OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW!

[gyromatic]

RCA Combo Balance

This machine has a great balance system.The machine will never walk if installed the right way.Even if it has a large heavy load.I have less than 1/4" on each side of the machine.More than enough room on each side.

 

[pdub]

Museum Quality Restoration

John, you have done an amazing job. Congratulations.

 

[combo52]

1957 Whirlpool Combo

Cycle Times

 

On our similar 1960 LKM Combo that we restored many years ago it took just under 30 minutes when set for a 10 minute wash to get to the dry cycle [ almost exactly the same as the GE combos that I have ]. The 4,500 watt booster water element in ours was very fast at getting the water temperature up to 140 F, I don't think it ever took as long as ten minutes extra and my water heater in the W Va house was never set any hotter than 130 F to began with, it really got the water steaming hot fast. The LKM we have is the model that can be used on either a 30 or 50 Amp 240 volt circuit, the dryers heater wattage is either 5600 watts like Johns WP machine or you can change a wire at the terminal block and use the third heater and bring the total dryer wattage up to 8400 watts.

 

The LKM Combo was the top rated electric combo in the 1960 CRs magazine in the only comprehensive tests that CRs ever did on combination washer-dryers, CRs also liked the gas versions of all the KMs and WP 33" Combos because of their fast drying performance and great washing ability.

 

On my LKM Combo it could easily still take over an hour to dry a 10 pound load of heavy cotton towels, in the 1960 CR test of my Combo they said with a 10lb load set for hot wash [ which automatically uses the water heater ] the machine would use over 7 KWHs of power to complete the full wash-dry cycle. Today at an average power cost of almost 15 cents per KWH today you would be looking at over one dollar to run the complete cycle.

 

[jetcone]

John look at the 3 belt system in John's machine

it looks just like the GE 3 belt system, are they interchangeable??

 

 

[bygted]

wow

Just like everyone else - I am amazed at the level to which you take restoration!

Is the email address on your profile still good? I sent you a message with a few ques.

 

[revvinkevin]

Absolutely Stunning!

 

 

John, truly amazing!   I am completely floored by the degree of such fine detail!  

 

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!

 

I have a few machines I will be sending to you shortly so make room in your shop! 

 

 

Kevin

 

 

[cadman]

Fantastic!

Maybe I missed it John, but do you have any idea how much time you have in this resto? Your attention to detail is inspiring! -Cory

 

[combo52]

1957 Whirlpool Combo

Jon C the three belt drive system is very similar to what GE stated using in the late 1950s. It seems that WP used this drive system first and I am quite sure that nothing is interchangeable. Did you know that GE used two completely different three belt drive systems on their combos? on the first the motor did not reverse and the 2nd design that they introduced around 1964 the motor reversed to go from washing and rinsing to draining, spinning and drying, nothing was interchangeable between these two GE drive systems either.

 

[gyromatic]

Time to do restoration

I got the machine around Sept I think.Worked on it a little ever night til it was done.A week ago.You do all the baby steps til it is done.Keep thinking about the big picture when it all comes together at the end.IT'S ALL WORTH IT THEN.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

John,

I am arriving a bit late to the comments of awe here, but I first saw this thread when you were busily posting all your initial pictures, and I couldn't believe my eyes --- I almost commmented right in the middle of all those first pics.

Everybody has already said it, but the degree of effort, the attention to detail, and the accomplishment there is absolutely stunning. Sure its fun to start a restoration with a great platform that isn't far gone, but omg wow, you did a remarkable job. This is truly quite an accomplishment. I have done some fun restorations (and some not-so-fun) but never something this well done.

Hat's off to you!

Gordon

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Newer than new!

Fantastic! You did such a wonderful job. Truly a labor of love. I agree, a picture or few sent to Whirlpool is definitely warranted!

RCD

 

[combo52]

Hi John, is the combo ready for a load?

I am ready to head over shortly, see you soon. John.

 

[hilovane]

I've wondered if the "Filter Stream" washing/rinsing system could be feasible in today's HE front loaders.

 

[peterh770]

Another phenomenal restore! Congrats!

Knowing your are a diehard Bendix man, would you be so kind to compare/contrast the washability between this WP and your Bendii?

 

[gyromatic]

Compare WP and Bendix wash

The Whirlpool washes very well.But I will always lean the Bendix way.

 

[appnut]

I've wondered if the "Filter Stream" washing/rin

The Maytag Maxima 9000 has a recirculating system that operates for part of the cycle, but how long and how often I do not know since I've never used one in person.  Several in Europe over the years have had recirculating sprays.  Zanussi comes to mind, if I remember correctly.  There are probably others.  Some Frigiedaire and LG models also have a supplemental system that runs for a period of the cycle I believe.

 

[nanook]

My, Oh My-

Words really fail to capture the incredible beauty and labor of love bestowed on this beauty - although everyone has given it a good try.  I won't attempt to add to what has already been spoken, but to say this must be the 'ne plus ultra' of restorations.  Good show-!

 

Am curious, though, in Pic 8, there appears to be a white, porcelain, snap-in single receptacle inserted into the back inner wall of the cabinet.  If that's so, what is its use-?   Thanks.

 

[chestermikeuk]

JetStream

Congratulations John, one perfect restoration, every minute detail is perfect, it just looks NIB, is 10lb the maximum DRY Load?, if thats the case is the washload 20lb?

The power stream is very unique, although we have had Jetsystem washers here since the 80`s the jet are from the top directed onto the clothes, having used and seen the Whirlpool system has a wider jetstream and more volume,

If you spun the clothes in a spin dryer or 1010 unimatic how fast would the mega dry heater take? minutes?

Happy washing!!

 

[gyromatic]

Receptacle

This is to plug in the control panel light

 

[gyromatic]

10 Lb Cap.

10 Lbs, I am sure could be washed and dryed in this unit,having the 29'' cylinder.If a load of towels were spun out at 1010rpm.I would guess they would dry in about 30 min in this machine.Just a guess though.