I'm Expecting 56 Year Old Twins Twins

[takacedon]

Well, my very first vintage washer and dryer are on their way from Mobile, AL to Houston, TX and they should be here tomorrow. So I wanted to ask you all what tips and "heads-ups" you may have. They are a 1955 Westinghouse pair, unfortunately it wasn't possible to get the shipping bolts in place prior to shipping.

So when they arrive what should I do first to take inventory of any issues that may be affecting my new aquisition? Are there parts to stock up on, things to do, I'm flying blind here and want to make sure I take care of them as best I can.

 

[turquoisedude]

Inspect them and photograph them - you're sure to get good advice from people here on the board!

 

[takacedon]

They're here!

This is Kenny and Kelly, so named for an Irish gang in New York....called the Westies.

 

[takacedon]

Weigh to save works

 

[takacedon]

Both Laundrofiles intact

 

[takacedon]

Quite original

These babies are very original, the boot, the connections, everything.....therefore I'm afraid to plug them in and shock myself or burn the whole damned house down. There is a red wire coming from the back of the washer, looks like someone added a ground. The only problem I've found just by poking around, the water temp dial face is broken off, but i have it and i opened up the lint drawer to find about 5 boxes of decon and a silver fish lol.

Any picture requests or tips?

 

[takacedon]

I plugged in the washer

And it works, at least I think it works, the tub started rotating immediately....and noisily lol

 

[sudslock1]

Trevor....

I hope you enjoy them and use them in good health. I'm glad they made it safely to you and they look to be in pretty decent shape.

 

[takacedon]

Dave

Thank you so much! They are in pretty decent shape given their age and the fact that they're completely original....save for the wood piece covering the lint drawer and hiding 5 boxes of decon....I'm pretty sure the decon isn't original.

They need a good scrubbing, probably with a magic eraser, it looks like something may have been slathered on them previously to prevent rust. But that's this weekend's project....then on to making sure they're in sound order.

 

[sudslock1]

No Problem

I am happy I could make your dream come true. I have another pair just like them so I thought it would be selfish to keep both when others were really wanting a Westinghouse set of there own. I am sure they clean up nicely and be wonderful machines. Keep me informed of what goes on with them and so forth.

 

[spin-it]

Congratulations on your amazing find. Would you mind telling me how much it did cost you to ship them and what means you used? I've been steering away from looking in other states out of the NYC, Pennsylvania, northeast area because of the shipping situation. Maybe I should think otherwise. Thanks.

 

[westingman123]

Oh, congratulations on the twins! Just beautiful, they are. (read in yoda-ese)

 

[golittlesport]

Congrats! I love Westy Twins

 

[circlew]

Glad your twins arrived safely. The Laundromat is just like the one my mom got for Christmas of '55, and used until getting the new one in '64.

 

[takacedon]

Shipping

@spin-it - shipping was actually the most difficult part, I had quotes ranging from the absurd ($1,500) to the "seriously?" ($250). I originally intended to utilize Microship, who quoted me $550, but then later on said that using them to ship these items to and from the locations I had would not be feasible.

I then used a shipping broker called Mesca Transport and they farmed it out to Southeastern Freight for $250. Unfortunately SE turned out to be completely unprofessional and unreliable. So as a last resort I turned to Uship where i ran into both helpful and rude people. I ended up utilizing the services are a very kind man who just so happened to be towing a boat to San Antonio from FL. He charged $300 and certainly took care with wrapping the machines and making sure they were securely tied down.

In the end it was a crap shoot, and I was prepared for damage upon arrival, but I'm almost positive that I've avoided that, though eventually when I post a video of the noise it makes running we may find that not to be the case lol.

 

[turquoisedude]

So glad they made it! They look WONDERFUL, too!! If you need a point of reference on the noise, I have a few videos with sound of both of my Westy washers that you may find useful. Have a peek on YouTube for videos by 'chriprice' (I hijacked hubby's YouTube account... LOL)

 

[takacedon]

Videos

Awesome! Will do. I have a feeling some pullies are probably rusty and the belts are worn. I'll be focusing on cleaning up the washer this weekend - the dryer is less of a priority. So far I've foudn that the top of the washer comes off easily, but what about the other parts of the cabinet?

 

[takacedon]

Also

I need the knob for the timer, the one that says, hot, warm, spin, rinse, I think. I have MOST of the original one but it's broken offso I hav eno idea what wash it's set on or what part of the wash it's in.