Where to find vintage NOS parts?

[k1rod]

Does anybody know of a source for vintage (1965-1980) parts for Maytag machines? I'm hoping to find NOS but would also be interested in excellent condition used parts. I am just starting a project to build a fully restored A806 using two A806's for parts that I got a smoking deal on from Revvinkevin (thanks Kevin!). Some of the parts for this build I would rather be new (NOS), like the timer, water level switch, temp control switch, and the speed switch (found that one today at a local appliance shop), the nylon drive gear in the Helix transmission, and a gasket set for the Helix transmission. These are the parts I kind of figure are just going to get harder and harder to find over time so I would rather start out "New". I think I'll always be able to find motors, belts, poly pumps etc... I have already set up searches on Ebay so I'm already working that avenue as best I can. Thanks in advance.

 

[kenmore71]

In my experience I generally get my stuff on ebay and through developing businesss (and bartering) relationships with other members on here.  Also, If you can find appliance dealers in your area (especially in the smaller outlying towns) that have been around for 40 or more years they sometimes have old parts inventory that they have never bothered to clear out.  Many of them don't even know exactly what they have anymore.  If you get really lucky, sometimes you can even get shown to a bunch of old boxes marked "timers" or "switches" and the the treasure hunt can begin!

 

[combo52]

Parts Likely Needed To Keep A MT A806 Running

I would grab a timer, timer dial, air dome hose, : U shaped inlet hose : outer tub to pump hose, and maybe a an extra motor if you don't already have one. If you save the extra switches for the donor machine [ WL, WT and SP SW, which you are very unlikely to ever need for the rest of your life ] you should be in good shape.

 

[ovrphil]

Would this be a source that you have already checked out?

http://www.easyapplianceparts.com/ModelFrames.aspx?ModelID=235666&ModelNum=A806&mfgModelNum=&ManufactureID=1&Selected=35736&Position=17&mfg=Maytag&Type=Washer&Mark=17

 

[k1rod]

Thanks John. I would actully like to lay up 2 timers, I already have 3 timer dials, I don't know what an air dome hose is, and I've got a couple of extra motors. I would like to put up 2 motor slides, 2 tub seal bearing kits, a completely rebuilt Helix transmission etc... But the switches are a mystery to me. I have a couple of each but some are very stiff in their operation. The buttons are cracked and unreadable. I have not been able to find any way to open them up and clean and burnish the contacts. I could hard wire the selections into the positions I will use about all the time and just leave the switches as decorative, but that would offend my sensibilities .

 

[d-jones]

This is an air dome hose. The larger end connects to a fitting at the bottom of the outer tubs side, while the smaller end connects to the water level selector switch. The air trapped within this hose as the water rises in the tub acts against a diaphragm in the selector switch to terminate the fill when the selected level is reached.

 

[turquoisedude]

Air dome hose

Oh, yeah, you'll need one of those... Trust me!

 

[DigAPony]

Aside from parts that are unique to the A806 many other items are directly interchangeable from other large capacity Maytag Dependable Care platform washers built from 1966 through the late 80's and even right up to the last DP in 2006.

Watch Craigslist for Maytag washers, especially the less expensive ads as they are likely vintage machines one step away from the scrapper.

In my area 12 series MT washers come up for sale regularly, older models not as much. Some are keepers too nice and/or high end to part out to, others with heavy wear or rust are good candidates for salvageable parts.

 

[k1rod]

I am deep into it now and there is quite a bit I don't know. The machine I am rebuilding (A806) has a Helical transmission which is really hard to find parts for. I'm thinking that I will try to rebuild it by changing the lower and upper seals, running all the parts through a parts washer and refilling with Redline MTL (GL4) and a new gasket. I got an almost new water level switch and a new cycle speed switch. So far, I have been unable to find a temp switch not a 2-4499 timer. I saw the hokey the tube is run around the bleech dispenser and thought for sure that was someones handiwork with too much tube and no cutters but reading the manuals I realized, no, this is the way it was intended to be. The main thing I don't know is what parts I caqn pull from other models. Can I use a different cabinet? Or how bout the base? I would like to put in all new hoses. Are they available? The outer tub has a very rusted nipple going to the air hose. Is that OK as long as I can get a grip on it? The inner tub has rust around the bottom holes. Will this put rust stains on my clothes? Anything I can do about it? Many more questions than I have answers. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.