I'm Worried
- Thread starter tuthill
- Start date
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People with already decent collections, you don't know how lucky you are!
The best brand to collect for your situation would be Maytags. Parts are easy and cheap to come by. Only 2 special tools are involved for the washer and those too are easy to come by. They're extremely reliable which means less downtime between repairs.
Jed,
It is possible to still get vintage machines for less than $50.00. Also, some just take a little elbow grease and a lot of patience, but the end result is worth it.
Rich
It is possible to still get vintage machines for less than $50.00. Also, some just take a little elbow grease and a lot of patience, but the end result is worth it.
Rich
christfr
Well-known member
yes you can find the cheap hit some estate sales in your area and just keep lookin they are around. and as for space well you should see my house ha ha im full to the roof.. find one and go from there
Chin Up My Lad
Do not loose heart!
First thing to consider is perhaps maybe seeing if you can rent cheap shed or storage space somewhere to stash any potential finds. Such a place could also function as a workshop as well. Speak with relatives or friends who have backyards, or basements with space for such a place.
I've seen "vintage" washers go for pennies, others for major money. Much depends upon the model, condition and other factors. Rare and sought after models like the gas Duomatic, a vintage pink NIB Maytag W&D set are probably going to put you in competition with the big boys, but there are lots of cheaper and easier things to come by.
Hoover and Maytag twin tubs are good places to start. They are plentiful enough out there, and easily worked upon. Look for things that can be done up and or no one wishes. One must scan eBay, Craigslist, and other auction or Internet listing sites regularly. As well as taking the good drive around looking for curbside finds. Perhaps you can strike up a friendship with local appliance dealers or repair shops to have them give you a look see when they take away discarded appliances when installing new ones.
Finally if your own patch is not fertile hunting grounds, you may need to expand your manor. Members have made cross state and even cross several state drives to pick up a vintage item; remember anything worth having is worth working for.
Again, do not give up hope, just develop a plan and keep your hopes up.
L.
Do not loose heart!
First thing to consider is perhaps maybe seeing if you can rent cheap shed or storage space somewhere to stash any potential finds. Such a place could also function as a workshop as well. Speak with relatives or friends who have backyards, or basements with space for such a place.
I've seen "vintage" washers go for pennies, others for major money. Much depends upon the model, condition and other factors. Rare and sought after models like the gas Duomatic, a vintage pink NIB Maytag W&D set are probably going to put you in competition with the big boys, but there are lots of cheaper and easier things to come by.
Hoover and Maytag twin tubs are good places to start. They are plentiful enough out there, and easily worked upon. Look for things that can be done up and or no one wishes. One must scan eBay, Craigslist, and other auction or Internet listing sites regularly. As well as taking the good drive around looking for curbside finds. Perhaps you can strike up a friendship with local appliance dealers or repair shops to have them give you a look see when they take away discarded appliances when installing new ones.
Finally if your own patch is not fertile hunting grounds, you may need to expand your manor. Members have made cross state and even cross several state drives to pick up a vintage item; remember anything worth having is worth working for.
Again, do not give up hope, just develop a plan and keep your hopes up.
L.
bobbyderegis
Well-known member
Don't be discouraged, Tut.
I never thought I'd ever be able to have a nice collection either, but you will in time. Get a good education, work hard, and the rest will come. Keep your eyes open, too. Just today someone tossed out a nice white gas Maytag dryer from the early eighties. I'll get the hand dolly and have it at my house in a few minutes. Plus, us old bats aren't getting any younger: I know I'll want my stuff to go to someone who will take care of it and appreciate it when I kick the bucket.
Bobby in Boston
I never thought I'd ever be able to have a nice collection either, but you will in time. Get a good education, work hard, and the rest will come. Keep your eyes open, too. Just today someone tossed out a nice white gas Maytag dryer from the early eighties. I'll get the hand dolly and have it at my house in a few minutes. Plus, us old bats aren't getting any younger: I know I'll want my stuff to go to someone who will take care of it and appreciate it when I kick the bucket.
Bobby in Boston
Please take heart.
One of the built in limitations of our hobby is the weight and size of vintage machinery. This inherently limits competition.
My partner recently found a Multimatic he has wanted for 20 some years - in PANK, no less! She basically just need cleaning.
And this was a local, unadvertised find.
You just have to let people who get around a lot know what you are after, eventually things will work out.
Actually, the number of collectors of my age group and older is in your interest. When old royalty dies or decides to move the Queenly court to Florida, we look for dedicated Princesses to take over our former subjects. Stay on good terms and you may well end up with everything your heart desires.
One of the built in limitations of our hobby is the weight and size of vintage machinery. This inherently limits competition.
My partner recently found a Multimatic he has wanted for 20 some years - in PANK, no less! She basically just need cleaning.
And this was a local, unadvertised find.
You just have to let people who get around a lot know what you are after, eventually things will work out.
Actually, the number of collectors of my age group and older is in your interest. When old royalty dies or decides to move the Queenly court to Florida, we look for dedicated Princesses to take over our former subjects. Stay on good terms and you may well end up with everything your heart desires.
1966 Frigidaire Custom Imperial set
A agree, get the word out to your people. The guy that lives down the street bought an old washer and dryer at an estate sale and brought it home for me last summer. He knows that I collect old washers, so he bought them and hauled them home and sold them to me. ( im sure he make a few $$ on the deal too, and that is ok with me) At any rate, He knows that I only like to collect the old washers that light up. Here is a pixs of what he brought home to me.....
A agree, get the word out to your people. The guy that lives down the street bought an old washer and dryer at an estate sale and brought it home for me last summer. He knows that I collect old washers, so he bought them and hauled them home and sold them to me. ( im sure he make a few $$ on the deal too, and that is ok with me) At any rate, He knows that I only like to collect the old washers that light up. Here is a pixs of what he brought home to me.....
Go to your local auctions
Since I live in a small rural community with an older population I find the auction sales are the best.
All last summer I saw so much stuff go for NOTHING because they couldn't get a bid on it.
I wanted to bid but thought people would think I was a freak for wanting this stuff.
Actually most of it ended up in a big pile with no bidders and went to the garbage.
After seeing this web site I am going back to those sales this summer in a new frame of mind.
I kick myself for all the things I saw that I didn't bid on or just take 'cause they were free.
Square tub wringers, vacuums early 80's computer touch washers, that one I really wanted and it went for $5.00!
GE filter flow washers with the mini basket in the dumpster, with a grandchild present to say their granny's washer worked!
This summer I plan on having a freakin' warehouse of stuff.
Not because of greed, well maybe a little, but if I can find good homes for all this great stuff that is going to the dump I'll be there,
I'll post anything of value and make sure someone that wants it gets it
Since I live in a small rural community with an older population I find the auction sales are the best.
All last summer I saw so much stuff go for NOTHING because they couldn't get a bid on it.
I wanted to bid but thought people would think I was a freak for wanting this stuff.
Actually most of it ended up in a big pile with no bidders and went to the garbage.
After seeing this web site I am going back to those sales this summer in a new frame of mind.
I kick myself for all the things I saw that I didn't bid on or just take 'cause they were free.
Square tub wringers, vacuums early 80's computer touch washers, that one I really wanted and it went for $5.00!
GE filter flow washers with the mini basket in the dumpster, with a grandchild present to say their granny's washer worked!
This summer I plan on having a freakin' warehouse of stuff.
Not because of greed, well maybe a little, but if I can find good homes for all this great stuff that is going to the dump I'll be there,
I'll post anything of value and make sure someone that wants it gets it
oldwasherguy
Well-known member
Good man rpm!
Wanted to touch upon that point. If one is really wishes to collect vintage appliances, then one is going to have to loose a bit of pride and get down and dirty. If I can "gather up my petticoats" and examine a discarded vintage KitchenAid dishwasher on Park Avenue, then anyone else shouldn't worry about what others think when they spy something they wish.
Walking home one night, again towards Park Avenue, saw a wonderful vintage Hoover floor polisher in the rubbish. Having always wanted one, and seeing how a bin liner was tied to the unit containing all the brushes and such, it was but a moment of thought before the thing was swooped up. It now resides in my cleaning cupboard and works a treat for polishing floors.
People collect all sorts of things, from Nazi uniforms to "Negro" things from the old South.
L.
Walking home one night, again towards Park Avenue, saw a wonderful vintage Hoover floor polisher in the rubbish. Having always wanted one, and seeing how a bin liner was tied to the unit containing all the brushes and such, it was but a moment of thought before the thing was swooped up. It now resides in my cleaning cupboard and works a treat for polishing floors.
People collect all sorts of things, from Nazi uniforms to "Negro" things from the old South.
L.
Remember This
You can have a lot of fun with just one machine. My first was a GE Filter flo, which I got at a used appliance store. Once I figured out how to bypass the lid switch, I spent many hours watching that one go throught it's cycles. Filter flo's are still available at the used appliance stores in Sacramento, and I imagine other areas too. As has been mentioned, Maytag is a good one, still available at used stores and on Craig's list.
Actually, my first was when I was in College, I managed to put a washer in my bathroom. I found the washer, so it was free.
So don't worry about the money, get the space, and get one machine. You will have a lot of fun with that.
I probably will never have a large collection, I don't have the space. But I can buy and sell or trade, and keep a few machines hooked up and useable.
Martin
You can have a lot of fun with just one machine. My first was a GE Filter flo, which I got at a used appliance store. Once I figured out how to bypass the lid switch, I spent many hours watching that one go throught it's cycles. Filter flo's are still available at the used appliance stores in Sacramento, and I imagine other areas too. As has been mentioned, Maytag is a good one, still available at used stores and on Craig's list.
Actually, my first was when I was in College, I managed to put a washer in my bathroom. I found the washer, so it was free.
So don't worry about the money, get the space, and get one machine. You will have a lot of fun with that.
I probably will never have a large collection, I don't have the space. But I can buy and sell or trade, and keep a few machines hooked up and useable.
Martin
There are still plenty of vintage machines out there. Don't worry!
I felt the same way...
about six months ago. I decided that I wanted to have a washer "just like mom's old frigidaire" I recalled what a wonderful machine it was. I learned about this site through a google search and from there it went... I joined, started going through the site and was amazed at all the machines there were videos of, and of all the people interested in "old washers". I spent a lot of time learning and was fortunate enough to get in contact with a member who lives in Virginia and has a large warehouse of things he is clearing out. We had several conversations and I finally decided to rent a cargo van and go visit him. I came home with one machine which is a highly sought after model and it was better than mom's old one. I think that are probably still lots of good old vintage machines out there running and there will continue to be because of the quality way in which they were produced. For me personally I am a big time Frigidaire fan, I'm hooked... I have my name on two more machines that I am going back to buy from this member. I continue to learn more on this site, and from the others on here, I'm even considering attending a wash in some day.
Be encouraged, there are plenty of great machines left, and great people who love and care for them.
about six months ago. I decided that I wanted to have a washer "just like mom's old frigidaire" I recalled what a wonderful machine it was. I learned about this site through a google search and from there it went... I joined, started going through the site and was amazed at all the machines there were videos of, and of all the people interested in "old washers". I spent a lot of time learning and was fortunate enough to get in contact with a member who lives in Virginia and has a large warehouse of things he is clearing out. We had several conversations and I finally decided to rent a cargo van and go visit him. I came home with one machine which is a highly sought after model and it was better than mom's old one. I think that are probably still lots of good old vintage machines out there running and there will continue to be because of the quality way in which they were produced. For me personally I am a big time Frigidaire fan, I'm hooked... I have my name on two more machines that I am going back to buy from this member. I continue to learn more on this site, and from the others on here, I'm even considering attending a wash in some day.
Be encouraged, there are plenty of great machines left, and great people who love and care for them.
All the above is GREAT advice Jed
You'll get your start, don't stress yourself over it. It all starts with one machine or two. It does seem like good stuff is still out there, maybe not as plentiful as it was 10 years ago or more, but it depends on what you consider "good stuff" and how old that is.
Once you do get going, even a little bit, I have one piece of advice to offer: If you see something you like, take it and don't linger on the fence. Many times I've seen something, even on the side of the road, etc. that I wanted, and after I putzed around, it was gone when I went back.
Here's how it started with me....Back when I was in high school, I fixed my mother's Kenmore on the back porch, after the Sears repairman had told us it needed a new basket drive. The repair quote was about 75% of the cost of a new machine. Mom ordered a new one, but I wanted to keep the old one, so I bought the part at the Sears warehouse and figured I had little to loose. It turned out great and the fever started. After that success, I was telling my chemistry teacher about the fun I'd had and the money we'd saved, and he said "Oh I haul back all kinds of stuff like that for Sears on weekends deliveries. There's more where that came from if you want!" So I exuberantly told my Mom, and she sternly said "Not in our house you don't!!!!" My Dad would not over-rule the verdict. Eight years later I had my own house, and knowing I'd have a place to do what I wanted without anyone's disapproval, I bought two scrap machines for $10 that I hand-picked and began puttering with them.
The fun I had with those led me to wondering where I'd get more, and I worked out a deal with Sears (long story). Within a month or so my friend/mentor and I had more machines than we could handle, for free. I would never have planned on that happening, it just did, and something tells me the same will happen for you too - just be out there where you'll see them when the time comes.
Working at a used appliance store, or with a repair shop could be a boost? They may even have temporary storage space for you....just a thought.
Good luck Jed!
You'll get your start, don't stress yourself over it. It all starts with one machine or two. It does seem like good stuff is still out there, maybe not as plentiful as it was 10 years ago or more, but it depends on what you consider "good stuff" and how old that is.
Once you do get going, even a little bit, I have one piece of advice to offer: If you see something you like, take it and don't linger on the fence. Many times I've seen something, even on the side of the road, etc. that I wanted, and after I putzed around, it was gone when I went back.
Here's how it started with me....Back when I was in high school, I fixed my mother's Kenmore on the back porch, after the Sears repairman had told us it needed a new basket drive. The repair quote was about 75% of the cost of a new machine. Mom ordered a new one, but I wanted to keep the old one, so I bought the part at the Sears warehouse and figured I had little to loose. It turned out great and the fever started. After that success, I was telling my chemistry teacher about the fun I'd had and the money we'd saved, and he said "Oh I haul back all kinds of stuff like that for Sears on weekends deliveries. There's more where that came from if you want!" So I exuberantly told my Mom, and she sternly said "Not in our house you don't!!!!" My Dad would not over-rule the verdict. Eight years later I had my own house, and knowing I'd have a place to do what I wanted without anyone's disapproval, I bought two scrap machines for $10 that I hand-picked and began puttering with them.
The fun I had with those led me to wondering where I'd get more, and I worked out a deal with Sears (long story). Within a month or so my friend/mentor and I had more machines than we could handle, for free. I would never have planned on that happening, it just did, and something tells me the same will happen for you too - just be out there where you'll see them when the time comes.
Working at a used appliance store, or with a repair shop could be a boost? They may even have temporary storage space for you....just a thought.
Good luck Jed!
~sudsshane
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2007
- Messages
- 1,250
Bobby~
"Us old bats aren't getting any younger, I know I'll want my stuff to go to someone who will take care of it and appreciate it when I kick the bucket".
Good grief Bobby! since when is 39 considered an old bat?? lol.. Personally, I think the best years are ahead of us.
=)
"Us old bats aren't getting any younger, I know I'll want my stuff to go to someone who will take care of it and appreciate it when I kick the bucket".
Good grief Bobby! since when is 39 considered an old bat?? lol.. Personally, I think the best years are ahead of us.
=)
Jed - living in the midwest does had the advantage of older homes having basements. I've seen a fair share of cool old washers still stashed in the corner of grandma's house during estate sale visits - keep a look out and you'll run across one soon enough. I'm sure you'll see an A806 sooner than later.
Ben
Ben
I agree with Launderess, one has to be willing to clean up o
Have no fear!
Many many areas have bulk pick-up only once or twice a year. Those days can be very fruitful!
Once I bought a new appliance and bribed the delivery truck drivers to let me get at the contents of their truck, as they picked up the old, unwanted items. Out of 4 stoves, I managed to get two working.
Miracles and good things will always happen till the end of time. Just BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE.
And I agree with the others:
1- EDUCATION FIRST!
2- SMART CAREER MOVES
3- SMART REAL-ESTATE INVESTENTS
4- SMART SPOUSE/PARTNERS CHOICES
and the rest will surely follow!
Think of collecting as a hobby / passion. Like television, pehaps it should be used to fill gaps in time when there is nothing more pressing that needs to be attended to.
And IMHO never, ever, ever covet what others have; one day you will have more! In some societies one is not judged by what they amass, but by what they give!
BEST OF EVERYTHING TO YOU!
Have no fear!
Many many areas have bulk pick-up only once or twice a year. Those days can be very fruitful!
Once I bought a new appliance and bribed the delivery truck drivers to let me get at the contents of their truck, as they picked up the old, unwanted items. Out of 4 stoves, I managed to get two working.
Miracles and good things will always happen till the end of time. Just BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE.
And I agree with the others:
1- EDUCATION FIRST!
2- SMART CAREER MOVES
3- SMART REAL-ESTATE INVESTENTS
4- SMART SPOUSE/PARTNERS CHOICES
and the rest will surely follow!
Think of collecting as a hobby / passion. Like television, pehaps it should be used to fill gaps in time when there is nothing more pressing that needs to be attended to.
And IMHO never, ever, ever covet what others have; one day you will have more! In some societies one is not judged by what they amass, but by what they give!
BEST OF EVERYTHING TO YOU!
