Thread Number: 30595
The new guy and his Pink 1959 Lady Kenmore Washer / Dryer
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Post# 462697   9/11/2010 at 01:52 (4,948 days old) by LadysMan ()        

Hi folks, just wanted to introduce myself and my new Ladys. The Ladys were listed on C-list for all of about an hour and a half when I found the post. Unfortunately they were holed up in a thrift shop that, while they listed a phone #, closed immediately after posting the ad! I called and left a message and e-mailed a reply with no response. They had listed the hours of operation so I had to get up early (I work evenings, ugh.) and drive about an hour to the shop to get there before they opened. Yeah, I was pretty serious. I arrived about 15 minutes early to find the front doors wide open. "Yikes!" But all was good, the Ladys were still tucked safely in the back room. No haggling. I happily dropped the $200 in the sellers hand and loaded up the dryer. I had to get it home, make an appearance at the girlfriends moms, and then make the hour trip back to get the washer just before closing. I got them home safely, cleaned them up and took some pics. Hope you all like them! Oh, and how do I get the dryer door open? Do I need to plug it in?

1959 Lady Kenmore dryer after cleaning 011959 Lady Kenmore dryer after cleaning 021959 Lady Kenmore dryer after cleaning 031959 Lady Kenmore washer after cleaning 071959 Lady Kenmore washer after cleaning 031959 Lady Kenmore washer after cleaning 01

Clicking on any of the above images will magically transport you to the Flickr.com page where you can see larger versions.

Please feel free to check out my Retro, Vintage, Mid-Century, Danish and Whatnot Blog. Mr. Modtomic. Click the link below.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO LadysMan's LINK





Post# 462699 , Reply# 1   9/11/2010 at 02:14 (4,948 days old) by Volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
Congratulations!

volvoguy87's profile picture
You have a rare find there. Before hooking these beauties up and seeing how they run, I would strongly encourage you to see what comes of this thread. There are steps to take for awakening these machines from a long period of storage which may include:

Pouring in some very hot water and letting it soak for a little while to prime and soften the pump,

Checking certain components for wear, proper adjustment, and signs of leaks,

Properly lubricating certain parts,

And finally a specific sequence of 1st time operation to test components in a specific order so you can stop the procedure if a problem arises.

See what Kenmoreguy64 and others say about how to awaken a WP/KM Belt Drive washer. They have several known points of wear and failure and it would be a good idea to inspect these areas to determine their condition prior to running them. They can be tricky, but are worth the effort. Just take care so you don't inadvertently damage any hard to find parts.

Congratulations and welcome,
Dave


Post# 462708 , Reply# 2   9/11/2010 at 05:09 (4,948 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Nice save!

Post# 462710 , Reply# 3   9/11/2010 at 05:36 (4,948 days old) by saltysam ()        
Nice save LM!!!

Wow fantastic looking set you found there........Where about in St. Louis are ya? Festus here.
Mark


Post# 462711 , Reply# 4   9/11/2010 at 07:05 (4,947 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
You found The Holy Grail!

revvinkevin's profile picture

Holy pink washer & dryer Batman! Those have to be the ULTIMATE find (in my humble opinion), I am SO jealous, CONGRATULATIONS!

Last year I helped a friend sell a 1959 Lady K washer (in white) and had a chance to play with it first, very, VERY cool machine!

Congrats again!
Kevin


Post# 462713 , Reply# 5   9/11/2010 at 07:13 (4,947 days old) by bellalaundry (St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada)        
Wow, great score!

bellalaundry's profile picture
Beautiful machines.

I went to your flickr page...you have great style! I'd love to find an untouched house like yours!

Where is the laundry room in your house? Is it finished?

Guy


Post# 462714 , Reply# 6   9/11/2010 at 07:28 (4,947 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Congratulations! They're a beautiful pair and so much fun to play with. I grew up with a 1960 Kenmore Model 80 (same type of rapid-advance cycle selectors) and then found a yellow '59 Lady K pair sitting outside the appliance store across the street from my warehouse apartment in 1994. The dryer had been used quite a bit, but the washer had never seen water! Stupidly, I sold them for almost nothing to a struggling young couple who needed a set.

You're going to love it. I hope the interior tub light and ultra-violet light work, as well as the in-console fabric softener dispenser. And you have the best of both worlds: a waterfall recirculator without having to actually clean a lint filter!

Looks like a suds-saver model. Awesome. The dryer door should open by pulling on it. The "pin" in the latch at the top of the door may be stuck, holding it shut.


Post# 462728 , Reply# 7   9/11/2010 at 09:55 (4,947 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
OMG!! You deserve some sort of meddal ior award or citation for your diligence and dedication. but what an incredible prize. I think you trumped Robert's Pink Ladys with these being the model with the rapid advance timer!! I'm not a fan of pink, but words cannot describe how bowled over and exicted I am for you and for all of us here for such a save of beautiful machines. You'll love them.

Post# 462730 , Reply# 8   9/11/2010 at 09:59 (4,947 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1959 LKM PAIR

combo52's profile picture
I also have a pair of these mime are white however. This model washer was the first Km machine I had and rebuilt as a teenager, it is a very cool and complicated machine it could have all sorts of problems or it may be fairly functional. If you intend to use these as you regular machines you will likely face many challenges in keeping them operating. Its neat that your dryer is gas as it makes it much faster and more economical to operate. Using these machines on a daily basses would be much like driving a 1959 Chrysler Imperial as your everyday car except that more parts and help are available for the Imperial. Anyway back to the door problem, on this vintage dryer the nylon plunger in the door catch tends to stick making it hard to open and close the door. You should raise the dryer top and spray some silicone into the plunger assembly and that will most likely make it work just fine. I could answer any technical questions about these machines if you have any other problems, it would be best to E mail your phone # Good Luck John.

Post# 462733 , Reply# 9   9/11/2010 at 10:13 (4,947 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
FREAKIN' AWESOME!

mrb627's profile picture
I knew there had to be a set of these hidden somewhere just waiting to be rescued. Just beautiful. You are very lucky to have these in your possession now. Use them with loving care!

Congrats!

Malcolm


Post# 462735 , Reply# 10   9/11/2010 at 10:58 (4,947 days old) by Easyspindry (Winston-Salem, NC)        
GREAT FIND!!!!!

Congratulations. That's a beautiful pair.

Take to heart the suggestions here about "waking" them up. These guys have been there and done that -- and they know whereof they speak.

Enjoy. They're beautiful.

Jerry Gay


Post# 462738 , Reply# 11   9/11/2010 at 11:17 (4,947 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Nothing like all porcelain cabinets! The set looks beautiful in pink, besides the fact that the '59 LK's were some of the best looking Kenmores made, IMO.

I have the complete Kenmore Laundry Volume II Service Manual scanned, in which I can email you the specific sections relating to the timer control section, as well as the recirculating filtering system - which was unlike anything else Kenmore/Whirlpool had done up to those models.

Congrats! Keep us posted on the progress.

Ben

(BTW - I've always loved your CL ads!)


Post# 462776 , Reply# 12   9/11/2010 at 13:31 (4,947 days old) by bygted ()        
I was wondering who got these

Very nice catch!! I called that seller as well but I was 2nd in line. I have a pair of these machines in white also. If you love mid century mod - these are really cool with their Jetson's push buttons - CONGRATS!
Excellent job on your home furnishings also!
We are obsessed with retro decor in our house too.


Post# 462777 , Reply# 13   9/11/2010 at 13:32 (4,947 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
What a treasures! Amazing!! Congratulations!

BTW, love your blog.


Post# 462820 , Reply# 14   9/11/2010 at 17:18 (4,947 days old) by maytag63 (South Berwick, Maine)        

maytag63's profile picture
Nice find!!!!

Post# 462821 , Reply# 15   9/11/2010 at 17:37 (4,947 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        
Stopped by your blog...

frigilux's profile picture
...on my daily blog crawl. Great photos! Looking forward to making it a regular stop. I think you'll find your blog and this site fit hand-in-glove. Was going to leave a comment at Modtomic, but don't fit any of the profiles. Will have to break down and set up a Google account.

Post# 462893 , Reply# 16   9/12/2010 at 00:24 (4,947 days old) by LadysMan ()        
Thanks Everybody!

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome! I'm sure you'll be getting all kinds of crazy questions (like, "how do I open the door?") from me in the near future. I'm pretty sure the seller said they had been stored for only about three years. These are going in my '50s bungalow while my '70s Harvest Gold Maytags are coming over here to my girlfriends '65 ranch. Just for continuity, you know...right? I snatched up the Maytags (in excellent working and aesthetic condition) a few years ago just after missing out on the Pink '57 Lady Kenmore Dryer. I had caught the bug and had to have a "fix". Turns out to be my good luck that they will fit with this house perfectly! You know, there was another vintage set at the shop where I picked up the Ladys. Shoot me an e-mail if you'd like their phone # and e-mail. They might be something great. I got the impression that they were a few years younger...maybe '63 or '64. They were white. That's all I got.

My Blog in the link below.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO LadysMan's LINK


Post# 462907 , Reply# 17   9/12/2010 at 01:52 (4,947 days old) by JeffG ()        

Wow, congrats. They look close to unused! Any money shots?

Post# 463129 , Reply# 18   9/12/2010 at 21:52 (4,946 days old) by Northwesty (Renton, WA)        
Congratulations!

My daily drivers are older than those so it is do-able, you might have to have to adopt a little different attitude towards the old stuff, it needs a little TLC now and then. My car is old too so I'm used to it. I would suggest keeping my eye out for another old Kenmore for parts, or parts in general.

Post# 463156 , Reply# 19   9/13/2010 at 00:17 (4,946 days old) by BugsyJones ()        

JEALOUS!

I should be so lucky.

Congrats! They're gorgeous!

~Tim


Post# 463319 , Reply# 20   9/14/2010 at 00:43 (4,945 days old) by LadysMan ()        

Mark: North County, 270 & New Halls Ferry area.

Guy: The laundry room is finished & will be photographed soon(ish).

John: Thanks for the advice / info/ offer. I'm sure as I crack these open I'll be in touch.

Ben: Thanks for the offer. I hope I won't ever need them! And where did you spot my C-list ads?

bygted: The seller told me when I came back for the washer that he had gotten another call. I KNEW I had to there early or risk missing this set! I'm just thrilled that they turned out so Sweet!

foraloysius: Thanks, the blog gets updated daily. Check it out once in while!

Frigilux: Check back on the blog. I've changed the Settings and Anybody Can Leave A Message Now! No Problem. I'm new to the blog thing and didn't realize I could / needed to change that. Thanks for checking it out!

JeffG: "Moneyshot", is this Autowash lingo for "In Use"? (Heheh, like the porn industry?) No such luck just yet.


Post# 463321 , Reply# 21   9/14/2010 at 00:56 (4,945 days old) by JeffG ()        

"Moneyshot", is this Autowash lingo for "In Use"? (Heheh, like the porn industry?)

A shot of the tub and agitator.


Post# 463337 , Reply# 22   9/14/2010 at 07:08 (4,944 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Wow - what a find!!

turquoisedude's profile picture
Talk about striking gold! Those machines are just beautiful - and pink, to boot!! Congratulations on your new treasures - I am sure you will enjoy them for years to come!!!

Post# 463522 , Reply# 23   9/15/2010 at 02:20 (4,944 days old) by LadysMan ()        
Money Shot

Ah, that's not as funny...but yeah. Here ya go.

1959 Lady Kenmore washer before cleaning 081959 Lady Kenmore washer before cleaning 07

I'd have some shots of the dryer drum but ah, still haven't gotten open. So much to do...so little time...and energy, ugh.

Always new stuff on the Blog! Philco Predictas! The Man Chair! Click below!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO LadysMan's LINK


Post# 463527 , Reply# 24   9/15/2010 at 03:48 (4,944 days old) by LadysMan ()        
Finally! Got that dang stuborn door open!

More $$$. The dryer looks pretty good inside. Built to last, one might say.

DSCN7797DSCN7796DSCN7785DSCN7773DSCN7783

There are more pics on the Flickr page. Take a look.


Post# 463548 , Reply# 25   9/15/2010 at 09:42 (4,943 days old) by bobofhollywood ()        
50 amp circuit required

Be careful with that dryer. It will blow the fuse on a standard 30 amp dryer outlet. It needs to be on a 50 amp circuit like an electric range uses. Or if you know how to read a schematic you can swap one wire off the block and use only 30 amps of power. It is impressively fast however when operated at it's full power. Any chance you could fill in your profile a bit ? Age for example. . . Gorgeous machines man. Good luck with them.

Post# 463549 , Reply# 26   9/15/2010 at 09:48 (4,943 days old) by cycla-fabric (New Jersey (Northern))        
Gem of a Set!

cycla-fabric's profile picture
What a great matching set, I wish you the best of luck with them as they are a gem! The gas dryer looks new too and doesn't require the 50 amp service, just 110. I think Bob thought that it was the High Speed Electric dryer that required the 50 amp service.

Doug


Post# 463551 , Reply# 27   9/15/2010 at 10:01 (4,943 days old) by bobofhollywood ()        
oh it's gas

. . . nevermind. Emily Littella .

Post# 463755 , Reply# 28   9/16/2010 at 15:17 (4,942 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Does anyone have specs/pics/schematics of the recirculating/self cleaning filter system of these machines....I am just curious as to what they did to accomplish this...I have my own thoughts, but may not be what actually has been done to get these both in one machine...

Thanks in advance


Post# 463769 , Reply# 29   9/16/2010 at 16:05 (4,942 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Whirlpool's self-cleaning filters were always recirculating until the passive under-basket version arrived.  Instead of directing the recirculation invisibly back into the tub at the bottom or side, it went up to the flume where it can be seen.  As I recall was mentioned in a previous discussion, this was done (at first) so housewives who were accustomed to seeing the recirculation of a brush or cartridge filter had a positive visual indication that filtering was occurring.


Post# 463792 , Reply# 30   9/16/2010 at 17:31 (4,942 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Thanks DADoES,

just the way the guys were talking I thought it may have been a special filter ad set up......

my impersonation would be to combine the 2, the regular magic/self clean filter in place, completing the task, and with the use of the 4 port pump, giving the image that the filter was working as you said

I did this with a Whirlpool with the magic clean filter, added the four port pump, and a "J" tube from a kenmore detergent dispenser setup, the only problem is I had it hooked up to a magic mix filter with the brush, which I still had to clean, but I love the drama of the waterfall....


Post# 463796 , Reply# 31   9/16/2010 at 18:01 (4,942 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Jimmy from Ohio had posted some photos of when he restored his '59 Lady K back in 2008. Below is one of the pages of the service lit that discusses the "new" lint filtering system (if more pages are desired I'll certainly post them). I'm not sure how long the pebble filter was used - but the service lit does mention it through at least early '63.

Jimmy wasn't kidding. When you start to look at what Whirlpool was doing: multiple check valves, seals, a huge two piece clam-shaped filter, diverting valves, miles of 3/4 hoses, etc. -- all of this can leak after time. Unfortunately some of the check valves are pretty scare to find replacement parts for. It is no surprise that this was somewhat simplified later on in the mid-sixties.

(love the hand-written labels on the diagram!!)


CLICK HERE TO GO TO swestoyz's LINK


Post# 463798 , Reply# 32   9/16/2010 at 19:03 (4,942 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Thanks Ben

Wow.....this explains it all.....I always thought it was just a gimmick...but it was truely filtered water coming out of the filter-flo port......either way I would have stuck a screen under the waterfall to see how much lint is was really trapping, or like I said, a gimmick to let you think it was really filtering......we all like a good show.....thats like the "filter" light the put on some control panels....we all love toys with little lights that make us think its working...LOL...and we do....hell, you could wrap flashing xmas lights around a control panel, and I would buy that machine in an instant


Post# 988194 , Reply# 33   3/26/2018 at 00:59 (2,195 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)        

stricklybojack's profile picture
.
Any update to be had on these machines, did you get some use out of them?


Post# 988241 , Reply# 34   3/26/2018 at 08:33 (2,194 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
This Lady K pair made their way to Iowa back in 2013. The dryer needs a good cleaning and is pretty much ready for operation, however the washer still needs a full mechanical restoration as well as restoration of the incredibly complex timer rapid advance control. Someday I'll get around to it.

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/T...

Ben


Post# 988338 , Reply# 35   3/26/2018 at 14:49 (2,194 days old) by TrainGuy (Key West, FL)        
Ben...If You Need The Room,

trainguy's profile picture

I have the perfect place for your WEG and/or DEEG when you tire of them.

Best wishes,
Rich



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