Laundromat Project Underway

[moparwash]

Moved it in the basement yesterday to start metalwork. The temptation is to take it all apart and send the cabinet to be refinished by the bodyshop. Instead, Ill repair the rust and have them just mix DuPont paint code 73212H for touch-ups. Too bad W didn't use porcelain or enough primer and paint! The motor is out being refurbished (even though it works) and a replacement boot and other parts (like the pump) are in the works. I replaced the legs with casters to make moving easier, though it still is heavy. [this post was last edited: 1/5/2016-20:26]

 

[bendixmark]

washer

Up until I was 11 my mother had the matching dryer to that machine.This is the first time I have seen one of these.

 

[jetcone]

This will be exciting Jerry

How are you working out a new boot? 

You've got a real beauty to start with there.

Does  your mom still have that matching dryer?

 

 

[volvoguy87]

Keep me posted!

I just got a '51 (at least I think it's a '51) and would love to get it up and running. How similar / different are our machines? I also will need a boot. Do you know what size casters you got? I'd like to get some for my set too to make it easier to move around. They may not stay on casters permanently (I could see washer balancing issues on wheels) but it would make mine easier to move around while undergoing rehab.

I'm very curious to see what makes these machines tick and what it takes to get one up and running. Please post frequently and include tons of pictures of your project's progress!

I think someone was mentioning something in the not-too-distant past about commissioning a production run of replica boots. I would absolutely buy one (or three) if it came to pass! Do our machines even use the same boot?

I wish you the very best of luck on the work ahead!
Dave

 

[moparwash]

Jetcone - Bendixmark had the matching dryer in his family according to his post. For me,despite being a Westinghouse family, Mom loved her Lady K wringer washer and BOL Kenmore dryer to this day.

Dave - Boot experts please chime in here, but I believe the early boot for the slanted tub is different than the horizontal tub that was first used in the 1959 models, such as the fabulous L-1000. Here are the ads for our machines, its amazing how much change happened in 10 years, but then compare a 1951 Cadillac to a 1961 Cadillac, or any other car. To get the casters that will fit, take a leg of one of them to your local hardware store and get one that fits the threads of where the leveling legs would go. I would of liked to get bigger casters, but had to go with what fits in the threads. Good luck with your project and bring it to the Wash-In for our fabulous W laundry reunion. [this post was last edited: 1/6/2016-21:48]

 

[moparwash]

Metalwork Day

Lots more rust than I planned on after taking apart the door and front panel.

The Dremel tool helped get rid of the rust and leftover boot around the door

opening as well as help remove stubborn, rusty screws. Sometimes you have to

break a few eggs to make an omlette, which is why the door gasket is now has a

break in it. The glass is out for a cleaning and the rusty metal prep has been

applied. For paint in a hurry, I went to Home Depot to have them match the bottom

panel form their paint match book, as their scanner does not do well with metal

and plastic. I still have to get the JB weld to patch the holes and hopefully Ill

have painted surfaces by the end of the week and the motor will be back from

being refurbished. [this post was last edited: 1/6/2016-20:59]

 

[glomain]

61

the 61 sure looks like a caddy with all that chrome,thats why I liked it so much. Good luck Jerry your on a role,cant wait too see her in all her glory!

 

[glomain]

ps

I really could kick myself in the ass for getting rid of the dryer,so you could of had the pair,they were a beautiful pair together.

 

[moparwash]

You done good saving the washer!..It will keep my 1960 W dryer company..btw the lint filter for the dryer was in the washer, so now I have an extra!..If any club members have a 59-63 W dryer and need a lint filter, Ill send it to you for postage. Also looking for the inner door gasket if anyone has one...going to prime and paint tomorrow.

 

[peteski50]

westinghouse!

this is really such a awsome washer - best of Luck with the restore!

 

[moparwash]

Thanks!

Primer and JB weld today...paint tomorrow...the motor is back from the rebuilder...he said its a good thing I didnt run it long or it would of locked up..just need a pump and and it will be ready to test...and its pal the 1960 dryer just needs a timer to work like new..after sliding the motor over to tension the fan belt and retightening the bolt on the drive pulley, its smooth, quiet and dries very well..which is a good thing as my Maytag gas dryer's flame goes out shortly after ignition, even though the thermostats, flame sensor, and coils show continuity and were replaced a few years ago...but that's a different project for another day![this post was last edited: 1/8/2016-16:55]

 

[moparwash]

Paint

Painted today with the close-match Home Depot paint. Getting a ballast and new florescent tube and looking up what type of 120v bulbs the tub and bleach dispenser take. Boot should come today, pump next week, and should be ready for testing soon!

 

[golittlesport]

fast restore

You are making very good progress. Looks great so far! Thanks for all the photos. Keep them coming!

 

[jetcone]

Ewww thats

gonna be a pretty machine !

 

 

 

[frigidareu]

I have a 63 dryer that is missing the lint filter. I am very interested in buying your extra. Please let me know how I can contact you.

 

[moparwash]

Boot and more paint

Installed the boot and more paint...now I cant get the outer door panel to match the screw holes on the bottom..probably have the inner door gasket in wrong or the spacers are in the wrong place..new ballast and light...and rubbing compound on the panel today and the rest of the cabinent tomorrow[this post was last edited: 1/9/2016-18:48]