Thread Number: 27007
Escaped The Pile with a new lease on life...
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Post# 414906   2/13/2010 at 03:04 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
I have several 'Piles' that produce things for me. I drove by one today and saw that they had set a few things aside for me. Here's the cream of the crop! 1968 Kenmore 900's!




Post# 414907 , Reply# 1   2/13/2010 at 03:06 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
The washer

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
A piano key console! Clean, too! The chrome is in excellent shape as is the main top. The cabinet is in decent shape.

Post# 414908 , Reply# 2   2/13/2010 at 03:08 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
A close up of the console...

Post# 414909 , Reply# 3   2/13/2010 at 03:11 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Say ahhhh!

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She has an external detergent dispenser and a dual bleach/fab softener dispenser that is soleniod controlled. Neat agitator too. I don't remember seeing many of these without the base. It also has the scrubber cap and the detergent cup on top of that...

Post# 414910 , Reply# 4   2/13/2010 at 03:13 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
The lid...

Post# 414911 , Reply# 5   2/13/2010 at 03:15 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
The detergent dispenser is in great shape.

Post# 414912 , Reply# 6   2/13/2010 at 03:17 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
This is the dual dispenser for the bleach and Fab softener. No leaks and it is fully functional.

Post# 414913 , Reply# 7   2/13/2010 at 03:18 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
The detergent cup assy. Again, no leaks and fully functional...

Post# 414914 , Reply# 8   2/13/2010 at 03:25 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

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I just HAD to wet test it. Nice, strong agitation with this style agitator. The dispensers worked right on cue. Here's a little video of the wash and spin... Title is "1968 Kenmore Agitate & Spin" Sorry, MickeyD, the thread won't let me embed it here...





CLICK HERE TO GO TO redcarpetdrew's LINK


Post# 414915 , Reply# 9   2/13/2010 at 03:28 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
The spin is noisy which leads me to believe this needs the spin bearings and seals... She sure does give it the old college try, tho...

Post# 414916 , Reply# 10   2/13/2010 at 03:30 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
The dryer...

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
Also is in great shape. Electronically controlled and is cool in it's simplicity...

Post# 414917 , Reply# 11   2/13/2010 at 03:31 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
Close up of the console. This looks almost showroom new...

Post# 414919 , Reply# 12   2/13/2010 at 03:35 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
We will need a new lint filter and it still has smell good in the little bottle. I used to take these bottles and leave them open in co-workers trucks on hot, Summer days to see how long it'd take them to find them... LOL!

Post# 414921 , Reply# 13   2/13/2010 at 03:38 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
The money shot

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
Big hamper door and there's the electronic sensor on the back wall. It tumbles well but will need either a support roller or idler pulley in the near future. The sensor is right on the money as the towels came out perfectly dry.

Post# 414922 , Reply# 14   2/13/2010 at 03:43 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
These are nice machines. Too bad the fluorescent bulbs in the consoles need replacing otherwise these would make a great picture in the dark. I didn't take long finding them a loving adoptive home. As I understand it, they will be totally overhauled and put into place as daily drivers. The new owner, who's DNA chain spells out 'Kenmore', has promised us pictures of them in place and running hopefully with lights... He's welcome to post and crow if he wishes... LOL!

RCD


Post# 414928 , Reply# 15   2/13/2010 at 04:33 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
They are BEAUTIFUL Andy! You are one graciously wonderful guy to find all this nice beauties, make videos, then make some of the treasures available to club members! Hat's off to you!!

I guess you gotta wonder who that guy is whose DNA chain spells out 'Kenmore'...oh wait...hmmm.

These gems should make a good replacement for the 1966 Lady K that was stolen, presumably for scrap (sad), from my storage last fall.

You're awesome Andy!

Gordon


Post# 414934 , Reply# 16   2/13/2010 at 05:19 (5,157 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Beautiful avocado set, not to be negative, id like it better with a rotoswirl. I know many have posted the "rotoflex" works well, i am just a wannbe rotoswirl guy. alr2903

Post# 414936 , Reply# 17   2/13/2010 at 06:10 (5,157 days old) by chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)        
The 1968 Kenmore Model 900's

Andy:

I am with "KenmoreGuy64" on this one..... That is ONE beautiful looking set.

If these are 1968 Model 900's, I'm willing to bet that they were probably 1966-67 Lady Kenmores previously, judging by the feature set this set has.

I have never seen a #2 Kenmore with a Roto-Flex Agitator before. Before now, I only saw this agitator in the 1965-67 Lady Kenmores. How interesting???

To touch on "alr2903" comments concerning experimentation, if you are in the experimenting mood and want to change agitators, why not see if a Vari-Flex would fit in there. Now, I have seen a Model 900 with a Vari-Flex before (two occasions..... in a 1966 Model 900 and in a 1970 Model 900), so maybe you might want one in yours as well.

One thing though..... is the video complete???? I ask this because I tried to look at the video twice, and both times, I had trouble loading the video when it gets to the 35 second mark. The time would advance, but there is no video footage that goes along with the time advancement.

But again...... great finds...... once the Washer rebuild is complete, you'll enjoy these.

Hopefully, you'll be keeping these for yourself this time around....

--Charles--


Post# 414949 , Reply# 18   2/13/2010 at 07:53 (5,157 days old) by jamman_98 (Columbia, SC)        
WOW

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My Mom and Dad got that exact machine in Colorado in 1968. We had a time with Sears back then. When they delivered the machine, the put the box in the driveway and left. My Dad was pissed. They came back, put it in the laundry room and did not hook it up. Third time they did it right. It lasted 17 years without a repair. I'd love to have one again.

Joe
jamman_98


Post# 414959 , Reply# 19   2/13/2010 at 09:02 (5,157 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

laundromat's profile picture
The agitator in this washer was probably my second favorite of all oscilating types made.My first was the Vari-Flex which was adjustible.The drive belt on these was thinner than the norm and realy quieted them down.Three speed agitation 2 speed spin but slower than any other brand not including Whirlpool.Great find!!!

Post# 414964 , Reply# 20   2/13/2010 at 09:30 (5,157 days old) by rollermatic (cincinnati)        
love the pics!

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beautiful set, love the agitator, never seen that style on a kenmore before. and in avacado!

Post# 414969 , Reply# 21   2/13/2010 at 09:40 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

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Hmmmm... There does indeed appeR to be a glitch in the video, strange. I will fix and repost a new link...

RCD


Post# 414994 , Reply# 22   2/13/2010 at 10:44 (5,157 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Oh my gosh

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Those are just beautiful in every way! I still feel that avocado on an appliance is just so regal and captivating. You could put those right in my dining room and it'd look great! Whoever is getting these is going to love them. Aside from the Lady Kenmore model, this has to be the most versatile washer of the Kenmore line-up. Don't let those buttons full you. It is very flexible in letting you choose your cycles and how you want them to work for you, not to mention completely automatic. As much as I like watching my Kenmore work it's also the one machine I'm completely comfortable with leaving alone while I do other things. The dispensers are excellent. You can go through an entire soak, prewask, wash, and two rinses with all additives done automatically! TOO COOL!!!

Jon


Post# 414998 , Reply# 23   2/13/2010 at 11:00 (5,157 days old) by circlew (NE Cincinnati OH area)        

Those 900's are super nice! My friend Glenna D. had a very similar set in Coppertone, that was marked Lady Kenmore. She and her husband received them as a wedding gift in either '66 or '67.

Post# 415000 , Reply# 24   2/13/2010 at 11:01 (5,157 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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Beautiful set, glad they went to a good home!

Post# 415007 , Reply# 25   2/13/2010 at 11:19 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Whoever is getting these is going to love them.

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
It didn't take Gordon long to latch onto these... LOL! If anybody can restore these and make them daily drivers, it'll be him.

The video I shot turned out to be corrupted. I reformatted the memory card and will shoot new video tonight and repost a new link. Sorry...

RCD


Post# 415008 , Reply# 26   2/13/2010 at 11:21 (5,157 days old) by rickr (.)        

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Good save! They look to be in very good original condition. Someone must have really taken care of these.

Post# 415010 , Reply# 27   2/13/2010 at 11:49 (5,157 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Another Miracle on the Aworg

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This is all great stuff to start the day off with, Andy and friends. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you, Andy for all you do.

Oh Charles, that Roto-flex!--a few people here would give their eye-teeth for one of those, although one expects to see a Vari-flex in the Ladies. Maybe Gordon will explain the oddity.

And if you still haven't had enough button play after the program Jon sets forth, you can hit yet another key for Custom Care and get the gentlest Ocean Ripple agitation on the three speed Ladies.

The Karma today is arcing toward the COSMIC. You can feel it--right down to your DNA chains ;->


Post# 415013 , Reply# 28   2/13/2010 at 12:00 (5,157 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Qustions about these...

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So as I look more closely at the controls on these I have some questions.

I noticed that this model washer differs in a couple of different ways from my 1970 version. I see there's no enzyme soak cycle. I guess this was just prior to the enzyme soak craze. This one must also be a suds-savor model. Is that notch just before the pre-wash on the timer for suds? Also one of the buttons (button next to the 2nd rinse) says "Heavy Duty". What does that button do? This machine is also 3-speeds! I always thought only the lady kenmores had the 3rd speed. Apparently at some point #2 also had it.

On the dryer, is the switch (similar to the water level control of the washer) on the far left the cycle signal? The dryer is so simple control-wise, is it only a single temperature? Does every drying cycle have permanent press care?

Would love to see what you guys know about these because they are quite interesting machines.

Jon


Post# 415020 , Reply# 29   2/13/2010 at 12:14 (5,157 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Heavy Duty

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I think Heavy Duty option forces normal wash speed instead of slow. I don't think this is a suds saver model because I can't locate the option to turn it off and on on the control panel.

Malcolm


Post# 415029 , Reply# 30   2/13/2010 at 12:50 (5,157 days old) by jaytag (Atlanta)        
Beautiful Set

Andy, those are great....today, I am starting the Neptune project. Wee Hoo.

Post# 415032 , Reply# 31   2/13/2010 at 12:59 (5,157 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        
Those are so pretty

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I might have to run down to Charlotte and meet Gordon and see those pretties.

Post# 415035 , Reply# 32   2/13/2010 at 13:08 (5,157 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Such variety in the LK's, never ending

mickeyd's profile picture
Guessing that Malcolm is right: the Heavy Duty button does the exact opposite of what the Custom Care does, but I had not seen that option before.

However, you do not need a separate switch for a suds-return; in fact, most Kenmores and Whirlpools simply used the main dial setting-- nothing else--to return the suds and then automatically proceeded to the wash cycle, and like Jon, I think I read SUDS, but can't see it clearly.


Post# 415037 , Reply# 33   2/13/2010 at 13:15 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

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Jon and Charles et al -

When you got your 1970 machine Jon, it prompted some debate about the lineup of the time. As a result, I did a lot of research on the various 900-series models of the mid to late 60s, and learned some interesting stuff.

Per an e-mail from Andy, this machine's model number is 110.6604911. There is an S in the model number plate that threw me, but if this machine was a suds model as some including me first surmised, it would have model 110.6605911. The '5' stands for suds model automatics, '4' just automatics, and '3' for semi-automatics where the user defines water temps at the tap...(getting off topic tho).

Oddly, the "real" 66 Lady's model number is 110.6604900 to 110.6604904 or 110.6605900, etc. I believe (just minor engineering revisions). I do not remember what was different about the '910 series but for some reason it didn't qualify as a Lady. There was a 920 and a 930 series also, which is really odd, the '930 being only a 2-speed machine and had a Super Roto-Swirl as it's agitator.

Sears was either price-marketing these separately from the Lady, or possibly there was a shortage of something that distinguished the Lady and warranted a new model number. I simply don't know, but I was surprised to see the '920 and '930, so seemingly identical looking on the parts diagram, but with a Roto-Swirl, etc.

This washer was made in 1968, so perhaps by then even though it was a '66 model, the revised '68 Lady was available so the '66 family tree had to soldier on as 900s without the Lady designation. I think by 1970 the de-throned 900s went on to become 800s as the fancier models came into the Lady lineup (they would have an 8 in the model number where these have a 9).

I don't remember what my '66 Lady had as far as a soak cycle. It was one of the 21 stolen from me so now I can't check and compare. This could easily be something that distinguished one model from another in those years.

Gordon


Post# 415040 , Reply# 34   2/13/2010 at 13:21 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

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Joe -

Yes we need to do that. We need to have a regional wash-in, though with me being such a brand "loyalist" I think we'd have a lot of people here yawning, LOL.

The oldest Kenmore I have is a 1961, newest belt-drive is a late 1986 with a whole lot in between. You are welcome to see them anytime!

As to the suds dial - sometimes on a non-suds machine, the suds portion of the timer is dead, other times there is a totally different timer, yet in others it's there and functions, but there is no 2-way valve to direct water flow, etc. In this case there may have been a common dial, OR it is a replacement.

Gordon


Post# 415041 , Reply# 35   2/13/2010 at 13:29 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
To my friend Andy:

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
You are such a genuine guy. What a treasure! Thanks again for thinking of me on these.

In 1991 or 1992, I saved a 1966 Lady from the compactor at the Sears regional distribution center (they had been putting all their haul-aways into a compactor before they met me!!!!!). I was reeling from the weekend prior when my washer mentor made me throw a nice 1972 Kenmore 70 into the scrap bin at the landfill. The bin was empty and the machine took a 10-foot fall! I don't know who was more crushed, me or the machine. So, the next weekend, I spy this white '66 Lady. I told Al I'm taking it and you are not going to make me dump it, LOL. He just chuckled.

Anyway, it was a nice machine, but gross in some ways. It had been in a smoker's home and was covered with tar and nicotine yellow scum. It smelled like an ashtray. I didn't want to scrap it, but didn't want to touch it either. So, I put it away, then it got co-mingled into the storage machines, and I didn't touch it or have any interest in it until last summer when I was surprised at what the heat of storage had done to the scum - it was all crystallized and dried up, easily cleaned off. I put the machine back into the trailer, all excited, only to have it stolen weeks later.

This is a great replacement, in fact, a better one.

Thanks man!

Gordon


Post# 415044 , Reply# 36   2/13/2010 at 13:34 (5,157 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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Those are sweet - very good condition it would seem. Price was sure right!

It must be Kenmore week, I stopped at an estate sale today and saw a matched pair of Kenmores with the sliding control covers from around the same time in coppertone. Nice shape, washer sounds like a bearing job is in order but otherwise pretty good. I don't need them but always liked that "we're hiding something" panel style.


Post# 415045 , Reply# 37   2/13/2010 at 13:36 (5,157 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Common Dial????

mickeyd's profile picture
Know about the dead space and the blank space, etc., but I can't imagine Sears selling a washer with "SUDS" clearly marked on a washer that did not return the suds.

Sinking in my own suds, are you pulling my leg? LOL

Your friend,

Mike


Post# 415047 , Reply# 38   2/13/2010 at 13:40 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

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Greg -

Is this what you mean with the concealable console? It's a 1967 model I am pretty sure. Mine needs a bearing job so badly you can hear the spintube rattle in the center post when you move the machine.

Gordon


Post# 415048 , Reply# 39   2/13/2010 at 13:41 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
another view

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This machine was a trade-in

Post# 415053 , Reply# 40   2/13/2010 at 13:48 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Mike -

I am almost certain I've seen "suds" on the dial or escutcheon of several non-suds machines in the past, though I can't point you to one specific one and I don't know if the parts were original. I guess you're right that Sears would not market them that way from new, but things get dicey with parts as replacements become scarce. In many many cases, parts are substituted for others to streamline stocks or keep something available.

I'll have to consult the parts site for models 110.6604911 and 6605911 and see if there are different dial part numbers....

G


Post# 415058 , Reply# 41   2/13/2010 at 13:59 (5,157 days old) by fridgiman ()        

What a beautiful find !!!
As for the Heavy duty button. Normally half way through the wash period the agitation switches from normal agitation to the medium speed agitation. It will agitate for a while on medium speed.
At approx the last 2 minutes it will switch back to normal agitation.
If you press the Heavy duty button it will stay on normal agitation for the complete wash part of the cycle and not switch over to medium speed.
At least that's how my '66 Lady K works.


Post# 415064 , Reply# 42   2/13/2010 at 14:22 (5,157 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
That's the one - yours looks better in white!

Post# 415073 , Reply# 43   2/13/2010 at 15:19 (5,157 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
One more thing...

jons1077's profile picture
Actually two more things...

I just realized who's getting these and I must say Gordon you are so very deserving of these. I can't think of better hands for these to be in and congrats on such a great addition. Cheers to new finds!

The second was for Andy. What an incredible guy you are for doing this for someone else in this club. This is the reason I joined this group and it really makes me proud that people do things like this for each other. I've certainly never forgotten the things that people like Patrick (Pdub), MikeyD, and several others have unselfishly done for me. It's just amazing and I hope it always continues. I certainly will do my very best for someone if they ever find they need my help in getting something.

Group HUGS!!!

Jon


Post# 415086 , Reply# 44   2/13/2010 at 15:43 (5,157 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)        

aldspinboy's profile picture
Hey Andy that's an incredible looking pair very nice !
I believe Fred got this washer several weeks ago for Robert and can't wait to see how it is turning out for them.
Roto -flex agitator Gordon i believe you said that this agitator was scary or weird to you why ?
I use to go in this garage after school and they had a kenmore in there and i use to watch it wash in the 70's it had a roto-flex in the machine i thought it was so cool with no base and the way it spreads the clothes while rolling them over.
I like them never seen any other like it.
I will be getting this one out of the machine that is trapped in a basement and pretty happy to get it hopefully everything well work out.
Gordon congratulations on the kenmore pair !
Andy thanks for bringing nice machines to people here.
Here is the agitator Roto-Flex.


Post# 415091 , Reply# 45   2/13/2010 at 15:47 (5,157 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Hi Jon -

I love group HUGS....

Thanks for the VERY kind words, which I very much appreciate.

I wanted to answer something on the dryer for you. I have not had a lot of experience with these, but you set the dial at a dryness level you want, select air or heat, and let the machine do it's thing. It's all run by moisture sensors and the dryer doesn't have a true powered timer. The timer dial doesn't move and you never have to re-set it.

The dryer has Soft Heat, which has on and off been a big marketing item for Sears, where heat is on full or high initially when clothes are wet, and as they dry, the heat shifts lower to prevent shrinkage and over-drying. This is their answer to Perm Press for these models. The '63 and '64 Lady K machines had thermostatically controlled automatic cycles, and if I am not mistaken, the '65 was the first with moisture sensing strips in the drum and the "set it and forget it" timer that never needs to be reset unless you change the dryness level you want.

As to the Soft Heat - that has been available in various models - thermostatic Fabric Masters, the Electronic Sensor timered dryers, and the fully integrated non-timer models. In the year I bought mine, Soft Heat was $10 more for the same dryer with vs. without it.

Gordon


Post# 415101 , Reply# 46   2/13/2010 at 16:19 (5,157 days old) by appnut (TX)        
A ocuple of things

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Enzyme soak may have debuted first on the LK, but our 1970/1971 800 had the Enzyme Soak. Also, ours wasn't a suds return model, but there were a couple of notches on the timer between the end of the Knits/Delicate cycle and the beginning of the Enzyme Soak cycle where the machine would agitate on gentle. That was also the case for our 1964 Norge15 (between the end of the wash and beginning of the soak cycle). The heavy duty button essentially "killed" the shift from normal to slow agitation at the 4 or 6 minute mark on the Perm Press & Normal cycles. There's been discussion here before regarding this RotoFlex (aka Spank your clothes clean) agitator. they could be somewhat rough on items. So the shift to gentle was a compromise. Whirlpool still had this auto shift in their machines but Kenmores had pretty much done away with this feature by 1964 or 1965. Friends had a 1965 or 1966 800 model (like the Turq. ones Rickr has) and it didn't do that "shift" on W'n'W/Perm Press. And this 900 above did that shift on both Perm Presss & Normal cycles.

Post# 415102 , Reply# 47   2/13/2010 at 16:19 (5,157 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Oh and Andy, thanks for your thoughfulness and eye in saving this beautiful pair. I'm thrilled Gordon is getting these!!!

Post# 415111 , Reply# 48   2/13/2010 at 16:33 (5,157 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)        

aldspinboy's profile picture
Gordon my neighbor had these in this color in the 70's, and it had a Roto- Swirl in it and then they had a repair guy and he put in a white surgilator in the machine, i was devastated lol.
Her kids laughed at me when i watched it, but there mother loved me Mrs. lewis bless her.
There was a commercial with old lady's in it i swore i saw this pair in the ad.




Darren k.


Post# 415115 , Reply# 49   2/13/2010 at 16:39 (5,157 days old) by bendix5 (Central Point, Oregon)        

bendix5's profile picture
Andrew, This isa beautiful set. It still has the measuring cup on the agitatio. Surprising. Back then Kenmores had that nice whoo hoo sound. We had some friends who had that same washer in their kitchen and we would sit around the kitchen table playing cards and I would listen to the machine. I can't wait to see the video. Dano

Post# 415128 , Reply# 50   2/13/2010 at 17:06 (5,157 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm)        
Andrew You're a Veritable Collectibles Magnet!

Beautiful Kenmores!

Post# 415148 , Reply# 51   2/13/2010 at 18:33 (5,157 days old) by stainfighter (Columbia, SC)        
.thrilled Gordon is getting these!....

stainfighter's profile picture
Ditto! Would love to visit to be a part of the 'Carolinas' wash-in

Post# 415173 , Reply# 52   2/13/2010 at 20:25 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Spare time + idle hands + noisy dryer = not good for Gordon

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
While the new video processes, I'm noticing that the dryer really is kinda noisy. It absolutely rubs me the wrong way to hear something mechanical cry out in pain when I can do something about it... Sssoooo... Guess what I did?

Scrungy...


Post# 415175 , Reply# 53   2/13/2010 at 20:26 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Might as well fix it now as the trip charge and call to NC i

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
I wonder what could be wrong with this roller?!?

Post# 415179 , Reply# 54   2/13/2010 at 20:30 (5,157 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
All better!

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
After a clean out and new rollers, idler and belt, I'm thinking this is starting to sound pretty good...

Dang it, Gordon! You'd better get these kids out of my reach and FAST before I fix them enough that I'm starting to like them a little more than I should! I'm thinking something along the lines of 'coveting thy friend's washer and dryer'... LOL!!!

RCD


Post# 415199 , Reply# 55   2/13/2010 at 22:50 (5,157 days old) by chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)        
@ Jons1077

(Your Quote): "I noticed that this model washer differs in a couple of different ways from my 1970 version. I see there's no enzyme soak cycle. I guess this was just prior to the enzyme soak craze. This one must also be a suds-savor model. Is that notch just before the pre-wash on the timer for suds? Also one of the buttons (button next to the 2nd rinse) says "Heavy Duty". What does that button do? This machine is also 3-speeds! I always thought only the lady kenmores had the 3rd speed. Apparently at some point #2 also had it."

(My Observation): After you had made mention about the third speed on this machine, I had to scroll back up and look at that lid again, and sure enough, this is 3-Speed Washer alright. I am like you, I thought that the 3-Speed Motors that were being produced at that time were reserved only for the Lady Kenmores??? Being that this is a 3-Speed Washer also, but not a Lady Kenmore proves to be interesting. That's a mystery to me as well. A #2 "Piano-Key" Kenmore???? With a 3-Speed Motor??? That's a first one to me as well. Basically then, these are Lady Kenmores without the "Lady" designation on the nameplate.

I'm kind of thinking that these had to be 1966-67 Lady Kenmores during the era in which they were out. And then when the newer, taller console Lady Kenmores came out in 1968, they went with the Vari-Flex Agitator in THAT model, but not in this model, which is also strange, considering that I have found Vari-Flex Agitators inside of #2 Kenmores on two occasions. And then they just removed the Lady Kenmore Badge from these models and just demoted these to Model 900's, but left everything else intact.

I am wondering after the 1968's came out, did they reduce the price on these machines as well??? Gordon..... you want to help me out on this one???

--Charles--


Post# 415204 , Reply# 56   2/13/2010 at 23:16 (5,157 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Jon, I think the only differences between these and the LK that was out was: The LK had the Vari-Flex. also the heavy Duty button replaces the Cold Rinse button on the LKs most likely. And it wouldn't surprise me that the LK that was out along with these did have the 30 minute enzyme soak cycle. simply because the LK was always the first model in the Kenmore line to get the latest feature. The W'n'W cycle; timed dispensers; 3-rd agitation speed; their knit cycle was a 10 minute affair with a 2 minute soak between the 10 and 6 minute marks; electronic moisture sensing; wrinkle guard; "alphabet washing" dual action agitators; I'm sure I'm forgetting a couple of those "leading line" features that debuted over the years. Except for the 10 minute knit wash, all these other features made their way down to lower-end models over the years. I blew up the control panel view first thing and when I saw the custom care button, I thought, wait a minute, these can't be 3-speed, but when I saw the lid, I knew. Was a big shock to me.

Post# 415245 , Reply# 57   2/14/2010 at 02:26 (5,156 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Video has been reshot and uploaded!

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The first go ended up getting corrupted. I reformatted the memory card and reshot the video. I think I nailed it this time. Thanks for bearing with me...

MickeyD, the title is "1968 Kenmore 900 Series Agitate & Spin"

It must be something with the work Robert is doing but I can't embed the video...

RCD


CLICK HERE TO GO TO redcarpetdrew's LINK


Post# 415249 , Reply# 58   2/14/2010 at 03:10 (5,156 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

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Andy -

Thanks for the video!!! Perhaps I should not have, but I half expected to hear that this machine has a quiet-pak skinny belt, which it clearly doesn't. PartsDirect is down for nightly maintenance so I can't check the '66 and '68 LKs to see if they have the skiny belt, but this may be one of the differences between the Lady and the 900?

I wish I was more familiar with the '66 that I had. I could help you guys (Jon and Charles) better in figuring this machine out. I did notice earlier today that the '66 Lady and this '66 900 do have some subtle differences in timers - in fact they have entirely different generations of them. The Lady's timer is of the expected mid 60's standard frame, five digit part number sequence (87xxx), and the 900's is in the six digit 36xxxx, possibly quick disconnect, but clearly very different timers.

As to the pricing on these Charles, it's tough to say. I have only one catalog that features the '66 Ladies, and none that have the 900s. This machine should have been marginally cheaper due to the designation, and surely so by 1968 when the fancier LK came out.

I may be thinking too much here, but generally speaking, as models advance in the Kenmore hierarchy, their model numbers increase with them. The original Lady K for 1966 models is 110.6604900, as I've mentioned. Oddly, and I've only seen this a few times, three models exceed the Lady in model numbering that year, the 910, 920, and 930. The 930 is a 2-speed Roto-Swirl machine, which clearly is a rung or two down from the Lady in features - lacking two of Kenmore's prized sales features of the time - a 3-speed motor AND the Roto-Flex agitator. This machine here is a 910 (I don't remember the particulars of the 920 as it was last year that I researched it).

BUT, my point is that these three follow-on models must have been introduced AFTER the 1966 line was originally planned, or the Lady would have had the top model number. The reasons behind how this happened I'd love to know but I can't imagine that the tiny differences between the Lady and the 910 machine warrant a sales slot on the floor. I can see this machine very much as the step-down machine from the '68 Lady, but if it was introduced in 1967 or 1968, why use a '66 model number?

I wish parts direct was online, I could check a few theories, but these three follow-on 900s must have been created out of necessity for reasons that the Lady could not offer. The parts lists are usually dated - I'll check that in the morning.

As to the video, THANKS Andy, it's pretty cool. There is some definite bearing noise there just like you said, but I have to say, I LOVE fixing stuff like that where you get obvious results for your work!!

Gordon


Post# 415329 , Reply# 59   2/14/2010 at 11:16 (5,156 days old) by rll70sman (Hastings, Minnesota)        

Gordon, in response to your comment I can say I certainly wouldn't be yawning. Having grown up around mostly Kenmore and Whirlpool washers of friends and family, I have a special passion for them. I love their features and styling, the unique way they fill and neutral drain, and the cool sounds they make. It would be a quite an honor to see some vintage Kenmores in action.


Post# 415339 , Reply# 60   2/14/2010 at 12:08 (5,156 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Same here...

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you won't find me bored anywhere near a washer. Quite frankly with you around I'd probably have a pad and pencil and hope for a quiz at the end of the day. You are just chalk full of knowledge and I'm so envious of that!

Post# 415358 , Reply# 61   2/14/2010 at 12:55 (5,156 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Really speechless over the video, zoned right out, but what

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I LOVE it. Just finished the third viewing. You're so funny in the way you underloaded a machine with an agitator that's just begging for more. Sometimes the clothes look as if they're being sucked into a Black Hole or a Vortex in space. And around the fifth minute, the waves really become pronounced. The only time I've seen waves like that were in a torqued up 4 paddle Norge. At another point the towels fly around like a ghost, then the Headless Horseman, before being quickly sucked down to the netherworld.

For YEARS, I have wanted to examine the Rotoflex, for me the most interesting and most desired agitator alive, and your film is a true study of it. Thank you so very very much.

I sure do "covet thy neighbor's washer." That was pretty funny, Andy.


Post# 415371 , Reply# 62   2/14/2010 at 13:52 (5,156 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

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Rob and Jon -

THANKS for the kind words. We should all do that sometime then. This year I hope to add a bunch of cabinets to the walls in my garage, which will free-up floor space and de-clutter things a bit. At the same time, I want to install a laundry sink both so I don't have to wash my greasy hands in the kitchen when I've been working on a washer, but also so I can use a couple suds model Kenmores I now have, including a 1963 Lady and that gorgeous Avocado green machine that Robert gave me.

Darren -

I do think that the Roto-Flex is kinda strange. My reaction to it was sealed by dissappointment years ago though, so let me explain. In the fall of 1990 when I began working on washers, my mentor, who I met when buying a used Kenmore dryer for my sister (which I still have), was willing to send surplus machines my way for repair/rebuilding. Most of what we were selling those days were the black panel machines of 1976 to 1986. They sold themselves and nobody kept them around long. I always was telling him "I want one of those early 60's machines with the pastel colored cycles". One day he calls me and says he's on his way with a Lady Kenmore he'd been servicing for years and it might just be what I wanted. Visions of a 62 800 or 63 Lady were dancing in my head for sure. What arrived was a '65 Lady, which I had never seen before. It was nice, but Al had this funny look on his face as he waited to see my reaction to the Roto-Flex inside. Never having seen one, I was shocked. The machine was NOT what I had in mind, but nevertheless it was cool. I just wanted it to have a black Roto-Swirl. That machine turned out to need bearings so badly that it would hardly spin. I'd play with it a bit, but never really did anything with it. I was going to fix it for a club member here only to have it stolen this past fall, probably for scrap.

I still like the Roto-Swirl, but the entry level Straight-Vane agitator does one heck of a job!

Gordon


Post# 415392 , Reply# 63   2/14/2010 at 14:50 (5,156 days old) by jaytag (Atlanta)        
great video

Andy, what is the rpm on that spin?

Post# 415448 , Reply# 64   2/14/2010 at 17:15 (5,156 days old) by laundryshark (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)        
Another Kenmore Demo Added to My Collection

I can see where the spin was starting to rattle a bit there. Probably due to a stabilizer issue. Otherwise, the machine sounded as close to my mother's old Kenmore unit as I can remember. Hers did not have the filter or if it did, was probably removed. Also, Mom's machine would, on the regular cycle, run three washes with two spray rinses in between. Each spin had four sprays. The final spin was a dry one. Thanks for sharing this demo.--Laundry Shark

Post# 415455 , Reply# 65   2/14/2010 at 18:15 (5,156 days old) by appnut (TX)        
WhirlMore spin rpms

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Jay they're a RapidDry 515 or 525 rpm spin. Unimatics are quaking in their boots lol.

Post# 415466 , Reply# 66   2/14/2010 at 19:07 (5,156 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
ROTO FLEX AGITATOR

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I put a roto flex agitator in my 1964 LKM washer and used it for years. It is a rare agitator but my all time favorite for a standard cap BD WP_KM washer it turns over big loads much better than the roto swirl does.

Post# 415482 , Reply# 67   2/14/2010 at 20:46 (5,156 days old) by a440 ()        

What a fantastic find!
To think they were to be turned into a non stoppable Toyota or something else.
I love those dryers. I have used a few. Gas models. I think they are fantastic!
Brent


Post# 415496 , Reply# 68   2/14/2010 at 21:04 (5,156 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Andy, I couldn't get the pic up before

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of the torqued 4 paddle Norge. Here it is. I'll have to settle for these waves until I find a rotoflex. The torquing donor is a fast stroke SQ Conventional. Notice how the wave moves from East to West just like your Rotoflex. Thanks again for your illuminating and very satisfying vid. And Happy Valentine's Day to you and the Missus.

Post# 415529 , Reply# 69   2/14/2010 at 22:10 (5,156 days old) by sears9000 (Pensacola, Florida.)        
In 1968, the Rotoflex was seen in the 800 model.

My parents bought a Kenmore washer in 1968, it was the 800 model alphabet series in alvacado. It had the Rotoflex agitator with the scrubber, and detergent cap that went over it. Also, it had a third speed as well. However, the third speed was not automatic, because next to the timer dial, it had a smaller dial to the right that had three positions on it, and it had two bands around it. The outer band showed your agitation speed, while the inner band showed your spin speed. The middle position was AUTO. The letters assigned either normal or slow. To the right, was SLO-AGITATION, and SLO-SPEED no matter what letter you selected. Now,to the left side, had XSLO-AGITATION, but SLO-SPIN. Only the agitator had three speeds. Also, no matter what position the switch was in, during the cooldown part on Permanent Press, the agitator would always operate on slow.
The Rotoflex was ok, but it had one drawback to it. Some times it was known to pop a button off a shirt. When this would happen, it would scuff a little bit of the bottom of the basket. To solve this, I just use the highest setting on the water level, then later I replaced it with a Rotoswirl which is my favorite agitator.
These machines are gorgeous, I hope they will last a long time, which of course they will. Have a nice day, and thank you for the video. It brought back some memories.


Post# 415536 , Reply# 70   2/14/2010 at 22:35 (5,156 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        
Three Speed Kenmores

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One of my aunts had what I suppose would be a Kenmore 800, although I don't recall if it was labeled as such, with alphabet timer, faux-pushbutton labeling on the console (A thru H) and separate 3-speed switch as you describe. Agitator was a gold Roto-Swirl. Fluorescent console, timed bleach/softener, no detergent dispenser. They lived in another town a couple hrs away, we visited maybe two to three times per year. This was in the late 1960s to early 70s. They moved back to our hometown in the mid 1970s. She ran the Kenmore until the early 1990s, replaced it with a DD Whirly.

One of my grandmother's neighbors had a similar machine, with Vari-Flex. I honestly can't remember if it was 3-speed or 2-speed, but I'm leaning toward 2-speed.


Post# 415541 , Reply# 71   2/14/2010 at 22:44 (5,156 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)        

WOW! What an awesome set of LKs you've got there Andy, and you are great to have thought of Gordon for this set. I loved the video by the way. Along with Gordon, I also thought these would have the QuietPak belt, which would minimize the level of noise, and eliminate the woo woo sound. I'm glad it did not, as those are always my favorite to hear. Although you washed a minimal load for the high load size, I was pleasantly surprised by the action of the Roto Flex. Turnover was good and there was a little splash at times. Thank you for posting it.

Gordon: Congratulations on these aquisitions to be. You've had some nice ones come your way, and I believe there will be many more.

Have a good one,
James


Post# 415628 , Reply# 72   2/15/2010 at 03:07 (5,155 days old) by chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)        
@ 70series....

James:

Actually, these are Model 900's that Andy has. But with all the features these machines have, you'd think that these are in fact Lady Kenmores. But in this case, they aren't.

But now, you'd take this 1968 Model 900 set, and compare it to a 1966-67 Lady Kenmore set, and both of these sets will be EXACTLY alike.

And being that this is a 3-Speed Washer, all Andy has to do is change the drive belt on the Washer and replace that "Roto-Flex" Agitator with a "Vari-Flex". And being that this a #2 Kenmore Set?? Andy would have something EXTREMELY special (and rare) then.

I have never seen a #2 "Keyboard Kenmore" with a 3-Speed Motor on it before (and THIS is the FIRST TIME I've seen such a beast). Steve 1-18 and Jons1077 have similar Washers in their collections, but both of those machines have Two-Speed Motors on them (unless I was mistaken, like I was with Andy's machine).

--Charles--


Post# 415938 , Reply# 73   2/15/2010 at 23:37 (5,155 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)        

Charles:

Yes Andy would have something really special there if he changed the belt and agitator. Rare is fun to find and good to have, and this pair does fit that bill already in several ways. I guess that Roto Flex agitator keeps me thinking of these as LKs when they are indeed the 900 set.

I am surprised by the 3 speed motor on this too; as I thought the 1966/1967 Lady's were the only ones of this styling that had them. Wonders will never cease when it comes to Kenmores.

Have a good one,
James


Post# 416011 , Reply# 74   2/16/2010 at 11:00 (5,154 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
FYI Charles and James

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To retro-fit the quiet belt on this machine is a fairly significant job. Each of the four pulleys needs to be changed. The pulley on the motor, the pump, and the transmission are simple bolt-ons, but one has to source the pulleys to do that. I needed a narrow-belt pulley for my 1975 Kenmore 70's transmission, and it cost $39 from Sears for the one pulley. Unless one has a used parts depot (I do but no skinny pulleys) or access to one, these parts are expensive.

The fourth pulley is another matter. It's the basket drive pulley, and requires replacement of the entire basket drive OR teardown of the original and a swap of the pulley on the spin tube. Either of those can be done, but a total tear-down is required to do it.

Gordon


Post# 416051 , Reply# 75   2/16/2010 at 14:42 (5,154 days old) by harvestgold (Deland, Florida )        
Kenmore set

I am all out of breathe looking at those beauties WOW they are awesome good for you saving them

Post# 416790 , Reply# 76   2/19/2010 at 11:16 (5,151 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Absolutely SWEET!!!

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Well Andy, you know what I think about them! If Gordon hadn't claimed them so quickly, I would be ringing your phone over and over again until gave in and yelled "OK… OK… THEY ARE YOURS, LEAVE ME ALONE!!" LOL

But dam those are really purdy, awesome, beautiful, etc! I cannot wait to see them all lit up! (Gordon, you have better get on that FAST!) LOL




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