Bendix Dial-a-matic England UK

[rob77]

Hello guys from a UK newby. I have just got this lovely Bendix auto washer.

I was wondering if anyone had any advise, service data or information on her. Cant seem to find out a date either!

I have restored a few twin-tubs (much to the frowns of my better half)in the past and I have now been firmly bitten by the washer bug!
I restore old electronics and electrical gear but this will be my first automatic.

She is in rather good condition but covered in some sticky mould! Going to spend an hour with some VIM and clean her up!

Thanks in advance.

Rob

 

[christfr]

now that is cute

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bendix Dialamatic

Welcome to the club Rob, congratulations on the prized Bendix, looks in decent nic, not like a similar model I found a few years ago!!

There is plenty of experience around here with regards to servicing etc.. Darren C from Lincoln has re-built his semi-automatic model, new bearings etc and is in fine working order!! The link is to his thread...

Bendix Semi automatic

Not sure if our American friends can shed any light on this. I bought the Bendix a few years ago from ebay and after a a refurb installed it in my kitchen . I remember my aunty having a machine just like it and when we used to go and stay with her i loved to help doing the weekly wash, turning...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[chestermikeuk]

Heres

My Gyromat model G, the first of the non bolt down models from 1961

 

[rob77]

Oooohhhh seeing those shiny washers make me want to strip her down rught now!!

Thanks for the welcome guys. Here are a few more pictures of the old girl. The drum looks almost mint.
It came from a museum and had been stored dry there for about 20 years.
She looks better for a light Vim-ing!!

What date would you put on her?

 

[slowspin66]

Semi automatic Bendix

Dear Rob, your Bendix is quite a rare beauty and looks in good order. The machine is very similar to the one i restored a few years ago, it will need to be bolted to the floor if you decide to use it. They are very simple to work on and great fun to use . If you need any info or i can help in anyway feel free to contact me. The most difficult job was making the new bearings water tight. I'm no expert at all but know the machine pretty well. good look with the clean up Darren c

 

[rob77]

Clean drum

 

[rob77]

Good knob

 

[rob77]

Not so good knob. Should it say tumble???

 

[rob77]

Thanks Darren. I will have to use her!! I hate having things that don't work.
I have 4 working vintage 1950s TV in the house! (I also have about 30 at my workshop)
Just finished restoring a lovely little Baby Belling oven from the same museum.

I look forward to posting more pics of the restoration. I will test the capacitor on the motor tomorrow and apply some juice to see if the motor is good. It turns so fingers crossed. The rubber pipes are like new...all nice and soft and black. Unlike the Hoover twintub I did last year.

 

[rob77]

She works!!

Well. I checked the wiring and condenser on the motor. All was well.
I am pleased to announce that the old girl runs and spins fine. I tried a couple of jugfuls of water, she pumped it out fine. Not sure how good the door seal will be. I might try her out in the garden tomorrow.

I am assuming that its not as automatic as it makes out. I assume that you must monitor how much water goes in. Cant see any valves anywhere, just a pipe that goes into the top of the drum.

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards
Rob

 

[matchboxpaul]

great new acquisition Rob!

Machine looks really smart and its amazing how bodywork can be tidied up with gentle abrasion - gentle being the operative word!

Judging by your machines BENDIX badge, I would suggest that it is from the same range/time period as Mike's Model G. Ohhh to get them together, though I wouldnt e involved in lifting them! lol

Keep us updated with progress and happy tinkering.

Paul

 

[rob77]

Frost stops play!

Thanks Paul.

Sadly I didn't fancy moving the old girl into the garden after work today....bit frosty!!

She has cleaned up rather well but I think she will get a re-spray in the summer as the picture sadly doesn't show the rust around the top and sides. (There is also quite a difference from the enamelled top and the painted sides) The mould has also left marks in the paintwork. But, for now I'll get the 'guts' working first. Fingers crossed the bearing seals and bearings are ok and that she won't spring too many leaks!!

I'll keep everyone posted with the progress.

Cheers
Rob

 

[slowspin66]

use of you new Bendix

Hi Rob the washer is semi automatic and you have to fill the machine and manually change all of the processes. This gives you complete control of the washing cycle. You can leave the machine to run once you have started it off on a part of the cycle ,e.g. washing ,rinsing or spinning. Remember to watch out in the filling part as it's easy to get distracted and overfill and flood the kitchen !!!!
I use my machine only once every 4-6 weeks as the cables tend to seize slightly and this effects the pump and spin controls. . You will love the washer and the results are very good for a machine of that age. Remember when the heater is on that it will boil the contents until you switch it off. !!!!! Darren

 

[slowspin66]

Did you ever get her finished

Was just thinking about your old bendix washer did you ever get her going again? Regards DarrenC