Lady Kenmore washer - what is this thing?

[mechanist]

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I signed up because I came across this really cool washer and I've found this site invaluable (as a lurker). My intent was to remove the tub and make a fire basket and then scrap the remaining pieces. Now I'm not so sure.

It looks vintage and I'm thinking perhaps there is a collector out there who may want it - but I don't really know what it is. Can anyone help me?

 

[classiccaprice]

Best to go with a washer with a stainless steel drum. Like a modern g.e. That way it won't rust like a porcelain covered steel one will. I'll let others attest to the quality of the machine.

 

[hippiedoll]

hi there!!

what you have here is a sears lady kenmore "portable" washing machine. i don't know too much about these myself, but i think this could be from the 1970's or 1980's. someone else will come along, who can tell you more about this portable washer.

if it still works, that is a cool find!!

)

 

[combo52]

Porclean Tubs are great for outdoor fire baskets

But the tub in the washer you found is pretty small for this use, so unless you were looking for a really small fire basket I would get an old tub from a bigger washer.

That said the washer you found is a pretty cool washer, but it might need a lot of work to be viable, or it might be in great shape, you would need to try it out and see.

 

[mechanist]

Thanks for your replies!

There is a matching dryer as well and both work - no issues with either unit. I have not picked up the dryer yet.

The fire basket is for a smoker so these dimensions are prefect. That said - if I could find a newer one, perhaps a non-working high efficiency unit, that would be awesome. I've been looking for months and no luck.

I hate to destroy such a cool little machine - but I got it almost free and I can't touch a drum for less than $150.

I'm actually really excited about this find. My wife is rolling her eyes as I nerd out about it :-D

Any ideas where I can find out what year it was made?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Your washer was made in the 33rd week of 1983 in the St. Joseph Michigan plant. This is an early-ish 1983 model in fact, in golden wheat color.

This was the last belt-drive release in the portables, along with a 70-series Kenmore (not a Lady Kenmore) that remained in production until some time in 1986.

These are quite uncommon in gold color, and a matched set as well? That's pretty neat. I hope you decide to keep the machine in one piece!

Gordon

 

[mechanist]

Thanks, Gordon! Impressive.

I'm in Greenville, SC - not too far from you

I would rather keep them intact at this point - how should I go about finding a home for these guys? What is a reasonable price range for them?

I guess it's back-to-the-drawing-board on finding a washer drum for my fire basket...

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

Very happy you are keeping the set. If I were closer, I'd be interested.

 

[classiccaprice]

My friend found a broken g.e. Washer on Craigslist for free. You can always try the local scrap yard too. Sometimes they sell stuff like that.

 

[combo52]

Looking For A Used Washer Tub

Too bad you are not closer as we recycle old washers every week, I would give you one.

I would go to a used appliance shop in your town, if they charge you more than $20-25 for one they are nuts, the scrap value of a porclean tub is less than a dollar.

 

[mechanist]

Turns out I found a free GE - broken - with a stainless tub. Thanks classiccaprice.

Now to figure out what to do with this set. I'm going to sell them to someone who appreciates them - for a steal (how much should I ask?). Right now I'm thinking $100 for the set - is that too high to be considered a great deal?

My family washes lots of large loads so these are too small for us. Other than the size - I really like that these lady kenmores have a lint filter and a warm rinse. I've begun searching for larger versions of these. My grandparent's old where's do a much better job of cleaning clothes but no new washers offer the options on my grandparents old machines. Hot wash/hot rinse, lint filter - I'm beginning to think that energy star = subpar-performance star.

In your opinion - what are the best performing machines (historically)? Perhaps I should make a new thread.

I like vintage stuff. My refrigerator is a 1993 kitchenaid superba. So far I've fixed the ice maker and replaced the solenoid. I'm about to replace the water line. It's the best fridge I've ever owned.

Thanks for the input, direction, and advice!

 

[classiccaprice]

The GE will make a lovely fire pit/basket. This is the one my friend made.

Good luck with the Kenmores, I am sure someone will snatch them up. They are great for apartments where you want your personal machine, without taking up all the space. If no one on the club bites, try that angle to help sell them.

 

[mechanist]

That's a great pic. My mod will do double duty in the smoker and in the yard. Can't wait to make some brisket - low and slow, baby, mmmmm

What is "the club"? I'm new here - is there a collector's club for older machines? I don't see that in the options tab? How do I search this and find out more? I only found this site recently when repairing the drum rollers on my dryer. It seems I have much to learn.

 

[mechanist]

A bit off topic - I have enjoyed reading your profiles. Classiccaprice - I was a real estate appraiser in the 7 cities from 2004-2010. It gave me an appreciation for craftsmanship and industry. I've been in many Hampton homes - I still find Huntington one of the most interesting and beautiful neighborhoods on the peninsula. I really enjoyed my Hampton orders - always something interesting and historic.

 

[classiccaprice]

This is 'the club' & it is a collector club of old m

You can search around the archives using the supersearchalator or by browsing the forum archives. You'll see them on the top of the page in each forum. There is a lot of discussion on repair techniques and discussion of different brands. Have a look around the threads, you'll see what I mean.

I was born and raised in this area and with exception of a few years in Fredericksburg for college have lived here all my life. Learning about its historical buildings are among my many hobbies, many of which involve my passion of history/preservation in general. Though it has it's problems, it's a great area on the whole. Huntington is a beautiful neighborhood, built in it's day for the higher ups in the shipyard, it remains a jewel surrounded by devastation. Downtown Newport News, while scary, I think has amazing potential with it's historic buildings. There are one or two I'd love to buy and revitalize, but that is for another time in my life.

Anyway, enjoy the archives and ask if you have any questions. Most of us are very helpful and kind, but as with any online forum, there are a few that are have a bad day from time to time and can be abrasive. Don't take their views as the views of the whole.

Side note, you may have appeased my house as I purchased it in 2007.