The Bendix Power Surge Washer

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Very cool pics - it's amazing how similar the design is to the later Philco Automagic. I can't wait to see the quiver-action!

I've been searching parts manuals from Marcone and other parts supply houses all evening, even belt manufacturer's guides and I can't find any mention of Thor or Thor-o-Matic for Robert's washer at all. There must have been a connection between Philco and Thor right around 1956-57 because the last of the automatic washer service info I have from Thor is from late 55 and that was only for their design with the spinner-washer/dishwasher mechanisms. Since Philco aquired the Bendix appliance division from Avco in 1957 it might also have been about this same time that they aquired the rights to the Thor name as well. There is still a connection today with the Bendix/Philco/Thor names overseas(Italian made?) but I haven't been able to uncover much about Thor yet.
 
Drooling here................

Besides WOW what fabulous machines!, I must say the love that flows in this place is AMAZING. It is beyond description to me that each of you thinks *self-less-ly* of others and making their dreams come true.

May the universe bestow upon you (plural) the abundant fulfillment of all your wants and needs and protect you (all) in good health and good spirits.

So be it!
 
wow!

What amesome additions to your collections.

That flapper (or what ever it's called) looks very similar to the Philco's Automagic agitator.

Love the blue lid on the Thor. (I agree -- it's amazing how similar both machines are.)

Can't wait to see them in action. I hope they don't give you too much trouble.

Mike
 
Well Ain't That Special...

Jees, Go on haitus for a while and this is what happens when I get back. Absolutely incredible finds Greg and Robert. The washer gods have smiled upon you.

Can't wait to see some videos of the wash action ;-)

Again, congrats guys.
 
Uhh, this may be a

very obvious question, but were these machines from the same line, and one just rebadged?

If so, who was the maker?

Sincerely happy for you both, Greg and Robert!

Lawrence/Maytagbear
 
TOO COOL X 2

WOW! Thanks to the finders, first of all. Thanks for the pictures from the new owners.

Robert, what is the suspension like? It seems sort of underbuilt for 600 rpm spinning and the inner tub is awfully close to the stationary outer tub. The big drain boot: is the drain hole in the outer tub and the inlet to the pump that wide? It must have to pump like hell because it does not look like there is room between the tubs for water. I guess the other solution would be a slow spin out. It will be interesting to see how it functions. When I saw those Calypsos for the first time, I could see this Bendix behind the mechanism. I think Bendix was smarter to do the washing in a tub of water instead of what the Calypso does. I like those 3 big fins. I'll bet they keep the load moving. It's a shame it looks so much like the rubber tub top loaders. I'll bet that many people passed them over thinking that they were the older design. Is the tub really about the size of the AMP?

Thanks again to all.
 
Hi everyone, Terry I didn't get much history of this machine, the owner was actually the man's daughter. In the house was a 1990 or so GE Filter-Flo Washer and a 1965 Frigidaire Dryer. There also was a electric 1951 Bendix Dryer pushed to the side, just like the one's Greg and I had before and Peter has one too.

Greg that is interesting about the Bendix/Philco/Thor name, it makes me also wonder if Philco bought both Bendix and Thor and retired the Thor name.

Lawrence Bendix was the designer of both of these machines.

Tom the tub is much smaller than I ever thought. It's about 1/2 the size of an AMP wash tub. When I first saw it the first thing that came to mind was a mini-basket in a full size washer! Still the user guide that I got with the Thor says to fill it with 8lbs clothes.
 
What a cool machine!!! Thanks for the pics. I used to notice these ads in LIFE magazines when I was looking for info on GE's. I only noticed them then because of their gimmick witht he different formica tops. I've only begun to appreciate Philco/Bendix since I've been a member.
 
Hi Robert. Welcome to the Thor family. I never knew that Thor made a machine like that. Thank you for all the pictures and I look forward to videos.

Ross
 
Wow X's 2

I can't get over that you both found this type of machine this weekend?
Seems impossible.
Robert, your Thor looks mint! Did you know that there was this type of Bendix under the Thor name?
Greg, I bet you just can't wait to get yours!
I think a Apex bouncing basket washer is on it's way!
Thanks for the pictures guys!
Brent
 
How to the rubber pieces compair to the Automagic machine -- the boot and the disk -- in thickness and diameter? Might they be interchangeable?

Congrats! I'm so glad these 2 machines appeared! The Holy Grail list shrinks and shrinks...
 
Peter the Disk and other agitator parts between the Power-Surge and the Automagic are completely different, not compatible at all. As for the boot at the bottom of the tub they are very similar and with the little cutting and silicone I'm pretty sure an Automagic can be used in the Power-Surge.
 

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