Questions about early 60s Kenmore dryers

There have been a few dryers that peaked recent interest for me from the early 1960s, and I'm wondering what I would be getting into should I decide to tackle one or more as rebuild projects this fall.

I never had to do much dryer work, as my buddy/mentor always was happy to do that when I was selling washers. He got the puff work and I was able to concentrate on what I loved best for my free time - the washers.

Well in the last couple years I have had to learn dryers the hard way - when my Mom's was broken and nearly pronounced dead, then when mine needed work a year later. I am comfortable with the later 60s machines and newer now, but don't know much about the earlier models that had the two belts.

Specifically, if I were to want to restore these, am I going to find necessary parts hard or impossible to find? A recent check of a 63 model with Sears revealed some important items to be NLA - such as the lint filter, timer (expected that one), fan, some pulleys, the heating element, etc. I was surprised to find the two belts still available, as well as a motor.

Maybe some folks here have parts, and I've been able to find a few NLA things lately as well, but I don't want to get all wired up about working on a few of these machines if they're going to be frustrating headaches to supply with parts.

Do any of you have advice or recent experience that you'd be willing to share with me?

Thanks in advance!

Gordon


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Post# 298587 8/22/2008 at 15:09 (5,718 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes There have been a few dryers that peaked recent interest for me from the early 1960s, and I'm wondering what I would be getting into should I decide to tackle one or more as rebuild projects this fall. I never had to do much dryer work, as my buddy/mentor always was happy to do that when I was selling washers. He got the puff work and I was able to concentrate on what I loved best for my free time - the washers. Well in the last couple years I have had to learn dryers the hard way - when my Mom's was broken and nearly pronounced dead, then when mine needed work a year later. I am comfortable with the later 60s machines and newer now, but don't know much about the earlier models that had the two belts. Specifically, if I were to want to restore these, am I going to find necessary parts hard or impossible to find? A recent check of a 63 model with Sears revealed some important items to be NLA - such as the lint filter, timer (expected that one), fan, some pulleys, the heating element, etc. I was surprised to find the two belts still available, as well as a motor. Maybe some folks here have parts, and I've been able to find a few NLA things lately as well, but I don't want to get all wired up about working on a few of these machines if they're going to be frustrating headaches to supply with parts. Do any of you have advice or recent experience that you'd be willing to share with me? Thanks in advance! Gordon

Post# 298591 , Reply# 1 8/22/2008 at 16:03 (5,718 days old) by trainguy (Key West, FL)
Checkrate/Likes *A Dime A Dozen* Hi Gordon, The place where I get all my stuff gets dozens of older Kenmore dryers in every month. Used parts are readily available. So if you get one that is in good cosmetic condition, we can get it running for you. Rich

Post# 298631 , Reply# 2 8/22/2008 at 22:15 (5,718 days old) by whirlaway (Hampton Virginia)
Checkrate/Likes *Parts for Kenmore dryer* I have a 1957 frogeye Kenmore,the large belt is not easy to find,the heating element went out,not easily found.Its working great now.I e-mailed people with these machines and never received a reply.So you really cant depend on used parts.E-bay furnished what I needed.Thanks Bobby