Thread Number: 69744  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Moving Stuff Around and Downsizing a Bit
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Post# 926686   3/13/2017 at 22:53 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Just moved a bunch of stuff around and downsized a bit, here is what the larger room of my basement looks like now...




Post# 926687 , Reply# 1   3/13/2017 at 22:54 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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and across from those machines, I have more of course on the other side of the basement...

Post# 926688 , Reply# 2   3/13/2017 at 22:56 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        
Before and After

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I did good with the overflow shelves of my vintage detergent collection, a lot of it I used up now...

Post# 926690 , Reply# 3   3/13/2017 at 23:04 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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The other side...

Post# 926691 , Reply# 4   3/13/2017 at 23:06 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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I've been making posters too, I want to make some more and have them professionally framed...



This post was last edited 03/13/2017 at 23:22
Post# 926692 , Reply# 5   3/13/2017 at 23:07 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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This one really should go in the living room...

Post# 926693 , Reply# 6   3/13/2017 at 23:09 (2,571 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
All your machines are showroom-perfect, Robert. The new setup looks great!

Did "The Pig" Wizard get the heave-ho? Love all the Frigidaires as well as the snazzy coppertone Montgomery Wards-branded Norge set.


Post# 926694 , Reply# 7   3/13/2017 at 23:10 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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And for now the '58 Unimatic has moved to the kitchen, I've been using it almost exclusively all winter long to wash everything but large comforters. It really does everything so well and so fast.

Post# 926695 , Reply# 8   3/13/2017 at 23:11 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Yes last year the Wizard tub had completely broken away and crushed it's hub so unfortunately there was no saving it without finding another "good" machine. I filmed that machine multiple times so we have a record of it going through an entire cycle. At some point I'll get that up to YouTube.

Post# 926696 , Reply# 9   3/13/2017 at 23:16 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture


Post# 926697 , Reply# 10   3/13/2017 at 23:18 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture


Post# 926698 , Reply# 11   3/13/2017 at 23:19 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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New Green Wisk for the family wash, first non unimatic wash load in while...

Post# 926699 , Reply# 12   3/13/2017 at 23:21 (2,571 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Boy does it smell nice, clean without flowers and candy

Post# 926705 , Reply# 13   3/14/2017 at 01:01 (2,571 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        
Looks great Robert

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Looks great Robert. I do hope to get to see them in the flesh when we come back to US at some stage.

 

Plans are currently afoot for my collection to be re-housed to a more permanent location, considering I'm looking to move in with David early next year.

 

Cheers

Leon


Post# 926726 , Reply# 14   3/14/2017 at 04:30 (2,571 days old) by washdaddy (Baltimore)        

Robert-

All of your machines look amazing! I am utterly in awe of your collection. If I were ever able to see it in person I would definitely be like a kid in a candy store. What you've done with your basement to showcase your machines goes without saying! Are all of your machines connected and able to run? You've done such a good job of putting the room together that we don't don't see any sign of plumbing or electrical collections which of course makes the machines just shine brighter.

Thanks again for sharing!!
Rick aka Washdaddy


Post# 926765 , Reply# 15   3/14/2017 at 10:08 (2,570 days old) by TrainGuy (Key West, FL)        
Absolutely Gorgeous!

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Robert,

Your place is so pristine. I could look at the pictures of your collection all day. It certainly has to be difficult downsizing. How could anyone decide which one is next? Congratulations on your years and years of hard work.

Rich


Post# 926768 , Reply# 16   3/14/2017 at 10:19 (2,570 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Great pictures of a still great collection! Between the Thor and the Apex, that's a Speed Queen, right? IIRC I have never seen that particular model before.

Personally I wouldn't have a problem to let go of anything coppertone. ;-)


Post# 926770 , Reply# 17   3/14/2017 at 10:34 (2,570 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Moving Stuff Around!

peteski50's profile picture
Robert,
Thanks for the great pictures. With this snow storm here in the east it is a perfect day for a washin!
Peter


Post# 926775 , Reply# 18   3/14/2017 at 11:20 (2,570 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Westinghouse Spacemate 25?

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

Looks great Robert!  

 

Question, is that the Westinghouse spacemate 25 from John's museum?  Also, where did your (55?) Westinghouse slant front pair go?

 

Thanks! 


Post# 926776 , Reply# 19   3/14/2017 at 11:27 (2,570 days old) by washman (o)        

Brilliant


Post# 926778 , Reply# 20   3/14/2017 at 11:32 (2,570 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

What did you do with Kelvin????????????

Post# 926779 , Reply# 21   3/14/2017 at 11:32 (2,570 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

The new set-up looks great, Robert. Just out of curiosity, where is the matching dryer to the Philco?If you have time I'd love some close-up shots of some of the machines you've acquired since I was last there like the older Speed Queen for instance. Last time I was there you still had the 57 model.

Post# 926785 , Reply# 22   3/14/2017 at 12:19 (2,570 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)        

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I looked for your Filter-Flos and they appear to be at the far end of Reply #3.  Safe and sound!

 

lawrence


Post# 926801 , Reply# 23   3/14/2017 at 13:10 (2,570 days old) by Glhturbo2 (Reidsville, NC)        
Love it!

I would love to have a collection and a house like this someday. Everything looks great, so many beautiful machines. I also love the artwork. :-) Thank you for the pictures.
-Tyler


Post# 926804 , Reply# 24   3/14/2017 at 13:27 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Are all of your machines connected and able to run?.

Yes every single one is hooked up and in perfect or nearly perfect working condition. I purposely set up the basement so that all of the plumbing work is hidden as best as possible from view. My inspiration came from all those wonderful vintage magazine ads we see where you never see the plumbing.

Here is a peek behind...


Post# 926806 , Reply# 25   3/14/2017 at 13:31 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Between the Thor and the Apex, that's a Speed Queen, right?
Hi Louis, yes that's the 1952 Speed Queen the very first model (model A10). I took a few extra pictures which I'll share. Here is the Speed Queen Craigslist Find Post


Post# 926807 , Reply# 26   3/14/2017 at 13:31 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Control Dial, the queens crown and all!

Post# 926808 , Reply# 27   3/14/2017 at 13:33 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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I put an early 4-vane AMC Coronado/Beam agitator in, it splashes slightly less and the original first Speed Queen agitator was so pristine, I wanted to keep it that way.

Post# 926811 , Reply# 28   3/14/2017 at 13:37 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Question, is that the Westinghouse spacemate 25 from John's museum?
No that was found locally a few years ago. It's the very first 3-belt Westinghouse washer from 1956. Here is the post from then... Westinghouse Laundromat 25 Find Post



Post# 926812 , Reply# 29   3/14/2017 at 13:38 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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My '55 Westinghouse Laundromat set is here for now, the washer (left) is hooked up...

Post# 926815 , Reply# 30   3/14/2017 at 13:43 (2,570 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

I would still like to know what happened to my Kelvinator with all the push buttons.

Post# 926816 , Reply# 31   3/14/2017 at 13:44 (2,570 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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As for other machines, if you don't see them in these pictures they have either found new homes or have been broken down for parts to keep other machines of the same brand working for years to come. I'm not going to discuss the specifics of each machine as it's hard enough to do this downsizing. This was just phase 1 of downsizing. My goal eventually is get to five at minimum to ten at maximum of my absolute favorite machines so I'll be ready to sell the house and look forward to my retirement home.

Post# 926820 , Reply# 32   3/14/2017 at 13:55 (2,570 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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Ahem, I posted in that thread... Age and Nutrasweet as Bette Midler said. lol

Post# 926823 , Reply# 33   3/14/2017 at 14:20 (2,570 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Thank you!

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

Robert, thanks for the info on your little Spacemate 25, I somehow missed your original thread about it.  Really neat to learn it's a portable, how cool.

 

Also good to see your '55 slant front pair, I guess they were being shy as they were hiding in the other photos, LOL.

 

The basement is looking great as always!

 

Kevin 


Post# 926826 , Reply# 34   3/14/2017 at 15:08 (2,570 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

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Robert, did the big Whirlpool Combo find a new owner? I miss seeing it in the corner.

Post# 926852 , Reply# 35   3/14/2017 at 16:50 (2,570 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

What is the copper brown set in the smaller basement room? Are they Norge machines from the mid 60's? If you ever have time I'd love to see a video of the 52 Speed Queen washing with the Coronado agitator!

Post# 926856 , Reply# 36   3/14/2017 at 17:18 (2,570 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
WOW Robert:

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
Your collection looks great. I'd be honored to come up to Mpls. and see it sometime. BTW, I know you have several portable DWs. What has become of them. Especially the KDS-60?
WK78


Post# 926915 , Reply# 37   3/14/2017 at 22:04 (2,570 days old) by Washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        
Wards Signature!

washerlover's profile picture
I'm so pleased that the Wards Signature Coppertone set is among the cream of the crop and displayed as they deserve! Sure did enjoy your sharing your collection a couple of times years ago and hope to see it again in the future if you allow. Thank you for posting pics and now I need a bowl to catch my drool over your entire set up!

Post# 926919 , Reply# 38   3/14/2017 at 22:15 (2,570 days old) by cadman (Cedar Falls, IA)        

cadman's profile picture
Robert, I really like the new setup. There's something about having a gap between the machines that really opens the space up. I don't remember that 3-belt Westy, either. Nice! -C

Post# 926925 , Reply# 39   3/14/2017 at 22:52 (2,570 days old) by Ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        
Blinded by appliance s

ovrphil's profile picture
I hate your collection...reeks of appealing vulgarity and concentration of great envy. It's always a good thing to add air circulation in smaller spaces..looks good, Robert. Change keeps it interesting; but I was overtaken by the collection, especially the gorgeous '58 Unimatic. What walls, floors? :)

I love the print in reply #5.


Post# 926961 , Reply# 40   3/15/2017 at 07:24 (2,569 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
OHHH

That coppertone Norge/Wards!!!!!!LUST!!!!!!lol

Post# 926977 , Reply# 41   3/15/2017 at 09:08 (2,569 days old) by moparwash (Pittsburgh,PA )        

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Id love to see how the retractable casters work on that 25 inch W Laundromat...I need those on my 1961!

Post# 926979 , Reply# 42   3/15/2017 at 09:38 (2,569 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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What is the copper brown set in the smaller basement room?
Hi Les, that's a 1965 Montgeomer Wards set made by Norge. The gas dryer has pretty much become my daily driver. I like it a lot and it's auto-dry cycle is extremely accurate. See this: The Finding of the 1965 Wards

BTW, I know you have several portable DWs. What has become of them. Especially the KDS-60?
Hey Nick, I do still have that nearly unused KDS-60. The others are mostly gone, I do still have the following dishwashers:

Basement Workshop: hardly used 1956 Frigidaire spin-tube and my KD-12/window model

Office Portables that I roll into the kitchen to play with: 1973 Waste King, KDI-18 KitchenAid and KDS-60 KitchenAid. The Waste King and KDI-18 probably wont make the cut on the next phase of downsizing.

Kitchen: 1965 Window Lady Kenmore Roto-Rack and 1969 Whirlpool. The Whirlpool also wont be making the cut, it's a good dishwasher overall but performance wise the KitchenAids and D&M Rotor-rack are superior in my opinion.



Post# 927003 , Reply# 43   3/15/2017 at 11:38 (2,569 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

toploader55's profile picture
" The Whirlpool also wont be making the cut, it's a good dishwasher overall but performance wise the KitchenAids and D&M Rotor-rack are superior in my opinion."

Suddenly feeling Earth Tremors coming up from Maryland. ; )


Post# 927059 , Reply# 44   3/15/2017 at 18:57 (2,569 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)        

Looks VERY nice!

Post# 927082 , Reply# 45   3/15/2017 at 19:33 (2,569 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
what ever happen to this dishwasher that you had found?

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what ever happen to the dishwasher in this thread www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/T... is it in storage or was it sold? credit to robert who picture i am using

  View Full Size
Post# 927132 , Reply# 46   3/15/2017 at 23:25 (2,569 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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what ever happen to the dishwasher in this thread ... is it in storage or was it sold?

D. None of the above Pierre lol. And I don't have any storage space or unit outside of what I have in my basement, btw.

I used that dishwasher for a few months then it was broken down for parts. It was nearly in brand new condition and the parts were wonderful to save for my 1965 picture-window Lady Kenmore Roto-Rack. About a year after I did that, the Lady Kenmore's dishwasher motor/pump assembly failed and I simply popped in the one from that machine. That machine lives on through my Lady Kenmore.

My point is you can't have a collection like I do and keep all the machines running properly without finding parts. There is no better way to find parts then to find other machines of the same mechanical design in good or near mint condition. Certain parts can be retrofitted with modern machine parts such as water valves and motorized drain pumps, but other parts cannot be substituted with anything but parts from the original design.



Post# 927147 , Reply# 47   3/16/2017 at 06:41 (2,568 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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at least the parts manage to save another dishwasher in a way thats another way to ecycle and protect the enviroment

Post# 927167 , Reply# 48   3/16/2017 at 10:10 (2,568 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

Robert, thanks for the photos of the Speed Queen and the 65 Norge-Wards. That Wards set is beautiful!

Post# 928151 , Reply# 49   3/21/2017 at 21:22 (2,563 days old) by Launderall (Minneapolis, MN Orig home to Listerine & pop up Toastmaster)        
What happened to........

launderall's profile picture
The Maytag clear tub Commander wringer washer with the glass agitator? If you wish to rid the collection of it I would be interested! Thanks

Post# 928269 , Reply# 50   3/22/2017 at 13:36 (2,562 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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The Maytag clear tub Commander wringer washer with the glass agitator? If you wish to rid the collection of it I would be interested! Thanks

Hey Gary, that clear demo wringer washer is long gone, it went to Red Carpet Drew in Reno.

Everyone: Washer and Dryer wise, if you don't see it in these pictures, it's now gone. I have nothing hidden away nor any storage. I didn't photograph the dishwashers however, but I listed them above.


Post# 928505 , Reply# 51   3/23/2017 at 16:17 (2,561 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

I'm glad I got to do a load in the early 60's Hotpoint at your last big wash-in before it left the collection. That was a fun machine. Glad you still have the 56.

Post# 928576 , Reply# 52   3/23/2017 at 20:14 (2,561 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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The 1962 Hotpoint lives on in Omaha :-)

Post# 928610 , Reply# 53   3/24/2017 at 06:09 (2,560 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        
WOW

Hi Robert
Your collection is stunning. You have such varied talents: the mechanical skills to restore such a wide variety of interesting machines; the artistic flair to display them so beautifully; the ability to write the code that is this website; and the dedication to bring it all together.

I am in awe.

Thank you.


Post# 928641 , Reply# 54   3/24/2017 at 09:12 (2,560 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
Reply #12

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Boy does it smell nice, clean without flowers and candy

 

 

That Statement is SO True.  

 

All looks very nice!

 


Post# 928650 , Reply# 55   3/24/2017 at 10:47 (2,560 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        
<3 <3

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Absolutely, and I mean I absolutely love seeing your collection! It makes my day and is very satisfying to see. Pure eye candy! :)



Question though, who or where are you giving away these machines too? I ask because personally I would contact the Smithsonian or a museum to put the beauties on display. I think these are worth being showcased in the name of history, and I think the world should also be aware of your profound to restore these engineering marvels. Trust me, future engineers and washer lovers will certainly be inspired by your story. I know I am :)


Post# 928660 , Reply# 56   3/24/2017 at 13:26 (2,560 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Thanks everyone for your kind comments!!!

I ask because personally I would contact the Smithsonian or a museum to put the beauties on display.
I have considered contacting the Smithsonian for my 1947 Frigidaire washer, it's the only one known to exist in complete original condition with the original tub, agitator and harmonizer. However that won't be for quite a while yet.

At some point I'm going to want to retire and move into a smaller home, possibly in Palm Springs. I plan on a keeping between five to a maximum of ten automatics. I'm the kind of person who thinks about and plans ahead for things well in advance. Of course a lot can happen between now and when that happens, but I'm starting to think about the future and I don't see 34 machines being necessary to keep my happy.

I have my list of top 5 automatic washers that I will always want no matter where I go and have another five on the list if I have room.

Care to guess the top-priority five and the other slightly less priority five?


Post# 928697 , Reply# 57   3/24/2017 at 18:45 (2,560 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
robert my guess are

pierreandreply4's profile picture
i can easly gues that 1 of your top 5 will be your 58 unimatic fridgedair set 1 your westinghouse laundromat front load set set maybe your 62 ge washer your kelvinator and maybe your speed queen lol

Post# 928772 , Reply# 58   3/24/2017 at 22:46 (2,560 days old) by Travis ()        

You'll keep the Apex.


Post# 928778 , Reply# 59   3/24/2017 at 22:56 (2,560 days old) by lotsosudz (Sacramento, CA)        
Hey Robert

lotsosudz's profile picture
Do you still have the Bendix Economat? If you get a chance, Would it be possible to see a video of a complete cycle.In particular, of it agitating. I think alot of people would, as its so unusual how it operates! Pleeeeze!

Post# 928839 , Reply# 60   3/25/2017 at 10:53 (2,559 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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I think you'll keep the Apex, the ABC-O-Matic, the 1140rpm GE, the 1958 Frigidaire and the pink Whirlpool.


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