Maytag A407: is it worth it?

[sprog]

I have a question for the collective. Should I grab an available Maytag a407? Context: I already have a fully restored 806, with an a500 Highlander waiting in my basement for some attention.
I'm not sure if this 407 is worthy of restoration.
Maybe for parts?

Is there some rare part or capability/feature that 407s have that I don't appreciate?

This 407 has been a daily driver for decades... and it shows. This machine was employed but not loved.

 

[appnut]

This is a 1-speed Fabric-Matic washer. It's the same set of cycles as is found on Maytag coin-op models--there's POD with these new models touting the machines can now offer customers automatic washing for wool and delicates. So, maybe for parts.

 

[qsd-dan]

That machine looks like it was rode hard and put away wet, then put through an E,J wringer head. Parts machine only, if there's anything in decent enough condition worth saving.

 

[bradfordwhite]

How is this scuzzy thing not a 2 speed?

I'm seeing 3 temp buttons on the left, 3 speed combinations, and 4 water levels.

Did it also have a functioning light above the timer at some point?

 

[good-shepherd]

Parts machine

Thats assuming it's for free and not rusted inside and out.

 

[combo52]

Tired Looking Center Dial Maytag

This machine may be better than it looks or worse,

 

The control panel has been sprayed with Spray&Wash,

 

The rest of the machine could be great or nothing but scrap metal, need more pictures.

 

John L.

 

[sprog]

407 more images...

John,
You're right... more images are needed.
This 407 has some rust (my 806 was in much rougher shape), but not too bad.
The tub enamel is worn.

If this were an 806 or perish the thought a 906, this would be a different story.
But alas, an old beat-up 407. I'm leaning toward assimilating the parts into my collective.

 

[appnut]

OK Keith, I'll explain. Those 3 buttons you perceive as speeds are simply causing modification of the basic cycle. This machine has an extended soak cycle of 28-30 minutes. There is just one wash cycle on the dial with a max of 10 minute wash. the perm press button simply causes the machine to go through a cool down process in the space of what is normally the post wash spin and spry rinse before the deep rinse. the final sin is shortened also with the Perm Press button. The Delicate cycle simply has two short agitation periods in the 10 minute wash phase with soaking in between the two. Deep rinse is shortened agitation. this was Maytag's budget approach to offering a perceived variety of fabric wash cycles to compete with Whirlpool/Kenmore. This was also the basis for the Maytag top loaders offered in coin laundries with the 6-segment fabric selector of Whites, Colors, Bright Colors, Perm Press, Delicates, and Wool. For the home models, this was reeferred to as the Fabric-Matic.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Thank-you Bob

This must be my year to learn about all the "technology" that MT had back in the 60s and 70s.
Even though I've had some MT washers and dryers, I just never cared enough about the brand to really look. First it was the Electronic dryers, now this.

I've never seen any washer that add that much customizing to a cycle via selector switch. With GE and Kenmore the most their switches would do is turn on an extra rinse leg or leg a prewash into the full cycle.

 

[robbinsandmyers]

Sprog

If you're interested in selling the trans I may be interested for my A407 to have a refurbished one ready to install in mine for when I do my overhaul of it to keep down time shorter.

 

[sprog]

Robbinsandmyers's

John,
Great minds think alike... I was planning the same thing.
I'll keep you in the loop.

 

[robbinsandmyers]

Thank you. I might even be interested in the tub as mine has not only lost its shine as well, which is ok but its also rusting out at a few lower holes. Its my daily so as long as parts arent rusted or leaking oil on clothes I'll use them. My Harvest Gold HA806 and HDE806 pair are show room new and waiting for the day I need them but till then I'll try to make this A407 go as far as possible.

 

[eurekastar]

The great thing about the PP cycle on the A407 is that the cool down can sort of function as an extra rinse and it will still spin on high speed (since there is no low speed).  I had an A407 but converted it to an A606 with PP.  I had to rig some new wiring but it works!

 

[appnut]

Keith, Today's POD Maytag A308

Keith, this is an example of another Fbric-Matic model. This model was right under the 407--there might have been a 408 eventually. But, this model does not have the 28-30 minute extended soak cycle. The space on the timer is replaced by independent Permanent Press and Delicate cycles. Thus the timer dial does the same functions as the 3 "speed" buttons on the panel of the 407. For the uninformed, it appears just like an offering from Kenmore or Whirlpool with the same basic 3 cycles. But, whereas the WP & KM were actual two speed machines, the Maytag was still a 1-peed.

 

[lowefficiency]

The A408 (as compared to the A407) adds the ability to select a warm rinse if doing a hot wash. There may be other changes, but that's the difference that I'm aware of.

Expanded Maytag Comparison Chart?

Hi everyone. I've quite often referred to this chart comparing the features of the various models of the xx06/xx08/xx09 center-dial Maytag washers and dryers. Does anyone know if a similar chart exists either covering or including the line of xx07 models (A207, etc), and some of the other...

www.automaticwasher.org