Hotpoint Super Electronic 1827

[supermaticjames]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to share a monumental addition to my collection. Most of you who know me know that I absolutely adore the purple Hotpoint Liberator series from the 1970s and over the years I have acquired a few of these appliances both from the core ranges and Best Buy range. However, I was always lacking a purple front loader washing machine because they’re like hens teeth as well as 45-51 years old at the time of posting!

Luckily, that has now changed I’m ecstatic to reveal the Hotpoint Super Electronic 1827 from the Liberator Best Buy range of 1978/1979!

 

[supermaticjames]

Despite not having the iconic purple door bowl this is indeed a Liberator in every other way - it’s essentially a 1828 with more cost effective cosmetic parts e.g. white plastic door over a chromed door, white fascia over a silver fascia, clear door bowl over a purple one. Just how much money this saved Hotpoint remains unknown but it retailed in Curry’s for £24 less than the core range 1828.

 

[supermaticjames]

Serial number and date code 13 indicating that this is a January 1979 example. My matching 1700 tumble dryer is date code 12 making it a month older.

 

[supermaticjames]

It has yellowed quite a bit and I don’t think it's tobacco related but it’s in fantastic condition overall. The kickstrip appears to be have been attacked by a brush or a mop over the years but a quick run to Halfords for a can of Peugeot Midnight Blue will see to that!

A few close ups - the option buttons could be better but I seen much worse.

 

[supermaticjames]

It didn’t sit still for long until I started taking it apart for overhaul! There didn’t appear to be many parts replaced apart from a new motor fitted in 1989 and a more modern pump but the nagging question for me was what condition was the outer tub in???

 

[supermaticjames]

Fearing the worst because I’ve nearly always had to repair holes in steel outer tubs, I undid the 12 bolts securing the backplate to the outer tub and this is what greeted me!!!

 

[supermaticjames]

Much to my surprise it appears that this one has led a very easy life. Nothing more than some detergent residue and a little rust along the bar at the bottom of the tub which will be treated in due course.

The backplate was in good condition too but it was evident that the bearing seal had failed and the front bearing was beginning to rumble so I placed an order for a spider and bearing kit and made a start on cleaning the tub.

 

[supermaticjames]

This is the outer tub post cleaning. I was astonished! I’ve ordered 2 pack epoxy enamel for painting over the rust and protecting any seams and “problem” areas to prevent any deterioration in the future.

 

[supermaticjames]

The backplate cleaned up very well too and there was only a little corrosion in recess at the 12 o’clock position so I applied some chemical metal to prevent any further corrosion then decided to give the other recesses the same treatment because I’m overkill like that LOL!

Next I fitted the new bearings and seal ready for the inner drum. The drum spider itself was actually in perfect condition but the shaft looked a bit questionable so I replaced that too.

 

[supermaticjames]

I’m hoping to get the tub reassembled this weekend all being well then take it from there. I just can’t wait to see it alongside my 1700 tumble dryer though I’ll have a hell of a job trying to whiten the yellowed parts and get it to match evenly with the slightly yellowed tumble dryer.

Never ever did it cross my mind I would have a 1827 in my collection given how illusive the first Best Buy range was as it was only in production from December 1978 to December 1979. As far as I am aware I have the only example of a 1700 tumble dryer yet a few people have the 1464 Supermatic twin tub in its different guises.

That’s all for now folks!

James