Thread Number: 10409
My New Maytags
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Post# 190754   2/13/2007 at 08:52 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        

danemodsandy's profile picture
Hello:

Well, I finally made the move- I now have a pair of vintage centre-dial Maytags! Thanks to everyone here for all the stuff I've learnt from you- without the encouragement of the example set by people like Greg and DADoES and Steve in Florida, I might not have done it.

Here's a picture of the new babies; I'll post more when I've had a little time with them. They're from Craigslist, and they were owned by a woman who has moved to a retirement home; her son sold them to me:





Post# 190758 , Reply# 1   2/13/2007 at 09:10 (6,253 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
Best of Luck

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With you new Maytags. I just got my first back in October of last year...I guess one of the last of the DC....no center dial.



Post# 190760 , Reply# 2   2/13/2007 at 09:43 (6,253 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
New Maytags

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Hi Sandy,
What a Beautiful set. Best of Luck with them.
Peter


Post# 190781 , Reply# 3   2/13/2007 at 11:20 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        

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These are my consolation prize- I was really heartbroken a few days ago when Rich (TrainGuy) posted those gorgeous 1966 keyboard Lady Kenmores! Too far away, and more of a resto project than I'm qualified to handle at this point. Reading that those lovelies were headed to the krusher was almost more than I could bear...

I spent all night thinking, "It's only money," and "Surely someone on AW.org would have a white Kenmore dryer top so that I could respray the dryer and have a matched pair."

From the standpoint of daily use, I think these Maytags are probably more what I need anyway. But I'll always have a soft spot for keyboard LK's; I still miss my '66 washer. Never did have the matching dryer; I had a Kelvinator dryer back then.


Post# 190800 , Reply# 4   2/13/2007 at 13:58 (6,253 days old) by charbee ()        
Congrats on the new babies!

And dontcha just love Craigslist?

A few days after we found our gorgeous DE606 Dryer, we snagged a rather beat-up A407 for twenty bucks. Still works great, so we're using it as an "interim" machine until we can get the matching A606.

We had never seen a Center-Dial Maytag washer go through its cycle, and so we rigged a plastic hanger between the lid and switch, and watched the A407 do its thing...excellent turnover of the clothes, and way-cool how the spinning/draining happens, with that excellent VORTEX! So cool! And soooo very quiet!

Enjoy your Maytags!


Post# 190808 , Reply# 5   2/13/2007 at 14:32 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Breakin' 'Er In

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Hello All!

They're HEEEEEEEEERE!

I've already run a load of car towels, and I have some questions:

- That is a NOISY washer. Is there something I should be attending to, or have I forgotten what a BD machine sounds like? It's washing just fine, though.
- The lint screen on the dryer has holes in it; I obviously need to get a new one. BUT- unless I miss my guess, that also means I need to go inside the unit and clean out lint buildup. Any tips there? The dryer is very quiet.

The units are not quite what I thought they were from the Craigslist pic. To begin with, the washer is a LA108 and the dryer is a LPE606. They have the cycles I need, and I have bleach and softener dispensers, so I'm well pleased, even if they're not 806's. And as nice as lighted controls are, hey, it's one less thing to go wrong if you don't have 'em, eh?

BUT- they are the dread Almond colour- the Craigslist pic made 'em look white. Again, no biggie- but I can see me looking for white tops and respraying the cabinets. I never did like Almond; it always made me think "Give me some 409 and a rag and I'll get that thing clean and white again."

I have four resto issues for the moment. I need a lint filter for the dryer and a button kit for the washer (both available and no big deal). But I also have some of the gold rubbed off of the control panels- the lower halves, where the buttons are. They're showing silver underneath. Anyone have a cool AW.org Secret Formula for restoring the gold? Also, the dryer shows signs of dryer sheet buildup- anyone have a tip for removing it? I hates me some damn dryer sheets- I won't allow them to be used in any dryer I own.

Anyway, I have a working washer and dryer for the first time in three weeks. And they're vintage! YAY!


Post# 190817 , Reply# 6   2/13/2007 at 15:14 (6,253 days old) by brettsomers ()        

charbee mentioned this, the classic Maytag is a QUIET machine. something must be wrong with yours. perhaps a video with sound is needed?

Post# 190818 , Reply# 7   2/13/2007 at 15:18 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        

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Brett:

The sound is a rrhnrr, rrhnrr, rrhnrr on agitation. Not too bad when you get used to it, but it was startling on first hearing.


Post# 190819 , Reply# 8   2/13/2007 at 15:22 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
P.S.: Spin

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Brett:

Spin is quiet- maybe a little groan as it stops. Nothing out of the ordinary.


Post# 190833 , Reply# 9   2/13/2007 at 16:57 (6,253 days old) by charbee ()        
Maybe "quiet" is relative?

After a year of using the heinously noisy Whirlpool with a broken spin-brake (that sounded like someone rapidly banging a 50-gallon drum with a hammer every time it tried to stop spinning), the Maytag seems almost silent.

Maybe it's belt noise?

And definitely agree about "almond"...ack...




Post# 190834 , Reply# 10   2/13/2007 at 17:17 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Charbee

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"Maybe it's belt noise?

And definitely agree about "almond"...ack..."

Any suggestions on checking belts?

As a fellow almond-hater, you might like to know that the colour was created specifically to hide a certain amount of kitchen grease and schmutz. In the '70s, it was becoming apparent that women were not taking their housekeeping inspiration from June Cleaver any more. And men, of course, held themselves totally apart from cleaning concerns, so THEY were no help. Soooo, a colour that didn't show the lack of cleaning was created, and, sadly, became very popular.

It will probably take a while, but my intent is to find new tops for these machines, in white, and re-spray the cabinets.


Post# 190835 , Reply# 11   2/13/2007 at 17:18 (6,253 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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Might be a normal noise. A new set of belts couldn't hurt.

That's a new style dryer, not a HOH. It's pretty easy to clean out the insides. Unplug it, take out the 2 screws, at each corner of the front, pull the bottom towards you, and unclip the top of the front.
Personally, I would look for a set in the proper color, and trade those for them, the tops are porcelain, and I don't know how you would paint them.

Nice set!

kennyGF


Post# 190837 , Reply# 12   2/13/2007 at 17:48 (6,253 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Spare "Small Load" Button?

danemodsandy's profile picture
Does anyone's parts stash include a spare "Small Load" button for the washer's control panel?

I'd be eternally grateful! Will pay via PayPal if that's what you prefer.


Post# 190838 , Reply# 13   2/13/2007 at 17:59 (6,253 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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I should have some. I need to know what the back of the button looks like. Is it a slot like this - or a slot like this I(vertical or horizontal)?
Also, is it 3 buttons, or 4?


Post# 190841 , Reply# 14   2/13/2007 at 18:09 (6,252 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Horizontal!

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Kenny:

The slot is horizontal. It's the "Small Load" button in a row of three load-sizing buttons ("Small Load", "Medium Load", "Large Load"). This washer is an LA108.

Just let me know what you need!


Post# 190848 , Reply# 15   2/13/2007 at 18:59 (6,252 days old) by charbee ()        
Belts and Almond

If it's working, just make sure that the belts are genuine Maytag belts. Heard that genuine Maytag belts have to be used, as they are of a special design that is meant to slip a bit. Regular automotive fan belts are a no-no.

And, to folks of a certain age, "Almond" = "Those Awful '80s"


Post# 190849 , Reply# 16   2/13/2007 at 19:00 (6,252 days old) by retromom ()        
Great set of Tags Sandy!!

Congrats on your beautiful set of Maytags! This is one vintage brand that I would not hesitate to use as my daily driver!!

Have fun with them and do lots of sudsy washing!


Post# 190886 , Reply# 17   2/13/2007 at 22:06 (6,252 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Well thanks for the compliment of acheiving your Maytag's. Just a matter of quality and durability that wont hold up to any other, EVER.

Pics are my A608 and DE608. 1979

Steve


Post# 190914 , Reply# 18   2/14/2007 at 00:30 (6,252 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Steve!

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Those are SO GORGEOUS. I have a little way to go before getting mine in anything like that condition!

Tomorrow's job is a search-and-destroy mission- on lint buildup in the dryer. The lint filter has holes in it, and so much lint has gotten into the dryer's air-handling system that the lint filter wouldn't even seat properly in its slot. The lint buildup wouldn't permit the filter to go all the way into place.

One thing at a time, one day at a time, eh?


Post# 190918 , Reply# 19   2/14/2007 at 00:32 (6,252 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Steve!

danemodsandy's profile picture
Those are SO GORGEOUS. I have a little way to go before getting mine in anything like that condition!

Tomorrow's job is a search-and-destroy mission- on lint buildup in the dryer. The lint filter has holes in it, and so much lint has gotten into the dryer's air-handling system that the lint filter wouldn't even seat properly in its slot. The lint buildup wouldn't permit the filter to go all the way into place.

One thing at a time, one day at a time, eh?


Post# 190921 , Reply# 20   2/14/2007 at 00:35 (6,252 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

Great Tags! Much Better than what i thought you where gettimg

Post# 190933 , Reply# 21   2/14/2007 at 05:06 (6,252 days old) by drmitch ()        

Congrats, Sandy, nice set!

Post# 190936 , Reply# 22   2/14/2007 at 06:06 (6,252 days old) by harvestgold (Deland, Florida )        
Lint in maytag dryer

Sandy i would advise you to take the back off the dryer and clean all the lint inside the machine the last maytag dryer i got had over 3 inches of lint inside the machine i could hardly see the motor it would be a major fire trap John

Post# 190978 , Reply# 23   2/14/2007 at 10:55 (6,252 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Noisey Back

Sandy,
Listen to the videos of bpetersxx Maytag on you tube. That is what the classic Maytag should sound like. A steady deep hum, no thumps, squeals, groans, just a steady hum highlighted by the slosh of the wash water in the tub. The lint that get though the filter gets blown out of the machine. As recommended just lift the front up and you'll have access to everything you need. The Elux and Maytag have long been secretly in love.
Kelly


Post# 190993 , Reply# 24   2/14/2007 at 12:06 (6,252 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
The sound of a Maytag is..

Musical, at least to me anyway.
I have an almond 1979 A608, and it just SINGS...
My BF Michael was doing laundry at my house last weekend and even he commented on the Maytag's sound as opposed to his DD Kenmore.
The machine should just whirr, it won't sound anything like a DD Whirlpool or Kenmore at all, it should sing with a faint sound of the agitator oscilating back and forth. Its hard to describe the sound, but it should not be loud nor unpleasant.

Those Maytags you got are beautiful!!


Post# 191021 , Reply# 25   2/14/2007 at 14:46 (6,252 days old) by westytoploader ()        
The Maytag sound...

Is sort of a "wah-wah-wah-wah" sound during agitation, or a very low pitched whine. Like Jeff said, it's hard to describe, really.

Post# 191022 , Reply# 26   2/14/2007 at 14:53 (6,252 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Lint Removed

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As Delta Burke says, "Oh. Kay."

The lint is gone- Kenny's directions were absolutely on-target. In fact, I wish I had a war story for you, but I don't- everything went very smoothly. I pulled out all kinds of schmutz from the duct assembly where the filter fits into it; I disassembled the duct and did a very deep, thorough cleaning. I found all KINDS of stuff in the fan area- sand, lint, buttons, and an old Bounce sheet. You KNOW the lint filter is in bad shape when a dryer sheet gets blown through it, LOL. I was also able to clean the felt seals around the fan housing and inside the front panel assembly.

So- this is a MUCH happier, more efficient, and safer dryer, and I appreciate the tips. Now- does anyone know how I can clean dryer sheet buildup off the inside of the door and the area around the door opening? It is very dark grey, and I haven't found anything yet that will cut it. I've tried Windex and straight ammonia, to no avail. Everything smells like Bounce, which is not my favourite scent, not by a long shot.

THANKS!


Post# 191025 , Reply# 27   2/14/2007 at 15:02 (6,252 days old) by westie2 ()        

You might try the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to get the dryer shet gunk off the door.

Post# 191068 , Reply# 28   2/14/2007 at 17:45 (6,252 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Let me go through my parts stash, to look for the button. If I have one, it's yours, for keeping a vintage 'tag going!

kenny


Post# 191074 , Reply# 29   2/14/2007 at 18:22 (6,251 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Thanks, Kenny!

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Kenny:

Wow, thanks! This has been a productive afternoon, thanks to the help I've received from you and others here. The dryer lint issue is resolved, as I mentioned earlier. Also, the washer is WAYYYYYYYYYYYY quieter, because I levelled it properly and set the lock nuts on all the levelling feet. The dryer is quieter, too; there was lint built up in the squirrel-cage fan and a dryer sheet caught in it. So, now the washer sounds very acceptably quiet, and you almost can't hear the dryer run at all. Nice!

Life is GOOD. ;-)


Post# 191102 , Reply# 30   2/14/2007 at 22:02 (6,251 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

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Good going, Glad you fixed the issues.

Steve


Post# 191852 , Reply# 31   2/17/2007 at 10:57 (6,249 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        
buttons

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Does this look like it will fit? Not a very good picture. It's about 7/8' long, and about 7/16" wide. The back fits the horizontal shaft. Small, right?
If you think it will work,shoot me your mailing address.


Post# 191855 , Reply# 32   2/17/2007 at 11:10 (6,249 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Very nice set you're getting - you'll love the solid feel and sound of these machines.



Post# 191868 , Reply# 33   2/17/2007 at 12:15 (6,249 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
KENNY!!

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Yes, that looks like it. Look for an email from me at your email address in your Profile. Thank you VERY much!

Greg: Yes, the solid quality of these machines is a huge factor in my enjoyment. I had DD Whirlys before, and was generally pretty happy with them, but it had been a long time since I'd been around Maytags. I had forgotten how much more solid machines used to feel in daily use.

Kenny: Thanks again!



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