Look at this 1956 Dexter!

[gyrafoam]

Robert------

I do not know the proper term for the part so find it difficult to describe, clutch jaw somehow doesn't seem to fit what I am looking at! Towards the top of the drive shaft there is what appears to be a brass disc about 1.5 in diameter and .25in thick. There are two "teeth" horizontally opposed from each other. About two inches below that where the drive shaft enters the tranny there is another of those discs. When the spin solenoid engages it pulls the spring which forces the disc on top down the shaft abruptly and its teeth interface (or grab on to) the teeth on the lower disc.

The bottom line is that the tub can be turned easily in either direction during agitation.
And the agitator can be turned easily in either direction during spin.

 

[mickeyd]

Trick and treats:

that hugely spaced "SPRAY RINSE" marked on the dial is really just the wash spin--oh well just seeing it written out like that on the main dial is really cool and comforting.

treats: yes filty towels, but gosh they came out really clean, like a commercial!!
: a good pump, sounds fast and strong; the Dexter Wringer pump sucks.
: so many wonderful photos--very satisfying, just like you know what. If I smoked, I'd be lighting up right now.

Thank You

 

[Unimatic1140]

OK Steve, I found out how your clutch works. Unfortunately this design makes it a wee bit more of a challenge to replace the clutch pads (which I've colored in red on the diagram below), but it can be done (that's why I was asking those questions about if you can turn the tub during agitation). Here is an overview of Hook-Shoe style clutch, tomorrow when I'm more awake I will go over the repad process, but for now here is how your clutch works...

 

[mayken4now]

OH, I DONT know about the clutch and all that, but just having such a gem in place makes a perfect species of a machine worth the while in having.

I am so proud of you Steve, what a catch!(not what a burger,((a restuarant in the south)) That machine is to die for. Good findings and good luck on her repair if needed. WONDERFUL, could not have gone to a BETTER home!

Steve

 

[gyrafoam]

Thanks Robert----

And a special thanks for that beautiful agitator, and all the helpful information in regards the clutch!

 

[sambootoo]

What a great machine! After all that whining I've done about "aint no good machines left around here!" This one was just down the road a short bit. Glad you got it. Maybe someday I'll take a trip over to Atlanta to see your collection! Congrats on this super find.