The availability of vintage automatics vs wringers?

Hello all,

Would like to get your thoughts & opinions concerning something that comes to mind often. Why is it there seems to be no end to the number of old wringer washers to be found for sale but automatics seem to be as scarce as hens teeth?

I doubt it was a case of wringers being better built than automatics. Was it because wringers were less complex machines and werent required to perform all the functions of an automatic? And due to that they werent subjected to the stresses that automatics were/are causing them to wear out? Maybe, to an extent, people were more prone to replace an automatic than a wringer when something went wrong with it rather than fixing?

Im in the process of doing a complete renovation of a 1956 ranch home and plan on furnishing from the period. Ive been acquiring pieces for a few years now. I have the early 80s? Kenmore washer/dryer that was in the house when I bought it which I could use but would like to find a set to match the time period. What Ive found advertised have been few and far between. And never close enough to pick up myself.

I marvel at the number of machines some of you have. How did you come to acquire them all? Through luck and time? Do I just keep looking and eventually I'll find what Im looking for?

I had it in my head Id like to find a front loader washer but Ive read some comments here (concerning Westinghouse anyway) that they didnt always wash as well as others and would sometimes tangle the clothes. And at the same time I dont really want to set myself up with something thats next to impossible to find parts for which Ive read is now the case with Westinghouse.

Ken K.

This post was last edited 08/02/2012 at 08:59


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Post# 614179 8/2/2012 at 08:26 (4,278 days old) by ken (NYS)
Checkrate/Likes Hello all, Would like to get your thoughts & opinions concerning something that comes to mind often. Why is it there seems to be no end to the number of old wringer washers to be found for sale but automatics seem to be as scarce as hens teeth? I doubt it was a case of wringers being better built than automatics. Was it because wringers were less complex machines and werent required to perform all the functions of an automatic? And due to that they werent subjected to the stresses that automatics were/are causing them to wear out? Maybe, to an extent, people were more prone to replace an automatic than a wringer when something went wrong with it rather than fixing? Im in the process of doing a complete renovation of a 1956 ranch home and plan on furnishing from the period. Ive been acquiring pieces for a few years now. I have the early 80s? Kenmore washer/dryer that was in the house when I bought it which I could use but would like to find a set to match the time period. What Ive found advertised have been few and far between. And never close enough to pick up myself. I marvel at the number of machines some of you have. How did you come to acquire them all? Through luck and time? Do I just keep looking and eventually I'll find what Im looking for? I had it in my head Id like to find a front loader washer but Ive read some comments here (concerning Westinghouse anyway) that they didnt always wash as well as others and would sometimes tangle the clothes. And at the same time I dont really want to set myself up with something thats next to impossible to find parts for which Ive read is now the case with Westinghouse. Ken K. This post was last edited 08/02/2012 at 08:59

Post# 614184 , Reply# 1 8/2/2012 at 08:55 (4,278 days old) by wringer (x)
Checkrate/Likes *Hi Ken,* I was in the same situation you are in until about a year ago. I wanted 3 Maytag wringer's. I wanted an E, J and N. I looked and looked locally and on Craig's List forever. Finally I ran across a guy who sold old ones to an Amish guy who totally takes them apart and rebuilds them. He takes them down to nothing as far as power unit and wringer goes and rebuilds and lubricates them. He also has a paint booth and paints them inside and out while they are in pieces just like would have been done at the factory. If the labels are salvageable he saves them but if not puts new ones on. They have hundreds of them to pick from in their shop. I picked my Tag's out personally from their looks cosmetically. They are all home now and used regularily. They all look and function like the day they were made. I do it this way because I don't have the space nor the ability to rebuild/repair them. I was able to barter with them on all 3 machines so the prices were acceptable. All of mine have the original labels on them and the appropriate agitators. The father has turned the rebuilding over to his son and he does an outstanding job. He is only 21 but has been doing this longer than he or his father can remember. Some collectors prefer to repair/rebuild their own so won't think much of how I buy my Tag's. I am amazed at how many units they have in their shop. They don't even know. Best of luck in finding what you are looking for. I looked for years until I found my source. Jim

Post# 614185 , Reply# 2 8/2/2012 at 09:04 (4,278 days old) by ken (NYS)
Checkrate/Likes *Jim* Those are some beautiful Maytags you've got. They could be sitting on a showroom floor.

Post# 614242 , Reply# 3 8/2/2012 at 12:45 (4,278 days old) by wringer (x)
Checkrate/Likes *Thanks Ken,* Myron does a beautiful job of restoring. The N was built in 1958, the J in 1965 and the N in 1981. They get used weekly. For some reason, which I have heard many, the E is noisier than the J and N. You can hardly hear either of them run but the E lets you know something is going on LOL. Jim

Post# 614260 , Reply# 4 8/2/2012 at 13:48 (4,278 days old) by ken (NYS)
Checkrate/Likes *I have* my grandmothers 1933 (believe that to be the correct year) model #16 Maytag. It originally had a gas engine but was retrofitted with an electric motor along the way. I have some pics posted on my flickr page of doing some wash with it. CLICK HERE TO GO TO ken's LINK