Maytag Convertable RR DW
Congratulations on finding an almost unused RR DW. There are probably thousands of cool portable DWs in homes across this country that have virtually never been used. I think in most cases people bought them thinking that having a DW would transform their life in the kitchen, but after they used it a few times they found it was more brother than it was worth. This was often because most people still have no idea how to use a DW. They waste time and lots of water rinsing every thing and then they really do not know how to really load the machine.
The stretch urethane belt that these DWs used does not necessarily need to be greased, MT started greasing the belts to reduce squealing and other strange noises these belts could make, but even greasing only lasts a short while anyway. Using this type of belt was a major cost cut that MT took a gamble with when they designed these DWs, a regular 3/8" V belt with an idler pulley would have outlasted the DW in most cases but would have cost more. And I don't just criticize MT for for their cost cuts, WP-KM used one of these crappy stretch belts on their full sized dryers from 1961-1965 and the pump belt on there combos from 1962-1971, although at the price MT charged for its appliances it seems far less acceptable.
These MT convertible DWs can be converted to a built-in pretty easily without the official conversion kit, so I would not worry about trying to find the official kit or paying a lot for one.
Even though the top rack comes out easily, the bottom rack is not a great design for things like stock pots. Have fun with your new toy, let us know how it works out.
Congratulations on finding an almost unused RR DW. There are probably thousands of cool portable DWs in homes across this country that have virtually never been used. I think in most cases people bought them thinking that having a DW would transform their life in the kitchen, but after they used it a few times they found it was more brother than it was worth. This was often because most people still have no idea how to use a DW. They waste time and lots of water rinsing every thing and then they really do not know how to really load the machine.
The stretch urethane belt that these DWs used does not necessarily need to be greased, MT started greasing the belts to reduce squealing and other strange noises these belts could make, but even greasing only lasts a short while anyway. Using this type of belt was a major cost cut that MT took a gamble with when they designed these DWs, a regular 3/8" V belt with an idler pulley would have outlasted the DW in most cases but would have cost more. And I don't just criticize MT for for their cost cuts, WP-KM used one of these crappy stretch belts on their full sized dryers from 1961-1965 and the pump belt on there combos from 1962-1971, although at the price MT charged for its appliances it seems far less acceptable.
These MT convertible DWs can be converted to a built-in pretty easily without the official conversion kit, so I would not worry about trying to find the official kit or paying a lot for one.
Even though the top rack comes out easily, the bottom rack is not a great design for things like stock pots. Have fun with your new toy, let us know how it works out.
