Kenmore Thread!

[kenmoreguy64]

Remember the GB?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Here's my motly Robo-Washer

Totally rebuilt in 1995 from a complete piece of sheet (aka junk), it was only 10 years old, but had been left outside in a field for long enough to have ruined the motor and basket drive. The trans was disgusting (it had been leaking water through the center for a long time), and the pump and timer were locked-up. Totally worthless to anyone but me, I rebuilt it using only a new pump. Everything else I pieced together using parts scavenged, etc. The timer came from my Mom's washer (very similar) and the original, which I spliced together using parts from both. I put it in service in 1997 and I'd bet it has done over 1,000 loads since then, easily.[this post was last edited: 11/18/2011-06:56]

 

[kenmoreguy64]

What's this?????

My 1993 Kenmore DD 70-series.

Hardly used, I did about 200 loads with it from 1993-1997, then it was out of service completely until 2006, when again taken out of service when the 79-eighty took over inside the house.

This machine was a gift from the store where my buddy and I were able to help Sears decommission their compactor (Yay!) by taking all their haul-backs. As you can see, it has some serious dents from a mishap during delivery. Instead of it going on the scratch-and dent floor (in this case "smash and bash" would have been more appropriate), Sears gave it to me so I could learn the nuiances of DD washing so I'd be prepared for the day when BDs were no longer around. Blasphemy! I do love the machine though. This pic hides the dent over the timer knob, which I smoothed out, along with a new lid, when I got it home.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Here's a special washer

This is a 1972 Kenmore 200. I believe the most BOL washer for 1972, this is a fairly decent machine really, but the early to mid-70s was a period of feature laden models for Kenmore.

1-speed, three bizarre cycles (Normal, Short, and Pre-Soak), two water levels, it has a straight vane agitator like my '79 model, no filter, and no porcelain on the top.

This washer was found by Austin Wilder in Houston and he wanted me to have it. I am keeping it near. Not a high-mileage washer either, as Austin found a sock in the pump which had clogged the machine many years earlier and prevented further use.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

On a lighter note

Here is something totally cool. My never used 1962 Kenmore 70 dryer.

Acquired this summer, it had been in a Connecticut basement since delivery. The house it was in was being renovated by a flipper/realtor. She told me there were clothes lines everywhere inside and out, which explains the non-use of the dryer. I expected it to be nice (she said Mint) but I did not expect it to be only dusty, but totally devoid of any lint or any signs of ever being used!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Here's a cool one...two featured washers in one pic

A 1963 Kenmore 700, just like the washer in Robert's Kenmore "see it wash".

Acquired from Bygted, this is my only Turquiose washer. It doesn't look like there are a lot of miles on this washer, but it's loaded with detergent residue. Fun stuff to clean one day...

I am looking for a 'Filtering' light for it if anyone knows of one.

Also in the shot is a 1973 Kenmore 60-series. This washer is in remarkable condition, courtesy of my washer pimp in Arizona. It's totally unrusted, anywhere, and like new, just dirty. Seems to need a motor. This was the first gold washer in my collection.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I'll close for now with this - kissin cousin to Jed'

I'll post more pictures later, but I figured this would be very cool to post to go along with Jed's LK picture.

This machine has a cool story I've shared before of rescuing it TWICE from imminent death by Krusher.

 

[jaxsunst]

What year did they change Kenmore timers to pull out to start instead of push in?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Kenmore timer change

The shift from push to start to pull to start didn't happen all at once. It began as new timers were developed for new models. The first were available in 1974 models. The last of the old ones were used in 1976 models (in VERY few models). So the change happened between 1974 and 1977.

Gordon

 

[jaxsunst]

Two pics up, I had the Harvest Gold set that looks like the one next to the turquiose washer. They were ugly, but it was the best set I ever had. It had the push to start timer.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

There were A LOT of the 1972/1975 era plastic top washers like the Gold one I have. These were very good sellers for Sears. I sold several of those in White in the 90s, and had one in Avocado recently.

There was at least 7 different variations on that model, from BOL-ish 500 series with timer set temps, to a 60-series with many bells (not so many whistles) and even a Roto-Swirl. One of the models was an 18lb. machine with the large capacity Roto-Swirl. I'd love to find one of those.

 

[70series]

Gordon, the garage is looking great as always. Just like a Sears store from the 70s/80s. Annie is one of my favorites too along with the GB, and the 79-eighty. Glad you posted the 86 to the site, and it is great to see Lady amongst others.

Looking forward to more,

James

 

[peteski50]

Kenmore!

This is my Aunt's 1966 portable - excellent washer.

 

[peteski50]

Kenmore

This is one of my favorates.
From 1965.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Great washer in 557523

Gordon just go back to the 1988 cycles and add ATC and an almond cabinet to this washer and you have the Kenmore I spent most of my childhood/young adulthood with. The dark panel 27" DD Kenmores are some of the best in my book.
Nick

 

[jaxsunst]

Kenmoreguy64:

Mine had all the cycles, 5 temp choices, three water level choices. If I recall, it had the straight vein agitator and a huge softner dispenser. I moved out of state and had to sell them, broke my heart.

 

[bravos4me]

Maytag Atlantis 1999

Does anyone know who's design it was that Maytag used for its first Atlantis washer? Bought it in 1999, to replace a 1979 A8xx, think it was. Next to TOL, anyway. Still kicking myself for getting rid of that; it was before i knew any better The Atlantis had a plastic tub and the brake always made a racket. They still had the Dependable Care, or whatever they were calling their own design, and maybe the Proforma, as well. Speaking of the Proforma, who's design was that?

Just trying to get a better feel for the evolution of the Maytag line of that error.

Thanks.

 

[Unimatic1140]

My addition to the thread

 

[chaskelljr2]

Okay..... here are MY addition(s) to this WONDERFUL thread.

Thanks "LeBron" for getting it going. Let's keep it going. I want to see some more Kenmores!!!!

My "Late" Childhood (as in Teen Age Years) Washer.... The 1976-78 Model 70 (we got ours in August 1978 to replace the 1967 24" BOL Kenmore)

 

[chaskelljr2]

My childhood Dryer (the 1975 "All-American" Dryer).

--Charles--

 

[chaskelljr2]

And, my early adulthood Laundry Pair that I used when I was renting my first apartment from my Grandmother (bless her heart)(the 1986-88 Kenmore Direct-Drive Model 80 Set).

Here's how these were acquired.

Strangely enough, we ended up getting the Dryer first. At the time, the Washer was a 1967 Kenmore Model 600 that closely resembles the White Washer in the second row that is behind the Tawny Gold Washer that is pictured in "Kenmore64's" (Gordon's) Picture in Post# 557527.

Then, when the 1967 Kenmore Model 600 died in 1990, we then ended up getting the Washer used at a Sratch & Dent sale at a local Sears Outlet. And that's was how we ended up with a matching pair.

On this page, we had the first Washer in Letter A, and the first Dryer in Letter B (both in White). The Washer was replaced with a Kenmore Elite Oasis with a Stainless Steel Tub and Dual-Action Agitator back in 2007. The Dryer was still going strong when we sold our house a year ago, and I had to move and relocate. Now, I am using Coin-Op Speed Queens. But Lord, I sure miss using Kenmores a lot (not to be knocking the Speed Queens. The Speed Queens aren't bad either. They might be Coin-Operated Commericial Washers, but they do have Two-Speed Motors though).

I think someone on here may regard these as "Shreadmores". But I had no such issues with them when I was using them. And I have used all the cycles that were featured on that Washer. Got my clothes nice and clean too.

Great Washer in my opinion.

--Charles--

 

[70series]

All American;

There it is...the exact dryer one of my aunts had paired with a 1973/74 plastic top like the model next to the Turquoise 64 washer that Gordon posted above. Both of hers were white.

The dryer had a very quiet motor which was completely drowned out by the washer when they were running simultaneously. When it reached 10 years of age the door safety switch stopped working, causing it to keep running when the door was opened. I do not remember it ever requiring service until it was replaced in the early 1990s.

Have a good one,
James

 

[chaskelljr2]

Oh.... about the Model 70 in Post # 558185?? Ours was the Sud-Saver Model as well.

Great Memories......

Too bad, it doesn't seem like today's Kenmores doesn't live up to the lofty standards of the old ones (Belt-Drive and Direct-Drive). When I get my Condominium in about three years, I think I might be getting an LG Stainless Steel Front-Load Set (which would be the latest versions that would be out during that time).

And that would be the case unless I can cut me a deal with Gordon on a set of renovated Belt-Drive Kenmores (hey Gordon, when I finally close on that Condo, I'll look you up, okay (LOL)).

--Charles--

 

[70series]

@ chaskelljr2

It's funny Charles, your dryer is the perfect match to my aunt's, and the 1967 600 you had is the exact model my neighbor across the street from me had when I was growing up. She used to invite me over from time to time to do wash with her, and those are some of my fondest memories. Gordon also has this model in his collection.

 

[chaskelljr2]

@ 70 Series....

You mean the Gold Washer that is in front of that White Washer that is in Gordon's Photo?? That Washer does closely match that All-American Dryer. I wonder why my Mom didn't think of that when she was in the market for her second Washer???

I do believe though that the White Washer that is in that same photo is probably a 1965-66 Model 70 (or 700)(I'm sure Gordon will verify what model(s) this/these is/are). I know that "Gansky1" (Greg) has a later version of the Model 70 (the 1968 Kenmore Model 700).

The only one I don't have a picture of is the 1967 24" BOL that I grew up with as a young child. But however, we'll see that one again. It is sometimes featured right along with five other 1967 Kenmores as the POD. That POD is topped off with the 24" Push-Button Model that Gordon and I raved about sometime back.

I hope to see that one again sometime soon.

--Charles--

 

[toploadloyalist]

What year did Kenmore change the Permanent Press cool-down process?

The first process was slow-speed drain, simultaneous fill & agitate, fill only at the next timer notch, low agitation, then repeats the process at the next two nothces.

The second process was high-speed drain (aprox. 45 sec), pause, cold fill (at next notch), and high agitation. This process does not repeat.

 

[chaskelljr2]

And finally, the here are the other Kenmores that were in my extended family.

(01). The 1963 Lady Kenmore Model 800 seen in Reply #'s 19, 20 and 49 (my Maternal Aunt had a Matching Set in Pink from 1963 until 1980, and my Faternal Grandmother had the Washer only in Coppertone from 1980 until 1981 (she got it used from a family friend)).

(02). The 1966-67 Lady Kenmore Set in Reply # 31 (my Faternal Aunt (which was my Faternal Grandmother's Younger Sister) owned a set of these in White (and my favorite out of all of Keyboard Ladys that were out during the 1966-75 era)) from 1966 until 1985. And they were a treat to use too.

(03). The 1967-73 Kenmore Portable in Reply #'s 32 & 33 (owned by my Father's Baby Sister and later her mother (my Faternal Grandmother), replacing a 1961 Kenmore (one was pictured here in the club with the top missing sitting in a junkyard) back in 1970. It was paired up with a Westinghouse "Cross-Vane Tumbling" Dryer (same vintage)) from 1970 to 1973 (Aunt) and from 1974 until replacing it with the 1967 Kenmore Model 600 (Grandmother). Date unknown as to when the 1967 Kenmore Model 600 was acquired.

Looks like we weren't the only ones keeping Sears in business during this time period. But it does look like I was fortunate to grow up in a "Kenmore" family, so to speak.

--Charles--

 

[chaskelljr2]

Addend....

In the last post, my Faternal Aunt has replaced the 1967-73 Kenmore Portable (in White) with a 1973 Kenmore Large Capacity Washer (the one with all the controls in the center of the console that looked like the Low-End/Entry-Level Kenmores of the era.... when one of them finally gets posted, I'll identify it).

--Charles--

 

[appnut]

Premanent Press cool-down process

There was actually more changes in the sequence than you describe above.  What you describe as the 1st was more actually the 2nd process.  The first being a series high-speed drains and then cold water fills.  There was no agitation inbetween any of the drains and fills.  This was the sequence for the very first models with the wasn-n-wear cycle that was introduced in 1958.  Your "2nd process" was actually the last version.  I'm not sure exactly when this came into existence.  However, I do asssociate it with the large capacity models that came out in 1975 or 1976 when they also did the major panel redesign and put the timer in the middle of the panel.  Gordon or Tom might be able to shed some light on this.  Makes me wonder if the 18 pound capacity Kenmore & Whirlpools of the late 1960s also did the cool-down with the agitate while filling or simply just filled iwth water and hten agitated like its future sibbilngs that were the large capacity. 

 

[bajaespuma]

He of lousy Kenmore Karma

Some of those machines are just fab   u   lus.

 

Although I still have to admit some of the Kenmore BOL's are so ugly, in the words of Moms Mabley, they hurt my feelings.

 

Maybe someday the Kenmore gods will take pity and send me one like yours, Tuttle. Just love those color-keyed buttons, those awesome dispensers and that lovely white porcelain tub with its over-the-top out-of-control nut job agitator. Oh, and I always forget the garage-door control panel covers that make absolutely no sense at all unless the engineers at Kenpool were trying to outfit their appliances with an attitude of modesty.