Whirlpool Flip Top

[Kevinpreston2]

A few years ago I came on this site and the group was helpful in trying to figure out what washer my mom had way back in the early 60s. I remember distinctly that it would pop open its lid when done, which scared the heck out of me as a little kid. Of course, that fascinates me now.

Since then, my mom actually found her log where she kept records of all purchases, and it turned out it was a late 50s Whirlpool. My mom's log says it was an RCA/Whirlpool, and she bought it in Feb 1958. She replaced it in the late 60s with another Whirlpool that she had up until 5 years ago!

My question is, has anyone added one of these into their collection or posted pics here that I am not aware of?

Boy, to add that to my back laundry room....what a trip.

 

[Kevinpreston2]

By the way....

...it was pink. Gotta love that.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Kevin, many Whirlpool washers from 1948 thru at least 1957 used a spring-loaded lid and buzzing solenoid to pop the lid open at the end of the cycle.

 

[rickr]

Push button on this 1956

Hi Kevin,this one does not open by itself at the end of the cycle though. You must push the lighted logo on the front to pop the top open.

 

[Kevinpreston2]

That does look familiar...

I am curious about the light on the front, what is the deal with that?

Is that the pushbutton release?

 

[Kevinpreston2]

Duh, would help if I read the text next to the pic!

Too much interest in the pic to read!

 

[rickr]

Lighted logo on the front

Releases the counter balanced washer lid,by pressing on the lighted logo. Sorry if I did not explain that detail correctly.

 

[rickr]

Whooops!!

Head on collision!

Kevin,there is a WP POD of a pink 1957 or 1958 Whirlpool Imperial that comes around now and then. Someone here said that one pops the top a minute or two before the machine shuts down. I just drool when I see that POD,the machine is just so beutiful! I am thinking that is your moms machine,and not my 56. One member has a 1959 WP Imperial,I am hopeing they will see this post and share a pix of that machine for us again.
Rick

 

[filterflo]

Hey Rick, Lovely, simply lovely washer! Does the lighted front push button also serve as the inner tub light?

 

[rickr]

Tub light

Thanks Jimmy The forty watt tub light is on the left side,the ozone light is at the top (as always) and the logo light is in front. There are eight lights total in this machine. I think Whirlpool thought they were designing a jukebox when they made this one! LOL!
Do you still have a photo of your 58 WP? If so can you post it please?

 

[chaskelljr2]

WOW!!!!

"rickr":

Thanks for the beautiful shot of your 1956 Whirlpool Imperial. Lights are everywhere. The control panel, the button on the front of the cabinet, the lighted interior. That must be heavenly to look at when this machine is agitating.

--Charles--

 

[peteski50]

Push button on this 1956

Rick,
This is such a beautiful washer. You did a great job with the restoration. Not only is this a outstanding washer, but the way it is all lite up is awsome.
Peter

 

[Kevinpreston2]

You guys made me remember something!

I distinctly remember that the washer needed service, and the repair guy really needed to get into the washer. I remember seeing the inside light bulb (I believe this must be the one in the tub) from the OUTSIDE of it, with like a screen over it...in other words, from the unfinished side behind it, as he had the machine partly apart. I forgot about the light. It DID have a light inside. However, I don't know anything about tub lights in general or "ozone" lights, or anything like that, I just remember some sort of light.

Anyone care to inform me on the inside the tub light deal?

Rick, I agree, your washer is excellent! Man, that agitator is looking slightly familiar....wonde if they used the same in my mom's...

You guys are closing in on it...got the feeling someone is about to say, oh yeah, I got one of those in the warehouse!!!

KP

 

[Kevinpreston2]

20 years ago I would have said you were crazy

if you told me that I would be really enjoying a conversation with friends about a pink clothes washer. But I AM enjoying it...and I am in fact, still on my American Kitchens dishwasher purchase buzz.

Ever notice that when you buy one vintage thing, you kind of get interested in all other vintage things as a result?!?!

 

[rickr]

Vintage stuff

Thanks you guys!! I could not have done it if it were not for the technical advice of several club members.
Vintage stuff is addictive to me. I started at ten years old with a jukebox,and it just went from there. I have to admit that my washers are one of my favorite things. I look forward to laundry night. And usually find some excuse to do a load or two a couple of days after "laundry night".
I would like to see a few pix of other early Whirlpools from other members. I know Kevin REALLY wants to "see" what his moms machine looked like,and I want to see it too! If anyone owns one or more of these old Whirlpools please share some photos with us.

Thanks'
Rick

 

[goatfarmer]

Rick,done anything with the dryer yet?

kennyGF

 

[rickr]

56 Imperial dryer

Hi Kenny! I tore the dryer down as soon as I got back home. The cabinet is at the body shop for a repaint,and the rest is dismantled in my garage. I have to get a few new parts,repair some burned wires,and paint the superstructure. Also the drum needs to be painted. Has anyone out there ever done that with lasting results? I was thinking of having it powder coated. Does that sound like the way to go?
Anyway here is the pix you sent me of the matching dryer to my WP ,so everyone else knows what we are talking about.
BTW Thanks again! I LOVE it!!

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