Maytag Wringer! My first vintage piece!

[bugsyjones]

I'm not really an old appliance collector. But I do have a contribution now!

My grandma gave me her old Maytag wringer washer. I got it out today and tested it. As expected, it works great!

Cosmetically, it's not the best, but everything's there and working.

I am still uncertain when this machine was purchased. I want to say mid to late fifties.

Perhaps somebody with more knowledge would be able to pinpoint that. Serial No. 40931 VE.

~Tim

 

[bugsyjones]

Inside

It has seen some use. After sitting for 20 years, it works fine! Just a little debris inside.

 

[bugsyjones]

How old?

I am not completely sure how old this machine is, but I did find a picture of my Dad from 1955 and it shows the washer in the background.

There's my Dad, christmas of '55. Lincoln logs, a radio flyer, and other typical fifties toys for the American boy.

 

[norfolksouthern]

White Rustoleum protective paint should closely match the original on that wringer. In the E2L I once owned, the inner tub was stainless steel. Yours looks more like a white porcelain, which doesn't look like it needs much more than a good scrubbing. These machines are excellent for someone new to the hobby, as their simplicity makes them very easy to work on. They are extremely durable and long lived as well.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[tlee618]

Tim, not only a fun washer to have but even more important is the family connection to it. You'll have fun using this!!

 

[qsd-dan]

Some spray paint and a new decal will make this a beauty!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Maytag-Engine-W...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[geoffdelp]

Hi Tim ... I get the date of manufacture as March 1964; that would match the front decal. That style of decal was used from about 1959 to 1966. Could it be that this was your grandma's 2nd Maytag?

That is the Model J2L. Those sure were wonderful machines; they last forever, as you can well attest to!

I love the photo of your dad; those toys are great and having the washing machine in the background makes it even more special!

You could use Rustoleum on the lid and the "skirt" (the area where the legs are) but don't put that on the tub; it won't stay.

Before you try to paint anything, give it a good washing with soap and water and then use white rubbing compound (#4, I believe it's called), you will be surprised at all the scratches and scrapes you will get out. The rubbing compound will work well on the tub, too. I then polish everything with liquid Turtle Wax.

Here's a Model J2L that I have from the same era; mine was made in 1965.

 

[jdinstl]

Oh, just one time won't hurt...

...and then you're hooked.

Tim said "I'm not really an old appliance collector."

You are now. It starts with one. Just one hit. That's all it takes, and you're hooked. Since I live in an apartment, I can't really collect washers 'n dryers. About 5 years ago, I bought one Kirby Legend II off eBay.

I now have nearly 40 vacuums, not to mention other small vintage appliances.

Today it's the Maytag wringer. Tomorrow, it will be "..found this AMP and gee, it would have been a shame to just leave it there." Next week, a matched set of Highlander's will mysteriously appear in your possession and any attempt to get you to talk about it will result in a hostile stare. In a couple of years you'll have whole wings of the basement arrayed with laundry appliances and a story with each.

There will be some attempts, feeble, but attempts nevertheless to quietly try to avert yourself from the addiction. Like installing flamboyant awnings. Starting a website. But since you really don't want to, it won't work. You'll be amongst friends, and someone will pass around a Filter-Flo -- and the cycle will repeat, like a Duet with a bad circuit board.

And all I have to say about that is...

CONGRATULATIONS! ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL MACHINE SAVED!

 

[gyrafoam]

I'm amused at the bucket under the washer. Must be like mine----pees a bit of water from time to time.

I'm sure you will have lots of fun with this machine. Clorox "Clean-Up" does wonders cleaning old white appliances along with a WET fine steel-wool pad. A bit of diluted Sno-Bowl should get rid of the stains inside the tub.
I prefer Meguire's Cleaner/Wax, although any good automotive wax should do the job.
If the Gyratator is too dull just get a can of the spray Clear Acrylic Laquer----I use the Rustoleum brand with great results.
Hope you enjoy expanding your new collection!

Geoff is the guru on these. I thought mine was older than it is but maybe not. It seems to be in like new condition to me. When did they quit using the red Gyratator? Mine has a red one.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Tim, thanks for posting those pictures. I had hoped you would. Even though I just picked up my first wringer just recently, I'll say welcome to the conventional washer club! (Sound familiar, Geoff?) Yours may look rough now, but they clean up so wonderfully and it's amaizing how many parts are still available! I just picked up a NOS power cord for mine. I'll have to agree with the above post. These guys are like Lay's potato chips. You can't just have one. Maybe, you can get Geoff to post pictures of his wringer 'Harem' so you can see the really neat collection he has. Don't be afraid to ask questions here. You'll find all sorts of wonderful people here with parts & service manuals, hints, and maybe even needed parts! I had wonderful support from great people while I was looking for my first wringer. Here's my E2LP (Geoff's 'niece' LOL!!!)

RCD

 

[geoffdelp]

RCD ... speaking of "Harems" ... That E2LP is absolutely GORGEOUS!! Oh my goodness gracious; I couldn't be a prouder Uncle.

Steve ... the agitator went from red to black in the mid 1950's (1955/1956?). It changed the same time as when Maytag went from red to black in their automatics (102P era or so?). The turquoise was January 1966.

I've never put clear rustoleum on an agitator; does that work well? Does it stay?

Here is Harem #1 ... all of these were made after the color change of 1966.

Harem #2 is coming one day, really soon ...

 

[bugsyjones]

Well.....

I'm not really going to do a whole lot with the washer. Right now, I have no place for it, so any 'restoration' will have to wait. It's current residence is in a shed out back. I intend to just clean it up to decent and replace the casters which are rusted and immobile.

As far as this becoming an addiction, it won't. I honestly do love old appliances, but I have an aversion to clutter. I hate having too much around. I'm the kind of person who is more than satisfied with one of something.

If I do want any more washers, a '57 unimatic with a matching dryer would be nice.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Collection equals clutter?

There are a few people here who might agree, but that's not quite what I meant. Mine is only a few pieces big and kept only if it's in good shape. Otherwise it's parted out and gone. Still, a person isn't judged by the size of his/her collection. The pride and contentment in what ever it is should be enough.

Alot of machines here are fine pieces BUT I like your wringer because there is a family history attached to it! The picture of you as a child with the wringer in the background is absolutely awesome!

Geoff, that E2LP in your picture has a lighter colored Maytag emblem. Is that original and when did they go to that color?

RCD

 

[bugsyjones]

It was my Dad as a child. I WISH I had grown up in the 50's!

 

[bugsyjones]

PS

I meant no disrespect to those who do have large collections. That's your thing. Do it.

It just isn't my thing. My main objective is not to have multiple versions of the same item (washers, vacuums, etc.), but to have one of each of them to furnish my home. To have all vintage appliances rather than new ones. For example: One set of washer and dryer, one dishwasher, one refrigerator. But I get too specific on which ones I want and the ones I do want, I can't find. At least not within an hours drive from here.

So if you found me a bit opinionated, I apologize.

~Tim

 

[gyrafoam]

Geoff---

It may very well wear off after a while, but I have yet to do one over. So I figure it does pretty well.
In any event, it is pretty cheap in the big picture and helps that old bakelite look like new.

Thanks for the info. I thought my machine must have been early fifties. You really have a fine collection of wringers.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Disrespect? What disrespect?

Tim, you're going to fit in just fine here!

RCD

 

[geoffdelp]

Steve ... thanks for the compliment; I do enjoy these Maytag's. They made a really great product for a lot of years.

I have an old red bakelite agitator that has a good spline; I'll have to try the Rustoleum trick. I've used Vaseline a lot over the years; it looks good, but has to be reapplied after use. Luckily, the Vaseline is hot water soluble and doesn't stain anything. I like the Rustoleum idea better, though.

RCD ... you have an astute eye! Maytag started making those decals only for the Model E in 1978, I believe. It was to celebrate their 75th year of washer making. I got that from someone who used to work for Maytag; I haven't read it anywhere yet. I do know, for sure, those were only for the Model E and had a separate part number.

Tim ... that is a fine machine you have and if you do decide to fix it up, I am sure you will find a lot of help on this site. There are a lot of people who would help you, I'm sure. I hope you find the other items you are looking for!!