Interesting and perhaps unusual 1961 Kenmore?

[kenmoreguy64]

I think many will remember this machine that has been twice featured here on AW, first in 2005 when it was found in Roanoke, VA and last fall by me, when I brought it home. This model had been on the top of my dream machines list.

I am about ready to begin the mechanical work this machine needs to be a worthy daily driver. Before finding this gem however, I was contacted by a wonderful AW member who had this machine's 1961 counterpart, which which is highly similar, yet I have never seen one before. Pics to follow....

 

[kenmoreguy64]

This is a '62 800-esque machine that is actually a 1961 Kenmore 70. It has the sliding water level selector, and the A thru H buttons for cycle modifers. I had no idea model 70s were ever made with that sort of functionality. It also had a bleach dispenser and was avaiable with or without a self-cleaning filter.

I apologize for the tight shot - the machine is currently in the company of a number of younger contemporaries....

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Here's another shot

I need a control panel cover, which I think I can get custom made at work, BUT if anyone knows where a spare is that would fit, I'd be grateful. Both these control panels needs painting details, but fortunately they both used the same colors, so I'll do both at once.

The agitator is still pretty shiny - I'm hoping the machine doesn't have a lot of miles on it mechanically,and the cosmetics should be fun to work on. That's a lighted control too....

 

[jetcone]

I didn't know those Prego Roto Swirls

came with Scrubber caps!!!!!!!!!

I want one of those for my pregorotoswirl!

These are starting to look so retro now it is cool!

Enjoy.

And pleas post nudies!

 

[revvinkevin]

The first photo......

Gordon, WOW those are both are great machines... and how I would LOVE to have a Kenmore / Lady Kenmore from the 60's (or 70's)!!! (do you have an extra one you don't need?? LOL)

When I was growing up my friends / neighbors at the other end of the street had this EXACT Kenmore washer (in the first photo)!! Anytime I was over at their house and they were doing laundry, I would always gravitate without fail to their washer and watch and listen as it did it's thing! I would even offer to fill and start it or empty it when it was finished.

 

[70series]

That is one fancy looking machine for a 70 series. I also notice this one has the painted black lid underside with instructions. I am intrigued by how shiny the pregnant Rotoswirl is. To me that is a sign that it was used sparingly, unless that agitator was replaced somewhere along the way. I love the design around the dial. I hope she does not require too much work, and that any sprucing up she needs is more cosmetic, and not in the form of mechanical repairs.

Good Luck,
James

 

[tuthill]

Nice machine!

Hopefully you can get running like new again! Good luck

 

[jamman_98]

The 2nd & 3rd pics

This was the first washing machine I remember as a child. It was in the basement of our house in Alaska in 1964-67 and my parents gave it to my Grandmother in 1968 before we moved to Colorado Springs, CO. I remember her pushing the lid switch down to let me watch.

joe
jamman_98

 

[alanlendaro]

OMG. The first picture is just like my Grandma's

I remember it at her house, and then we had it for a long time after she came to live with us. It replaced a Maytag we had - only thing I remember about that machine was it had only Hot and Warm washes - no cold.

The machine that replaced it was a BOL Kenmore that only had one water level and hot and warm washes. Then we got a MOL GE FilterFlo in the late 80's that lasted until she moved her laundry to the first floor and installed a stacking FL GE Unit.

Ah... memories. I can almost smell the Whisk!