There may be a (coin-op) Westy Laundromat in my future

[revvinkevin]

Today I am going to look at a 1950's - 1960's(?) bolt down, coin-op Westinghouse Laundromat washer!

The owner tells me it was working when it was removed from service 20 years ago(?) and has been sitting in a showroom on display ever since. I'm told (and in the photo it appears to be) in great condition. I really like front load machines and am very tempted, but (at 3 bills) the price is a definitely on the high side of my budget.

My question is, what do I need to look for and what should I be aware of when I look at this machine? Also, if I do bring it home, what things should I check or do first when I go to test it. As much as I'd like to have this machine, I really know nothing about them!

Any info you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance!
Kevin

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Check the wiring system. Look for wires that have dry-rotted or cracked insulation. Make sure that the connectors are solid.(before you plug the machine in.) Have a fire extinguisher close by. Oh, and be sure that the machine is grounded.

 

[laundromat]

A true Westinghouse Laundromat washer!!

In my opinion,$300 is not too bad if it's still intact.looks like a fresh Laundromat blue paint on the bottom frame would be a big help.

You can be sure....if it's Westinghouse!

 

[circlew]

The washateria a few blocks from my house, which opened in '59 and just closed down last week, used to have washers like this. I always thought they looked like they were from outer space. Did they ever make coin-op units with a slant-front cabinet like the home models?

 

[turquoisedude]

Nifty!

That's just like the Westys in the coin-op laundry in the town where I grew up!
Definitely give the machine a thorough inspection - remember that sitting for 20 years can be as tough on a vintage appliance as being used daily for 40... Belts, hoses, door seals and so on can deteriorate. That being said, you could use these points to negotiate down the price...
Hope you can save it, Kevin!!

 

[gyrafoam]

Oh yeah, thats a bolt-down. Rust is going to be an issue especially around the base of the cabinet.
I never saw one of those without sudz barfing out of the little detergent chute and running down the front. Years of abuse do take their toll and when this machine was new most detergents were VERY high-sudzing!

Good luck. Maybe this will turn out to be a treasure!

 

[revvinkevin]

UPDATE!

I think the photo speaks for itself........

 

[lebron]

Wow it looks to be in great condition

 

[gyrafoam]

Wow, that thing looks like it has hardly been used.
Happy tangling!

 

[frigilux]

Very nice! The laundromat in my hometown had two rows of these and I loved watching them. Love the fill spigot on the front. Have fun!

 

[douglasdc6]

Wow , What a beautiful machine.

I wouldn`t hesitate for one minute giving $300 for this .

Actually You got a good deal .

Congratulations !!!!!!!!!

 

[douglasdc6]

I cant get over how beautiful this machine is .

This would look great sitting next to a 1955 luandromat set.

Again congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 stars on this one !!!!

 

[aldspinboy]

Kevin what a nice find Congratulations!!!
That is so beautiful.
One of our members has one as well Westyslantfront's ( ROSS )
Her is his.
Kevin I hope that you enjoy that machine I really like the slants, there was a laundramat in Reading Pa. which is about and hour away from where I am staying. And they had the last of the Westinghouses I said to my friend can we stop here...He thought what the hell is wrong with this guy, but he stopped for me and I took my suitcase and got out two pair of jeans and put in 75cent's and watched the suds drama, I love the way the sud's splashes on the window weeee. So that was the first and last time I ever used the slant front's and I took my damp jean's home to dry lol. The next time I was up there they changed the machines to all maytag laundry I was not happy ooh well. And that year was 1988.
Hi Ross I am still doing Bluing wash in the start of the wash cycle.
( A Ross wash formula )

Darren k.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Wowwwieee!

Nice, Kevin! A find that will pay for itself! When are you going to open the laundromat in your garage for the neighbors?

RCD

 

[mrcleanjeans]

That is a true blue beauty!There's a fun washer

 

[revvinkevin]

Thanks to all for the comments!

I will be posting another thread (very shortly) with more info about it and photos.... Stay Tuned!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Wow Kevin that is just beautiful, congrats. You are going to have so much fun with this machine. Without a suspension system and boot it will be easier to restore.

Looking forward to more pictures!!!!

 

[appnut]

Wow Kevin, it looks hardly used!!

 

[travlincub321]

CONGRATS

 

[christfr]

just like the machines in that movie house boat how cool is that

 

[qsd-dan]

Wow, looks great AND no traces of rust on the outside. Congrats!