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Thread Number: 30710
Presenting the 1965 Kenmore Alphabet washer (Warning: may not be for weak stomachs) |
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Post# 464133 9/18/2010 at 21:10 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64  (Charlotte, NC) |
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A couple weeks back I acquired a 1965 Kenmore 70-series 'Alphabet' washer and a companion 1964 Lady Kenmore dryer, both in Coppertone. These machines had apparently been out of service for quite some time. They were in the home of a deceased woman, and her daughter was clearing out the house to sell.
A hauler that I've come to know thanks to our own Bygted was in the area and was able to retrieve the machines and bring them to me. That's the good part. The machines are gorgeous, at least externally. They both look minty, and I love Coppertone. Now I'll post a couple shots that I took today, starting naturally with the washer: 
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Post# 464134 , Reply# 1 9/18/2010 at 21:12 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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And here's the dryer | ||
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Post# 464136 , Reply# 2 9/18/2010 at 21:20 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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OK, so on with the story. Once I got the washer and dryer situated in their temporary store room amongst other vintage machines (except the plastic top trio behind the dryer), I stood there giving the room some viewage, when this "scent" wafted past me that made me cough and made my eyes burn.
The nose knows, so I followed it to the new washer. I opened the lid again, which I had previously done on the warehouse floor where there was a strong breeze from a 3ft. floor fan. Without the breeze, I nearly tossed my cookies. The washer smelled like an old diaper pail that was well past needing to be dumped. Can you say "NASTY"? Ew! I surmised that the machine had been used as a toilet, much to my disgust. So, today I decided to do something about that. I am fortunate to be able to use this room and I don't want anyone complaining of the smell. I placed the machine in front of a sink in the room, which has it's own water heater, and filled the machine 1/4 or so full, and put the machine into agitate in the 'dry agitate' section of the normal cycle. I put the lid down immediately so I would not get splashed, and let it woo-woo for several minutes. I nearly tossed my cookies again when I stopped the machine and opened the lid: 
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Post# 464137 , Reply# 3 9/18/2010 at 21:22 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Post# 464139 , Reply# 4 9/18/2010 at 21:25 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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I had seen almost this exact same machine behavior while at Kevin's last summer on his swanky Whirlpool, so I lowered the drain hose, and voila, it drained much better into a bucket.
I filled the machine again, this time with largely hot water, a full box of baking soda, and a full-load worth of low-suds detergent. I let it run the entire wash period on Normal. I love the blur of the detergent cup in this shot... 
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Post# 464140 , Reply# 5 9/18/2010 at 21:28 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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The machine is mezmerizingly soothing to listen to. It's all belt-drive, and sounds wonderfully healthy for a machine built so long ago. It's a 1965 model built in 1968. The first version of this machine had a bakelite Roto-Swirl and gray scrubber cap. One version had the 1967 black plastic Roto-Swirl, and mine has the 1968 gold version. I like that it was built in St. Joe Michigan vs. Clyde Ohio where so many more belt-drives were born.
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Post# 464141 , Reply# 6 9/18/2010 at 21:31 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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I have the dispenser bezel, it's just not snapped-in right now.
I ran the machine again after this shot was taken, and had pretty clear water, but I admit that I was tired of dumping buckets of water down the drain due to the nearly useless pump (at least that's what I hope it is). The machine will need another good dis-infecting before I will even think of using it. I am not sure I can get past those first pictures, even if was it santitized. It sure runs nicely though! 
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Post# 464142 , Reply# 7 9/18/2010 at 21:33 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Post# 464145 , Reply# 8 9/18/2010 at 21:38 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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The dryer may have issues, or it may not. This is the first dryer I have ever come across that had it's lint filter RUSTED into the chute.
It must have been installed next to a vent that allowed humidity to enter the dryer from outside. I finally got the filter dislodged, but not before leaving a long rust line in the chute and partially breaking the filter. If other parts of the dryer are rusted like that, such as the blower, it might need a lot of work. In the meantime, very soon the washer will get a new pump so I can take it home to be further fumigated. I will wash a couple cars and have those rags and towels for the washer to wash, and maybe the throw blanket that I use in my vehicles when hauling. Whatever it takes to convince me that the washer is cleaned before I put anything in there that touches me or anyone else! Gordon | ||
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Post# 464147 , Reply# 9 9/18/2010 at 21:42 (4,967 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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Gordon, isn't that "new mate" long-term for the dryer the actual LK that went with that dryer or is it just simply an extremely close match? Looking foreward to seeing the dryer and close-ups of the panel. I had some friends here that lived here from 1989 to 1992, moved here from Lexington. His dad was an appliance repairman, formerly with Sears, and they had this dryer and a Kenmore 400 washer that was 3 temps, 1 water level and regular and delicate cycles and recirculating filter. It was in a laundry closet and never really got a good look at the dryer because it was too dark in there for me to see. So I hope I can see some good detail of the panel, thanks. Does the dryer have the sprinkler resevoir in the door? Always wondered what year of LK dryer it was and what its mate looked like, particularly since ther was no "representation" on the panel for "buttons" like on the 1963 Kenmore 800 LK. The auto dry didn't work any more on it.
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| Post# 464151 , Reply# 10 9/18/2010 at 21:48 (4,967 days old) by westingman123 () | ||
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I have a bottle of the original formula Lysol, it doesn't smell pretty, but it will kill anything! Want me to send it down? | ||
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Post# 464153 , Reply# 11 9/18/2010 at 21:52 (4,967 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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This is SO DISGUSTING... shouldn't it be posted in "
ROFLMAO!
Kidding G-man! Yeah that IS pretty DIS-GUSSSS-TING! But It IS showing promise of cleaning up! You said the water was looking cleaner after each fill, yes?? YAY! It sure is purrrty! However, Gordon I'm sorry, but that 1964 Lady K pair REALLY take the cake!!! Those are just stunning! Wowzers! Congrats! Kevin Pee S... (LOL). Yes, I think all you need to do is change the pump, because as you said my "swanky" WP did the exact same thing and after replacing the pump it worked perfectly! | ||
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Post# 464163 , Reply# 12 9/18/2010 at 22:11 (4,967 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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Post# 464165 , Reply# 13 9/18/2010 at 22:14 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Kevin -
I just nearly fell off my chair, so THANKS! Pee-S, LOL! I agree though, I think the machine just needs a pump. I do like the 64 LK set - that was the second of the two reasons I got this mis-matched set because I knew the dryer would be just awesome next to the previously single washer. Bob - Yes, those are a matched pair now. The dryer is a mechanical clone to the '62 800 and the '63 Lady K 800. I do believe it has a sprinkler in the door. I'll get you some better pics next time I'm at the warehouse with my camera. Gordon | ||
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Post# 464167 , Reply# 14 9/18/2010 at 22:17 (4,967 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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Post# 464179 , Reply# 15 9/19/2010 at 00:01 (4,967 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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I agree though, I think the machine just needs a pump. | ||
| Post# 464181 , Reply# 16 9/19/2010 at 00:05 (4,967 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD) | ||
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YEECH!! I've had fresh aquisitions foam up on me from detergent residue and found mouse"evidence"but nothing like that!-yuck! | ||
| Post# 464197 , Reply# 17 9/19/2010 at 01:31 (4,967 days old) by strongenough78 (California) | ||
Dude....... | ||
| Post# 464213 , Reply# 18 9/19/2010 at 05:20 (4,967 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
Plastic Top | ||
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Post# 464219 , Reply# 19 9/19/2010 at 07:18 (4,967 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions) |
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Post# 464234 , Reply# 20 9/19/2010 at 09:28 (4,967 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Malcolm, it's a large capacity Penta-Vane model. I should have brought that machine home already as it should be ready to go. I am going to use it, but not sure how much, as I don't want the southern warm & humid air to rust the non-porcelain top.
There are more pictures of it in my other recent post if you care to check them out. | ||
| Post# 464245 , Reply# 21 9/19/2010 at 10:57 (4,967 days old) by fridgiman () | ||
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A couple cups of Clorox bleach with hot water and detergent left to soak overnight will clean, disinfect and deodorize completely. Next day just let it complete its cycle. Do it all the time with my newly found vintage washers. Works like a charm. | ||
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Post# 464253 , Reply# 22 9/19/2010 at 11:56 (4,967 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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CLEANING THE SMELLY WASHER | ||
| Post# 464255 , Reply# 23 9/19/2010 at 12:03 (4,967 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
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Hot water & Cascade | ||
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Post# 464273 , Reply# 24 9/19/2010 at 13:40 (4,967 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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A beautiful washer, and in great shape, too. I trust the scrubber is also in great shape, as it looks like it's been protected by the detergent cup. As for what the machine may have been used for: BLECHHHHHH!! Hope you get a pump soon and can the washer a Silkwood scrub-down.
By the way, is that a 1965 Lady Kenmore in the photo above? Don't know that I've ever seen one, before. Cool! | ||
| Post# 464307 , Reply# 25 9/19/2010 at 16:55 (4,966 days old) by qsd-dan (West) | ||
LOL, I've seen worse, but that's still pretty bad. I guess nastiness like that doesn't bother me much since I continued to finish my lunch while viewing.
You certainly have made a quick recovery in the collection department since the trailer was raided. (sorry for the background clutter) NEVER apologize for background clutter related to appliances and appliance repair ;) | ||
| Post# 464401 , Reply# 27 9/20/2010 at 08:17 (4,966 days old) by amyswasher () | ||
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Speaking of that What ever became of the Trailer Disaster? | ||
| Post# 464407 , Reply# 28 9/20/2010 at 09:27 (4,966 days old) by mixfinder () | ||
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Mickey and Minnie Any chance a rodent family turned the outer tub into a condo? One of their hairy little bits could be covering the drain port making the pump slow. | ||
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Post# 464409 , Reply# 29 9/20/2010 at 09:30 (4,966 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Trailer disaster?
Well, there has been two in the last year. Last fall a storage trailer I have had for years, which had 21 washers and 2 dryers aboard, was found to have been robbed empty. I had not seen the inside of the trailer for a couple weeks and did not know when they were taken, so there was really nothing I could do other than file a police report and bid au revoir to the machines, many of which I was 'glad' to be rid of. I have missed a few, but they seem to have replaced themselves in some cases with machines that are better! Earlier this year, a truck from Arizona to the East was stopped and 'inspected' by the Highway Patrol. It had about 15 machines on it. That has been taken care of and I am not out any money. Is that what you meant? Gordon | ||
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Post# 464412 , Reply# 30 9/20/2010 at 09:39 (4,966 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Mixfinder -
I don't think one of our little furry friends could have gotten in there. The gaps between the outer and inner tubs in a belt-drive WP product are very small. He would need to have X-men characteristics to get in there. Good idea though - if this were a filter-flo, that would be very possible. Much more likely I think is that the pump is simply worn (or maybe even deteriorated from the guck that was in there). It won't pump if it has to send water to a stand-pipe height locale, but it will if it goes downhill, almost as if in a siphon. This is the sign of a worn or broken pump. Because water will flow out, it eliminates a clogged lint filter or hose, etc. I have not personally seen a pump do this in a while - maybe once in my 'career' rebuilding in the 90s, but one of Kevin's did the exact same thing last year right in front of me, and we decided it was the pump. Later when he installed a replacement, it solved the problem. I'll post it here when I find out! Gordon | ||
| Post# 464415 , Reply# 31 9/20/2010 at 09:47 (4,966 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
Well, Gordon...
If you just can't bring yourself to wash anything in that gorgeous washer due to the picture in your head, then you could always send her to Nevada where she'll get plenty of love! I don't think she'll exactly match the pink Lady K 800 but I'm not picky! LOL! I have to agree that that coppertone is just to die for!
RCD | ||
| Post# 464433 , Reply# 32 9/20/2010 at 12:26 (4,966 days old) by amyswasher () | ||
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Yes sir, it is! Thank you, I was talking about the Arizona disaster. I'm glad to hear it was taken care of. But sad about what happened. | ||
| Post# 464670 , Reply# 33 9/21/2010 at 18:39 (4,964 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa) | ||
Gordon Swoooo i hope that you had a mask on eeek...
That washer is fantasticoo and so glad that you are growing again!!! Well i think where are cousins minus one the lady k in copper is sweeeet and you got the dryer too cool. It well be a great day that i meet you in person, congrats on the machine i hope you get the pump situation together yaa for another find. You have a two cycle model there, i had the same almost... it was a three cycle model with three water levels and 3 temps and you actually gave me a history lesson on the control knob that was replaced remember that it lost the four spray rinses for wash & and after the rinse seqeance, my mother and i was so upset that she got a new machine and i gave it to a friend. You said that the guff ball did not attach the wire correctly! and if i had known that at the time the man would have had a new a...hole drilled into him lol. Oooh well. Take care man. Darren k. | ||
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Post# 466641 , Reply# 34 10/1/2010 at 05:37 (4,955 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Post# 466921 , Reply# 35 10/2/2010 at 14:45 (4,954 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i) |
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