Whirlpool 1975 Imperial Portable Dishwasher

[retromom]

Just went by my local "junktique" and saw a very clean 1975 Whirlpool Imperial portable dishwasher. It had the manual inside, butcherblock top, white exterior.

Unfortunately, the place won't open up until Wednesday.

Is this dishwasher any good? Is it worth going back on Wednesday? What about a price range, etc.

Your advice will be very helpful!!

Venus

 

[frontaloadotmy]

TN 1068, P 54470

Dear Rm
review TN 1064 all posts eckspecially Uni's. I would inspect the interior tub with high magnification to determine rustification. A 30 year old Wp DW has to be cool; Slap down
that plastic or currency, but do a "will you take?" first!
Darrel from
"Deep in the Heart of California"!

 

[retromom]

1975 WP

Ooh Darrel; my hands are already starting to sweat (when I sense a deal). At first glance, the interior was way clean. It was probably used by a little old lady on Sundays after supper ;-)

Will take Westy with me to do a closer inspection.

Still looking for more info on this potential gem

 

[goatfarmer]

Have 'em plug it in,and see if it at least runs.

kennyGF

 

[HQOTS]

Pull the lower racks out and feel around the sump for rust bubbles. Just watch out for broken glass down there. Also tip the machine back and look at the underside around the mounting flange for rust. Other than that it's good to go. Parts are still available for it.

 

[frontaloadotmy]

The 1975 Whirlpool Imperial Autoclave


Hey Venus,
Whatever came of the dishwasher @ the local junktique store?
Did you pass?
Darrel

 

[retromom]

WP DW

Hey Darrel!

Well, I went back with $20.00 in my hands, and no one was there! So annoying. They were supposed to be opened! I will go back again this week to see if they want to make a deal. The d/w has this awsome wooden cutting board on the top. I know I could get the thing cheap if there were only someone there to hand the money to. How frustrating >:-[

I'll keep you posted.

Venus

 

[retromom]

It's IMPERIAL!!!!

Whew!! Just got home and unloaded the 1975 Whirlpool Imperial
Portable Dishwasher! I got it for $25.00. I stuffed it in the PT Cruiser and never looked back!!

It's really clean inside and has the instruction manual. Original note says it was purchased 1/25/75.

I think she's a lot like me; she'll clean up real good! I just wish I was 30 again!! ;-)

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Oh Goody Venus!!!!

I can't wait to see the pix. I have a WP that I bought Brand New in 1987 I think, with enamel tub and faux butcher
block top; while I haven't used a slew of Diswashers so I can't claim a lot of comparisons, mine is an excellent performer. I think you got a swell buy. BTW wait until you think you just wish you were 40 again !!;-}

 

[retromom]

Whirlpool Imperial

Darrel:

This is a 1975 SAF540 with an awesome carved butcher block top. I cleaned the top, rubbed in a little vegetable oil, and it looks terrific. It was never used (as a cutting board).

It also came with the original installation instructions, home appliances booklet (showing their collection of w/d, fridges, stoves)dishwasher consumer survey (LOL they show a MAXIMUM income threshold at "over $25,000), warranty, and dishwasher guide (3 steps to good dishwashing).

It has the cleanest white (w/blue) speckled porcelain tub you've ever seen. The bottom sprayer arm is immaculate (chrome or stainless?) It has a tube in the bottom rack that shoots water up to the top sprayer which I guess runs by water pressure. Everything about this is clean, clean, clean. I will get her even cleaner like the fine little jewel she is. After she is cleaned up, I (and Westy I'm sure) will give her a test run. Let's "spray" that she works.

Oh, I'm so excited! My first classic "find".

Venus

P.S. Dude, at this point in time, 40 is looking GREAT!! ;-))

 

[DADoES]

Yay! One of my aunts had a Whirlpool undercounter model 440 in their new home built sometime in the mid- to late 1970s. Your 540 must be the next model-up.

 

[gansky1]

Did I miss the picture?? It sounds great - I love finding these portable dishwashers that were rarely, if ever used. My Maytag and GE were both that way - probably presents for grandma that she never wanted! Congrats and have fun playing with it. I'll bet it's not quite as silent running as the new Bosch!

 

[kenmore1978]

butcher block top oiling

Venus, FYI, the oil that should be used for butcher block tops is food grade mineral oil. Vegetable oils turn rancid after a while.

 

[re563]

Please, if you get a chance, post the pictures, I live vicariously through most of you. I don't have the space of money right now to start my collection. Everytime some one post pics or the short movies I just sit for hours look/watching them over an over again. Truly back then (60's-70's)everyone was truly intrested in maked a true quality product.

 

[kenmore1978]

mineral oil clarification

"Food Grade" mineral oil is the kind you would buy in a drug store for use as a laxative.