Zenith wringer washer restoration ...

[bradross]

Hello wringer washer fans!

Recently finished my sixth wringer washer restoration - this time a circa-1948 Zenith. It was manufactured in Duluth, MN by the Zenith Machine Co. (not to be confused with the Zenith electronics company, which made TVs and radios.) Zenith was the house brand of Marshall-Wells hardware stores in both the U.S. and Canada.

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Great work! Now some pics of it in use please.

 

[bradross]

@stricklybojack

Just follow the link and you can watch the video of it in action!

 

[golittlesport]

Awesome restoration!

Beautiful machine! Thanks for the photos and video documentation, Ross. I love how quiet wringer washers are -- one just hears the sloshing of the hot sudsy water.

 

[yogitunes]

what a cool looking machine.....

you did an excellent job, as always!

too late, but I would have liked to see that transmission in action before you put it back together....

 

[bradross]

Just for you Martin! (and anybody else interested...)

Go to Video # 2, 4:03 will take you right to the spot you want, showing the mechanism in action.

 

[rpms]

Nice washer and love the pink. Is this washer a keeper?
What would the Zenith be priced at? High,middle or low end?

 

[mickeyd]

CONGRATS, BRAD !

Watched in fascination and admiration as this saga unfolded on Youtube weeks ago. Like you, was struck by Zenith's similarity to Speed Queen, but one stark difference is how easy and smooth the agitator engagement is; the SQ version is hard-sprung and loud, but the tub insert, the bowl shape, the agitator, and the transmission are kissin' cousins for sure. The pink and the stars are so unusual and pretty, and the entire machine, well--you've made it gorgeous.

Liking pumps the way I do, their speed and sound, was wondering how the Zenith pump performs. Love the work you do, especially on this one-of-a-kind find. Thank you. Wouldn't it be just nuts if a Zenith automatic showed up!

OR, Part 6, the drain cycle ;'D

 

[yogitunes]

Thanks Brad....

like you, I too am fascinated of the different designs for transmissions...

 

[lowefficiency]

>> like you, I too am fascinated of the different designs for transmissions...

That's what many of us are here for!

 

[rll70sman]

Zenith Machine Company, Duluth, MN

Having grown up not far from Duluth, I know exactly where this old factory building is located downtown. Thankfully, many of the old buildings along that street have been preserved, including the Marshall-Wells Building. Duluth has a an awesome history rich in manufacturing some of the best products in the world.

 

[bradross]

To answer some questions...

@rpms Brian, this is a "keeper"! The farm museum gifted it to me as appreciation for my volunteer work. They were culling the collection. Regarding price point - I imagine this was mid-range, especially considering the pump.

@MIKEYD Mike, the pump is not as powerful as a Maytag, but still performs well, and fairly quietly. I'd like to compare it to a Speed Queen. As you can see in the photo, it's a rather unusual pump mechanism - it's belt driven, and the entire bracket pivots so that the pulley engages with the main drive pulley.

 

[hippiedoll]

very cool!

Another amazing restoration!
The Zenith wringer washer looks great! And seems to run so smoothly.
I LOVE IT!!
)

 

[abcomatic]

HI Brad, This machine looks wonderful! I think it look sort of like a Speed Queen and sounds like the motor too. Great job again. I hope you are well? Gary

 

[bradross]

Gary...

Just sent you an email.

 

[gansky1]

Another triumph of your abilities and attention to detail.   All of your machines shine like a new penny!

 

[bradross]

Attn. Mikeyd --- pump operation

I've uploaded a video to YouTube showing the pump in operation. Not as strong as a Maytag, but still a good pump.

 

[mickeyd]

HOW WONDERFUL, BRAD !

Thanks so much. So in yet another way, your Zenith resembles Speed Queen. Did you find that although the pump itself is large enough, the drain port is narrow, and narrower still below the tub bottom if you insert your finger there? Methinks that therein lies the slowdown.

Oddly, the Z resembles another machine as well--the Mighty Norge. Of the 7 conventional brands used on the premises, only the Norge uses a separate belt and pulley for the pump.

Always found it so unusual and cool to see a miniature of the main belt and pulley under the skirt. Seeing your Zenith with the same pump operating system was a nice surprise. Wonder if we'll find more conventionals out there "pumped" the same way. I'll tip the old girl over tomorrow and take a pic for you.

Thanks again, Brad. What a trip 'n treat to see the Z-bird fly.

 

[metalworks]

Zenith parts

I wonder if anyone knows where I can get parts for a K3-700 wringer washer. I need the bushings and one strap/retainer for the lower roller.
Maybe I will have to make them, but if they are available for a reasonable price buy them.
Thanks in advance to all with input.