Bendix LT Washer-dryer (1962) still in daily use

[willynilly]

I have been repairing domestic appliances now for over 45 years. I was surprised to find this machine still in regular use today. I regularly delivered, installed and repaired these machines back in the 1960's. It was a surprise and delight to know that after almost 49 years this machine still works fine!

http://img248.imageshack.us/slideshow/webplayer.php?id=bendix7a.jpg

 

[cleanteamofny]

Great posting!

Somethings just live beyond their true life cycle because it was never abused,
I would love to see that machine in action!

 

[vacbear58]

Bendix

Martin, welcome to AutomaticWasher

Certainly is amazing especially as it appears to be in a garage or outhouse where it will be more subject to extremes of temperature, damp etc.

Mind you its not the only one of this model we know if, our own Ricky5050 has one of these too, although his was not used until he got it - maybe 8 or 9 years ago.

And there are many more machines of similar age or older stil in full working order, slant front keymatics (and indeed I would venture to suggest all keymatics) followed by Hotpoint top loadesr seem to be the automatics most widly available although there are a few more different makes and models with collectors dotted around the country. Now if you would happen to have a Servis, Philips or Fridgadaire top loader to hand there would be a great deal of interest indeed.

We would be interested to hear your memories and any tips you might have for the repair of machines as most UK collectors try to restore their machines back to full working order, and in many cases showroom condition.

Al

 

[vacbear58]

Bendix in Action (and more)

Ricky5050 has posted several videos of his identical machine on Youtube - see the link below and is related videos.

What came as a surprise to me was that he has also posted pictures of his Kenwood Dishmaster too, tsk tsk - i dont remember seeing that announced here

Al

 

[willynilly]

I came across this Bendix by accident in that the elderly lady owner rang me by saying "Do you repair Bendix washers, mines a bit old but still works, only it has a slight leak underneath. Can you come and fix it for me?"....I called the next morning thinking I would likely be faced with a Philco/Bendix or Tricity/Bendix machine but NO a 49 year old that still works!

The leak was the proverbial dispenser top hose and a healthy smear of silicone sealant soon patched it up. The machine does sit in a large garage/workshop and I did advise her to protect it more against rising damp etc as the bottom inspection panel is starting to blister. I subsequently found an old bit of lino and placed it under the machine. Her gardener/handyman will later ensure it is better protected.

The machine only used occasionally (staff overalls apparently?) so does about 1 wash a month by my guess. The owner has another much younger machine "back in the house".

I was at length to express my surprise and delight to her at seeing this machine and waxed lyrical on my experienced repairing many back in the 60's. I did point out the potential rarity value such a machine might have and she was at great pains in insisting that her Bendix "wasn't going anywhere but staying right there!". Her daughter too emphasised categorically that...."it would never leave from whence it arrived!"

I think I got the message..!

Regards

Martin

 

[ricky5050]

Wow

Hi Martin that's great I do indeed have a bendix lt too mine was unused until 10 years ago and is my daily machine. It takes pride in my kitchen and is a great talking point.it has only required a new drive belt and a timer motor , I found a chap in Nelson Lancashire who has elderly spares.

Mine is used 3-4 times a week and the dryer more so over winter. I had to repair the soap Shute metal as mine was originally under a plastic tray which was leading to corrosion so I've removed it so it's more like the one you've found.

A few niggles with mine is that one of the pulleys on the gearbox keeps coming loose ( not completely) and it does not slip but sometimes have free play. The other thing is the gearbox is a little noisier on spin , how noisy was hers ? Does it still have oil in ? I can imagine it it will have dried up.

Mine came with bendix taps earth lead instructions and free packet of skip soap it had sat in a pantry from new till I got it completely unused.

I have bought spare door seals so parts are still available , I bet there are loads of people on here who would love to buy that machine! I'm half tempted myself haha.

Hi Al yes I've got a kenwood dishmaster, that is part of my ailing dishwasher collection, it was posted here in 2008 please see link to earlier thread. I need a new Bakelite impellor , but have had no luck finding one, I now have the dishmaster , electrolux dishmaid, and colston turbo jet! All sort of working but all with different faults !!

One day !!

Cheers Richard

Vintage Kenwood Dishmaster in uk

Some of you may remember a few weeks ago a lady contacted this website offering a Kenwood Dishmaster for sale, i have bought it and it arrived this week. I have had chance to play with it so here are some photos etc This photo shows that the front comes off because it has to be plumbed directly...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[garyl]

My Bendix Combo

I had an earlier ('59 I think) Philco Bendix with a gas drying section. I used it every week, then the 1/3hp motor burned out. It turns out that the 1/2hp motor for the coin-op "double load" fits, and gets it up to spin speeds quicker. When I moved from San Diego, I gave it to a friend. He liked it a lot.