Beautiful 1940's Maytag Gyratator

[mjanellc]

Hello all,
I have this BEAUTIFUL Maytag Gyratator washing machine Model J2LS and I can find NO INFORMATION on any of these with the "S" at the end???
I am just curious if anyone could give me some insight on this?
The serial number is 53599 HS
I scored this as an antique but may re-sell it.
It was working when I bought it!
Thanks so much!!!

 

[combo52]

Maytag J2L Wringer Washer

Mid to later 60s model

The S may be for standard Non-Pump model ? Or maybe Suds-Saver, LOL

John L.

 

[scoots]

I believe the "S" means that it is a "Safety" model.

On older models the wringer rollers turned over continuously while turned on, but on the S models, there was a floor switch (Actually a rubber squeeze bulb) that the operator had to stand on continuously for the rollers to roll. The idea was if a finger got pinched, you took your foot off the bulb and the rollers would stop instantly.

Very often,owners got tired of standing on the bulb and removed it and modify the mechanism so the rollers ran continuously as on earlier machines.

As John pointed out, it's a very late machine, but in beautiful condition. It's the middle of the road "J" model, but doesn't have a pump.

 

[circlew]

From what I remember reading on here, an "S" in the model number indicates that the machine has the wringer safety system. This was on models produced during and after the late 60's. More info by using the search feature on here and entering "Maytag wringer safety control".

 

[ea56]

Yes, the “S” does stand for the Safety model. When we bought a new EL model in 1969 I believe this was the first year for the Safety model production, maybe 68’, but not before that. The dealer told use in the store that most owners hated this feature and offered to bypass it for us by removing the rubber hose that was used to connect the foot pedal that activated the safety switch. He then plugged the hole with a stove bolt and we were good to go using it like any other traditional wringer washer. The model J you have is my favorite. I believe that the J model has a slightly larger capacity that the double walled aluminum tub EL model.

Hope you enjoy using it. It’s really in beautiful condition.

Eddie

 

[goatfarmer]

Trivia...

The threaded "foot" off a Maytag automatic fits that hole perfect.

 

[justjunque]

Very nice Maytag!
I recently scored a nearly identical 1966 J2L...no "S".
Unfortunately, between time constraints and health issues, I haven't had an opportunity to do anything with it beyond a basic cleaning.
I wonder if the agitator is free on yours, or stuck like mine.
If you decide to keep it, I can tell you that people here can give you solid advice on it!
They've been very helpful to me, even though I haven't been able to put their advice into action as of yet.

Barry

 

[bradross]

August 1969 ...

Hello Mindy,

I checked my reference manual and it appears your machine was built in August 1969.

Hope you keep it and enjoy, or at least find another appreciative buyer!

-Brad

 

[tomturbomatic]

Barry, hope that you soon are fully recovered.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks Tom,

I appreciate the well wishes.
I've pretty much given up hope for ever being "fully recovered".
I don't want to hijack this thread by going into a laundry list of my issues. (See what I did there?)
But they're all pretty much chronic, recurring things.
I just try to get as much done on, and get as much enjoyment as possible from the good days.
One of these days, that will hopefully include messing with the Maytag.

Barry