fabric softener dispensers compatible with the Unimatics?
Mark,
No... and yes. The '57 and '58 Unimatics agitator column was revised to allow for a blench cup to be placed inside the column, with nubs then on the bottom of the caps that are intended to hold the cup in place.
In '59, for the intro of the Multimatic, the column was modified again to allow for a revised bleach cup and the new fabric softener dispenser. A ridge was cast into the top edge of the column that allows for the lip of the fabric softener dispenser to rest inside, with the nubs on the cap removed.
The '59 - '62 columns can be used on a '57 or '58 Unimatic without changing the pulsator nut; '50 thru '56 Unimatics would require the pulsator nut to be swapped out for the later style.
The fabric softener dispenser for these isn't great and can leak down during the wash. IMO, much more of a gimmick than a reliable dispenser.
And of course, the column could be swapped out completely for a Jet Action agitator, but then the fabric softener dispenser for those could interfere and hit the lid (I don't know this for certain, but knowing that the clearance between the columns and the lids was much tighter on the earlier machines I'd check the clearance before firing up the machine).
Photo 1 - '58 Unimatic w/ original column and nub style cap.
Photos 2/3 - '61 Multimatic, showing the ridge in the column and a shot with the dispenser installed
Ben
