Maytag 142S Timer knob center cap

[machinehead]

Ok, i should've known better than attempt finding the cap for my '58 Maytag 142S online in parts stores, but you never know. I do know now, from pictures i have seen here, that the missing center cap was a copper color, not silver, like i have seen before.

Question is, does anyone know where i can get a replacement cap that matches the outer trim ring, also copper? (see picture)

Mine doesn't look anywhere near this good, but someday...

Also, in the restoration process (and that means from the ground up, to me), what parts should i plan on replacing (bearings, belts, etc) and are there special tools needed?
Anyone with an exploded parts diagram for this model i could see would be greatly appreciated also... i have an old manual for it, but no diagram saying this part is this number. Not like i could find it anyway!

Any helpful hints or tricks from you appliance Guru's would be greatly appreciated!

 

[goatfarmer]

Lemme check my back room, I may have the center piece.

kennyGF

 

[machinehead]

Thanks kennyGF--

Otherwise, i figured i'd resort to matching the color as best as possible with whatever paint i can find. Let me know-- my email is [email protected].

 

[bobbyderegis]

Machinehead,
I have a 142 that was my grandmothers. It's still in use today. I know the machine inside and out, so just holler with any ?'s.
Bobby in Boston

 

[machinehead]

Thanks Bobby!

What do you recommend to replace to restore, as a general rule-of-thumb, and what are some things i should check for other than the obvious (noisy bearing, leaks, etc)?

 

[bobbyderegis]

Machinehead,
it all depends on the overall condition of the machine, and how much use it's had over the years. Also how brave and handy you are! Are there any obvious problems, or do you just want to resore it properly? For example, Gram's was used constantly. She had seven kids. The tub porcelain was worn and the radial bearing was noisy. These required quite a bit of work, so at the same time the tranny was done, as were the tub bearings and the damper pads.
Bobby in Boston