Introducing the Picture Window Lady Kenmore Roto-Rack!!!!!!!

[Unimatic1140]

Remember a few months ago when I found this top of the line, 1965 Lady Kenmore Roto-rack dishwasher?

Well my daunting task of installing a window and lighted interior is done. It took nearly 120 hours of work but it so worth it.

Here she is all installed in the kitchen. Isn't she a beauty?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Amazing fun cycle to watch as you can all well imagine.

Can you imagine having this picture-window machine installed in your house as a kid? LOL

 

[Unimatic1140]

So now I'm going to document in this thread, the finding and window pimping of the '65 Lady.

Here is a shot of her in her original house in Roseville (St. Paul suburb) at the estate sale.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here are the proud new owners in front of the house we found her in.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here is a shot of the interior and original door with the dispensers and vent as designed by D&M.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I had daunting task ahead of me. When I installed a window in our 1957 KitchenAid the interior door of that machine was much less complicated as all of the controls were located on the lower panel and there was no dispensers.

Here is what I had to do to this machine in order to cut out the door and install a large picture window...

[this post was last edited: 8/28/2011-13:54]

 

[Unimatic1140]

First I removed all of those componets in the previous picture and used my jig-saw and cut and large square hole. Then I used 1/4" thick glass and siliconed it to the door. I secured the glass with seven rubber mounts that have a light screw pressure up against the glass.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I cut the holes for the dispensers...

 

[Unimatic1140]

There they are all installed. I plan on using detergent tablets as obviously I wont be able to pour powdered detergent into the detergent dispenser anymore.[this post was last edited: 8/28/2011-15:06]

 

[Unimatic1140]

Work is well on its way.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here is the left side of the machine. I added another vent on the top of the machine as these early models didn't have a blower so the drying ability was just fair. The extra vent seems to really help. It's made out of an Asko washer detergent dispenser hose. Works well and no leaks.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Now for the door frame. I gave the panels a good fresh coat of white high-gloss spray paint and built the window frame.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I did this in the same manner as the KitchenAid dishwasher so they both match.

I think the frame looks great and very professional.[this post was last edited: 8/28/2011-13:57]

 

[Unimatic1140]

All done and installed, the I hade to cut two 1.5" side panels to take up extra space and fit this 24" dishwasher in a 27" space. The 1953 Hotpoint that used to be here was 27" wide.

 

[Unimatic1140]

And yes before anyone asks, lol, you know want to see it...

 

[mrcleanjeans]

Way Kewl Robert. You "da man"! We had a 1971 Lady Kenmore from 1985 thru 1990,for only 25.00,then had an UltraWash from 1990 thru 2009. The LK was alot of fun,liked it alot!

 

[strongenough78]

Good job Robert

 

[arbilab]

If my DW looked like that I'd actually use it for something besides a drying rack.

 

[appnut]

I wasns't sure how you were gonna pull this off completely, but you did a stupendous, amazing, wonderful job!!! Is the Hotpoiknt going in the basement and will it still be usable?

 

[akronman]

Wonderful

And those lights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[norgeway]

You Are!

A GENIUS!...Love Anything LADY KENMORE!

 

[henry200]

$#@&%*$ wonderful!!!

Robert, you've done it again!  I can't wait to see it!  I suppose I'll have to wait until the convention in September but dang, you did an awesome job.  Congratulations on another amazing bit of washer wizardry.

 

[pdub]

Excellent Robert

Now I know what goes on inside. You have created a wonderful piece of art that functions! Such talent you have. Your kitchen looks beautiful, too.

Patrick

 

[gansky1]

I'm bringing a load of dishes this time!

Beautiful! I never got to see the Roto-Rack display as a kid at Sears and the saran wrap window I made for ours didn't work out too well - finally I'll get to see it!!

 

[peteski50]

Kenmore Dishwasher!

Robert this is absolutly awsome. This is the correct way all dishwashers should be designed! (full View)! Is it possible to take a closeup picture of the console.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[turquoisedude]

Far freaking out!

Oh my! Now THAT's the way to install and view a roto-rack!! Even hubby was impressed - he now thinks I should do something like this with the roto-rack 600... Maybe I should get it running first, LOL
Robert, congratulations on a fine job!!

 

[parunner58]

That is so cool. I use to love standing in Sears watching the demo model. The store in PA where I bought my appliances had a Maytag three rack DW setup as a demo.

 

[retropia]

Wow, what fun!

 

[tlee618]

You've out done yourself Robert!!  That machine looks fantastic and so professional.  It looks like it was made that way.  Love the framing around the window.  I can't wait to use this machine!!!!  I can only imagine what a sight it must be to see both the KA and the Lady running at night in a dark kitchen!!!''  Thanks so much for taking the time to document this transformation.  

 

 

Terry

 

[frigilux]

Wow. Wow, wow, wow. I just can't imagine having the know-how to do all of that. Bravo! And thanks for the video, too. That Roto-Rack is breaking the speed limit, man.