Oh my ... I think I'm in love!!

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

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I probably will, Robert ... we'll check out shipping first. This was like my Mom's first one when my parents were married in 1954. It lasted about 10 years and was replaced by a A302S.

Are these easy to work on? I'm assuming that must be rust in the tub.

You'd think I'd find one around here; I don't know. The appliance recycler guys here are kind of "jerks" about us collectors. You should have heard some of the comments I got about 6 months or so ago ...

I'm hoping I can work on something like this; I've only restored Maytag wringers.
 
You guy's probably won't believe this...

But this is the *SAME* Maytag, in the same basement, of the house Cory bought the GE Wall fridge, and misc kitchen equip from!

A word of caution - I wanted to take this home very very badly. We had a long drive back to Iowa that day, and after about an hour of getting water out of the wash basket, we couldn't get all of the water out, and as well as a full trailer and Bravada, we decided to leave it there. They offered it for free last December.

We plugged it in, and it did nothing. It appears to have cleaned up a bit - very dirty when we looked at it. Nice people, although I'd pay attention, as the description doesn't mention the unit actually working.

Any questions - let us know.

Ben
 
Make Sure It Works

My washer was a gift from Jimmy (FilterFlo). Make sure it works because you won't find the torque spring anywhere if it doesn't spin. There are 2 very old, experienced Maytag repairmen in this area who both say the same thing about the spin.
 
It has been a while, but I don't remember the agitator actually moving when I tried to move it, as it was stuck. But don't quote me on this, it was a very fast-pace day that December (very very cold) afternoon, and my memory is starting to get the best of me.

Ben
 
If there is a will, there is a way

Hi Geoff, like any 40+ year old Automatic, its EXTREMELY rare to find that it works properly, obviously this Maytag doesn't, but you wont know exactly what is wrong until you give it a thorough examination. Then it’s going to have to be taken apart and restored. The rust on the wash basket might just be surface rust and which will come off with Bon-Ami and lots of elbow grease.

If water was in the wash basket, then it probably won’t spin, but that could be from a number of reasons, such as the timer, electrical wiring, spin solenoid, brake assembly or spin torque spring.

If really want the machine, go for it, worse comes to worse you can use it for parts when and if you find another AMP. Even though parts are very rare, if there is a will there always will be a way.

BTW, its not just you, what you experienced with the recyclers being rude and not willing to listen seems to be a common experience throughout the entire world. I found the only way get their attention is to talk to them in their language and offer them lots of money. Even with that, of all the ones I spoke to, only a couple had ever called. One actually turned out to be a gold mine, but he says unlike 10 years ago, now its getting really rare that he sees any washers from the 50's anymore. Of the 1000 or so units he sees a week, only one 1 in nearly 75,000 to 100,000 units will be that old. Its the same at the estate sales, Vintage Dryers, Ranges and Refrigerators are plentiful, but the washers and dishwashers are nearly gone.
 
Hi Robert ... thanks for the advice and encouragement!!

I agree with you in that I need the experience of disassembling, restoring, and reassembling one of these machines. Lord knows I worked on enough wringers. I have a buddy whose father was a Maytag dealer into the 1970's when he took over the family business. He's managed to hold on to a number of cool Maytags and has them in storage. I visited with him a few summers ago and LOVED the machines he had; I bet he can hook me up with parts.

We have a really big appliance recycling place outside of town. He (the owner) lined up all sorts of wringers and semi-automatics around the front of his store; they are now becoming "rust buckets". He's an odd duck and treated me like I was some kind of freak and had the audacity to say, "yeah, I've heard about you guys!" in the most sarcastic of tones. When I asked him to further explain, he said "I call you guys when I've got a machine available and then you tell me you don't want it!" I proceeded to remind him that he hadn't dealt with me yet and I didn't appreciate his tone; our call terminated shortly thereafter and I faxed my info and never heard from him. Maybe he needs another visit! :-)

Yeah ... if worse comes to worse, I can always part it out.

Still haven't received a response from the e-mail I sent them.
 
Geoff,

This machine would be a fantastic starting point for a very good restoration. When I first saw it, a postivive thought came to my head when I saw the water in the tub - "well, at least the out tube does leak!!"

You could tell the previous owners had taken great care of the machine. The story with the water went something like this. The current owners had bought the house, and already had a newer set. The husband decided one day to see if it worked, and started a load. I think he put clothes in it, and gave it a whirl. It filled with water, but didn't do anything else. I hope the info I've provided hasn't swayed any of your enthusiasm. Good luck!

Ben
 
Ben ...

It sure looks like it would make a great restoration.

I have been waiting "im"patiently for one of these machines to pop up. I just think they represent the era they are from so well.

I was so enthralled by Robert's 1949 AMP; I really wanted to play with it at his wash-in, but didn't want anything to happen to it.

Geoff
 
Maytag Mania!

That's a peach of a Maytag Geoff! I'm going to give you a little verbal "nudge" to go for it. As Seals and Croft say, "We may never pass this way again."

Good luck!

Venus
 
Venus ...

I know ... MAY be the last chance; who knows? Thanks for the nudge ...

I'll wait to see what their response to my e-mail is like. Plus, I'm sure there has to be a Craters and Freighters in Kansas City.

Geoff
 
I do recycling and sell used appliances. I understand how the recycling guys you talk to may be cynical about collectors. It takes extra time and handling not to mention space to save out an appliance. If they take the time to save one and call you and say he has something for you and you turn it down, it has cost him time, money and space. I have had that experience. Someone asks for an old range or whatever and then comes to look at it and then don't want it. It is irritating for the above reasons. Maybe you could offer to take them no matter the condition and eat it if it is not one for you. Or perhaps offer to pay him a recycling fee if you don't want the machine. If the recycler is taking his time for you, he deserves to be compensated in some way. Like Robert says;Money talks.
 
GO FOR IT!!!

Geoff, I have the repair manual for this machine that I will be glad to send you a copy of if you want it. That is a fairly difficult machine to work on though....and a little dangerous. There is a clutch spring in the brake assy that is under about 300lbs of pressure and if not removed properly, can knock a hole in your head! If you get the machine, review the service manual thoroughly before starting to restore. The wires on the mercury switches in the lid usually become hard and brittle but can be restored by carefully removing the insulation and then siliconing the wires on parchment paper and reinstalling. I'll be glad to offer you advice if you need help on this one. Best of luck. Mark
 

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