Project Kenmores - part 2 (1976 green beast)

[kenmoreguy64]

I spent a lot of time today on the 1976 Avocado Kenmore. I used to dislike this color, and had to sell them as "batchelor specials" back in the 90s. This machine I REALLY like though.

Here are some highlights of the day's progress:

The first pic shows the outer tub, full of detergent residue, which is actually good because it forms a hard, cement like crust and can protect the tub. I had to scrap the agitator shaft because the splines are all rusted. The centerpost is in excellent condition, and the tub came right out with no struggle.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I thought this was a funny picture. It nearly perfectly framed "Robo-washer", the washer I built from used parts in 1995.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I pulled the tub early in the day, to find another surprise (last week I found a spider's next in between the basket and tub). Today, there was a mouse's nest or den in between the baseplate and the tub. It must have been a tiny one, but there was a pile of home insulation, bird seed shells, and fuzz. Too funny.

You can see the detergent residue and surface rust caused by the leaking centerpost grommet.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Cleaned up a bit....

 

[kenmoreguy64]

This shot is for you James. I have another if you'd like me to e-mail it to you.

Thanks to Jon's suggestion about the vinegar, I think the agitator came out looking pretty good! It's not perfect, but good enough.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

The old transmission, out of the machine. The drive pulley is not easy to turn. Something under the machine was very wet, for a long time. My guess is that the pump was leaking, that combined with leakage from the centerpost grommet got all the mechanicals underneath thoroughly soaked, enough that all the pulleys had rusted. Note the seed shells in the dirt.

I decided to use one of my rebuilt transmissions instead of messing with this one.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Kinda empty in there....but you can see where the old pump slung water and belt dust on the right side of the cabinet.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Missing a few things on the outside too. Soon the "new" control panel that Kenny sent me will find a new use. The top and cabinet sure did clean up nicely. I LOVE that green.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

My redone transmission with a basket drive that I pieced together using a new spin tube.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I put it all back together and this is the result.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Closer up - looks a lot better than it did last weekend!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Posing....

The more I look at this machine, the more I like the green. I'll probably always refer to this washer as the green beast but that's a name it may not deserve any longer.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Remember this?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Here's my favorite pic so far

A little better I'd say....

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Tomorrow I need to water test the machine. I was very dissappointed in the tub in that there was a rust crack in the lip where the centerpost grommet mounts. This is fairly common but I had thought it was in better shape. When I peeled away the old grommet a piece of the tub lip went with it, large enough that a leak may result. I may have to epoxy the area.

Overall, the machine tests out mechanically stellar. It is about as quiet as any belt-drive I've ever heard, except for the quiet pak models. The machine has a new pump, belt, rebuilt transmission and basket drive, a replacement used motor, and a resealed tub, not to mention a de-lousing and good cleaning. The bearings are quiet and I already mentioned the superb centerpost. The best feature to me though is the control panel that I got from Kenny / Goatfarmer. You are a GREAT guy Kenny, thank you so very much!

I like this washer!

 

[qsd-dan]

Holy Crap!!

You made all of this progress in one day?! My hats off to you!!!

If you didn't have pics to prove it, I would have had a hard time believing it's the same machine. Fantastic work......as always

 

[jons1077]

That is breathtaking!!!

Wow what a difference that made! I love the green color. I have two avocado sets and I think it's a nice, rich color. It's the "tawny gold" that I'm having to get used to! hehe

I imagine I will have to break down my Kenmore like you did and do some serious work at some point but what you did in impressive. I'm glad the vinegar worked too. Love those brown agitators!

Congrats on some fine work!

Jon

 

[goatfarmer]

That's an amazing transformation, Gordon! Doesn't look like the same machine. Fantastic!

I'm glad that console cleaned up. Looks much better than the one I sent ya!

kennyGF

 

[jasonl]

1976 all over again!

Wowza! It's like going back to my childhood days. Great restoration on a BEAUTIFUL COLOR machine.

Even Pres. Obama would approve of your GREEN appliance.