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rarebreedcustoms

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My wife and I are looking for a vintage washing machine or possibly a complete washer/dryer set. We like the colored machines from the 50’s-70’s. Turquoise and Pink would be our top choices. But would settle for harvest gold, avacado green, the 70’s brown or anything colored. We are looking for a machine to put into daily use. Our current 3 year old washing machine is already having problems. We have other vintage appliances from 40’s-70’s but opted for modern washer/dryer which was not a good move. We know we are looking for a needle in a haystack. Willing to pay top dollar for the right machine. Located in north Louisiana but willing to travel a little and more than willing to pay for shipping. We are viewing this as a one time investment for something we will keep forever. Maybe knowing that will help a collector let go. Fingers crossed!

Attached examples from internet

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"We are viewing this as a one time investment for something we will keep forever."

If only it was that easy...

First off, while most vintage washers/dryers look very appealing, a lot of of them were not reliable. Some died out quickly due to early designs that yet to have the bugs worked out. Others were complex and sophisticated designs that hampered reliability. Some, like vertically pulsating Frigidaire's, were hard to find parts for even by the 80's. Maytag, Whirlpool/Kenmore, and GE were the "Big 3" of the more common and reliable platforms but even these have limitiations between certain years, models, and designs.

Vintage Maytags are the simplest, most reliable and durable washers (and I'd argue dryers as well). The pastel era of Maytags (or any manufacture) have very small tubs and drums and are trickery to work on and find parts for. For the washer, you want the large capacity model that's no older than 1969. The Halo of Heat dryers are beasts but nearly every part except belts have dried up. Their capacity is very small by todays standards and virtually no one in the business knows how to work on them now, you're on your own. For the dryer you want 1976+ Stream of Heat design. Be aware that some parts for these are starting to dry up, especially parts that are model specific, like timers.

The main problem is, you're not going to find a set that's 40+ years old and then immeadilty slam them into daily service without copious amounts of initial work. Dryers are very easly, washer....not so much. The longer you want these machines to last, be reliable, perform like new, and give the least amount of breakdowns, the more initial work you'll need put into the restoration process. This is basically going to be up to you. I'd caution about purchasing machines that are "rebuilt" or "restored" because I guarantee you lots of corners are cut with cheap aftermarket parts installed by people trying to make a buck who don't have a good idea nor care what needs to be performed and performed correctly. Future parts will need to be sought after and stashed for the future. In the near future you WILL be the only one repairing them! If you're not up to these tasks, buy something new. This hobby is for the quirky tinkerer who has been stashing parts the last 10-15 years, loves learning and getting their hands dirty, has backup machines just in case, and doesn't mind stumbling over a bunch of NOS parts stashed all over the house and garage. From societies perspective, you need a few loose marbles to own and maintain these beautiful contraptions.
 
Vintage washers and dryers for daily use

Great analysis Dan of some of the pros and cons of trying to have a vintage washer and dryer as a daily driver.

If you just wanna go out and buy of vintage washer and dryer that could be used and are trying to buy a very low mileage great condition pair I wouldn’t go any older than a pair of Allman‘s machines from the late 70s through the 80s.

A nice lightly used pair of almond colored Kenmores Whirlpool‘s Maytags maybe even GE’s could be kept working reasonably easily and will give you the old-school performance that you might be looking for.

If Really want to have a nice pastel pair of washers and dryer‘s it could cost a lot of money possibly 10 grand or more or be willing to do a heck of a lot of work as Dan mentioned.

Other than that I would buy a new set of Speed Queen‘s either a top load pair or preferably their frontload pairs even better take them to an auto body shop and have them painted the color that you dream of. Speed queen washers and dryers today having entirely synthetic exterior finishes they will take paint beautifully, we had a customer that had a pair painted pink and they looked great and they have machines that they can easily keep working for 25 years with relatively few problems.

I hope we’re not being too discouraging or negative if you tell us a lot more about your abilities and self and possibly where are you live if you’re near somebody that could help you with this if that’s needed we might be able to be of more help.

John
 
That's my set!

Hi Tyler.  The pink Maytag set in your photo now belongs to me.  I purchased the set from another collector a few years ago (the photo you posted was taken by the other collector at his home).  

 

I would be happy to let this set go to someone who really wanted them and would use them and maintain them.  Indeed I have passed on many a machine to fellow collectors.  Both the washer and the dryer work and I use them occasionally.  But here's the thing: just as Dan said above, these machines require servicing and maintenance if they are to be put into regular use.  Parts need to be replaced, things need to be repaired.  This certainly applies to this pink Maytag set -- a complete restoration is best really.  You would either need to do this yourself or you would need to find someone who can do it for you.  This could mean shipping the machines across the country to someone who is willing to overhaul them, if you can find anyone at all who can do it.  Parts can be difficult to find.

 

It can be done.  But just be aware that buying and using a vintage machine is NOT like popping down to Best Buy and ordering a washing machine.  It is a labour of love!  Probably like owning a vintage car, but without a mechanic who can help you fix it!

 

In my opinion, if you were to install your dream vintage set in your laundry room, it would be a good idea to have a modern (or otherwise reliable) set in the garage/basement etc., for use when the vintage set breaks down or is too small to handle a particular load or item.

 

Just my thoughts.  Don't be dissuaded and disheartened, but do be fully prepared, informed and go into this with your eyes wide open!

 

 

Good luck

Mark

[this post was last edited: 11/24/2022-07:29]
 
I’m sorry to hear about Rick. He had some amazing restorations that weren’t limited to vintage appliances.

I’m glad to see that most concur and at least forewarn on the ownership and desire to use vintage washers and dryers on a regular basis. I am also not here to discourage as these machines can be awesome but usually need some tinkering from time to time. It is highly recommended that they be properly rebuilt from the ground up to be reliable as possible. Short of other collectors there aren’t folks who have the knowledge or the will to rebuild these machines properly. That being said there is a huge amount of knowledge and information on this site along with the willingness to help someone that is handy and wants to preserve a vintage washer and dryer.

As for availability it still amazes me as to what pops up in classifieds from time to time. They usually aren’t close to you most of the time though. I have spent an incredible amount of money to have them shipped from all over the USA.
 
Vintage washer

I asked someone else this same question a few months ago. Why are you wanting a vintage machine? Is it more about looks, or function? If you just like the way a vintage top load washer performs, then something like a Whirlpool/Kenmore direct drive machine would be a good option. Parts are still available for these and will be for a while, even though WP is discontinuing some of the minor ones. Also, there are modern appliance techs who know how to work on these machines as the design has only been out of production for 12 years. It's the compromise I went with myself since I am blind and can't repair/rebuild my own machines. Would have really liked a Whirlpool/Kenmore belt drive (the direct drive's predecessor and in my opinion a slightly better machine), but parts are not widely available for these and I knew it wouldn't be realistic in my situation since modern repair techs don't know a lot about them. The direct drive I own is still a great machine and I don't have to be nervous about it breaking down since I'm pretty sure I could receive help fixing it. They're also quite DIY friendly, so even if a repairman wouldn't touch it, I could probably get a sighted family member to help me with repairs.

There are good modern options but they are expensive. Speed Queen top load and front load washers are the top examples of this. LG front load with turbo wash is also a solid option, but I've heard servicing LG equipment can be difficult because of spotty repair availability.
 
gsd-dan nailed it. If you're going to buy something that old plan on going right through it if you want it to last a good many years. I strongly advise you to contact Lorraine Furniture on here and buy a restored Maytag set from him, or have him find the Maytag set you want and go through it for you. It wont be cheap but you get what you pay for.
 
Sorry for the late reply. Lots of info to take in. Unfortunately I am not the best mechanic but know some all around type of guys that can work on anything. Part of my actual business is restoring 3 wheelers, and I also have a love for old cars. Our house is 120 years old. All appliances and furniture in our home are all vintage and original. Some NOS, some junk lol. I have a love for all old original appliances, vehicles, atv’s, homes, etc. I know its more expensive in the long run but its part of keeping it alive. We are familiar with the costs of some of it. I have an early 80’s Sub-Zero undercounter ice maker that I have more money in than a new one. And it still doesnt work. Im committed to projects.

Mark, I would love to talk with you about possibly purchasing them. Im not good at forums or even checking them. Any chance you could text or email me? 318-245-1524 or [email protected]
 

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