Bendix bolt-down

[paulg]

I just bought a Bendix bolt-down front loader. Late 1940's. I'll be picking it up next week as it is still bolted down and connected! I think the owner was still using it. Not sure tho. No other working washer in the house and EVERYTHING was old. Great cosmetic shape.
QUESTION:
I know I must bolt it down to use it - but must I bolt it to the cement basement foundation? Can I use cinder-block? What tricks do you have?
I'm sure it is a gravity drain. i'm lucky as the unfinished basement has drains for the shower and toilet in the floor which will never be used. But I hate laying cement over those drains
Any modern ideas to affix this thing?
All comments welcome as always.

 

[cfz2882]

ballast platform

i recon you could build a wooden box-say out of 2x8,fill it with sand,and have
a couple heavy planks fastened across the top to bolt the washer to-that should
have enough ballast to keep the washer in place as they are pretty small and
have a spin speed of only around 300rpm IIRC. All of the old bolt down bendixes
i have seen on here all have had pump drain using a pump on the motor and a
solenoid valve.

 

[cfz2882]

I also just remembered when i built a stand out of angle iron to raise my little
24"splendide combomatic 2 feet up off the cement basement floor,i drilled 4 holes
in the cement floor with a "hammer drill"and masonry bit then used lead anchors
with lag screws to secure the angle iron stand to the floor.

 

[paulg]

Big thanks

Those are great options and certainly fuel for thought. The unit is small so I do want it off the floor and especially to protect it just in case we get water.
Much obliged!

 

[paulg]

Here it is

Tell me what you know about this unit please... It is sold to ME!

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Older then late 40's !

I belive that washer is the very first Bendix washer model!! It looks to be in very good condition. Jon (jetcone) loaned me the service manual for this washer, and I'm in the process of scanning it now. That washer is very rare, if you ever decide to sell it please let me or Jon know. Jeff

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Service manual.

Look at the 1946 Bendix service manual located in the club library. This is a later model and much has changed by 1946, but it shows how to install a Bendix washer. Jeff

 

[paulg]

Thanks again

I'll keep y'all posted on the progress. Thanks for the info!
I do want to see the installation instructions. Will look for the data as you mentioned!

 

[peterh770]

1932 or 1938... It comes up in the POD now and then... Definitely one of, if not THE, first...

 

[paulg]

Mercy me.

I really had no idea how old this was.
Question: How much does it weigh? Without its cement feet of course.
Second question: Where is the club library with the installation info. I've never been there.

Thanks again!

 

[jetcone]

Paul that is a sweet find!

It is one of the first Bendix Deluxe bolt downs. John E has an earlier model that is not the deluxe. To get to the service manuals goto > the home page >  The Library> then hit vintage service manuals, its about the 4th one down. 

Once its unbolted, they aren't heavy about 150-170 pounds. Just be sure to tape the drop down door shut before you move it, you don't want the glass breaking when you go to move it.

Let us know ASAP if it had the galvanized tub or the porcelain tub, that will help determine how old she is.

 

For bolting down  on mine I'm going to have a welder build  a cage that can be bolted to the floor and then bolt the machine to that,I saw that at John's house the one time he let me in. Also Jeff suggested a large steel tank that you fill with water and bolt it to that, that way you can drain and move in the future when you need space for 22 machines!

 

 

Yes, if you ever want sell it contact Jeff or myself we'd love it forever. Happy washing in it and crank out the video camera!

 

 

Jon

 

 

 

[alr2903]

It sure does have the door hinged at the bottom, just as Jetcone posted. Its absolutely amazing that the USA could build something that would last over 65 years.  Todays things are so poorly made. alr2903

 

[jetcone]

Paul I think thats earlier

than Jimmy's machine because it has the BLACK door not the white door! So cool!

 

jon

 

 

[paulg]

Saturday morn

Looks like I'll be pulling me a washin' machine come Saturday morn.
I'll keep y'all apprised of its condition once I get it back here.
Yes, the door opens downward. Don't remember if the drum is porcelain or galv.
But now I need a truck.
I'll fasten the door shut to ensure it gets back here in one piece.
I do have a BENDIX TV in working order. The washer will have a friend.

 

[paulg]

AC cordset or hard-wired

Do y'all recall if the unit is hard-wired to the main or is generally equipped with a cordset?

 

[bendixmark]

Bendix start up

Make sure the pump and pumpvalve and solenoid are not seized up before you try to run that machine or you can do damage also pour some hot water into the tub and let it sit first so you dont damage the pump seal.

 

[paulg]

Will do.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[northwesty]

Amazing find!

It is getting rarer that these "time capsule" houses of this vintage are still out there. If this is what if appears, still working and in such good condition, it is one of the unique finds that shows up once or twice a year only. Good luck with it.

One tip I would give you is that these are relatively light but also top heavy, so please secure it well in your vehicle. There is alot of force for this to tip over when you go around a corner.

 

[jetcone]

Very good point

Brian