Opportunity to purchase an Easy Spindrier...

[homesteadgal]

Do I dare?

I've noticed an Easy Spindrier at an antique store near me. I got a chance to take a peek but not to test it out yet. Cord appears intact, both lids are present, tub inside is clean, spin side looks pretty good and outside paint is fairly intact. Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to take pictures. She has it priced at $50

My hesitation is this: all 4 of the little pieces that go over the metal tabs are missing (seems to be a common issue) as well as the timer knob and spindrier logo and I've heard parts are hard to come by.

Provided motor runs and everything seems to function okay should I do it? I've looked into them some online and they seem like really neat machines! What would you do?

 

[homesteadgal]

Clarification

Here is a photo from online of the part that seems to be missing. I'm guessing it would theoretically work with just the little metal tabs sticking out right?

 

[launderess]

If you really want the thing, have at it.

Yes, those colored plastic/rubber tabs often go missing and or are damaged, so that's fairly common. But can be replaced by hunting around for spares from a donor machine.

Just know there are nil to zero spare NOS parts out there for Easy Spindrier units. Every now and then something pops up, but otherwise pickings are rare.

There are several threads in archives posted by others who have done restoration and other work on Easy units, so at least you won't be flying totally blind.

If store will allow I'd plug the thing in to see at least if motor runs. Also ask if they have any idea of provenance, that is when washer was used last.

Store likely won't allow, but pouring a small bucket of water into wash tub to check for leaks would be a good thing.

If unit hasn't been used in some time filling and starting it up cold may not be a good thing, but you otherwise need to find out what works, and what doesn't.

 

[homesteadgal]

Thank you so much!

Luckily I'm familiar with the shop owner so she will most likely let me test for leaks and plug it in. What do you mean by "filling and starting up cold?" Should I let the motor run for a couple of min before attempting to add water?

I did notice that it is sitting in the front yard of the shop and that there was a tiny bit of water sitting in the spin side but none in the wash side. However with both lids being on no real way to know yet about leaks.

If everything works do you think $50 is a good price? I've searched the threads on here and have found several good ones but not much on value/pricing.

Thanks again for your quick reply!  

I'm planning to have a look during business hours tomorrow so with any luck I may be posting with a new acquisition soon.

 

[rp2813]

If it seems like a viable machine in spite of the missing items, then $50 is a fair price IMO.

 

Since you know the shop owner, it would be best to dump really hot water into the tubs -- or the hottest the tap water gets if that's the only option -- to check for good seals and perhaps soften them if they've hardened, so they might seal up again.

 

I really, really wanted one of these machines -- an older model with the big levers up front -- but was talked out of it by someone who told me that if I didn't stick around to watch it, an unbalanced load in the spinner would cause the thing to shake, rattle, and start rolling off the patio.  If you have a confined space for it, that could serve as a sort of secured padded room scene if the machine ever decided to try and make a run for it.

 

[arbilab]

Little more than half sure the pump runs when the motor runs and pumps typically don't like to run dry ... SO best to have (hot) water in it before switching on. 

 

Helped grandma run hers, back around about 1952.  Don't recall any tendency for the spinner to unbalance, could have been her skill loading it.  One develops a feel for it.

 

If you like DOing laundry there's nothing like a Spindryer.  It's thorough and you get exactly the results you need.

 

[homesteadgal]

Thanks everyone for your info!

I checked things out this afternoon and it's a real mess. First problem started when we poured in hot water and it leaked like a sieve. Found out the the bottom hose would need replaced but I figured that was an easy fix. Then upon trying out the motor, found it to be seized up. Also noted the levers to be detached at the front of the machine and things were quite rusty underneath.

 

There's a chance everything could be made to work but it would be more of a project than I would have time for I think. (On a side note, I did notice that this is a Hupp model which I've seen on here noted as the cheaper quality version)

 

So unfortunately it looks like this one isn't gonna work out for me. 

 

The only problem is that now that I've researched these "twin tub" style machines I really want one!

 

 

[jeb]

I just did my laundry last week in one. The pump is the real weak point in these plus the levers are moving rods which can be problematic. They offered 2 types of agitator, the lower end one doesn't move the clothes very well. I don't know were in Ohio (I'm north central) you are from but if you ever what to try one give me a shout.

 

[homesteadgal]

Thank you!

If I’m ever down in your neck of the woods I’ll absolutely give you a shout!