Dexter Twin Tub Advise

[2manycats]

I am going to go look at a Dexter Twin tub wringer washer tomorrow. Are they a good machine? Does the wringer assembly come off of them like a Maytag? I would have to haul it home in a Jeep Compass...I hope it'll fit!

 

I supplied a pic...what are the 3 dials for? Are they on-off switches or something else? Do these have a drain pump? sorry for the dumb questions.

 

I'm excited to see it in person, but don't want a big money pit. Anything I should look out for?

 

Thanks, Jeff

 

[lamont]

Yours is newer than the ones I'm seeing. The wringer should slip off(heavy and re-aligning can be interesting), the lower switches are for drains(iirc), the upper "Should" be for wringer drive (or pump drive), the big levers are for agitator on-off.

 

[lamont]

Oh and Belts are standard at any good autoparts store(read as napa, not Autozone)Same with hoses, make sure the cord is decent and not ripped open(usually not grounded on these old machines...Zzzzaaappppppp), If you are planning on using this daily, condition in order of importance are: Rollers, Interior of Drum, Agitator condition. If the rollers are cooked, walk away, replacement repos are 200 EACH from any number of manufactures and rebuilders. A small flatspot will just make a thump, but still work...missing chunks don't wring water.

Major rusting in the drum will transfer to clothes, same with agitator. The outside of the machine can always be painted easily...replacing porcelain is much harder.

Expect parts to be HARD to find aside from the collector and fanatics....Good things these are pretty robust units and don't throw parts too often...My Blackstone is from the late 30's and still washes my clothes with nothing but a new belt and hoses.

If you do use this daily, make sure to keep something soft between the rollers, or remove tension on them when not using it. Prevents them sticking together and pulling chunks out.