Hotpoint New Generation top loader - model 96702

[liberator1509]

Spiral gyrator and the various models

Hi all

Mike - good point about the 'Spiraclean' agitator (or is it a gyrator - Hotpoint couldn't seem to decide!) - the Hotpoint first appeared in 1963 - maybe one of our US friends can tell us when the first GE appeared with a spiral agitator - did we get there first?

Paul - the full list of top loader models is:
1500 Automatic 1963 export models use ‘GALA’ brand
1501 Automatic export models use ‘GALA’ brand
1502 Automatic export models use ‘GALA’ brand
1504 Automatic De Luxe 1969 – GALA brand dropped
1518 Automatic De Luxe Jan 1975 - as 1504 with interlock
1507 Automatic De Luxe
1509/01 Automatic De Luxe Jan 1975
1509/02 Automatic De Luxe Sept 1975 (four-pole motor replaced by two-pole)
1509/05 Automatic De Luxe April 1977
1509/10 Liberator Super De Luxe July 1978
15690 Super De Luxe August 1979
15690 DC23 Super De Luxe November 1979 (rocker switches)
15790 Super De Luxe
15792 Super De Luxe
96700 1050 Electronic De Luxe L.E. (temp. sensing)
96702
9600
9604W
9604A
9605W
9605A

You'll see that some models overlapped (probably because of production stock - the introduction of the statutory interlock causing some disruption obviously), and some of these model variants lasted for a few months only! The 15690 with the pus-buttons is probably like gold-dust, but the one I'm hanging out for is the ultimate liberator - the 1509/10 - I've yet to see one - most people have the earlier 1509s, fine machine they are too of course!

The odd bit is that these are effectively face-lifts and mechanical updates, I guess that the demand for automatics in the 60s and 70s meant that different grades of machine weren't viable. Shame - what would a BOL top loader have looked like, and can you imagine a top end model, with two wash speeds and other such luxury features?

 

[superelectronic]

Checking in slightly late

And so it came to pass, on that cold and misty late November morning, that I was reunited with an old flame. My ardour has not dampened in intervening sixteen years since I last saw a Hotpoint top loading automatic in action and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Someone has already mentioned that it seems quiet – indeed it is compared to my recollections. I was expecting a fair old roar when it started up but no – just a satisfying low pitched whirring! Admittedly, perhaps being outside the acoustics were more forgiving and my perspective of loud noise has probably changed since I was twelve. Then again, the mechanical restoration may have put it in somewhat better condition than the machines my family owned.

The pictures and videos say it all really and are easing the pain of not having one of my own. Short of getting one and having an obliging soul store it for me (the latest daydream based in practical reality) I will just have to make do with all the stuff posted here and the videos on YouTube.

Huge thanks to Paul and Rob for allowing me to come and sit in on the latest reveal (couldn’t have picked a better machine) and for being thoroughly decent chaps generally.

Just in case anyone is wondering, I am pictured somewhere above as the mystery hands at the end of blue coat sleves holding the hoses in the wash bowl. No advantage in a mug shot, especially as we had been up drinking and chatting til 3am the previous evening. And yes I was cold – it was about 2 deg C and clouds of steam were coming out of the machine from the warm water – but well worth it for the experience.

Alex

 

[matchboxpaul]

Suddenly remembered a programme from my childhood.

I remembered this morning that 'The Sooty Show' once had a Hoover A3060 sat behind Matthew Corbett, just by the backdoor, in his kitchen.

Sooooo, I went over to youtube.

Havent found the A3060 yet BUT did stumble across Sooty, Sweep and Sue entertaining themselves behing a Hotpoint 9604/9605 machine and post it here for all to enjoy.

If you click on part 2 of the same episode, you will see a Creda Dryer too.

Cheers
Paul
p.s its around 8 minutes in.

 

[matchboxpaul]

p.s

Thanks David for the top loader info - will now be comparing that info to the spreadsheet that you helped me with - just to make sure that I typed it all in correctly.

Hi Alex.
Great to meet you finally and glad you enjoyed yourself. Real sorry for not being able to play indoors - I bet you have never had to warm your hands in the steam emanating from a Hotpoint Top Loader before!

Cheers
Paul

 

[robm]

Hotpoint on Rentaghost and got my Twinny

Hi Paul and everyone else!

Thanks for your post Paul!

In the opening of an episode of Rentaghost, they have a Hotpoint like yours and Rob's from the early 80s. Type in Rentaghost on youtube and you should find it! (Sorry youtube is blocked at work so I can't add it).

Just a quick note that I got my Twinny over the weekend. Having lots of fun with it and especially like the super fast spinner. It needed a clean and the lettering has faded but all is well. Will write more later.

Rob

 

[keymatic]

Hi Paul, just saw your message saying that i have a 1504, I also have a 1501 from 1964..I find this a better machine than the 1504 that i use all the time, as after the wash the soapy water is spun out and then the usual spray rinse, followed by a "warm" agitated rinse and then onto a cold rinse. My 1504 only does 1 agitated rinse, as this machine was the first one to introduce the "static" rinse, which i am not sure is any benefit..
Cheers
Keith

 

[liberator1509]

Wow - fab 1501

Hi Keith

Thanks for posting the pic of the 1501 - it is such a classy machine, IMHO the best I've seen on here.

I love the console - the diakon plastic and aluminum looks so good, specially with the light, and its great to see the heater light on the temperature knob. Thanks again for posting the pic, and more power to you for preserving this great machine!

David

 

[gyrafoam]

I think the first spiral GE "Activator" was about 1962 with the introduction of the perforated tub (or is that 1961?). Lawrence, how 'bout it?
That Hottie agitator looks just like the Easy "Spiralator" to me.

Those are really kool machines! Would love to have one.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hotpoint 1500 Series!!!

Lovely washer there Keith, it seems that the early models 1500 / 01 / 02 all had slightly different consoles I`ve seen another two recently that look different!!! does yours have the turquoise filter flow etc??

Steve, get yourself over here and we`ll pull the range together for a "Full Line-Up" wash-in, you know you need a fix asap!!!

Link is to the Hotpoint thread wich featured the designer Oliver Hill...!!!pic is of the inside of a 9605 last edition.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2008/14997x31.htm

 

[gyrafoam]

Mike, I know that's right! I wouldn't want to leave!

 

[keymatic]

Hi Mike, I saw recently a slight variation to my console, but nothing too major...Mine does have the turq filter tray & nozzle & agi knob, but Hotpoint got rid of the colours by the 1502(total silver console) as the insides to that machine is the same as mine, dark grey filter flow & agi knob & white filter clean tray ( slightly different style)
Here's hoping that father christmas brings me a nice new Servis All-Fabric Automatic..hehehe..would be good to try and catch up in 2009.
Have a good Christmas anyway !!
Keith

 

[liberator1509]

Hi Keith

Do you have any idea what the difference between the 1500 and 1501 was?

Thanks

David

 

[matchboxpaul]

I second David question.

I cant detect any visual differences between the 1500 and 1501.
So I too wonder just what was the difference between them?

paul

 

[ekim]

New member here - at last!

Fantastic machine, I remember a relative having one of these when I was a kid; I thought I was going to pass out when I found out how fast it spun!!!

Does it get things as dry as a 1000RPM front loader. Or should I say, are things as wet as they are when they come out of a 1000RPM front loader!!! I have an indesit with the afore mentioned speed and it is lousy!!!

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hi there and welcome to the club!

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
Truth be told, I cant answer your question yet (although others, with more experience of top loaders, might be able to) as we havent been in a position to do a proper load with the machine.
Its one and only run so far, in mine and robs ownership, was conducted outside in the cold and was basically to check that the machine functioned.

Come the spring and summer months we might be able to do a comparison test. If we are able to do so, we will let you know.

Happy christmas and, once again, welcome to the club.
Cheers
Paul