Thread Number: 2340
Philco Restoration, Part One
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Post# 69836   6/11/2005 at 01:27 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

One of my all time favorite washers is my Philco Flex-A-Wash washer with the "Blades Of Water" wash action. This is one of the washers we saved from the farm in Aberdeen, and I had an extra one that I saved for many years as a parts donor. Have had them sitting here for over three years, so I finally got the energy and ambition to attemp a restoration and make one good one out of two.............This is what the washer looked like at the start:




Post# 69837 , Reply# 1   6/11/2005 at 01:29 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

This model has the famous "Contour Fill", but had been outside in the elements for many years, and the tub and most of the components were in pretty sad shape: Rusty tub is shown here:

Post# 69838 , Reply# 2   6/11/2005 at 01:30 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Had an extra rubber part for the agitator, but its not the greatest, was saving it for a pattern in case I needed to make a new one...........

Post# 69839 , Reply# 3   6/11/2005 at 01:32 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Starting the disassembly, the tub is in pretty rusty condition. Can you imagine what the previous owners clothes must have looked like in water that rusty?

Post# 69840 , Reply# 4   6/11/2005 at 01:33 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Agitator removed

Post# 69841 , Reply# 5   6/11/2005 at 01:34 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Worn agitator parts..............

Post# 69842 , Reply# 6   6/11/2005 at 01:35 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Close up of the Philco bellows, looks very similar to a Frigidaire bellows........

Post# 69843 , Reply# 7   6/11/2005 at 01:36 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

This washer was rescued from its outside location, and the bottom was on the ground for many years, and suffered some rust damage, but nothing really serious..........

Post# 69844 , Reply# 8   6/11/2005 at 01:38 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Photo here of the motor still installed. I got this motor to run, but alas the pump was cracked. I will end up using the motor and pump from my donor washer which was still good.......

Post# 69845 , Reply# 9   6/11/2005 at 01:40 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Close up of the Philco motor. The pump seal was a weak spot of this design, as when it would leak it would get the motor wet and ruin it if not caught in time........I will save this motor as an extra........

Post# 69846 , Reply# 10   6/11/2005 at 01:41 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

I had been saving any and all Philco parts for many years, all that I could ever find...........here is a few extra agitator parts that will help make this a working washer again!

Post# 69847 , Reply# 11   6/11/2005 at 01:43 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Moved the washer outside, with the top removed and started hosing the S Dakota dirt and rusticles out of the machine........

Post# 69848 , Reply# 12   6/11/2005 at 01:46 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

After what seemed like hours of soaking the tub in Super Iron Out, #320 Wet/Dry sanding, Comet cleanser, fine steel wool, I finally got the tub back to its pretty blue/aqua color. I think Philco was one of the few manufacturers to use a colored tub in its washers..........

Post# 69849 , Reply# 13   6/11/2005 at 01:49 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Here is a pic of the extra washer that I tore down to use for extra parts. This was a BOL model, but the major components were the same......The washer that Im keeping is in the background......

Post# 69850 , Reply# 14   6/11/2005 at 01:52 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Close up of the Philco transmission. This is the one that will actually go in the washer that Im keeping. I kept the original bottom, used this donor transmission as the S Dakota tranny had a leak at its main seal, used the S Dakota outer tub, whew! this was a total tear down, but the results Im hoping will be worth the work!...........

Post# 69851 , Reply# 15   6/11/2005 at 01:53 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Most of the tub parts reinstalled, now its starting to look like a Philco washer again!..........

Post# 69852 , Reply# 16   6/11/2005 at 01:54 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Painting the bottom with POR-15.........This will stop that pesky rust dead in its tracks.......

Post# 69853 , Reply# 17   6/11/2005 at 01:55 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

More POR-15 painting.........

Post# 69854 , Reply# 18   6/11/2005 at 01:56 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Here is the top, detached from the washer, getting ready for a good cleaning after many years of neglect.......

Post# 69855 , Reply# 19   6/11/2005 at 01:58 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Basic components back together, doing a make-shift hook up, will it hold water? Will it work?

Post# 69856 , Reply# 20   6/11/2005 at 02:00 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Filled with water, the anticipation as to if its going to leak is almost too much........so far no leaks....Yeah!

Post# 69857 , Reply# 21   6/11/2005 at 02:00 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Motor and assembly.........No Leaks!!!

Post# 69858 , Reply# 22   6/11/2005 at 02:01 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Setting up the test run and outside hook up.......

Post# 69859 , Reply# 23   6/11/2005 at 02:03 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Getting ready for its first load of wash in many many years!...........

Post# 69860 , Reply# 24   6/11/2005 at 02:04 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Miracles do happen,,,,,,,,it works!

Post# 69861 , Reply# 25   6/11/2005 at 02:05 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

This is the famous Philco "Undertow" wash action,
AKA "Flex-A-Wash".........


Post# 69862 , Reply# 26   6/11/2005 at 02:06 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

More "Undertow" wash action and the water movement thru the center filter housing.....

Post# 69863 , Reply# 27   6/11/2005 at 02:08 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Philco spinning..........alas its not the best spinner, I think at about 550rpm......not sure, maybe others can help with this number?

Post# 69864 , Reply# 28   6/11/2005 at 02:10 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Philco draining.........The satisfaction of seeing it work and knowing that its going to be a working washer again is so gratifying! Next step, part 2 of the restoration will be making the cabinet presentable again and then attacking the dryer........

Post# 69865 , Reply# 29   6/11/2005 at 02:12 (6,865 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: Congratulations Jimmy:

Hey! Jimmy, "Congratulations" on your success of getting 1- Washer out of 2-Washers operating. I'm curious to know, how did the Water stay in the Tub, with the Drain Hose sitting lower that the Tub Top? It looks great, can't wait to see the whole Washer back together again. What a wonderful "Work of Art" and a great Job at getting rid of all the Rust in the Tub.

It should certainly give you many years of fun operating this Philco Washer. Are any of your Philco Dryers a Match to this Washer?

Peace, Happy Philco Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...


Post# 69866 , Reply# 30   6/11/2005 at 02:17 (6,865 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: Question and Curiousity Answered:

Hi! Jimmy, I was writing to you when you were posting more Pix of the Washer and the rest of the Drain Hose, sitting over the Hand-Truck, besides your letting us know about next step to work on the Dryer as well. Good Luck with both Machines, including the Cabinet Painting. It will look just like new again. Keep up the great work and the wonderful Pix's too.

Peace and Happy Philco Laundry Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...


Post# 69867 , Reply# 31   6/11/2005 at 02:19 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Thanks Steve. If you look close at the tub draining, I have the hose perched on my dolly and the top of the hose is higher than the tub........ and here is the pic of the matching dryer........it works, it just needs a lot of TLC.....

Post# 69869 , Reply# 32   6/11/2005 at 02:38 (6,865 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: Matching Dryer:

Hi! Jimmy, have you ever taken the Dryer apart yet to check it out or tried operating it? It looks like it might not need too much done to it. Keep up the great work, and more Pix's of both for us to see the progress.

Peace and Happy Philco Laundry Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...


Post# 69870 , Reply# 33   6/11/2005 at 04:28 (6,865 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)        

Great job as always, Jimmy. Looking at the bottom of the machine, I noticed that pulley with belt. Is that exposed or covered by a bottom piece? Also, how was the movement with the newer Philco agitators? The rubber plate looks smaller in diameter than the older Automagic series and seems to sort of curve downward as opposed to being flat. With the bigger tub, did that affect performance?

Post# 69872 , Reply# 34   6/11/2005 at 07:05 (6,865 days old) by bethann (Indianapolis)        
Very cool

I love looking at pictures like that! Definitely a learning experience ( for me at least )! Love the Aqua tub. Thanx Jimmy!

Post# 69874 , Reply# 35   6/11/2005 at 07:52 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Hi Angus, yes the bottom pully and belt are exposed, although there is a recessed area that they fit in........This is the last Philco design that there was, and was greatly simplified from the AutoMagic models. The movement and turnover of the clothes was excellent, the pics really do not do it justice. They move very well and are pulled under and over, you just have to see it to believe it! Its really my favorite washer...........

Post# 69876 , Reply# 36   6/11/2005 at 08:17 (6,865 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Thank you so much.... learned a lot!


Love the dryer's port-hole door.

Brings to mind Philco-Bendix commercial F/L washers...


Post# 69877 , Reply# 37   6/11/2005 at 08:20 (6,865 days old) by Brent-Aucoin ()        
What a talent you have Jimmy!

Jimmy,
That is amazing!
I was able to see this in person at your home, and I must say you did a wonderful bringing it back to life! It looks great!
I bet the feeling of your hard work, and washing that first load is a feeling like a kid at Christmas!
And to think that you will have a matching Philco set!
Will you be at the convention this year? I did not see your name on the list. Hoping to see you.
Thanks so much for sharing your pictures.
Brent


Post# 69879 , Reply# 38   6/11/2005 at 08:46 (6,865 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
pump on top of motor

Great pics. Philco, Frigidaire, and Kelvinator vy for the "most unusual wash action" prize.

You can't help but wonder whatever in the world the engineer who devised the idea of putting the pump on top of the motor was thinking about! Now, I've seen this before, but at least in that application the engineers thought to put a "slinger" on the motor shaft so that any leakage from the pump seal would be slung away from the motor as it dripped down. Imagine how many of these machines were junked because of that engineering defect. This, coupled with Philco's much smaller market share, now means even fewer of them for us to play with now.


Post# 69880 , Reply# 39   6/11/2005 at 08:48 (6,865 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
and

How about bringing that Ambassador to the West Coast Meet? Yay for AMC! :-)

Post# 69882 , Reply# 40   6/11/2005 at 08:53 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Juane, I drove the Ambassador to West Coast for Disco Obispo in 1999. Made the trip without any serious problems, all the way out to Calif and back to Ohio.

Post# 69883 , Reply# 41   6/11/2005 at 08:58 (6,865 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
Disco Obispo

Oh, cool, I didn't know you back then, though I remember the car now, I probably have a lot of pics of it.

Disco Obispo, IMHO, was the best show we (Great Autos) had put on since Autorama Tropicana, and actually beat that one in fun.

I'm a charter member of Great Autos, haven't missed ANY West Coast meets in 20 years, but this may be my first, unfortunately, unless something drastic happens financially.


Post# 69885 , Reply# 42   6/11/2005 at 10:16 (6,865 days old) by drmitch ()        

One of my favorite washers with great agitation. I know it will be a beauty when you get it done. Thanks for letting us look over you sholder while doing the work!

Post# 69887 , Reply# 43   6/11/2005 at 11:02 (6,865 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Wow, Jimmy--

Thanks for the impressive snaps of a restoration worthy of the name.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 69888 , Reply# 44   6/11/2005 at 11:50 (6,865 days old) by westytoploader ()        
YAY for unusual wash action

Excellent work Jimmy on one beautiful machine!!! Love the blue tub and the "Undertow" action!!

Glad to see everything is working again...was the donor machine from Aberdeen as well? Also, does your machine have the later large capacity tub (I read from old posts that Philco machines used this from the late 60's to their demise in the early-70's...thought these held 16 or 18 lbs), or the 12/14 lb. tub? I'm somewhat confused at this point on capacity...


Post# 69889 , Reply# 45   6/11/2005 at 11:53 (6,865 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Wow--I looked at the control panel in the first picture closely...didn't realize it was a Philco-Ford machine!!! Too cool...how long was the Philco-Ford label produced?

Post# 69890 , Reply# 46   6/11/2005 at 12:18 (6,865 days old) by JerseyMike ()        
Wow

Thanks for sharing these amazing pics. More important, thanks for saving this awesome machine.

I've always admired Philco. I thought that they were some of the most impressive machines ever produced. It's a shame that they didn't have much market share. I've mentioned this in other posts, we actually had at least one Philco dealer here in New Jersey. It was located near the old Somerville Circle. My family and I would often stop a the drive in next door when we went for drives in the Country. It had an outdoor eating area. Every time that we stopped there, I would window shop and drool over the machines until I was told to come to the table and eat my food. LOL.

Mike


Post# 69893 , Reply# 47   6/11/2005 at 12:36 (6,865 days old) by westytoploader ()        

This wash action will have to be brought back, along with Frigidaire's vertical action and Kelvinator's centric agitation. These machines are too simple, IMHO, not to be resurrected.

Just watch, someone will end up taking a look at these vintage patents and (finally) grasp the idea.


Post# 69894 , Reply# 48   6/11/2005 at 14:30 (6,865 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
Wow, Jimmy, what a great job you did on that Philco!!! I can't believe you got that tub back to such a good condition. You're like a magician!!! Thank you for sharing the pictures and taking the time to explain all the steps you took to bring the Philco back to life. Can't wait to see the control panel resurrected. You did an awesome job! Congratulations!
Rich


Post# 69899 , Reply# 49   6/11/2005 at 15:43 (6,865 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Hey Thanks Rich, that tub took me one entire day to get clean. First I soaked it in Super Iron Out, did a light wet sanding on it, another soak, another sanding, ANOTHER soak, and a light #0000 steel wool and Comet cleanser, each time taking as much care as I could not to scratch it or mar the pretty blue aqua color of the tub.........You have to be VERY careful with Super Iron Out, too much and it will take the top coating of porcelain right off and too little and its not effective.......Its very acidic and caustic....and boy does it stink!!!

Post# 69933 , Reply# 50   6/11/2005 at 21:42 (6,865 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Great mechanical restoration job Jimmy! It sure takes lots of hours to restore any appliance. Let alone one that has sat out in a junkyard for twenty years.I love the blue tub.Glad to could clean it to perfection. It is wonderful that you can bring this rare model "back from the dead"
Thanks for the great pix,and detailed decriptions! We will look forward to Part Two of this restoration,the cabinet,trim and console.


Post# 69991 , Reply# 51   6/12/2005 at 09:59 (6,864 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Great pictures Jimmy and what a fun washer that must be. I've never actually seen the later Flex-a-Wash Philco run in person. The colors are wonderful, Philco always had such great designs.

Please keep us posted with the rest of the restoration!


Post# 69997 , Reply# 52   6/12/2005 at 12:29 (6,864 days old) by lbcarguy ()        
The earth moved

Hi Jimmy,

The house shook today and now I know why, that fantastic washing action in your Philco Ford. What a fantastic machine. I have never seen one in action so look forward to seeing yours. All the hard work on the restoration shows, along with your parts hunting so you can get it all back together.

It is easy to say I would love one of these, especially with the Ford logo, but I know how rare they are.

See you in a three weeks.

MK in LBC


Post# 70056 , Reply# 53   6/13/2005 at 08:46 (6,863 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!)        
Pardon the stupid question...

veg-o-matic's profile picture
Oops. My ignorance is showing...

Does the Philco agitator just spin around instead of oscillating?

veg


Post# 70058 , Reply# 54   6/13/2005 at 08:57 (6,863 days old) by JerseyMike ()        
Like they used to say at school. There's no such thing a

Hi Veg,

You asked: "Does the Philco agitator just spin around instead of oscillating?"

It spins and also kind of sort of vibrates. There's a couple of videos of an earlier Philco's wash action in the "See it Wash" section of this site. I'm giving you a link below. Scroll down the page and click on the links under "1959 PHILCO AUTOMAGIC WASHER WITH THE "NEW HIGH-FREQUENCY AGITATION".

Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO JerseyMike's LINK


Post# 70059 , Reply# 55   6/13/2005 at 09:01 (6,863 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
It doesn't spin, it flaps. Early in our history, we called it the "Flapalator".

Post# 70060 , Reply# 56   6/13/2005 at 09:02 (6,863 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
Jimmy,
My farm Philco dryer is collecting dust in storage. If you need it for a parts donor, let me know.


Post# 70066 , Reply# 57   6/13/2005 at 09:51 (6,863 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        
It doesn't spin.

Think of a girl doing a hula dance at 650 hulas per minute.

Post# 70071 , Reply# 58   6/13/2005 at 12:18 (6,863 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!)        

veg-o-matic's profile picture
Well, son of a gun. If that ain't the durndest!

Thanks for the link!

veg


Post# 70078 , Reply# 59   6/13/2005 at 13:58 (6,863 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Jimmy--- thanks for the great pics and restoration storyline! It's a sharp machine, that's for sure. I always forget that the cabinet of most washers is just a cosmetic 'skin'. I find it a little odd to see a machine washing with it's cabinet removed; almost like removing a heart and watching it beat outside its body. I envy you your mechanical abilities. Great job!

Post# 70080 , Reply# 60   6/13/2005 at 14:09 (6,863 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)        

pulsator's profile picture
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color of the tub and agitator!!!!!!

Post# 70090 , Reply# 61   6/13/2005 at 15:22 (6,863 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!)        

veg-o-matic's profile picture
Might we see some closeups of the control panel? ;)

Post# 70215 , Reply# 62   6/14/2005 at 02:06 (6,862 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Wow - the before and after pictures of that wash basket are amazing. I can't wait to see pictures of the machine all done! The control panel is in good shape considering it had been outside for many, many years.

Post# 70245 , Reply# 63   6/14/2005 at 09:25 (6,862 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!)        
Is it just me?

veg-o-matic's profile picture
Or is the term "blades of water" just wrong? To be honest, I don't want my clothes near blades of anything!

And while I'm at it, who was the genius who decided to name the women's clothing store "Dress Barn"? What lives in a barn...?

veg


Post# 70247 , Reply# 64   6/14/2005 at 09:32 (6,862 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        
Dress barn

It's probably for fat women.

Mooo!


Post# 70260 , Reply# 65   6/14/2005 at 11:33 (6,862 days old) by TrainGuy (Key West, FL)        
Great Job Jimmy

trainguy's profile picture
Jimmy,

The restoration looks great. Can't wait to see it in person. BTW, you have room for how many more machines yet??!?

Rich


Post# 70469 , Reply# 66   6/15/2005 at 22:20 (6,861 days old) by Timonator ()        
quality time well spent!!

Another unbelievable restoration!! I love what you do..and your collection is fabulous cant wait to come see the finished product being a "FORD" lover myself...I have to admire the man..who has a FORD washing machine...

Post# 70470 , Reply# 67   6/15/2005 at 22:36 (6,861 days old) by rocky2 (Northwest Indiana)        
Great Job Jimmy

Another piece of autowasher history saved. I have to hand it to you and the rest of the members that take the time to photograph the work in progress and share it with the rest of us. Thank you. Can't wait for Part two!



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