Westinghouse washing machine 1940’s???

[lowefficiency]

Yep, a very common older switch type for house lighting and other circuits. They fell out of favor when toggle switches took over, but still remained in production for quite some time after.

It's hard to make out, but in photo #3, on the upper mounting tab, is that an "H&H" stamping?
If so, your switch was made by the Hart & Hegeman company, who merged with Arrow in the late 1920s. They have since been bought by Cooper, who was somewhat recently acquired by Eaton, where the "Arrow-Hart" brand name lives on.

Shouldn't be hard at all to find a replacement, although based on your description, I wouldn't necessarily believe that the switch is what is wrong here...

 

[rp2813]

Agreed that the switch is the same type as was used to control household lighting.  I have one kicking around somewhere that I used in my bedroom when I still lived at home. 

 

These switches rarely fail, at least in my experience, but old wiring is usually crispy and could easily cause a short.

 

 

 

 

 

[spiderlovesbeer]

Thank you guys for the switch info. Very interesting.
Ok now I’m trying to take the motor out so I can run new wires off of it.
I’m having a tuff time getting it out. I’ve unscrewed everything attached to the motor but it won’t come off
There’s a boot where the motor shaft connects to the trans case. Do any of you guys know where the shaft ends or what needs to be done so I can take the motor out???
I’ve been under here for over an hour and can’t figure it out. Any help would be very appreciated.

 

[bradross]

Hey Jason ... well this posting has certainly caught my attention! I'm a huge fan of wringer washers! Maytags from the 1930s are my specialty, but this Westinghouse looks intriguing!

I've restored two direct-drive wringer washers - a 1948 Kenmore, and a 1940s Canadian machine.. In both cases, there was a rubber boot clamped onto the shaft of the motor connecting it to the drive shaft (worm screw) to the power unit (AKA transmission.)

I can't tell from the pics if yours has a similar rubber "boot", but if so, it should come off by loosening the screw clamps.

Looks like the machine is missing the drain hose, but does have a pump. Fabricating a drain hose usually isn't too big a deal. For my Maytags, I use the same hose as used for portable fuel tanks, sourced at a hose/fastener supply store.

Looking forward to hearing/seeing your ongoing progress!

 

[lotsosudz]

DRIVE PULLEY'S LIKE A fR IGIDARE

INTERSTING THAT THEY USED THIS DRIVE SYSTEM LONG BEFORE FRIGIDARE. WRINGERS ALWAYS SEEM TO USE DRIVE BELTS.
WHO WOULD HAV E THUNK IT!
hugs,

David

 

[spiderlovesbeer]

Ok it’s all done and washing clothes now.
Thank you guys so much.
Yeah Brad that’s exactly what it is. It looks like my 1953 Buick’s master cylinder boot.
I ended up not having to take the motor out. (Waist of 2 hours)
The wires are set in this ingenious plug that just pops into the motor then 2 screws hold it in place. I wish I would’ve known that. Hopefully someone will see this and not have to go through what I went through to change the cord.
Everything is working beautifully except for the wringer. She won’t stop Wring’n. I’ll open it up and see what’s going on in there tomorrow. This was a long Wringer day for me.
Thanks again for all the information and guidance you guys.
This is fun.
I have a cool video but it won’t let me post it here.

 

[DADoES]

 
Videos must be placed on YouTube and set for public viewing (not private) (or other such hosting service) and linked in your post.  The site coding here recognizes YouTube URLs and embeds the video into the post.  Simply view the video on YouTube as normal, copy the URL from your browser and paste into your post.  You'll see the video in the post preview if the URL/pasting is correct.

 

[spiderlovesbeer]

I’m not sure if I did it right.
I need to work on my video editing

 

[foraloysius]

Lovely washer!

Your link didn't work, so here is the video.

 

[spiderlovesbeer]

Thank you for uploading that for me Foraloysius.
The only problem I’m having now is, the Wringer won’t turn off.. I’ve pushed the button which I know now is for the direction of spin on the Wringer. The top piece doesn’t seem to do anything as well as that piece on the side. I’ll poke around and see what’s inside tomorrow. This is so fun. Now I know why you guys like these machines. Should I repaint the lid or leave it be?? It’s really shot so I was thinking about matching the paint and spraying it but I don’t want to ruin it.
I almost forgot. The guy I got this one from has another. It looks a little older though. What do y’all think??
Should I take a shot at it or slow down and finish this one first???
He wants triple what I payed for the Westinghouse and I don’t have 60 bucks to spend on a Washer I don’t need. Let me know.
Thank you guys for helping me.

 

[foraloysius]

Don't mention it.

That Big 3 washer looks quite a restauration project. Would you want to use it or use it as a display object?

There are several Big 3 washers Lee Maxwell's washing machine museum.

http://oldewash.com

These two look a lot like the one that is for sale.

 

[lowefficiency]

>> He wants triple what I payed for the Westinghouse and I don’t have 60 bucks to spend on a Washer I don’t need.

You only paid $20 for the Westinghouse????

 

[bradross]

Tension adjustment -

Jason, the gizmo on top would typically be the tension release bar, with the pressure applied through the lever/handle on the side. Does it increase the pressure when you rotate that handle on the side?

I'll be interested in hearing where the on/off control is located for the wringer. Also, would like to see the pump in operation, and the new hose.

Looks like a really neat machine!

 

[chestermikeuk]

Wringer Washers

Fabulous find Jason, wringer washers where the backbone of UK laundry for a very long time over yourselves and other countries...

Look forward to see it restored and back to working order.

Heres one of our a recent finds from 1937, similar layout , Made by Servis , the model K

 

[rp2813]

Jason, if you only paid $20 for the Westinghouse, that is simply incredible!  That the seller only wants $60 for the Big 3 is equally unheard-of.  It's also amazing that the Westinghouse came back to life so easily without any serious leaks! 

 

I can see how it would be nice to restore the lid with new paint that matches the original.  I wouldn't do much to the rest of the machine.  I use Meguiar's car cleaner/wax on enameled paint with good results.  Test it on an inconspicuous area first.

 

[jeb]

big three

I have one hooked up to a gasoline engine (big 3- could be powered by 1.hand,2.gas, 3.electric). The wash action is not that great(better than scrubbing by hand) and I wouldn't want to do my good clothes in zinc lined copper tub.

 

[akronman]

Pricing

Can vary greatly for any machine 20 years old or more. Some folks just want it out of their basement, others want to get rich. The more you collect, you'll find absolute steals, then you'll find one that you want REALLY REALLY BAD, but has a ridiculous sticker price. Be prepared to be happily and sadly surprised at different times.

 

[spiderlovesbeer]

RP2813 I live down in the harbor. Wilmington Ca. Come on by.
Those Big 3’s are beautiful. If I get that one I would use it for sure.
I painted the lid with the best match I could find. It’s a little light than the tub.

This morning there was a puddle of water underneath the machine. The water pump is leaking. I took it all apart and cleaned it really good. New lube and She spins like a top.
I finally got the on/off handle on. That was a paint. 3 hours to get it to hook on the switch below.
Now I can plug Her in then lift the knob and She fired right up. So quiet this Ol Gal is. Amazing.....
I still don’t understand the Wringer. Now that everything else is in good shape, I’ll focus on the Wringer.

Thank you guys so much... I’m on the hunt now. I think I just got thrown into the Wringer.

 

[rp2813]

"I think I just got thrown into the Wringer"

More like sucked into the vortex! 

 

Next thing you know, you're going to be on the hunt for a '30s refrigerator like those that David (aka "turbokinetic") has posted about in intricate detail here.

 

My sister lives in L.A.  One of these times I go to visit her I may hit you up ahead of time.

1930's Norge Rollator Refrigerator....

Hi Folks! Let me introduce the Norge Rollator. This is a 1930's mid size refrigerator built by Norge division of Borg-Warner Corporation. Its claim to fame is it's rotary compressor, the Rollator. It was invented by a Mr. Roloff; and the trademark is based off his name. I have recently...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[spiderlovesbeer]

I’m already there. I’m going to go check this one out tomorrow...