WOW!!!! LOOK WHAT'S NEW FOR 1957 IN 2010

[mickeyd]

A MIRACLE, the dead brought back to life!

if this does not qualify as an Automatic Washer miracle, what does???

With the drapes, I thought the first pics were actually taken in a showroom.

And to think you got the one with the most amazing control panel ever. Very "Lost in space" robot-like, Reply#8.

Had no idea about the giant lint filter. Looks really effective!

Deliriously happy.

 

[jeffg]

Incredible find. Have you been in touch with Bendix Appliances? I'd love to hear what they say, and if they have any interest in this machine. These may be the most expensive loads of laundry you've ever done.

EDIT: The '57 Duomatic is the machine featured on their history page:

http://www.bendixappliances.com/about/index.php[this post was last edited: 9/24/2010-14:21]

http://www.bendixappliances.com/contact/

 

[washerlover]

Absolutely gorgeous! I'm speechless!

 

[pulsator]

BEAUTIFUL!!!! What a FANTASTIC find! Congratulations and GREAT job on the restore!!!! WOW!!!!!!!

 

[jeffg]

Does anyone have specs for this machine, in regard to water and power usage per load? I'd love to see how it compares to today's front loaders. Also, how long are the default drying cycles?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Guided Tour...

I'll second that if it's a guided (video) tour! Holy Cow! That is just awesome! Congrats!

RCD

 

[gyromatic]

Questions Answered

Brent,Yes it has a standing pilot,And it is 18,000 BTU's,1 load of towels dryed in 35 min.Bone dry.The flame burns at a steady rate and cycles on and off. Jon,Drying time is much faster than the electric models.And there is plenty of lint in the lint filter.No more fuzz balls.The clutch I was talking about was the shutter clutch on the main pulley. Mike,It just uses gas for drying.The cabinet does not get as warm as the electric models.

 

[aussie-plugs]

Absolutely fabulous!

Words fail me. That is such a brilliant piece of restoration work and a total delight to read about.

Congratulations on a job very, very well done!

 

[djmjlcst]

It's Absolutely Better Than New!

Wow John! I believe your restoration is better now then when it originally left the factory! Incredible! It's like traveling in a time machine! Love the layout of the controls AND the fact that there are no signs of fingerprints on the chrome! I agree with JeffG, you should contact Bendix just to see what they have to say! You'll have to let us know how well it washes and dries your clothes. I'm sure you won't even open that box of Dash or Calgon and keep them as prize possessions! You've truly found the holy grail here! - Mike L.

 

[launderess]

I've Got Those Same Boxes Of Dash & Calgon!

Though they most certianly didn't come in a machine so gorgeous as this Duomatic!

What a wonderful restoration job and am sure this unit will give hours, no scratch that, years of service!

Just goes to show how often the average person sees "NIB" or some such when it comes to vintage appliances, and thinks the thing can be simply be put into service at once. Gas, water and electrics are to be respected!

Did Bendix sell many of these units? At 19K BTU's this thing cranks out some heat. Is it because the final spin does not remove as much water as say a modern front loader?

Have heard of modern gas heated dishwashers for commercial settings, and not that one thinks about it even the same for washing machines, though mainly sold overseas. Would they make a comeback in the United States?

L.

 

[jetcone]

As far as I have seen

quite a few turn up and always in basements thank god, they are too heavy to move so people let them just sit there until nuts like us come along. So I would guess based on that, Avco Manufacturing sold a ton of these Combos from 1953 to the end 1958,then everything was switched to the tiny Philco machines and factories. Not the same machine.

This machine had the highest spin for a front load combo in its day, it was the penn-ultimate. At 525 rpms, and that big drum, it does take out a lot of water, but drying in 35 minutes is even by todays' standard, speed drying!

First developed here, These were fast powerful machines and they deserve a big place in american history they were so revolutionary for their day.

 

[a440]

John,
Thanks for answering my question.
I agree with Jon, 35 minutes for a full load of towels is speed drying!
Will you leave the pilot burning or shut it down after each use?
I bet you will find tons of stuff this weekend to wash / dry just to use it!
Fantastic!
Brent

 

[westingman123]

wow

That's just beautiful.

 

[maytag63]

All I can say is, WOW!

 

[slowspin66]

This is amazing

This machine is just the bees knees !!! What a privilege to have used it !!an absolute beauty . Thanks Darren

 

[combo52]

A new 1957 Bendix duo Matic

Hi Darren, thanks for reviving this great thread, this is one thread that I loved seeing revived. This is such an incredible machine and an incredible restoration that John did.

I know you’re having a wonderful visit here in Minnesota. Hope the rest of your trip goes great.

John L

 

[slowspin66]

It’s just amazing

I’ve never seen such wonderful machines and such fabulous restorations… what an amazing standard ….
Always something to aim for ….

 

[Unimatic1140]

I'm really looking forward to meeting you tomorrow Darren and showing you my collection!!! John says you all are very interested in the Horton. I've been saving up some wash to run for you guys

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bendix Combos

Afternoon Darren, great youve got to use the Big Berta Combos, am sure your having a fab time at Johns and then over to Roberts tomorrow , Have Fun !!

PS, Im just on my way to yours to set up your Bendix Gas Combo so it looks like this .

Have Fun With The Horton & Frigidaires as well , say Hi To John & Robert tomorrow !!