Thread Number: 24673
1970s WCI Kelvinator Washer and Dryer set
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 382041   9/29/2009 at 14:15 (5,294 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
The seller claims 1966, but in '66 Kelvinator was still making orbital washers. This set is from the early 1970's...

Contact: chelstowski@sbcglobal.net
HI, NEW, NEW REALLY NEW.. A KELVINATOR 1966 AUTOMATIC WASHER MODEL#AW1822P 2 SPEED 18 HEAVY DUTY & ELECTRIC DRYER MODEL# DE1820P. BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN USED ....JUST AS THEY WERE IN 1966 WHEN MY FATHER BOUGHT THEM.....THEY HAVE BEEN SITTING FOR ALL THESE YEARS AND NEVER BEEN USED....NOT EVEN HOOKED UP.....UNBELIEVABLE, BUT TRUE....PLEASE RESPOND IF INTERESTED.....THANKS BOBBY, CT.






Post# 382042 , Reply# 1   9/29/2009 at 14:16 (5,294 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture


Post# 382043 , Reply# 2   9/29/2009 at 14:17 (5,294 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture


Post# 382044 , Reply# 3   9/29/2009 at 14:17 (5,294 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
7

Post# 382045 , Reply# 4   9/29/2009 at 14:19 (5,294 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
4

Post# 382048 , Reply# 5   9/29/2009 at 14:45 (5,294 days old) by toploader1984 ()        

why in the world would somebody put mermaid stickers all over them?

Post# 382050 , Reply# 6   9/29/2009 at 14:53 (5,294 days old) by rpm ()        

Just wondering. Why is the lingerie setting well past the wash period? Is this just for rinsing dainties? I would think most lingerie could use some kind of a wash.

Post# 382053 , Reply# 7   9/29/2009 at 15:20 (5,293 days old) by travlincub321 ()        

They where used as a storage cabinet.. Note the brita water filter

Post# 382056 , Reply# 8   9/29/2009 at 15:35 (5,293 days old) by pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)        

pulsator's profile picture
Gotta admit... I'd REALLY like to have this set! That washer looks like a ton of fun! It's been a loooooooong time since I've heard the sounds of a WCI machine!

Post# 382069 , Reply# 9   9/29/2009 at 16:33 (5,293 days old) by rll70sman (Hastings, Minnesota)        
Connecticut?

Robert, where are these located? Connecticut? I'm just verifying if I read your original post correctly. If so, too bad because I'm really wanting a vintage set to replace the new "junk" that's in my utility room.... The automatic temperature control and one motor speed in my washer sucks to say the least....

Post# 382076 , Reply# 10   9/29/2009 at 17:27 (5,293 days old) by douglasdc6 ()        

Reminds me of myself - Some things look to nice to use - So, why not save them for future collectors to enjoy, I know the feeling

Post# 382082 , Reply# 11   9/29/2009 at 18:14 (5,293 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

They are such pretty machines. Didn't they badge them under Gibson as well?
Bobby in Boston


Post# 382083 , Reply# 12   9/29/2009 at 18:17 (5,293 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

polkanut's profile picture
The lingerie setting is part of the "Knits & Delicates" cycle. Just a shorter wash time for m'ladys underthings is all.

Post# 382084 , Reply# 13   9/29/2009 at 18:24 (5,293 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Yup, there were Gibson's that looked similar. Whoever get's them should send in the warranty card.....

Any indication of price?


Post# 382088 , Reply# 14   9/29/2009 at 18:36 (5,293 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

laundromat's profile picture
Had they kept the porcelain tubs and that type agitator,I think that the Frigidaire top loaders would have made a better review.I remember those as well as the old Hamiltons that were similar but had the glass see through doors

Post# 382106 , Reply# 15   9/29/2009 at 20:32 (5,293 days old) by gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

A new pig! How kool! Thats is about the only way a set of these would look so good after all this time.

That would make a great addition for a collection!


Post# 382122 , Reply# 16   9/29/2009 at 21:56 (5,293 days old) by jonvance1990 ()        

Wow, love the winged agitator.

Post# 382136 , Reply# 17   9/29/2009 at 23:26 (5,293 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)        

I hope someone grabs them.

Have a good one,
James


Post# 382137 , Reply# 18   9/29/2009 at 23:27 (5,293 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
And before The Great WCI Shock of 1980 for Frigidaire aficionados, there was one experienced by Kelvinator fans...

I can imagine them going "What the F....?!"

Oh, WCI; you ruined so many classic brand names.


Post# 382168 , Reply# 19   9/30/2009 at 04:10 (5,293 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
How sad.

Ordinary people want brand new, current high-efficiency models that are under warranty and save energy. Most of us collectors look for what is unique and uncommon. WCI did a super job of ruining two great designs and manufacturers. The lack of an oscillating agitator really puts this set to a disadvantage. And that, unfortunately, could lead to their demise. If I had the funds and the space, I would certainly put forth my best effort in trying to save them. I wish the seller the best of luck in finding them a good home.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 382188 , Reply# 20   9/30/2009 at 07:13 (5,293 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Stickers

mrb627's profile picture
A little GOOF-OFF will get those stickers off these beauties lickity-split.

The L cycle is nothing more than a rinse and spin at slow speed. To the right of the timer dial the solid dot indicates the position in the cycle is a CUSTOM SOAK.


Post# 382238 , Reply# 21   9/30/2009 at 12:52 (5,293 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        
Never been hooked up - I wonder if the outer tub rusted anyw

gansky1's profile picture
Cool - never used! This is a fun washer, the agitator isn't as effective as you might imagine for really dirty things, but it does give a good show.

I have a brochure for the Gibson-branded laundry line exactly like this but from the later 70's when they went to the plastic tubs. "You too can be a Gibson Girl!"

The first non-American Motors Kelvinator washers & dryers were sourced from Norge. We saw a couple of them out on the South Dakota Sacred Appliance Burial Grounds.


Post# 382265 , Reply# 22   9/30/2009 at 17:57 (5,292 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()        

Makes one wonder WHY a homeowner would not want to have a W&D. Was there another set in the basement?

Some people are actually under the belief that doing laundry OUT is more economical. It does give one the excuse to get out and see people..........


Post# 382292 , Reply# 23   9/30/2009 at 19:38 (5,292 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
Don't look at me Dolores, all my money's tied up in

bajaespuma's profile picture
I'm sorry, but that dryer looks too much like a GM 1-18 Frigidaire model. But then I have to admit I've seen some WCI Frigidaires with GM parts floating around. What'd they do, phase them out?

But gee, y'all know how much I love blue polypropylene and there's that lovely turquoise blue Pig agitator and I imagine it has the huge deep pig tub that the Grant's machines had...

Hmmm, let's see; I'm in Connecticut and I really want to tie up more of my pesky barely existent cash in old appliances...


Post# 382299 , Reply# 24   9/30/2009 at 20:33 (5,292 days old) by scrubflex (bronx, new york)        

Can you post MORE pictures of the agitator in the washtub?

Post# 382321 , Reply# 25   9/30/2009 at 23:09 (5,292 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Robert, where are these located? Connecticut?

Yes I believe so. These look like fun, a 70's version of the pig but with a perforated 18lb tub. Index away. I hope someone here gets them.


Post# 382323 , Reply# 26   9/30/2009 at 23:25 (5,292 days old) by spinmon (st. charles mo )        
waasshhinnggggg

Up to 18 minute wash! I've never seen over 14 on any the tl's I've used. Sheltered life,I guess...

Post# 382354 , Reply# 27   10/1/2009 at 06:46 (5,292 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

OK guys, educate me. What is a pig?
Bobby in Boston


Post# 382360 , Reply# 28   10/1/2009 at 09:23 (5,292 days old) by rll70sman (Hastings, Minnesota)        
Long wash time

My 2002 Whirlpool Ultimate Care II that bit the dust in March had a maximum of 18 minutes of wash time on the normal cycle. It would fill and "prewash" for three minutes, partially drain, refill, and continue washing. The owners manual recommended one and a half times the usual amount of laundry soap on this setting. My Kenmore 500 series model that replaced the Whirlpool has a maximum normal wash time of 16 minutes.

I always thought it interesting how the old Maytags washed only 10 minutes on the regular cycle, but Kenmore, Whirlpool, and many of the other brands washed 14 or more minutes. The same with rinses. Maytags seemed to have really short deep rinses. Did it have something to do with agitator effectiveness or simply with how each manufacturer designed their timers? Just a thought....


Post# 382366 , Reply# 29   10/1/2009 at 11:09 (5,292 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Hi guys! ...

mickeyd's profile picture
Rob, my 1994 WP does the same thing. Were they still calling it a "Super Wash" in 2002.

Will, the older GE's have 18 minute washes, and I think I've seen it elsewhere, maybe the Frigidaire1-18. Other members will know. My GE is a late 70's model.

Bobby, one of Robert's DVD's feature what I think is called the Franklin Pig, a machine that both uses a ton of water in the rinse, and splashes out a ton in overflow during the wash, requiring more water to be added. Haven't seen the flick, but there have been many discussions. Think it was sold by Wester Auto and my have been a cousin to the Norge.

Will, in the 50's many machines had a standard 10 minute wash. Frigidaires, Maytags, etc. the KM/WP's had 12. Then the wash tines started getting longer. Like you, I think it had to do designer preference. There was some research from CU, on optimal washing time, but my memory is murky there. Of interest is that many coin-ops wash for only 6 minutes. Maybe you should start a thread. Cool stuff will surface from the club's collective knowledge.


Post# 382367 , Reply# 30   10/1/2009 at 11:14 (5,292 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

Thanks Mickeyd! Any more of the "pig" DVDs kicking around?
Bobby in Boston


Post# 382375 , Reply# 31   10/1/2009 at 12:03 (5,292 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Thanks Mickeyd! Any more of the "pig" DVDs kicking around?

Give me a bit of time and I will remaster it and re-release it.


Post# 382422 , Reply# 32   10/1/2009 at 17:49 (5,291 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

Thanks Robert.
Bobby in Boston


Post# 382436 , Reply# 33   10/1/2009 at 18:42 (5,291 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Self Correction

mickeyd's profile picture
Was saying that 10 minute wash times were the norm in the machines of the 50's , citing Frigidaire and Maytag. Then on my bike ride with an brisk autumn air-cooled head, I remembered that the early Whirlpools had 20 minute washes as does Robert's '47 GE. So there goes my 10 minute warrrrsh theory. **chuckle**

In another realm, the automatic timers on the wringers I've had are as follows

Speed Queen 8 !!!!!!! pretty darn brief
Visi-Matic 20 (5 bonus minutes, unmarked between 20 and HOLD)
Norge "Heavy," no minutes listed, just soil levels, but it's 9, 10, or 11--I forget which
Easy Spin 20 (Not automatic, just a chime)
And the Hoover, of course, at 4

So I guess the wash time was whatever they damn well pleased ;'D. Would it be a fun thread to let everyone give the time ranges on their machines. That way we could find a normative range and a mean, medium, and mode for the number lovers among us. Calling Eugene Frigilux.


Post# 382440 , Reply# 34   10/1/2009 at 18:54 (5,291 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Hi Mike, I just looked at a couple of my 50's machines. The 56 Kenmore and 56 Whirlpool have 13 minutes, and the 58 Maytag has 14 minutes.

Post# 382442 , Reply# 35   10/1/2009 at 19:15 (5,291 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Hi Rick, That's wild--never seen that one!

mickeyd's profile picture
13--huh! Is that a bonus minute beyond 12? :-> I'd love to see a dial marked 13. What a sense of humor that dial dude had picking an unlucky number. Thanks, Rick.

Post# 382446 , Reply# 36   10/1/2009 at 19:46 (5,291 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Bobby, I think it's also called The Pig because of the sounds it makes during agitation.

Hi, mickeyd! Nice to see you back here.



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy