May I present the Inglis Sterling washer and dryer?

[turquoisedude]

Having made the mistake of waiting too long to get the '56 GE kitchen shipped last year, I made arrangements to get my first vintage matched washer and dryer shipped to Ogden before the first big snowfall!
And here they are in the newly-reorganized basement.

 

[turquoisedude]

Close up of the washer timer and controls

Tres fancy, for a Canadian-made machine. I didn't realize it was a suds-saver - one of many surprises I had when I got the machine home! The timer is a classic Inglis - pull to start, push to stop. Note the 5 wash/rinse water combinations - reminds me of a near TOL 70's Viking I had once upon a time.

 

[turquoisedude]

The Money Shot

Inside the tub - definitely the alien alternate universe Whirlpool/Kenmore! Tub's a little cruddy on the inside, but that should wash right out.

 

[turquoisedude]

Since the top cover was loose...

I decided to peek under her top. I did not expect to find a tub light AND a what I think is a germicidal lamp (well, based on what I have seen here on the board). The mystery dangling part turned out to be the lid switch (mercury float, I guess). I hooked it up and found that the washer would spin only if the lid was up - OOPS! I put it in the right way and it was fine...

 

[turquoisedude]

Can't forget the dryer

Here's a shot of the control panel for the dryer. Note the switch for the console light - you could even use it as a night light! Something is missing from what I always knew about dryers, though. There is no 'start' pushbutton. Does that mean that the dryer will start when the timer is set??
Note the instructions on the dryer lint filter lid - it lists which program to set the dryer to for a different load types. OOO! AAAH! Automatic drying!!

 

[turquoisedude]

And the washer works!

I couldn't help myself, but I did a quick wiring inspection, then plugged the washer in! Timer runs, the pump seems to run, and the beastie will spin!! I couldn't make it agitate, though. Not sure if that is because I didn't run it through a real cycle or not... That will be coming soon, I hope!!
I did notice that machine seemed really noisy - is that just because it was not well-installed or could this indicate something bad??
I need some information/advice about cleaning the tub - it looks like detergent/lint accumulations got knocked around during transit. Any and all suggestions are welcome!
Also, the tub light bulb (burnt out for eons by the look of it) said 'Ballast 35W' on it. I have never heard of a bulb referred to as a ballast - is this a special type of bulb or would a rough-service bulb make an acceptable replacement?
Am I excited about my first vintage washer dryer set?? Oh, just a bit!!!

 

[turquoisedude]

Oh, and lighted panels on the washer too

The washer back panel is meant to light up, just like the dryer! The bulbs are all toast, but fortunately there is an electrical-supply place near where I work!

 

[turquoisedude]

OMG - I just downloaded the parts list for the washer off of the Whirlpool Canada service website! How freaking cool is that?? Oddly enough, they didn't have the dryer parts list...

 

[maytagbear]

The dryer-

It is possible that the dryer's start switch is in the timer...push in to start (!)

Nice looking set, good save!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[swestoyz]

Paul - this set looks like fun! I find nothing more satisfying than taking a machine like your Inglis here and cleaning it up. Certainly looks like it hasn't been used in a while. Hopefully the centerpost is rust free. Be prepared though for some leaks - so take your time when you get it water-ready.

What I found peculiar about this machine is the wash tub - it is a 4 holer! I know for certain on US-made Kenmore machines that 1959 was the last year for the 4 holes on the bottom of the wash tub - but it certainly could have been later on the Cannock-made Inglis machines. Do you have an idea on the model year for this set? LOVE the Whirlpool agitator cap too ;-)

Can't wait to see the lighted glory when you're able to get some elbow grease into them.

Thanks for posting,

Ben

 

[turquoisedude]

Lawrence - I thought the timer was a 'push to start' too but it doesn't seem to move when I tried that - I guess I'll know for sure when I get it hooked up to the 240!

Ben - I was told by the original owner that it was "at least 42 or 43 years old" so my best guess so far it 1966 or 1965. I kind of felt a sense of eerie deja vu when I lifted the top - I thought I was looking at the photos of Robert's LK that he resurrected from the Aberdeen farm!

 

[bellalaundry]

That's the dryer we had growing up...

all you do is set the timer and close the door...open the door and the drum stops. Real basic! My parents bought theirs new in '66 and used it until '96 when they sold the house.

Nice Score!

Guy

 

[suds14]

Great find. Nice to see another suds saver person.

Congrats

David

 

[gyrafoam]

Those are a great set. I have a set of '66 Whirlys very similar to what you have. Those dryers started as soon as you turned the dial----no start switch yet. My dryer is a gas one. It quickly became my "daily driver" and I believe it to be the best dryer I have ever used. John gave me a door with the window in it from a TOL (gas) model and it really is a kool machine now. I hope you will be able to find a window door for yours as well.

My matching washer does not have any lights and the Magic Mix cover as well as the Surgilator are that bluish colored plastic they used when they first switched from the black bakelite.

Congratulations on your find!

 

[eddy1210]

great save Paul

I'm glad you got these! Congrats on this nice vintage Inglis pair.