does anyone have this washer or know where to get it!?

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risa7777777

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2024
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15
Location
Ohio
Good Evening All,
From reading all of the expert advice on this site, this seems the best place to ask about a vintage washer. I purchased a Kenmore (I believe 80 series) dryer, and am looking for its washer companion. From another member's post (Gordon), I believe it is the 1983 model. A photo is attached for reference. I've scoured the internet for this washer, and thought perhaps someone on this site may either have it, or know where I can get this washer. I'll take it even if it's not working (I can get it fixed), or it's located long distance (I drove a total of 8 hours to get the dryer)!! If anyone has the washer/knows where to get it, please let me know!! I Thank You All So Much in advance

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Kenmore 21721 washer 1981 model

Hello there, Lisa!

I received the email that you sent me yesterday, and I’m also glad to see this post here.

The machine in your photo is a 1981 Kenmore 70 model, stock number in White was 21721. Ironically my mother and father purchased a pair of these for our new house here in Charlotte and they were in service for over 36 years. I now have them in storage after my mother moved to an active adult retirement community.

So question, are you looking for this precise model, or are you looking for something with a similar control panel? The answer to that is of great significance. The exact model is somewhat rare, because they were produced during the height of the economic recession of the early 1980s. The 1981 models can always be noted from their control panel because they do not show the series number above the heavy duty or heavy duty plus moniker on the bottom right panel.

This was part of a Half dozen or so models from 1981 that used that basic control panel, 60, 70, and 80 series. None of them are particularly plentiful today, and never were because of the recession. There was a small quantity of 1982 models that replaced some of the 81s, then a full line of 10 more models for 1983. These 1983 models were hugely common a few years back because they were produced for three years during the very active economic recovery.

I do not have the 1981 21721 model (I can’t sell mom’s) but I have probably dozens of mostly similar 83 models.

Please let me know exactly what you’re looking for, and a color, and I might be able to help you.

Gordon
 
I don't want to be a downer but these machines are over 40 years old now. In this era, the outer tub was either thinner or had a thinner porcelain coating making them more prone to rusting out. The center posts are another killer on these. Finding one and expecting to function perfectly and reliability is unrealistic.

Don't let this hold you back, just be assured if you want one of these as a daily driver to be reliable, a full tear down and rebuild is essential. This pretty much goes for anything of this age and older except for maybe a wringer washer.

The dryers of this era are pretty easy to work on and most of the parts are still available with the exception of the timer.
 
Thank You All for your advice

Good Evening All!
Thank You All So Much for your assistance thus far-I am So Grateful that you are all willing to provide information to help me find the washer! To answer Gordon's questions, I am looking for a model with those precise features of temperatures, water levels and cycles, with the matching control panel. I have attached pictures of my Grandmother's actual washer, and, on the left-hand side of the control panel, it says 'Kenmore Heavy-Duty 80'. I'm unsure of whether that is the series or another classification-I have No Doubt that you all will know for sure!
Again, I Thank You All So Much for your replies and willingness to help me find this washer-I'd rather not keep scouring the internet and playing a waiting game until I see it posted. Thank You again!!!

Lisa

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Hello Repairguy,
Thank You So Much for your reply-I knew it was a washer that was from the 1980's, I just did not know what year. From all of the expert advice I've read, there are some minor differences in models. They don't matter to me-I'm just looking for the same categories of choices regarding cycles, water level and temperature, and also the same style back panel that my Grandmother's washer had. Thank You again!
 
Hi Lisa. I have sent you an e-mail with more details and full resolution pictures. Here is my washer. If you want it it is yours but you'll need to pick it up in Alabama or arrange a shipper to pick it up.

 

It was working when taken out of service, but it needs significant repair work. The transmission has a broken spring or worn clutch mechanism. It will pop and slip when more than about half a load of clothes are washed. Also, I have installed a relay actuated by "Agitate" mode to always run the motor on low speed to help the slipping problem. It is fixable but I got a much nicer Speed Queen set and put this out in storage about a year ago. 

 

I sent my address and phone number in the e-mail as well.

Sincerely,

David 

 

 

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