New member with new, old, Maytags.

[bootsnslicks14]

Hello everybody and Happy 4th.

Not sure if I have to do an intro, but here it goes..

After spending months searching daily for a pair of late '50s to mid '60s Maytag washer and electric dryer, I "settled" for a newer pair I found on Craigslist.

The washer is a Model DE808, Serial # 571326 A6.

The dryer is a Model A806, Series 01, Serial #752933WW.

Here is a before picture. The guy I purchased them from claimed they worked great up until the time he sold them to me which was last weekend.

I plan on cleaning & re-painting certain sections of them and making sure all lights work.

My questions are, is there any "preventative maintenance" I can do to them before I plug them in and put them to use?

Also if someone could help me tell me what model year/s they are I would appreciate that.

 

[kenmore71]

I'm pretty sure you switched  the dryer and washer numbers around.

The DE808 dryer is April 1978. 

The A806 washer is October 1975.

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice 'tags!

 

A set of belts, and lubricating the motor slide won't hurt.

 

[cleanteamofny]

Welcome to the Group of Washermaniacs!

A little spit and a lot of polish would make them purty!

 

[philr]

These are nice machines (those in your avatar too!). 

 

Welcome here! And happy 4th!

 

[swestoyz]

Nice set of Maytags you picked up! Kenny's suggestions are good, I'd even pony up for a new motor glide kit, PN 205000, which comes with new glides, springs, and poly lube.

There are lots of how to dos on this board for Maytags. Dig around and ask questions too.

Nice SS!

Ben

 

[bootsnslicks14]

[No message]

 

[bootsnslicks14]

[No message]

 

[bootsnslicks14]

[No message]

 

[bootsnslicks14]

[No message]

 

[bootsnslicks14]

Thanks to all replies!

@kenmore71: How were you able to figure out the month and dates on these?

@goatfarmer: Is there a thread on how to lubricate the motor slide?

Here are some more before pics,excuse the double post, I can't edit or delete it yet. I'm going to finish cleaning, sanding and painting them this weekend..

 

[hippiedoll]

nice set of maytags there!!!

i can't wait to see them all finished up!!!
what color are you going to paint them??

good luck & keep us posted!!!

)

 

[beekeyknee]

Those are nice machines. If you decide you want to get serious, you can become a contributing member and have access to all the site's facilities such as the Searchalator which will help you with research to do all the maintenance that your machines will need. It will be quite a challenge, but it can be done and is rewarding in the end.

 

[tennblondie78]

Boots n Slicks

Welcome!!! Congratulations on scoring a great set! I just restored a set exactly like yours. On the washer, you will want to check the injector portion of the fill tube. It will be to the left side of the tub cover under the top. I suggest removing the entire injector portion and replacing it with PVC or something along those lines. Those injectors are a leak problem. It will be whitish plastic with holes in it. While you are in the machine, check all of the other hoses to make sure they are still soft and aren't hard and cracked.

Also check the damper pads. RedCarpetDrew just did a how-to thread on how to do that. That is very important and can cause big headaches down the road.

The console lights take an FS-2 starter, available for a couple bucks at Lowes.

On the dryer, you will need to check the belt as well a do a good delinting. Check the glides at the front of the drum, they will most likely need replacing. That's not hard to do if you have a rivet gun.

I could go on and on, but there's plenty of info on the site. The Super Searchalator will help you a lot, and we will help you with any questions you might have. You'll find there's a ton of knowledge on here, and wonderful people to go with it!

 

[bootsnslicks14]

Been meaning to post and respond sooner, got my plate pretty full with projects.

@hippiedoll: Thanks doll, they're just about there. I actually wanted to paint them gloss black, however, I for one have too many projects and two I didn't want to make them "less desirable" or "devaluate" them in case I ever decided to part with them.

@beekeyknee: Not sure what you mean by "if you decide you want to get serious"?
I spent everyday, for months, looking for a somewhat matching pair, drove over 200 miles to get these and put hours of work into them already... How much more serious can I get?

@tennblondie78: Thank you very much for your welcome, and very informative post!

Ok,here are some more progress pics, for the most part they are done. These are going to be my "daily drivers". They look right at home in their new laundry room.

I went ahead and did a lot of cleaning, sanded and painted whatever panels I felt needed re-painting with appliance epoxy. I replaced all light bulbs including the one for the panels and the one for the drum. (I don't think my washer came with a tub light?)

I also replaced the knob on the dryer door with one a mid century one, I personally feel the knob that came on my dryer door looked cheap and out of place.

So far they seem to be working ok, I had to adjust the legs on the washer with a level since it was vibrating pretty bad on the spin cycle,it took a few tries but I got it right, no more floor shaking.

I know this sounds strange,but,I have this issue (as pictured) with the control panel light for the washer being inconsistent as far staying illuminated. If I twist the light into place and turn the knob to a "on" position, the light will fully illuminate, however once I turn the knob to a off position and then try to turn it back on to a "on" position, it won't light up!? Strangely,(I know this sounds confusing) if I twist the light in but not as far, it will illuminate on the ends only (as pictured as well) but, despite that, it will work when it is and is not supposed to?

 

[bootsnslicks14]

[No message]

 

[beekeyknee]

Aaron,

I'm sorry about the "get serious" comment, as I can see you are. I was just trying to convey that the site is more user friendly when you are a contributing member, as you can use the Super Searchalator to narrow your search parameters directly without having to search through Google. It's just easier and quicker. You can search by topic and member screen name to get you to where you want to be. Whichever works for you is fine. From what I've seen, your machines look nice and it looks like things are going well.

Brian

 

[bluejay]

I wonder if the issue with the washer task light could be a ballast going?  Our laundry room and garage all have fluorescent lighting and both rooms have one light each that are doing the exact same thing you describe.

 

[swestoyz]

Did you replace the bulb in the washer?  Usually this is a sign that the bulb is getting weak.  You can pick up a replacement (make sure you look for a cool white version to color match the dryer) at your local hardware store/big box store for about 5 bucks.  The A806 I brought home from St. Paul a month ago was exhibiting the same behaviors.  I replaced the bulb and FS2 ballast starter and everything works great.

 

You are correct that this series of A806 (I'm assuming this is a Series 2 machine) does not have a wash tub light.  Boo Maytag!

 

Ben