Curbside grab

[westytoploader]

No off-balance buzzer here

Hi Scott,

I agree, and they could have used a better laminate for the panel. As I was Windexing a tiny bit of the printed graphics accidentally came off, but the black background remained, luckily. The control panel of that old '82 Kenmore, which became the base for the Frankenmore, was even worse, though. Talk about Spray & Wash Syndrome...nearly as bad as the 1-18's old panel, which was the worst one yet.

Even though these could have used a bit of style, the center dial is cool, and at least the graphics were a touch better on the early versions. The ultimate in bland are the 1982-1985 panels, IMHO, with that funky 80's "electronic-like" lettering. I cringe whenever I see the "Utilitarian Lady", what a shame.

Jamie, good luck on your quest. The Crosstimbers Appliances (now gone, sadly) and the A-1 Used Appliance in the Heights had quite a few BD Kenmores for sale in the front, so I don't think you'll have a problem finding one. Crosstimbers had an earlier version of my old '82 that was absolutely MINT. I wish I had known...

 

[tolivac]

WOW!! super "catch"These KN BD DAA machines are real workhorses.The swap shops out here are loaded with 'em.I have one that is sort of similar.Its an 80 series with a "ratchet wrench" agitator.I wonder why they would throw them out if they still worked-mystery to me.They cleaned up well.I still keep looking at the curbs out here-check them when I get off work from my mid shift.No neat washers or vacuums.

 

[swestoyz]

What a fun toy to have some fun with before you see it off. Just love those before and after photos - you always feel a sense of acomplishment! You are such a good samaritan.

Ben

 

[neptunebob]

I think people may have thrown BD Kenmores out because they leaked and became very noisy. I know that is what happened with ours, although the Maytag dealer took it I am not sure if he might have resold it. Also, some people may not know of the BD to DD change and think they are buying the same machine. I find that since the BD had a cabinet made of very thick metal, it is much less likely to rust than a DD.

 

[westytoploader]

No machine is ever immune to rust. I see MANY BD Kenmores with rusty bases and cabinets, including this one, and lots of direct-drives with no rust at all. It just depends on where the machine is kept, the climate of the area, and the quality of the paint. The only place where you don't normally see rust is the top panel, but then that can vary as well. Something with a thick porcelain top will certainly fare better than something with only a painted top. One of the reasons we call Westinghouse front-loaders Rustinghouses is because they NEVER used porcelain on them! The top-loaders did on the tops, but it is a very thin coat, which is why many of them (including the one we had) rusted horribly around the bleach dispenser and lid opening.

 

[roto204]

Block lettering?

Okay, you've got me intrigued. The only lettering I'm familiar with is the rounded-style you see on this one (with the funky italics describing the controls), and then this type of font (below) that came later. Is the block lettering different? What's the version you're talking about look like?

 

[westytoploader]

Hi Nate,

It was the lettering like on this machine...it's more "blocky" compared to the later (horrible) italic version you illustrated. As for the funky cursive/italics showing "Water Level" and "Water Temp", I wasn't referring to those, just the water level, temperature, and cycle settings.

 

[roto204]

Ah, okay

I think I remember that one now

 

[westytoploader]

My 1981 24", though a VERY fun machine in action, has the "despised" controls with white knobs and lettering which makes for a pretty boring panel...I'll have to post some closeups.

 

[frigilux]

Wow, what a great find, Austin! Congrats!

 

[washertalk]

The earlier center timer models, similar to the one in the pic. started in roughly 1976 and the lettering style was 70's scrip which was very unigue and impractical for someone to actually write. Makes me think Capt'n and Tennile like. I remember having there album, on vynil of course.

The 82-86 machines had the block-computer LED type lettering. This type lettering was seen everywhere(not just Sears). It helped beckon the computer revolution. It was clean and easy to read. These machines usually had the Kenmore Name on the woodgrain hood on the right side. Whereas with the previous models the name could be found in a variety of places printed on the control panel with the other lettering.

I am torn between which style is most preferred. Don't get me started. I embrace both. )

I have seen degradation and peeling of the control panel decals and background paint on ANY branded machine where the owner used alot of hot washes. In those instances it was the area in the center closest to the top where steam could escape from the tub and facilite softening of the paint.