My Whirlpool Duet FL has bitten the dust after only 5 years... bearings gone.... I want to get a good vintage machine to use as a daily driver. I really have missed the TL action. I have seen so many different praises for so many different machines on here from Filter Flo to Maytag to Whirlpool. I had a Filter Flo and a Maytag years ago. Any advice on what to get and look for? I keep looking at sites like Craigslist to see what I can find in my area (Maryland)but haven't found too much. Ideas? Thanks!!
What to buy?
- Thread starter wetguymd
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Filter Flo to Maytag to Whirlpool.
You really can't go wrong with any of those if they were properly taken care of.
As far as Whirlpool/Kenmore, I'd stick with a belt driven machine. Maytag, stick with the older helical trans with the tall tub and turquoise powerfin agitator (pre June of 1986). Also, stay away from the pre 1966 models as they all have the smaller tub and parts are getting VERY difficult to find for them now.
Be prepared to do a little work on any of the above 3. The good ones are all 20+ years old now.
You really can't go wrong with any of those if they were properly taken care of.
As far as Whirlpool/Kenmore, I'd stick with a belt driven machine. Maytag, stick with the older helical trans with the tall tub and turquoise powerfin agitator (pre June of 1986). Also, stay away from the pre 1966 models as they all have the smaller tub and parts are getting VERY difficult to find for them now.
Be prepared to do a little work on any of the above 3. The good ones are all 20+ years old now.
scrubflex
Well-known member
Maytag, stick with the older helical trans...
What year did the older Maytag washers start using the white extra size DEEP tub?
What year did the older Maytag washers start using the white extra size DEEP tub?
scrubflex
Well-known member
What year did the older...
OK, I wasn't thinking clearly. What I mean is what year did Maytag 'A712' washer began using a white tub. At one point the A712 used a blue-gray DEEP tub and was listed a LARGE capacity. I also seen an A712 listed EXTRA capacity, not sure the color of the tub.
I'm also trying to find out when did Maytag produced
their "largest" capacity deep washtubs. The EXACT (diameter).
I also want to know if the A712 blue-gray deep tubs were smaller than the white or the same size.
In 1985 Consumers Report listed the A712 as a 16 pounder. I know the length of the deep tubs are 16"
OK, I wasn't thinking clearly. What I mean is what year did Maytag 'A712' washer began using a white tub. At one point the A712 used a blue-gray DEEP tub and was listed a LARGE capacity. I also seen an A712 listed EXTRA capacity, not sure the color of the tub.
I'm also trying to find out when did Maytag produced
their "largest" capacity deep washtubs. The EXACT (diameter).
I also want to know if the A712 blue-gray deep tubs were smaller than the white or the same size.
In 1985 Consumers Report listed the A712 as a 16 pounder. I know the length of the deep tubs are 16"
scrubflex
Well-known member
Oh yeah, definitely go for the older washers and rebuild with new parts and refinishes. That's what I working on. The older Maytag A712 or A612 and LAT9806AAW combined with interchanged parts. If I find a LAT9904AAW I'll use that machine instead of the LAT9806.
washendry
Well-known member
Maytags in Michigan
Lyle,
I have 2 different maytag sets here in Mich, you could also get the Kenmore Vistaview (in pink), let me know!
Kim
Lyle,
I have 2 different maytag sets here in Mich, you could also get the Kenmore Vistaview (in pink), let me know!
Kim
everythingold
Well-known member
A GM Frigidaire piston washer. matt
xraytech
Well-known member
I would go with a GE Filter Flo with mini-wash
chaskelljr2
Well-known member
"wetguymd":
If you want something that is reliable, you cannot go wrong with a Maytag or a Kenmore/Whirlpool. If you decide on a Kenmore/Whirlpool, make sure it's a Belt-Drive.
You should also consider a GE Filter-Flo or a GM Made Frigidaire (the one that agitates up-and-down).
My $.02 Worth......
--Charles--
If you want something that is reliable, you cannot go wrong with a Maytag or a Kenmore/Whirlpool. If you decide on a Kenmore/Whirlpool, make sure it's a Belt-Drive.
You should also consider a GE Filter-Flo or a GM Made Frigidaire (the one that agitates up-and-down).
My $.02 Worth......
--Charles--
norfolksouthern
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I would also opt for the GM piston. However, keep in mind that parts for them are all NOS or from parts machines, and can be hard to come by. Your best bet would be to acquire a "daily driver", something that's easy to fix, with parts readily available. I may sound something like a rebel here, but you really can't fault the shredmores for their reliability. They actually do clean very well, probably better than the belt-drives. If used right, they aren't as hard on cloths as one would think. Get one that was made prior to 2006, and preferably one that was made back in the '80s and '90s. Then, get the GM Frigidaire for use on stuff you know won't tear it up. That's what the shredmore is for!
On GE Filter-Flo's: I like them as well as I do the shredmores, but they are really not as effective on items that tend to billow. Parts availability is going to be an issue one day, as GE stopped making them about 15 years ago. Other than that, they are a great machine and probably among the most sought after by collectors. If you find one, keep it.
Belt-Drive Whirlpools and Kenmores: They they share some of the GE's traits on billowing. Although they stopped making the belt-drives before GE did away with the Filter-Flo, parts tend to be easier to find. These would probably be your best choice for an older machine to use regularly, because they are far more plentiful than the GEs.
Maytag orbitals: These are among the most common of the classics. If you check Craigslist, then you are bound to run into one on any given day. There are many folks on this site who like them, and would be glad to help you find the parts you need when doing a restoration. They are among the most reliable workhorses, but rollover is not as good as with the GEs or Whirlpool surgilators.
NorfolkSouthern
On GE Filter-Flo's: I like them as well as I do the shredmores, but they are really not as effective on items that tend to billow. Parts availability is going to be an issue one day, as GE stopped making them about 15 years ago. Other than that, they are a great machine and probably among the most sought after by collectors. If you find one, keep it.
Belt-Drive Whirlpools and Kenmores: They they share some of the GE's traits on billowing. Although they stopped making the belt-drives before GE did away with the Filter-Flo, parts tend to be easier to find. These would probably be your best choice for an older machine to use regularly, because they are far more plentiful than the GEs.
Maytag orbitals: These are among the most common of the classics. If you check Craigslist, then you are bound to run into one on any given day. There are many folks on this site who like them, and would be glad to help you find the parts you need when doing a restoration. They are among the most reliable workhorses, but rollover is not as good as with the GEs or Whirlpool surgilators.
NorfolkSouthern
mrb627
Well-known member
A Dilema
Oh what a fine dilemma to have. Which vintage machine to buy. In the interest of parts availablility, I would either look to Maytag, GE (Filter-Flo), or the Kenmore/Whirlpool belt-drive line. Not in that order.
MRB
Oh what a fine dilemma to have. Which vintage machine to buy. In the interest of parts availablility, I would either look to Maytag, GE (Filter-Flo), or the Kenmore/Whirlpool belt-drive line. Not in that order.
MRB
Thanks!!
Thanks for all the great suggestions. Now, as the songs says "My head is in a spin"!! LOL... I have many ideas to go with and I really want one of each... however if I did I would be divorced! LOL. No, all kidding aside... I think I will look for a Maytag set, maybe a A712. I have always loved the wash action of a surgilator but I think Maytag will be the winner. I may also look for a good filter flow and alternate between the two for a "daily driver" set-up. I am so convinced that the machines made these days are only made to last a couple years and then you have to replace them. I guess that is a great marketing tool! Think about it... they certainly will sell more machines since its cheaper to just buy a new one instead of having it repaired.
Thanks again guys for all the suggestions!! I really appriciate it.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. Now, as the songs says "My head is in a spin"!! LOL... I have many ideas to go with and I really want one of each... however if I did I would be divorced! LOL. No, all kidding aside... I think I will look for a Maytag set, maybe a A712. I have always loved the wash action of a surgilator but I think Maytag will be the winner. I may also look for a good filter flow and alternate between the two for a "daily driver" set-up. I am so convinced that the machines made these days are only made to last a couple years and then you have to replace them. I guess that is a great marketing tool! Think about it... they certainly will sell more machines since its cheaper to just buy a new one instead of having it repaired.
Thanks again guys for all the suggestions!! I really appriciate it.
whitekingd
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A 60's or 70's Kenmore would be my choice. Great, great machines.
chaskelljr2
Well-known member
WHITEKINGD
(Your Quote): "A 60's or 70's Kenmore would be my choice. Great, great machines."
(My Response): I agree. If that were me, and if I were looking for a vintage washing machine to be my daily driver and all, I would honestly look for an older Kenmore as well. The years I would look for would be 1966-84. I am looking to buy a washer of my own this year, and so far, it's been a toss-up between a Whirlpool 24" Front Loader and an LG Washer/Dryer Combination (also 24"). But then, "RevvinKevin" has managed to find a 1967 Portable Kenmore two weeks ago. And now that I have thought about it, I wouldn't mind finding me one of those. It will be a lot cheaper than those LG and Whirlpool Front Loaders I am considering, and MUCH more sturdier. The thing now is that I would like to be able to find parts for that thing, and befriend someone who knows about these older Kenmores in and out who can keep it running for me (I'm not a washer expert, unfortunately).
But without a doubt, those older Kenmores were great machines.
--Charles--
(Your Quote): "A 60's or 70's Kenmore would be my choice. Great, great machines."
(My Response): I agree. If that were me, and if I were looking for a vintage washing machine to be my daily driver and all, I would honestly look for an older Kenmore as well. The years I would look for would be 1966-84. I am looking to buy a washer of my own this year, and so far, it's been a toss-up between a Whirlpool 24" Front Loader and an LG Washer/Dryer Combination (also 24"). But then, "RevvinKevin" has managed to find a 1967 Portable Kenmore two weeks ago. And now that I have thought about it, I wouldn't mind finding me one of those. It will be a lot cheaper than those LG and Whirlpool Front Loaders I am considering, and MUCH more sturdier. The thing now is that I would like to be able to find parts for that thing, and befriend someone who knows about these older Kenmores in and out who can keep it running for me (I'm not a washer expert, unfortunately).
But without a doubt, those older Kenmores were great machines.
--Charles--
Frankly,
All the vintage toploaders washed well. Each, however, had strengths and weaknesses - as well as parts availabilty problems today.
A deep-tub Maytag built back when they were real Maytags and not Amanananatags or some such trash, will not be a major parts problem for some time to come. I'd go two-speed and not Fabrimatic, tho'.
A Whirlpool belt drive is going to require some searching for the most exotic parts - but there are more Whirlmores around than any thing else. Just don't expect your local Sears to have a clue.
A Thumper is, of course, the only perfect TL. Unfortunately, parts are already a serious problem and you are not looking at a life-long daily driver.
Sigh.
Filter-flos suffer from tubs rusting out. Otherwise they have so many advantages, that would be my choice. I live with cats and dogs and they just plain do a better job on pet hair than all the others.
All the vintage toploaders washed well. Each, however, had strengths and weaknesses - as well as parts availabilty problems today.
A deep-tub Maytag built back when they were real Maytags and not Amanananatags or some such trash, will not be a major parts problem for some time to come. I'd go two-speed and not Fabrimatic, tho'.
A Whirlpool belt drive is going to require some searching for the most exotic parts - but there are more Whirlmores around than any thing else. Just don't expect your local Sears to have a clue.
A Thumper is, of course, the only perfect TL. Unfortunately, parts are already a serious problem and you are not looking at a life-long daily driver.
Sigh.
Filter-flos suffer from tubs rusting out. Otherwise they have so many advantages, that would be my choice. I live with cats and dogs and they just plain do a better job on pet hair than all the others.
norfolksouthern
Well-known member
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A deep-tub Maytag built back when they were real Maytags and not Amanananatags or some such trash, will not be a major parts problem for some time to come. I'd go two-speed and not Fabrimatic, tho'.
That depends on how many folks decide to scrap their Maytags for an HE front loader. Some parts are already starting to disappear, the lense to the tub light of an A806 being one example. Plus, there seems to be an increase in demand for these machines as some of us have really taken an offense to what's currently available at the appliance outlets. Like smoking, the use of top loaders these days is being strongly discouraged and the evidence is clearly seen in the detergent isle at Wally-World.
NorfolkSouthern
That depends on how many folks decide to scrap their Maytags for an HE front loader. Some parts are already starting to disappear, the lense to the tub light of an A806 being one example. Plus, there seems to be an increase in demand for these machines as some of us have really taken an offense to what's currently available at the appliance outlets. Like smoking, the use of top loaders these days is being strongly discouraged and the evidence is clearly seen in the detergent isle at Wally-World.
NorfolkSouthern
Norfolksouthern,
Well, yes and no. It's relative. I mean we are basically all in agreement that nothing but trash was built by anyone in the US after when, 1995? Give or take a year or so.
So anything decent is getting on in years. But, Maytags were built to last, Maytag didn't change many components over decades or they remain interchangeable and really icky stuff like bearings tend to be bog standard. That's why I said they're pretty much going to be around for a while.
Now, personally, I'll take a pre-rollermatic Thumper any day.....
Well, yes and no. It's relative. I mean we are basically all in agreement that nothing but trash was built by anyone in the US after when, 1995? Give or take a year or so.
So anything decent is getting on in years. But, Maytags were built to last, Maytag didn't change many components over decades or they remain interchangeable and really icky stuff like bearings tend to be bog standard. That's why I said they're pretty much going to be around for a while.
Now, personally, I'll take a pre-rollermatic Thumper any day.....
norfolksouthern
Well-known member
- Joined
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For regular use,
the Maytag may be the best bet because so many critical parts are interchangeable with other machines over 30 years, give or take. You do have a point, panthera. It is of the utmost importance that the Maytag be kept in tip-top shape if the idea is to get it to last a lifetime.
Although quite a few folks might not like them, the direct drive machines have proven reliability and will easily outlast today's HE machines. They would be another good choice if you know how to use them and aren't put off by the stigma. They can often be had for a song.
I do have a piston machine, which I documented in another thread. It is by far my favorite! But, I use it on a very limited basis because I don't want to take any risks. I also purchased a couple new water bellows, and have a spare for parts. If I can locate another timer and agitator, I may even restore it. Perhaps somebody could reverse engineer one of the old Frigidaires, as I feel it would be an outstanding design for efficiency.
NorfolkSouthern
the Maytag may be the best bet because so many critical parts are interchangeable with other machines over 30 years, give or take. You do have a point, panthera. It is of the utmost importance that the Maytag be kept in tip-top shape if the idea is to get it to last a lifetime.
Although quite a few folks might not like them, the direct drive machines have proven reliability and will easily outlast today's HE machines. They would be another good choice if you know how to use them and aren't put off by the stigma. They can often be had for a song.
I do have a piston machine, which I documented in another thread. It is by far my favorite! But, I use it on a very limited basis because I don't want to take any risks. I also purchased a couple new water bellows, and have a spare for parts. If I can locate another timer and agitator, I may even restore it. Perhaps somebody could reverse engineer one of the old Frigidaires, as I feel it would be an outstanding design for efficiency.
NorfolkSouthern
