping up the private parts of your undies with that mug glaring in at you??

[this post was last edited: 10/15/2012-07:44]

 

[jetcone]

Replace all the gaskets in the

condenser system and finally she goes back together.

 

[jetcone]

Up and running

like a champ!

 

[jetcone]

Here is a shot of

the ground down timer gear!

 

[jetcone]

Meanwhile

back at the Ranch I got a new kitchen floor courtesy Fred & Greg! thank you!

Yes! I did feed them!

 

[jetcone]

the finish piece

goes to John E for his help in finding the final piece to make this project a shining success!
Thank you John!
-And away goes trouble down the drain!

 

[fido]

Wow!

A nice looking machine and congratulations on getting it working. I didn't know washer dryers had been around so long. It has suspension too, I had heard that some early front loaders had to be bolted to the floor.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bendixxii

"Duomatic Central" looking great in the basement Jon, fun to see the insides of the working machine, the drum looks one sturdy piece of metal, What capacity would this be??, looks like it could match a true 8kg drum here.

On the outer drum there are only two outlets, top for powder and bottom for drain, so does the condenser system come off the backplate??

Tested with Rosalies I hope??

 

[easyspindry]

What memories you brought back . . .

. . . and how fascinating to see the inside of this Bendix Duomatic!!!

When I was 12, I knew three families that had this model Duomatic and I was able to use it and sit in front of it to watch each and every turn of the tub. They were workhorses.

Thank you for saving this one and thank you for sharing your adventure.

I currently have a Philco/Bendix Duomatic that I believe to be a 1959. It works like a charm. I'd sure love to see your collection in person.

Thanks again.

Jerry Gay

 

[jetcone]

Jerry its been ages!

Come on up any time. Start planning now. You knew THREE families with the same machine?? Holy Moly!!!

Mike- The drum is huge, easily 8 kgs with room to move. But it won't dry the clothes wrinkle free. 4.5-5.5 Kgs for wash and dry.

Fido, yes this is late in the game, Bendix introduced the worlds' first in 1951. Same design as this machine, Greg & JohnE have one. John L's is later I think.

 

[jetcone]

Mike

here are some shots of the condenser system, it is a vertical tube which runs up the backside of the machine to the heater box. Here were looking at the blower housing and the water injector which sit on the top of the tube.

 

[alr2903]

Jetcone,  your Bendix restore is modern art.  Do you usually wash and dry with your combo's?  The combo drum eventually became the  drum for the Philco Bendix doubleloader?  A Bendix and a beautiful new kitchen floor.  Congratulations.  alr

 

[autowasherfreak]

It still amazes me that with some TLC and elbow grease, these old machines keep on going, when some of todays machines only last a few years.

 

[jetcone]

Here is a shot

of the whole thing. Air is drawn up the tube from the bottom of the tub by the blower at the top, as it rises cold water is swirled around the inside of the tube and the moist air condenses, the water flushes back down to the bottom of the tub and is pumped out - away goes water and lint. Clothes are dry and lint free.

 

[jetcone]

Alr

yes I use my combos as daily drivers, they run every week without fail. Bendix made a very durable machine no question!
And yes sharp eye there, that is the same drum and backplate as on the Philco Double Loaders of the '60's.

[this post was last edited: 10/15/2012-07:58]

 

[jetcone]

Here is the aiming process

for the condenser, it must be exactly aimed or the thing doesn't work! Once you get it right ALL the water goes down the tube. This is just the adjustment part, later I got it aimed properly.
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[gansky1]

Just beautiful, Jon!

I remember this machine in Greg M's garage and how impressed we were that it was it such good shape. 'Won't take much to get this going.' Famous last words, indeed!

 

[westingman123]

Hard work, Brains, and good friends...

Equals BEAUTY! That took my breath away. Looks showroom fresh.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Wow Jon that is awesome!   I would love to find a Duomatic, Bendix or otherwise, but if it were in that condition I would be totally lost and calling everyone for help!   LOL 

 

CONGRATS on getting that beautiful machine operational again!    So how many do you have now?

Kevin

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Bravo!

That is just a wonderful piece of living, breathing history. Still functional after all these decades while the new crap lasts so little. This would be a neat machine to add to a collection but so rare that I might never find one. Beautiful! Did these ever have issues with lint blocking the drain system?

RCD

 

[swestoyz]

While it appears your '56 put up a good battle, it certainly is a beautiful looking Bendix! Great tips and tricks you've shared with us Jon!!! Makes me want to dig into mine.

Don't forget though that the early '57 Combo's were also plastered with Bendix-only badges.

Ben

 

[revvinkevin]

   

 

Go get-em Ben!!    

 

Don't let Jon think he has the LAST of the "Bendix" (only) Duomatics!

 

(ducks & runs..........)