Thread Number: 27546
1963 Kenmore Comes Home to Knoxville!
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Post# 422621   3/15/2010 at 00:19 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        

Hey Guys, Went and picked up the vintage 1963 Kenmore 600 just like the one I grew up with - it's 46 years old and in fine shape.... much, much better than I expected and does work. I hooked it up to power and it came on and I ran a quick spin - all works well!

A check on the bottom end looked good - tranny in good shape -no oil leaks and very clean under there. Will hook up to water tomorrow and see how things go - will try to get some vids up but in the mean time here are some photos.

Have a DR appt for physical early morning and will get crackin on things when I get back! Enjoy!





Post# 422622 , Reply# 1   3/15/2010 at 00:22 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Well looks like the photo didn't upload......

Will try again!

Post# 422623 , Reply# 2   3/15/2010 at 00:24 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
It worked - the Contol Panel above.......

Now for some more! This is the left side of the console showing the Kenmore 600 logo.

Post# 422624 , Reply# 3   3/15/2010 at 00:26 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Kenmore 600

Here's an interior shot - yes the filter was with it but I had it out to clean when this photo was snapped!

Post# 422625 , Reply# 4   3/15/2010 at 00:30 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Kenmore 600

Here she is with the tarp off in the truck bed waiting to be unloaded. The right side shows the current work horses - GE FL and matching dryer - 2007 models installed Jan 2008.

Post# 422626 , Reply# 5   3/15/2010 at 00:32 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Kenmore 600

Model/Serial Plate on back

Post# 422627 , Reply# 6   3/15/2010 at 00:35 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Kenmore 600

Directions anyone? Underside of the lid showing the operating instructions.

Post# 422628 , Reply# 7   3/15/2010 at 00:35 (5,128 days old) by Supersuds (Knoxville, Tenn.)        

supersuds's profile picture
Congratulations. I bet that will be a fine machine.

Post# 422629 , Reply# 8   3/15/2010 at 00:36 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Kenmore 600

Last one before bed - Overhead shot of interior.

Post# 422630 , Reply# 9   3/15/2010 at 00:39 (5,128 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Vintage 1963 Kenmore 600 - That's a wrap......

All for tonight (morning actually!) - more tomorrow or is it today? Sleep deprived at the moment but it was worth it!

Post# 422634 , Reply# 10   3/15/2010 at 02:24 (5,127 days old) by chromecap ()        

Ohh SH@@t!!!!.. This is the very machine my parents bought in the early sixties!!! That is the first machine i ever saw that turned me on to washers ever! Damn it i wish i could post some pictures,..i originally posted as agiflow back in 03 and have been away for awhile...long story short,..that is the washer that did it. Thank you sooo much for this..please if anyone cares,..contact me at patcherd67@aolcom..THIS WAS MY MACHINE..YAHOOOOO!

Post# 422635 , Reply# 11   3/15/2010 at 02:27 (5,127 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Kenmore!

peteski50's profile picture
Real nice Kenmore you have. I knew so many people with very simular models back in the day! They were real work horses.


Post# 422643 , Reply# 12   3/15/2010 at 04:53 (5,127 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
WOW !

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
That is one fine looking machine you have there. It hardly looks used at all. What a great find, congratulations. I bet you're rightfully really excited.

I wish you all the best of luck with the washer. From what I can see on your model tag, it was made in the St. Joseph Michigan plant during the 37th week of 1964.

The machine looks pristine! I'm happy for you and am looking forward to more info. and pictures!

Gordon


Post# 422651 , Reply# 13   3/15/2010 at 07:01 (5,127 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Congratulations Randy!

Glad to see that the trip home with the 600 was uneventful. It looks like it is in nice shape!

Andrew S.


Post# 422652 , Reply# 14   3/15/2010 at 07:02 (5,127 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Thanks guys!

Gordon, Yes, I was suprised at the condition of the machine -the lady I bought it from in Burns,TN (30 miles west of Nashville) said it was the best washer in terms of cleaning clothes that she's ever had excepting that it didn't extract as much water from the clothing during the spin which is one of the reasons she was selling it the other being that she is moving. Machine probably needs a bit of maintenance and a new belt but, the underside was prestine for a 45-46 year old machine.

Chromecap, this is the machine that started it for me too! Spent many hours standing over the one mom had watching it wash, spin, rinse, spin.

One last thing - in the photos above the material sprinkled all over the control console and other areas is from the tarp that covered the machine during its travel across the state yesterday. It was an old tarp but it did keep the rain off and the stuff wipes off so will clean up today and see how it runs with a wash load later!


Post# 422657 , Reply# 15   3/15/2010 at 07:45 (5,127 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        
That's THE one

That's the one my grandma had.

Awesome machine.


Post# 422665 , Reply# 16   3/15/2010 at 08:19 (5,127 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Awesome Agitator

mrb627's profile picture
I always loved this bakelight agitator. The fins are large and really move water around. Just don't overload it and clothes roll over quite well.

Malcolm


Post# 422666 , Reply# 17   3/15/2010 at 08:31 (5,127 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Congratulations on obtaining this great washer!

I always liked the colorful cycle dial on this model, but was surprised to see a maximum wash time of 12 minutes. I thought all Kenmores had a max wash time of 14 minutes by 1963. Then I scrolled down further and noticed the instructions on the lid suggested an 8-14 minute wash time for regular fabrics!


Post# 422668 , Reply# 18   3/15/2010 at 08:32 (5,127 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Also interesting: There's a cold wash/warm rinse setting, but no warm wash/cold rinse for permanent press! Odd, that.

Post# 422675 , Reply# 19   3/15/2010 at 09:15 (5,127 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Frigilux -

Actually that timer does accomodate 14 minute wash - there are two minutes available ahead of the 12 mark, one simply has to set the dial accordingly.

As to the wash/rinse - look at the nomenclature as black for wash and red for rinse (it reads backwards from 'normal practice' on the right side).

Gordon


Post# 422691 , Reply# 20   3/15/2010 at 10:41 (5,127 days old) by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        
what a beauty!

powerfin64's profile picture
I have that exact machine in my collection too. great machine. Excellent turnover with the straight vane, one of my favorites. You'll have fun with it!

Rich


Post# 422692 , Reply# 21   3/15/2010 at 10:45 (5,127 days old) by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        
frigilux..

powerfin64's profile picture
check again, the warm wash/cold rinse.. its there.

Post# 422696 , Reply# 22   3/15/2010 at 11:02 (5,127 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
Wow! The tub and agitator are in excellent shape! Hope it is the same under the hood. Congrats!

Post# 422699 , Reply# 23   3/15/2010 at 11:09 (5,127 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
CONGRATS Randy!

revvinkevin's profile picture

Wow, it DOES look like it's in excellent shape! Awesome find!
I love the bakelite straight-vane agitator, I don't remember seeing one like that before.

Kevin


Post# 422702 , Reply# 24   3/15/2010 at 11:21 (5,127 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Already having fun.......

Got it hooked to water this morning, plugged it in and fired it up - works to a tee exactly the way I remember..... the classic Kenmore waterfall fill and the waterfall recirculation filter the classic jump to spin sounds including the whirl sound while spinning! Only hooked to cold water at the moment - will have to rig up an extension and Y for the main washer supplies and rig up the drain too - dumping it into large can at the moment for its inital workouts.

Didn't note any glaring problems with the first run through other than what one would expect with a 46 year old machine - hose for the recirculation has small leak... will have to replace hose and the plastic piece where the water enters the tub will need to be replaced and a new belt is in order at some point though the current one is fine for now.

I'll get video up soon for it - got to get things set up and hope to do something later in the week but will get some new photos up before then.



Post# 422735 , Reply# 25   3/15/2010 at 14:33 (5,127 days old) by drewz (Alexandria, Virginia)        

drewz's profile picture
Beautiful machine! Great Save!

Sears models had so much more style than RCA Whirlpool machines of the same era. Back then did they still come from the same plant? same designers?


Post# 422746 , Reply# 26   3/15/2010 at 15:07 (5,127 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
I don't know who designed what, though I think Sears' design staff sent specs to Whirlpool, and it was their job to make the machines. Whirlpool then numbered the new parts as needed and put them in their supply chain. Certainly, new innovations had to be a cooperative effort. Kenmore had some of its own engineers too I think - I want to say this is how the Dual Action agitator came to be, but I don't know that for sure.

As to the sources of manufacture, Kenmores came out of the same two plants that Whirlpools did - St. Joseph Michigan and Clyde Ohio. I would LOVE to know how it was decided which plant built what, but from what I can see thus far, it seems the odd and presumably short run stuff came out of St. Joe more often than Clyde, and that the common, long production run models were made in Clyde. Also, I have yet to find a large capacity machine made in St. Joe.

Gordon


Post# 422751 , Reply# 27   3/15/2010 at 15:30 (5,127 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Nice Machine!
I have the matching electric dryer for that, but it's been promised to a good home.


Post# 422797 , Reply# 28   3/15/2010 at 18:50 (5,127 days old) by bmgilk ()        

Nice Kenmore washer!!!

Post# 422798 , Reply# 29   3/15/2010 at 18:51 (5,127 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Whoops! My bad! I was looking at the temp settings incorrectly. This is what happens when you have about 20 seconds to check out AW in a hurry, LOL.

Post# 422869 , Reply# 30   3/15/2010 at 23:44 (5,127 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)        
Awesome Money Shot:

The last time I saw a Kenmore interior like this was more than 31 years ago. My neighbor had a 1967 Model 600 with that same speckled tub, black straight vane agitator, and manual lint filter with the latch. When they moved in 1978 I did not see it again until years later when it was out on the curb, and then it was not fully assembled. This brings back memories all right. It does for quite a few people, as this 1963 was very popular. This served as the 600 model in Sears inventory until 1966 if I'm correct. 1964 and 1965 did not feature a 600. As much as I loved my neighbor's 600, I must say the 1963 model was the most beautiful of them during that time period.

Randy, if I haven't said it before, congrats on nabbing this beauty. Was this lady you bought it from the original owner? If so, hats off to her for maintaining it with such care. That agitator has a shine to it, as if it had seen sporadic use. Thank you for posting the pictures, and in advance for the videos. I can't wait.

Have a good one,
James


Post# 422938 , Reply# 31   3/16/2010 at 11:36 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
James.....

I don't know if the lady I bought if from is the original owner but I still have her email and will send and see if she was the original owner or if she got it from someone. My guess is that she is not given that she is probably younger than me. Would be interesting to find out though.

Post# 422940 , Reply# 32   3/16/2010 at 11:57 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
James.....

I don't know if the lady I bought if from is the original owner but I still have her email and will send and see if she was the original owner or if she got it from someone. My guess is that she is not the orignal owner - would be interesting to know though.

Post# 422941 , Reply# 33   3/16/2010 at 11:59 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
OOOPS - Duplicate entry......

Sorry - had a duplicate entry there on the last.... was doing some editing on the post and forgot I had sent it already. Doesn't look like you can delete a comment.

Post# 422959 , Reply# 34   3/16/2010 at 13:22 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
James here's the answer on the '63 600 question.....

James, Here's a little history on the washer from the young lady I bought the washer from:

It was given to me by a friend after my washer died last year. Her mother bought it new. Rarely used it. That’s a long story I’m sure you would prefer to pass on. Once she became too old to take care of herself she was moved in with her son. Her stuff (washer) went to storage. It’s been there for a long time. When I got it the hoses had dry rot. That’s the only thing I think we had to replace.

Based on the info above this is a near mint machine and one that I will keep in as near original condition as possible with limited use - like a classic/vintage car you have to run it from time to time but it won't be the work horse for laundry and the same will be true of the Westy space mates that are coming at the end of the month.

Lots of fun!


Post# 422974 , Reply# 35   3/16/2010 at 14:06 (5,126 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
I will keep it as original as possible... with limited use

revvinkevin's profile picture

These machines were made to be used, so why not use it? I'm not saying run 20 loads a week through it or anything like that, but I would use it weekly.

I have a 13 year old Frigidaire Gallery front load set in the house which has had 4 to 5 loads thru it each week since purchased new (approx 3000 loads total!).

They're great machines, but since I really got my collection going just over a year ago, I’ve been doing fewer and fewer loads in them, especially in the last 3 months or so. In the last month I've only run 2 or 3 loads in the FL set in the house! My other machines, while not nearly as water efficient as the FL, are much more fun to use and play with!

So do some preventative maintenance, belt, hoses, shaft seals (talk to Gordon about this), add some plumbing and electrical to your garage and have fun!
(I have 5 washers and 3 dryers hooked up in the garage and this doesn't include the FL set in the house!)





Post# 422979 , Reply# 36   3/16/2010 at 14:37 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Kevin,

What I was meaning by the comment was just what you said - it won't be the work horse - my GE frontloader and its dryer catch most of the work but the Kenmore will see a bit of use - I don't want to wear the machine out. Yes, some maintenance issues exist - will have to put a new belt on, get new hose and seal for the recirculation/filter (actually have a leak on the that but it's not bleeding water just drips. Will also need to consider the water intlet valves as well.

Overall, this machine is in excellent condition but yes, it will get some good use as will the Westy space mates coming at the end of the month.


Post# 422985 , Reply# 37   3/16/2010 at 15:00 (5,126 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Randy -

Just my advice, but I would not mess with the inlet valves (aka mixing valve) unless something is not working. The valves used in the early 60s do not directly sub to a replacement now, so I'd leave what's working well enough alone, in that area anyway.

On the filter hose, you're probably going to have to make one using your own parts, I believe this hose is NLA. An industrial hose supplier should have something of the right diameter. I am facing this myself with a 1961 Kenmore.

As to wearing the machine out - judging by the looks of the agitator, the machine has had very little use. I would not think you'd be risking wearing it out for some time to come, though if it were me, I'd run it using a replacement, more used agitator so I don't dull the shinny black surface.

Have fun!

Gordon


Post# 422986 , Reply# 38   3/16/2010 at 15:36 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Filter hose leak.....

It's actually leaking where the hose connects to the bottom of the outer tub and I'm guessing that there is a gasket there that may need to be replaced - many times you can make those if one is not available. The water inlet valves are fine at the moment - my concern there is that I had one stick open once and found half the house floating! I was working night shift a few years back and came home one morning threw some things in to wash before heading off to bed for the day not thinking that a valve could stick like it did so when my step-son got in from school he found half the house in water - what a mess that was! The machine was an early 90s Kenmore low
end machine - one water level - high - and the water temp was dependant on where you set the timer to start and this one had the dark blue tub and gray color agitator.

No really, really major issues though on the 600 just the pesky age related issues that you would expect from an old machine. Yes, it will be a lot of fun - already has been!


Post# 422992 , Reply# 39   3/16/2010 at 15:55 (5,126 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Randy -

Are you talking the lint filter hose? It connects on the lower end to the pump. There is a hose that feeds the pump for the filter, usually it connects to the side of the tub through a side-check valve.

As to mixing valves - Ever since we lived in Denver with 80+ PSI water pressure, I turn the water off when I'm done with laundry, even if just overnight. Our builder almost insisted we do that, and provided shower-type faucets that were easy to turn for this reason.

I found a bubble one time on an original fill-hose on my 1986 Kenmore, so I have become ever-skeptical since then.

G


Post# 423006 , Reply# 40   3/16/2010 at 16:25 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Lint filter hose....

If you lift the top of the machine and look down to the left side there is a hose connected to the outer tub and that's where the drip is - I was guessing it was part of the lint filter recirulation system guess it could be the drain for the tub rather than the lint filter system..... shows you how little I know at this point about the inner workings but, you live and learn - it's probably the drain connection.

Randy


Post# 423023 , Reply# 41   3/16/2010 at 17:27 (5,126 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

Randy, I am thinking you will be well advised to start searching the parts stores for a tub-to-pump hose----a very specialized item. Your mention of dry rot got me to thinking about it.

Post# 423024 , Reply# 42   3/16/2010 at 17:38 (5,126 days old) by randycmaynard ()        
Hose issues......

Yes, the young lady I bought this machine from had stated that the only thing they replaced when they got it was the water inlet hoses - nothing else was replaced so I dare say it's time to begin looking for some hoses and other parts as the ones on it will eventually fail.

We have an appliance parts store here in Knoxville called Brown Appliance Parts and they have been around longer than my 600! They are legendary in this area for having just about any appliance part for just about any appliance ever made. Usually if Brown doesn't have it in stock or know where/how to get one then it's probably never going to be found!

At any rate, will begin the search as these parts are becoming more scarce. Thanks much!

Randy


Post# 423073 , Reply# 43   3/16/2010 at 21:19 (5,126 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)        

Randy thanks for filling me in. It's always good to have some back story behind these treasures. I agree with Gordon that this washer has seen little use judging by the shiny veneer of the agitator. I hope you will use the washer with that agitator a few times, but also switch it out with other agitators to preserve the finish and compare the action. After all, that is part of the fun to be had right?

Have a good one,
James



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