Well, I got a Bendix machine today...

[supremewhirlpol]

It was located roughly 60 miles from where I live, and when I got there it was in what I call relatively good shape for it's age. Price was only $35, the guy I bought it from did not know whether or not it worked. It is definitely smaller than I thought, in fact so small that I put it up-right in my crippled SUV. The frame of my SUV is rusting out and I have GOD to thank for me getting back home with the SUV in one piece. The guy owns a scrap business and told me that there is a place that pays him up to $100 per machine for vintage machines like this Bendix, but he did not feel driving it down there and decided to post it on Craig's list. I'm sure glad he posted it there. The machine does look very cute, and it is what I call my first TRUE vintage machine. All the knobs are there, the soap lid is broken, there is rust on the lower side of the rear seal clamp. The drum does turn(only one way). Should it only turn one way? The cord needs to be replaced(an easy fix). Any info on this machine would be greatly appreciated. It is a Model S with a serial of
5310 S 528. It also looks like B18 is under the serial number. Pictures are below.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The logo

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The front plate

 

[supremewhirlpol]

the under-side

 

[supremewhirlpol]

the knobs

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The drum even came with clothes

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The back plate

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The hatch. What is this used for?

 

[supremewhirlpol]

the Bendix

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The guy also noted that if I did not come to get it, someone from Cincinnati would. Volvoguy87, would that be you by any chance? If it is, good looking out, a machine like this can't be crushed.

 

[saltysam]

The hatch. What is this used for?

Hey SupremeWhirlpol, that would be the lint trap. open that up and it will probably be built up with lint, soap scum and god know's what else.......nice machine!
mark

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Thanks Saltysam for the info. I am mostly a Whirlpool/Kenmore person(that's mostly what's in my area), and I know nothing about these older machines.

 

[qsd-dan]

Cute little bugger! I'm sure the Bendix experts will help you get it running in tip top shape in no time.

 

[volvoguy87]

Not me.

I posted here to see if anyone else was interested before making a move. I didn't contact him because I was sure you wanted it. As I posted before, I don't want one of these yet and would only have gotten it if it were in danger of being crushed.

I'm glad you got it and I hope you have fun with it. I know little of these machines, but what little I know follows:

This model must be bolted down.
I think it tumbles only one way.
It has a pretty sorry extraction due to a small drum and low spin RPMs.
It isn't the most effective washer.

These Bendix Bolt Down front loaders were the first automatic washers in the US. They hit the market in 1938 and were produced into the 1950s, with a break during WWII, although some were produced for military use at that time. There were automatic versions and semi-automatic versions (user had to switch from wash to spin). Most of the Bendix washers produced of this design were the diving bell shape like yours, but there was also a full cabinet with a neat art deco design theme available on more expensive models. Since these Bendix washers were in production so long, they aren't as rare as you might think.

Please post lots of pics and eventually videos.
Dave

I hope your washer-mobile holds out for awhile more. Getting a new car is a pain so I hope you don't have to do it soon.

 

[soberleaf]

actually that was me who called and

told him if he didn't sell to you i would take it. for that price i thought it would be worth the drive to troy ohio. but i'm glad you bought it and didn't want to interfere cause i knew you wanted it.

i have plenty to keep me busy with my dishwashers (26) and the frigidaire rollermatic i just got and the frigidaire gallery front loader i just modified to do what i want it to. i have little room left for more appliances and i have 5 more dishwashers to buy when i get some more money saved.

that bendix looks wonderful, what a classic peice of american applaince history. hope it runs for you and if you need parts i hope you find them!

pete

 

[hilovane]

These particular Bendix washers (with whatever manufacturing updates occured) were mainstays in laundrettes for decades; many were still in service well into the '70s.

 

[easyspindry]

You got yourself a great machine.

Congratulations on your find. I used one of these machines as a kid as well as the square model.

It MUST be bolted to the floor as there is no suspension system in the machine. Though the extraction speed is slow (300 rmp I think), it will walk all over the place if not bolted down.

The tub turns in ONE direction. From the moment the machine is turned on, the motor runs, the tub turns constantly throughout the entire cycle.

The "lint trap" beneath the main door does catch lint, but the main thing is that it catches foreign debris such as coins, nails, small items that would damage the pump if they got into it.

These machines were extremely popular because housewives were going from washboards and/or wringer washers to automatic for the very first time. Put the clothes in and walk away. When you return, they have been washed, rinsed, and damp dried and are ready to be hung on the line to dry.

Good luck. Have fun. The mechanism is simple -- even the water level control is much like a commode tank with a float that tells the water when to shut off.

I love these machines.

Jerry Gay

 

[supremewhirlpol]

OH!! It was Soberleaf who called, good looking out. Is it possible to find the seal to the outer drum and the seal for the main bearing? Will I have to have them custom made?

 

[soberleaf]

i'm not sure

where you would get those parts since i don't have a lot of experience with old washers but i'll bet someone here can help you.

if you do have to have them custom made please let me know who does this for you. i am looking for a seal for my g.e. mobile maid and if it is possible to have them made this is what i will do also!

good luck with it and if it has to be bolted to the floor, so be it! it will be worth it to watch it run!