Maytag A406 washer - should it go to the dump? and other questions...

[thaobecca]

Hi, I just found this site and I was hoping someone could help me out on a bit of history.
I bought this house about a year ago and it came with a washing machine. It's a Maytag A406. I am wondering what year this washer is from.
We added a newer Frigidaire dryer when we bought the house, and just this week upgraded to an even newer Frigidaire washer. We were going to take the washer to the dump, but after viewing this site, I have second thoughts. Can anyone tell me what I might get for this washer? I believe it is Avocado, a light green color. Pretty good condition, no real scuffs or signs of wear. Runs well for the most part. (As I have learned, with older appliances you sometimes have to factor in age when you rate their effectiveness.)
I honestly did not realize the people collected old machines until I found this site. I can take photos if anyone wishes to see.
I also have a 70's era gas Magic Chef stove/range that I would appreciate any information on its history.
Oh, and my refrigerator is an older Frigidaire too. Not fancy, but old enough to draw attention when people come in. It's yellow, like the stove.

 

[thaobecca]

I did forget to mention that I have the original Owner's Manual for the washer. Don (the man who lived here before) seems to be good at holding on to things.
Also, any idea what the washer would hve cost at the time?

 

[bobbyderegis]

Dear Thaobecca,
Your Maytag A406 is a fine washer, and I'm very sure someone in your area would be interested in purchasing it. I dare say it will probably outlast any new machine you might buy. It is large capacity, which is good, but unfortunately it only has one speed, ie, no gentle action. This is a drawback. Still, it is a very fine machine. You might consider asking for best offer. Only collectors like us would place any value on it. A newspaper ad or yard sale would probably not bring any amount more that $50, but to someone who may be looking for a match to their avocado dryer, this may bring more. Good luck to you, and keep an eye on this posting!
Bobby in Boston

 

[leesdkenmore]

pictures,pictures,pictures, as I can attest posted here will bring you intrest.

 

[thaobecca]

Thank you both for your help. I will get some pictures up ASAP.

 

[goatfarmer]

406's are unusual washers,don't see a lot of them.It's worth something to a collector,or at the very least,find a place like Goodwill,or Salvation Army thrift store type places,and donate it.DON'T TAKE IT TO THE DUMP!

kennyGF

 

[maytagbear]

Maytag single speed machines....

The Maytag single speed is a fairly gentle machine. My Aunt Anna always had a single speed Maytag. She was always meticulously dressed, made many of her and her daughters's clothes, and was always lovely.

You finnessed the lack of a designated gentle speed by soaking, and a shorter wash time.

I've always had two-speed Maytags, but just because the option is fun.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[wmlask]

Old Maytag

Why are you getting rid of this machine? At its current age, it has more life left in it than the new machine you just purchased.

 

[thaobecca]

what is the estimated age of this machine anyway? I mean is it 20 years old, 30, or less? The owners manual gives me no clue and no one here has given me a definitive range...

 

[thaobecca]

Dear Mr. wmlsk,
Given my washer's age, and your quickness to criticize mydecision to purchase a newer model, are you willing to make an offer? Perhaps the spunk left in the washer is only rivalled by the spunk in the seller...Pics will come soon, I promise, minor pipe leaking issue elsewhere in the house. water on basement floor, AWAY from all appliances.

http://www.nofound.com

 

[goatfarmer]

It's going to be from the late 60's,early 70's era.30+ years old.

kennyGF

 

[frontaloadotmy]

the letters in the serial number

are month and year codes. What is the serial #. Your
link did not dispay a photo.

 

[thaobecca]

it is model KK406 seriel 152013HZ

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Based on the color

and the serial # it was manufactured 12/69.
It's fairly vintage, but you won't be able to use it for
college tuition!

 

[thaobecca]

hehe, I already graduated from college. Too bad Cornell did not offer classes on vintage washers1

 

[thaobecca]

Pics are coming. My boyfriend currently has the darn thing laying down (I know, more prone to scuffs) I am having a hard time uprighting it myself. Old washers are heavy!

 

[thaobecca]

frontaloadotmy, just out of pure curiousity, how did you come up with 12/69 as a manufacture date based on serial? The numbers 152013HZ do not suggest 12/69 to me. what is the secret?

 

[toggleswitch]

My boyfriend currently has the darn thing laying down.
I am having a hard time uprighting it myself.

TSK TSK at your age this should not be a problem.

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Maytag DaVinci Coding

thaobecca the last time I had the lonely maytag repairman
in for coffee, he gave me a list of date codes. The dating is embedded in the last characters of the the ser #, ie the
letters HZ. Since you are very new to the vintage washing machine paradigm, I strongly caution you to not attempt
machine dating without close, experienced supervision!!!!