Converting KitchenAid Convertibles?

[danemodsandy]

As fortunate as I've been lately with original literature for my KDS-55 dishwasher (15-series Superba convertible/portable); I've never even seen a set of instructions for converting a KA front-load portable to undercounter use.

Does anyone have a set, or know the drill? KitchenAid always touted the fact that their convertible/portables were unique in that they didn't need a kit to be converted.

While I'm not presently planning to convert my machine, you never know. I don't see any reason why conversion instructions should be unique to one machine; the basic architecture of KA's stayed very similar for a long, long time. So, instructions for machines later than the 15-series ought to be pretty much applicable, I'm thinking.

Any info would be helpful!

 

[firedome]

We had that exact model with SS front panel in 1965...

used as a portable for a year then installed under the counter. Dad was a Mechanical Engineer so, of course, did it himself. We were in high school then and acted as 1st assist. It has been a long time (almost 50 yrs.. yikes!). IIRC all we had to do was take off the wheeled undercariage, vertical and top panels, unicoupler, and plumb it in to the water supply and sink drain... don't beleive it was much more complicated than that.

 

[tomturbomatic]

I converted my KDS-18 to a freestanding connected model and then back. John told me where on the floor the connections should come through right up front. They had to drill through a foot of concrete to do it, but they got it drilled and we managed to install the machine without damaging the cabinet with holes. When I sold that house, we just lifted Connie up and replaced her with another 18, a custom for the new owner, who had been told there would be a substitution. I put her wheels back on and connected the unicouple and cord and she is footloose once again. She was installed across from the sink in the old house and it was a very convenient place for a dishwasher. The open door did not block the cabinets when putting stuff away.

 

[danemodsandy]

Firedome!

Did you say SS front panel?

Was that factory? My impression has long been that the SS front panel and the stainless-framed Vari-Front door were not available on the convertible/portables.

I'm all ears!

 

[bajaespuma]

Essentially the same thing as:

what I did with my Maytag Jet Clean:

 

Electric Screwdriver and ordinary monkey wrench:

<ol>
<li>Removed butcher-block top exposing screws for 3-sided shell.</li>
<li>Remove 3-sided shell with hoses dragging along.</li>
<li>Removed fill hose from solenoid, removed drain hose from pump outlet.</li>
<li>Removed heavy rolling base.</li>
<li>Removed heavy electric cord from front outlet box.</li>
</ol>
At this point, I had a Maytag built-in dishwasher that needed an electric rough-in (already there), a drain connection(already there),  and I had to add a brass valve adapter to fit the dishwasher braided hose onto the solenoid which came with a garden-hose male thread. Nothing unusual and, of course, being a good hoarder I still have all the parts.

 

Now what I'd really like to figure out is how to convert a Maytag and/or a KitchenAid top loading portable into a permanent installation.

 

[firedome]

Yes Stainless Steel, absolutely ...

mainly for high end kitchens at that time. Ours was not partcularly high-end, but KA was sold by a Baltimore (Pikesville) dealer, Stuart Kitchens, who specialized chiefly in high end stuff, and that SS panel was a KA option, in addition to custom cabinet-matching wood fronts, which appealed mainly to upscale buyers. Around the early & mid '60s there was a small flurry/fad for stainless steel appliance fronts by makers like KA, Thermador, Chambers, and a few others, which died out fairly quickly when housewives rapidly discovered what a pita it was to keep the stainless steel finger-print free...nothing seemed to ever get them completely clean. True to form, my Mother grew to HATE that SS panel, because with 4 kids it ALWAYS looked messy. She even talked about getting rid of it. That point soon became moot when Dad was transferred by Bethlehem Steel from MD to NC before it was 2 yrs old, where it's pathetic successor in a brand new house was a lame builder-special GE MOL d/w in Avocado Green, with matching double wall oven, cooktop, and fridge. As a result, ever since, I've had no great love for either Avacado or SS appliances, however with all those other gorgeous 50s & 60s vintage colors out there... machts nichts!

 

[danemodsandy]

Thanks!

I just never knew that SS was an option on KDS-55 models, so that's good information.

I agree that stainless is for meticulous, childless owners with lots of time to clean. What made everyone decide it was a "must-have" recently is beyond me - one fingermark, and it looks filthy. There is nothing like white to look clean, to look good for a long time and to maximize appliance-buying dollars through matching future purchases.

Now, if I could only find an Antique Gold control panel for my machine! Sigh. I have Ye Olde Fayke Woode Graine, which I think came later in the 15-series run.

 

[rockland1]

I really don't think SS was an option for the KDS-55 It was an optional panel kit that was available for the built-in version. My Aunt had one.

 

[combo52]

SS Panels for the Convertable KDS-55

The KDS-55 came with panels that were the same color as the sides, BUT you could buy any color front panels that were available for the built-ins and install them whether you were using the DW as a portable or when you decided to build it in at a later time.

 

[danemodsandy]

John:

So, it sounds like this was something that a dealer could arrange for you, if that's what you wanted, rather than a regular production option. KitchenAid probably made that kind of thing relatively easy; their wealthy customer base tended to ask for all kinds of special stuff. I remember seeing a KDS-15 with a fabric panel on the front, to match cabinets with the same treatment, in a '60s decorating magazine. Very foofy, but if that was your thing, I guess KA was the go-to company.

 

[firedome]

What John said is probably what happened...

on ours, the sides were white, wood butcher block top, stainless front. The former 2 were eliminated when it was built in and the butcher block was then used in Dad's basement workshop. Can't believe that was almost 50 years ago... scary.

 

[fnelson487]

Sandy

While digging for something else I came across this - hopefully it is helpful.  It's for a -57 but it should be about the same.  My 57 is going to Greg Nunn.

 

[danemodsandy]

Wowie!

Fred:

Thank you so much. This is only two model series later than mine, so it will be very applicable.

I really appreciate it - it's absolutely amazing what people here have stashed away and are willing to share.