Looking for an old Maytag set...

[fridgenut]

After thinking about my end goal of getting a vintage washing machine I have been doing some thinking. I have chatted with Bruce Lucenta and have come to the conclusion that I might as well search for something attainable. This means that I am going to be looking for a pair of (preferably) 50s Maytags. After talking with a few members I have come to the conclusion that the old Maytags are quite robust, easy to find parts for, and are overall good machines. I'm sure that many people have asked these questions before so bear with me.

1. Are there any watch outs to be aware of? Any "bad" models that I should stay away from?
2. Are there any models that I should go after? Any neat features that make washing a joy?
3. What should I expect to pay for a set that is "turnkey" ready?
4. Bruce said that the models from the 50s looked different than the ones later on that I can think of. I am curious to know what the aesthetic differences are. If I could find one that has a light up control panel that would make me very happy!

I'm sure I'll think of other questions as you all chime in. Again, thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it. This place is great!

 

[gyrafoam]

It's a free-market system. You will pay whatever the seller thinks they are worth to them and whatever you think they are worth to you.

Irregardless of what you pay----the machines are going to be OLD and the parts may be scarce. So better plan to be disappointed because sooner or later your prize could be dead-in-the-water.

I found a mix of ages suits my needs best. I have a 142,700,A300,106, and 806. When I get tired of one I can hook-up another. If one dies, I have another to step-in.

There are considerable differences between the Maytags of the early 50's to the Maytags of the late 50's. A lot of it involves "usable capacity".

 

[fridgenut]

Gyrafoam

Thank you for your response. I am well aware that even for a brand as popular as Maytag that these are very old machines and that parts could be scarce. My plan would be to find a competent machine, from the late 50s as you mention, and then work to find as many spare parts for it that I can. Of course nothing lasts forever but I would try to be reasonably prepared. Since I already collect antique refrigerators I really don't have the space to collect multiple sets of washers and dryers. Not that I don't like them, its just a priority of space management. For me, old fridges are always going to be more desirable. I still see the potential of joy that an antique washer and dryer would bring me however.

 

[countryford]

I don't have any 50's Maytags, I do have a set from about 1964. Here are them pictured. The second picture is them next to my 1963 Lady Kenmores. One thing about the Maytag washers from that era is the transmissions leaked. If they leak enough they could seize. I'm having that issue with my washer. When I got it, the transmission had leaked so long that the transmission is now seized. It will have to be rebuilt, because from what I am told the newer transmission are slightly longer and therefore won't fit.

 

[turquoisedude]

If it wouldn't be too far out of range, the Maytag automatics from the early 60's were more or less the same style/shape as models from the late 50s.  I had a '65 A702 washer paired up with a '63 DE701 electric dryer that I got because they were so similar to the late 50s models.   These later models do turn up for sale from time to time, so you just might get lucky!  

 

  

 

[fridgenut]

Leaky Transmissions

Country Ford,

Thank you for that information. I read a few other posts on here that basically said the same thing. I'm assuming that replacing the seal and filling it back up with oil would be pretty hard. I'm not scared to do work like that as long as I have instructions and the parts though. Not sure if I could get either lol. Your pair is absolutely gorgeous! Just beautiful. Too bad your transmission has seized. I wonder when or if they ever improved the seals?

Turquoisedude,

If the models you are talking about look the same as country ford's do then sign me up!

 

[gyrafoam]

The late 50's brought a major change. Tranny, Water Level Control, Tubs, Available Capacity, Pump, Available Filtration, etc.
It took a few years to go down the learning curve. By 1962 a lot of issues had been dealt with and modifications made. 1965 was the end of that era. IMO a set between 1963 and 1965 Would be great. Of course, your best parts supply are spare machines, sometimes.

Since you already have mechanical experience you should have no problem doing a tranny rebuild especially with the information available on this website. There are still parts around for early sixties machines. A rebuilt Maytag certainly increases the chances for a long lived machine especially if there is no rust issue.

Every now and then a relatively new, low mileage set appears.
About 12 years ago I found a 1964 Highlander (floor model) still in its original box shoved in the corner of an appliance store warehouse. It is still a daily driver for me. Thanks to Travis, I also have a beautiful 700 set in turquoise.

However, you have to work for them! It takes a lot of dedicated time and money. If you do the work you will enjoy the rewards. Go to every Estate Sale you can! Never pass up a Thrift Store without looking. Check out all old appliance dealers back rooms, appliance repair people's garages and storage,etc.

Did you see the 806 over on Shoppers Square? Looks pretty good to me and if you have an 806 you can launder just about anything. Snatch it up. You will find the dryer.[this post was last edited: 4/25/2017-19:34]

 

[fridgenut]

Gyrafoam

Thank you for all of that great info. I appreciate it. I know it is going to take a fair amount of effort on my part to make this happen and I am fine with that.

At least now I know what to set my sights on. I did see the ad for that 806 but since I know next to nothing about these machines I wasn't sure if that was a model worth going after or not. It looks nice. I think it is in the Chicago area. That is about 6 hours from me. Hmm...

 

[speedqueen]

The 806

Probably the best, most coveted one to have.

*Classic Style
*Cycle Options
*Almost TOL, 906 was higher but had less options in exchange for one touch cycles
*Great Reliability
*Many parts still around

 

[fridgenut]

Speedqueen...

Thank you. With that information I just want to go after it that much more...Hmm...

I think I am going to see if I can work out a deal with Brad. It isn't too far away to be a real issue. I will just have to plan in advance. Just curious,

1. You say that parts are still around. I would imagine that if I am going to go through the effort to fix the stuck tub that I should also rebuild everything I can. Can you still get some of these parts through a parts supply house?
2. What are all of the options that this machine offers? I love options!

 

[hippiedoll]

Options on the maytag 806 washer...

The 806 is a pretty flexible washer when it comes to options.
It has:

Wash temperatures buttons for -
Hot, Warm, Cold
Rinse temperatures buttons for -
Warm, Cold
(Can be used in any combination)

Speed buttons for -
Normal wash
Gentle wash
Fast spin
Slow spin
(Can be used in any combination)

Water level buttons for -
Small
Medium
Large
Extra-large

The timer knob has:
Pre-wash cycle - 4 min
Soak cycle - 4 min
Wash cycle - 10 min
Permanent press cycle - 8 min

 

[hippiedoll]

Oh yeah, I forgot...

It also has:
the bleach dispenser
Fabric softener dispenser cup
(On top of the agitator)

 

[fridgenut]

Hippiedoll & Everyone...

I have decided to go for it. I have already emailed the seller, Brad, and have confirmed that I will make arrangements to go pick up this little gem. It is going to be a hard road ahead but it will be a pleasure to get this old beauty up and running again. Thank you to everyone for putting my rear into gear to go after this one. I am excited!

Hippiedoll,

Thank you for listing everything that this model has. That is quite an impressive list! The only thing that my modern Maytag has in addition is the ability to do a second rinse (maybe this maytag does it anyways?). My modern Maytag doesn't have the ability to do a warm rinse on anything other than a warm wash / warm rinse though so it will be nice to have the option of a warm rinse on any combination. I bet those buttons have a nice "ker-chunk!" to them too. What really impresses me is the ability to have a gentle wash and fast spin or any combination of the two. That is uber cool. I will start looking for parts to rehab this beauty. Aside from the tub seal kit (which I think I already found) are there any other parts that I should watch out for? Timers, pumps, clutches, transmission parts?

 

[bcp6158]

Maybe replace the bearing assembly, too? (Did I say that right?)

 

[hippiedoll]

CONGRATULATIONS

fridgenut! For deciding to get 806 from Brad. Once you get it up & running, I'm sure you're going to love it!
Unfortunately, the 806 doesn't come with a 2nd rinse option. But you can always stop & repeat any part of the wash cycle. Just catch it after it fills for the rinse cycle & repeat the wash cycle to 2 minutes & you'll get your 2nd rinse.

Just in case your wondering about your new 806 your going to get, I looked up the information for you...

Brand: Maytag
Type: Clothes Washer
Country: USA
Model: LA806
Serial: 738248CG
According to the serial number this product may have been manufactured April of 1979

 

[fridgenut]

Hippiedoll

Thank you for looking up that information for me. I had no idea that this washer was that new. I like the looks of it though so it doesn't really matter. I won't tell anyone visiting that it is from 79. I'll tell them it is "some 50s washer" lol.

 

[classiccaprice]

It was an old design.

Your model was introduced in 1966 and ran until 1980. CountryFord (Justin)'s model was introduced in 1958 and ran until 1965.

 

[fridgenut]

Classic Caprice

Fair enough. I could honestly say that my washer was designed all the way back in 66.

 

[wayupnorth]

Brad, if you want to see the entire cycle start to finish top and bottom of pretty much how any Maytag from Newton IA runs since they are all built the same but with different features, a member posted it but it is still on You Tube as Maytag 906 Extravaganza. Guess Speed Queen took over now being the "Dependability People"