Can anyone recommend a Classic Maytag?

[k1rod]

I am looking to purchase and restore an older dependable care (ie belt driven) washing machine. I want to use this machine for every day use. Back in the late 70's my family had an old machine that I think was an A108. This machine lasted for decades. So I guess I am trying to reproduce that. I would like to buy a machine that I would still (without heroic effort) find parts for. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[norgeway]

If you must have a TAG!

Get a 606 or 806 , they are still plentiful and will run forever.

 

[rp2813]

I would recommend a larger capacity machine than the 108.  Look for one with an agitator that has four slots in it instead of three, and a longer lint filter.  Whether you opt for a classic center dial model or the next generation with the brown control panel, the mechanics would be much the same.

 

[macboy91si]

Big Tag

Yes, I too would recommend a "Large Capacity" Maytag. 308 or up for the older Tags.

 

Specifically:

A308 - 1 Speed machine, basically the big tub version of the A108

A406/7 - "Fabric-Matic" machine, 1-speed, but with cycle modifiers that alter agitation and spins. Auto warm rinse on HOT setting

A408 - Same as 406/407 except with 4 water-level buttons (C/C, W/C, H/C, H/W) as opposed to 3 of the older model.

A606 - Lowest model true 2-speed machine. Early ones had a red pilot indicator over the timer. A great machine and popular

A806 - Top of the line model with a dial. Backlight fluorescent console, bleach dispenser, pre-wash and soak. Really a beautiful machine

A906 (good luck!) - All push-button machine, no dials. This was the TOP of the line machine. Very rare, only made through 1970 and controls provide less flexibility than the timer controlled 806.

 

At least that's a good start for the 1966-1980 Center-Dial Tags, these are all the big-tub models.

 

-Tim

 

[k1rod]

Thanks for all the great info! Now however I think I am doomed. I just got a look at the gorgeous LA806 with the lighted backpanel and the matching dryer and I know what machine(s) I want. I bet they are really hard to find though... How does one go about finding a machine like that? ebay? craigslist?

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Here is an interior photo of an "A806" large capacity washer (this one happens to be a 1971 vintage).   As you can see, 4 slots on the side of the agitator.   This "center dial" control panel design was produced from 1966 up thru 1980. 

 

In 1981 they changed to a brown control panel with the timer on the right side, which continued until 1985(?? not completely sure when they changed again).   But as long as it has the "turquoise" agitator (like this photo), it has the "helical" transmission Maytag produced for many years.  If the agitator is white, chances are it's the newer "orbital" fast stroke transmission, which is less desirable in my opinion.

 

Kevin

 

P.S.... yes try Craigslist.   I've found the majority of my machines via Craigslist.

 

[goatfarmer]

You can still find 806's. I found a gold one about 3 months ago behind a local Sears store. Just gotta look hard.

 

[combo52]

MT Washer transmissions

All real MTs have the Helical drive system, including the MTs built after 1990 that had the orbital transmission and their were some MTs with the newer orbital transmission that had turquoise agitators. Either MT transmission works well, but if you get one with the newer orbital transmission upgrade it to the Load-Sensor agitator as this is the best performing agitator that MT ever installed in any washer, it is also not as hard on the clothing as the older power-fin agitators were. The combination of the LONG STROKE and the big fins on the turquoise Power-Fin agitators can literately tear delicate fabrics, and cause accelerated wear on normal loads.

 

[bajaespuma]

That early vintage A806 that Kevin has is easily my favorite Maytag as well, but if you can find one of the earlier A700's or A702's I think they wash even a little better. The A702 had the prettiest multicolor dial Maytag ever manufactured and two, yes count them, two forms of panel illumination as well as the classic tub light.

 

...and I still would love to find a Maytag A906 (or one of the earlier versions for the same above reasons).

 

This is also, I believe, Kevin's A702 and this is sure enough a pretty little Maytag:

 

[k1rod]

Is the Posting of a WTB (Want to buy) message allowed in this forum? Or is there a more appropriate place? I did not see any rules against it.