Finally! The 57 Whirlpool dishwasher LOOKS like a dishwasher again

[turquoisedude]

Back in June of 2011, I saw an ad on the Hartford, CT area craigslist for 'vintage Whirlpool dishwasher parts' in the 'FREE' section. Of course I had to inquire about it and it turned out to be a WP57 70000 dishwasher, but it had been completely torn apart when it was removed from it's original installation.

"Some assembly required" was an understatement to say the least...

 

[turquoisedude]

It was a challenge... I had zero information about this machine (except a schematic wiring diagram) and there were lots of issues...

The cabinet frame had been cut. No problem! Phil welded it back together for me!

The tub had rust damage. FEH! Nothing a little fibreglas patching kit and JB Weld didn't cure!

The last big hurdle - how to get the stinking timer box back together. Easy! Just take a photo of one that was still assembled! Thanks to Mike (dishwashercrazy) for letting me photograph this one in his collection!

And yet armed with all this information, the damn thing still sat in the corner of the Ogden laundry... Until this week!!

 

[turquoisedude]

May I present the newly-restored 1957 Whirlpool dishwasher?

Note the lack of sparks, flames, and reports of serious power grid disruptions in the North-East.

 

[turquoisedude]

Now, here's where things get even more interesting...

The front door panel of this machine had been almost mint, but the former owner managed to scratch it badly.

When I was examining it this week, I noticed something most unusual. To confirm what I observed, I ever-so-carefully chipped off some more paint from the underside of the door panel.

Yee-haw! Looks like I struck copper!!

 

[turquoisedude]

I had to test the lower panel as well, but darn it, it's just plain steel...

To the best of my knowledge, the only copper-fronted D&M dishwasher was a Chambers re-badge. I wonder if the Whirlpool production run was missing door panels and they just spray-painted a bunch? I'd love to get the 'rest of the story' on this one!!

So back to the dishwasher, I ran it through a cycle with no water and it seemed to run just fine (despite my wiring and the fact that I had to re-assemble the timer!)

I may have an issue with the drain valve solenoid and I wonder if I shouldn't just put in some kind of electric pump. This was a gravity-drain model and well, I don't know where I could possibly install something like that...

I also think I should make an effort to treat this tub to a 'Wite-Coat' treatment. That was the stuff I used on the still-driving-me-nutty Inglis wash tub and it put on a really nice smooth finish.

So, just a little more futzing around and I'll be doing dishes D&M front-load style at last... LOL

 

[ken]

Paul:

Id like to hear more about Wite-Coat. Ive never heard of it.

 

[swestoyz]

Paul, the tub looks as though as if it has some hard water deposits, rather than actual wear.  However, I'm sitting on my side of the keyboard and I'm not the one actually looking at it.

 

Is it possible to remove the deposits rather than paint over them?

 

I LOVE the lighted timer dial.  Too cool.

 

[turquoisedude]

Ken: Wite-Coat is made by the same folks who make POR-15. It's a two-part enamel epoxy that's waterproof. It's intended for sinks and bathtubs, but by golly, it worked fine on the Inglis tub! One thing I learned the hard way about this stuff, though is don't mix up too much at a time. It sets way faster than they say on the can!! Oh, and if you do use it, I'd recommend using it outdoors - the stuff gives off some pretty potent fumes!!

Ben - I did a lot of scrubbing already (check this 'before' shot) and I was afraid of damaging what was left of the finish. Also, I kinda wanted to hide the POR-15 rings where I repaired the motor and heater mounting holes. I'll see how ambitious I want to get with this... LOL

 

[swestoyz]

Well.... then.... um..... hum.  *inserts foot in mouth*

 

That's quite the before photo!  You now have my approval to go forward with the Wite-Coat.    *ducks and runs*

 

Ben

 

[turquoisedude]

Well, I was going to say, 'grab a brush and come visit'... LOL

 

[rollermatic]

enjoyed looking at

your post here paul! amazing what'sout there! enjoy it!

 

[turquoisedude]

The weather in Ogden was pretty crummy this weekend - just right for more fiddling around with machines and the '57 Whirlpool got all my attention!

Here's the impeller re-installed after a few tries. I needed to do some serious messing around to get the clearance from the bottom just right. The new bolts that I used to mount the motor were a wee bit higher than the original ones...

The impeller still needs some TLC but amazingly enough, it's the original one and there are no nicks or cracks in it.

 

[turquoisedude]

Racks are back in place at last!

I am missing the original silverware basket, but I substituted this generic one from Ikea. Of course if anyone ever hears of one for sale, please do let me know!

 

[turquoisedude]

Now that upper rack sure looks like it's roto-rack cousin, doesn't it?

But what is the square support in the middle supposed to do? My guess is to channel water that splashes across the tub top down toward the cutlery basket. However, that is just one of my wild guesses, so if anyone knows what it's really for, please let me know!!

 

[turquoisedude]

Oh, right, here's what the machine looks like with the panels on!

I did not touch that main door panel for the time being, but I think I want to take it down to the copper surface I discovered. I think I might just paint the lower panel turquoise... An interesting contrast to say the least...

One thing I still have to do - drill a couple of new holes for the lower panel mounting screws. The fact that the cabinet got cut and welded back together made for some challenges in trying to get the panel attached again. After fighting it for over an hour, I thought, "to hell with this" and figured I could just drill new holes and be done with it.

Maiden wash coming soon...

 

[philr]

Congratulations Paul!

I hope to see it working soon!

 

[chachp]

I thought I had seen every dishwasher made

and this one stumped me. I have never seen one like this. Can't wait to see it working!!

 

[jetcone]

Neat find Paul

I love the AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER on the front but tell me are you saying that front panel IS solid copper or finished in copper??

 

My favorite metal BTW< in case you hadn't noticed my kitchen..

 

I also think if you just run a few loads thru that impeller will clean up on its own. They are very delicate i find.

 

 

 

[gansky1]

That's coming together nicely, Paul.  I love the graphics and WP logos on the front.  I have a magazine story about a "open floor plan" house built in 57 with all WP appliances and this dishwasher.  It's nice to see inside after staring at the pictures for years!

Good luck on the remaining work, this is going to be a fun machine.  And I love the Ikea flatware basket, who'd know??