Maytag Model 30

[sweere]

Hi, new member here. I’m looking at purchasing a Maytag model 30 and I’ve been searching all over trying to find the build date of this machine. Serial number is 606549S. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[qsd-dan]

That's a low production number so probably around 1934.

30 & 31 600,000 to 699,99 affixed by AB,D,E,H,K,M,N,RS,U,W,X,Z, Sept 1933 to Aug 1937

 

[sweere]

I knew about the low production number and I did find the 600,000 to 699,000 production run numbers for the model 30. Was just hoping someone would have the actual month and year numbers.

 

[bradross]

April 1934

according to the reliable source, "Maytag Conventional Washer, Volume 2".

600,000 through 634,019. April 1934. "S" series.

 

[sweere]

That’s perfect. Thanks very much.

 

[bradross]

You're welcome, Mike. Any news? Did you pick up the washer? I was looking at Alberta's Kijiji listings and saw a Model 30 in Lethbridge...is that the one?

On a side note: it's interesting how Albertans seem to prefer Kijiji. Here on the west coast, most everybody uses Craigslist.

 

[sweere]

Hi Brad,

That is the one from Kijiji in Lethbridge. I’m going Friday to pic it up. Looks to be in pretty nice shape all things considered. I’m looking more for gas powered machines but this ones too nice not to pick it up.

There isn’t a real following here for Craigslist. It just never caught on here. Everyone uses either Kijiji or Marketplace on Facebook.

 

[bradross]

Big day tomorrow!

Keep us posted! I'm sure us wringer enthusiasts would love to see pics. I'm curious as to the condition of the machine. Looks good in the one pic they posted on Kijiji.

 

[sweere]

Purchase update

I did go and pick up the model 30. I was hoping by the pictures that it was going to be a good original machine and for the most part it is. It was from an estate sale so I didn’t get any information about the history of the machine. Not the original motor and by how it’s mounted I can’t tell if it was originally a gas or electric model. Personally I’d like to find a model 92 and make it a gas powered unit. The agitator was stuck which concerned me but I was hoping it was a bit of corrosion. Not so, the spindle shaft is split. I need to research how to make that repair.

Overall a nice machine.

 

[bradross]

Center plate and agitator post...

too bad about that. It looks pretty bad. It'll be interesting to see if you are able to figure out a fix - if not, I have seen the entire center plate/agitator post assembly for sale on ebay in the past. If I remember correctly, however, the seller had it listed for about $75 USD. You may be able to find another machine for about that, and you could part it out.

Keep us posted as to the restoration!

 

[sweere]

Agitator post

I was lucky and found the whole center post in what looks like new condition. $30USD. I was going repair the post I have but for that price I’ll get that one and repair the one I have for a spare.

I was also looking for decals for the wringer head. I’ve never seen the one that’s on this machine and I couldn’t find the same one looking online. I wanted to ask if you know of anyone re-producing this particular decal.

Thanks

 

[bradross]

Kevin Fisher in Ohio...

Check out the Maytag Collector's Club website ... http://www.maytagclub.com under "restoration information. Last time I ordered from him, he was getting low on stock of certain decals. He used to have the original silkscreening equipment, but no longer.

Kevin Fisher
8735 Bellefontaine Road
Harrod, Ohio 45850
419-979-2046
[email protected]

 

[sweere]

Ok, great.

Thanks Brad

 

[sweere]

Found another

Hi Brad,

Just wanted to share with you another model 30 that found its way to me. Bought it from a lady who’s great grandpa purchased it from Maytag. Been in the same family the whole time. Great shape. Very lucky to find it.

Also, I watched your restoration videos on YouTube. Very impressive and informative. That will be a big help for me. Thanks for doing those. Could I ask if you have the paint code that you used. I’d also like to know what product/process you use to polish the tub. They look fantastic.

 

[bradross]

Hey Mike ...

Wow, I must say I'm just a little envious! No, only kidding, as I've got two nice machines myself. However, that is definitely a lucky find. Very cool that it's been in the same family all this time, and I absolutely love that it has the "Sold by Maytag Calgary" decal, since Calgary is my hometown!

Regarding paint - I used spray paint - Valspar's "Leafy Rise", from Lowe's. It was the closest match to the original grey-green that I could find. Some years, the color was pure grey. I believe you can find the paint codes on the Maytag Collector's Club website.

Polishing the crown of the tub is a lot of work, but the results show that it's worthwhile time spent. First, I do a hand sanding with very fine sandpaper. This is followed by buffing using a cloth wheel attached to a hand-held drill. Jeweler's Rouge bring out the mirror-like finish, and finally a hand buffing using "Mother's Mag & Aluminum" polish.

Feel free to contact me anytime using my email listed on my profile. If you have any urgent questions, we can always talk on the phone, too.

Curious if the latest acquisition is in working order. It certainly looks in fine shape from the pics, and it's fantastic to have the original Delco motor!

 

[sweere]

All working

Thanks for the extra info Brad. Always nice to learn from people that have been there.

Everything works like it was new. Nice and tight, no strange noises from anywhere. The power unit is leaking from where the shifter enters the power unit. The plan will be to disassemble and restore. Hopefully make it look as good as yours.

Cheers.

 

[bradross]

Good to hear that all is working well!

You're welcome to any information/help I can offer! I love working on these old Maytag machines, and always happy when I meet another guy as enthusiastic as I am.

The leak around the shifter rod (where it meets the power unit) is quite common. What I've found with the four restorations I've done on this model - once the power unit has been cleaned out and replenished with new grease, the leak stops. Through the years as the grease deteriorates and becomes more liquid, the leaks occur.

FYI - the recent machine is from October 1934.

 

[sweere]

Thanks,

That’s kinda what I was thinking. That old grease gets pretty liquid the older it gets.

 

[bradross]

Video?

Hello Mike,
It would be nice to see a video of the "new" machine, if you're able. Interesting thing about the decals - makes me think that perhaps the wringer assembly is newer, as it has the newer decals. As far as I know, the decal types were never mixed on one machine.