Thread Number: 45366
TOL VHQ Norge Pair
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 664497   3/8/2013 at 07:27 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        

combo52's profile picture

Suddenly it is 1967 again and you can almost

 

                                     Hear The Sound Of Silent Quality   Knock on Any Norge........

 

I found another interesting washer and dryer for the appliance museum, a matched pair of TOL Norges, the dryer is even GAS.

These will need a little more work than the recently acquired 1950 GE washer but I have a plan to restore them into excellent running condition. Many thanks to Rich, train-guy in Pa. for spotting and holding on to this cool and very rare pair, what a great guy.

 

 





Post# 664499 , Reply# 1   3/8/2013 at 07:32 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Norges

combo52's profile picture

As you can see the washer is in pretty rough shape, but fortunately Tom and I rescued a MOL Norge many years ago that was dropped of a truck onto its control panel that was in mint condition otherwise. I saved this damaged Norge all these years hopping to find a good top and control panel.

 

Close-up of washer timer dial


Post# 664500 , Reply# 2   3/8/2013 at 07:33 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Norges

combo52's profile picture

As you can see the washer is in pretty rough shape, but fortunately Tom and I rescued a MOL Norge many years ago that was dropped of a truck onto its control panel that was in mint condition otherwise. I saved this damaged Norge all these years hopping to find a good top and control panel.

 

Close-up of washer timer dial


Post# 664502 , Reply# 3   3/8/2013 at 07:36 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
More Pictures

combo52's profile picture

Washer push-buttons


Post# 664503 , Reply# 4   3/8/2013 at 07:38 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Dryer panel

combo52's profile picture

close-up


Post# 664504 , Reply# 5   3/8/2013 at 07:40 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
More Pictures

combo52's profile picture

Dryer push-bottons


Post# 664506 , Reply# 6   3/8/2013 at 07:45 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Gas Burner Area

combo52's profile picture

Under the lid, dual level gas valve, this was Norges version of the Modulating Soft Heat that KM was using on their better dryers, once the load got to a certain temperature where the majority of the moisture was gone to burner cycled down to the lower input.


Post# 664507 , Reply# 7   3/8/2013 at 07:52 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
More Pictures

combo52's profile picture

Washer inside showing [ dirt ] and the dual timed electric dispensers and lint filter basket, this Norge has a real pump driven recirculation lint filter, no silly burpa-lator agitator that wastes tub capacity and only moves a 1/4 of the water through the lint filter, and because the lint filter is stationary it is not acting like a sifter and allowing much of the fine lint to just through the mesh.


Post# 664508 , Reply# 8   3/8/2013 at 07:56 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Norge Washer Down Under

combo52's profile picture

Ralph I though of you when we picked this machine up, the lower bearing had a dramatic failure and completely destroyed the drive pulley [ I would have hatted to see what this failure did to the owners floor ] When Ted and I were trying to move the washer he though it had a center leg, LOL.


Post# 664509 , Reply# 9   3/8/2013 at 07:58 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Dryer Shot

combo52's profile picture

Showing the THREE WAY hamper door, opened to the loading position


Post# 664511 , Reply# 10   3/8/2013 at 07:59 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Norge By

combo52's profile picture

Borg-Warner


Post# 664513 , Reply# 11   3/8/2013 at 08:04 (4,038 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1967 Norge VHQ Pair

combo52's profile picture

These will be a fun pair to use and a fairly easy restoration, the bulk of the washer has already been sent on to become a Toyoda after stripping all unique parts from this one, including the three speed washer motor.


Post# 664517 , Reply# 12   3/8/2013 at 08:13 (4,038 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Love 'em! The blue agitator in the washer is so pretty.



Post# 664523 , Reply# 13   3/8/2013 at 08:39 (4,038 days old) by SRSwirl ()        
Interesting Agitator

I've never seen a Norge 4 vane agitator where the wings don't go all the way down and meet up with the vanes on the skirt. Was this an evolution of the larger capacity 4 vane agitator from the smaller capacity version?

Post# 664527 , Reply# 14   3/8/2013 at 09:05 (4,038 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
I was just thinking the same thing about that agitator, I've never seen that version I wonder if this is their first non-black bakelite agitator, it must be.

Post# 664548 , Reply# 15   3/8/2013 at 10:01 (4,038 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
I've never seen that agitator either

jetcone's profile picture

What a cool control panel all lit up and with speedometer dials that apparently turn backwards??? How weird, Chuck is gonna have  a hard time with this one!! CCW is a n0-n0.

 

Are these 15 16 or 18 pounders??

 

So many good machines were made it still amazes me what is out there after 30 years of collecting!

 

 


Post# 664549 , Reply# 16   3/8/2013 at 10:02 (4,038 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

WOW John, CONGRATS on another exciting find!  

 

Yeah that blue agitater is really neat!

 

What are the small knobs on either side of the timer dial?   I assume one is water level, but what is the other?

AND..... what are all the little knobs on the dryer for?

 

I'm look forward to hearing about and seeing the results after the restoration!

 

Kevin


Post# 664551 , Reply# 17   3/8/2013 at 10:07 (4,038 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Great looking rare Norge by B.W. pair! I do love the old Norges. When I first saw Roberts beautiful 1956, they became my favourite vintage machine.

Post# 664565 , Reply# 18   3/8/2013 at 12:01 (4,038 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        
Reply #8

rp2813's profile picture

For those who aren't familiar with the situation, here is what our '67 Snorge did to the then-newly-laid tile floor beneath it:

 

 


Post# 664570 , Reply# 19   3/8/2013 at 12:29 (4,038 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York)        
Was this an evolution of the larger capacity 4 vane agitator

cleanteamofny's profile picture
There was an earlier version for their solid tub machines.
I had to get rid of her during the move back in 2008.


Post# 664574 , Reply# 20   3/8/2013 at 12:54 (4,038 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture

What a neat looking console!  Awesome save there John.  Rare to see a Norge with all those dispensers and the recirculating filter!

 

Ben


Post# 664577 , Reply# 21   3/8/2013 at 13:49 (4,038 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture
Wow John, I have never seen anything quite like these! The basket lint filter at the rear is something I don't recall seeing on anything here up in the glacier zone - the consoles of both machines look more 'space age' than anything that was sent into space in the day, I swear! The 3-way hamper door on the dryer is a great idea - more proof that today's machines are seriously lacking in innovation.

Great save!


Post# 664594 , Reply# 22   3/8/2013 at 17:32 (4,037 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
John,

Congrats on all the great acquisitions of late! Those Norges look very interesting, and its great that they landed softly enough to find their way to the museum.

Good luck with all the resto work!

Gordon


Post# 664598 , Reply# 23   3/8/2013 at 18:26 (4,037 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1967 Norge VHQ Washer

combo52's profile picture

This was the first year of the polypropylene agitator and it is interesting Michael that you commented on the unusual fin design between the top and bottom fins. I didn't take a very good picture but the fins used to be connected from top to bottom, but because of the twisting stress in this area the center section of fin is actually broken away. We used to see this in high use Norge washers and we would take a propane torch and heat the rough edges after the fins broke so the sharp edges would not damage clothing. If anyone has an intact light blue agitator for one of these washers I would be happy to buy it.

 

With Norge washers one would be surprised at the parts that I have seen broken, often things you would think would expect to brake, LOL.

I have seen the bottom base pans brake, agitator shafts brake in two, the plate that the brake assembly mounts to I have seen brake in half and on and on.


Post# 664604 , Reply# 24   3/8/2013 at 19:03 (4,037 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        
". . . and on and on"

rp2813's profile picture

Oh John. 

 

If you hadn't typed that, you'd have been typing for days.

 

When it comes to Norge washers, the quality really is silent.

 

Which is why they're worthy of museum piece status.


Post# 664607 , Reply# 25   3/8/2013 at 20:09 (4,037 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

John, thanks for all the close0-ups.  Substitute the black bakelite aghitator found in robert's Monkey Wards Imperial and that's what our 1964 Norge looked like.  I loved those timed dispensers.  Some of the best I've ever used.  We had 8 cycle buttons on our (remember seeing the Ozzie & Harriet piece Tomturbomatic found a couple of months ago?  That was our 1964 pair.  Our pair did not offer cycle buttons that war numbers 2 and 8.  Wasn & Wear durables was number 5 and cold water wash was #6.  the button numbers corresponded with timer dial wash times.  Our dryer had the same exact sequence except we had a fluff cycle with start bar where there are no numbers on the timed dry cycle on this dryer.  I'm extremely impressed the lint filter basket is still there.  That's exactly like ours was.  Lasted about 5 years before it wuldn't stay stable with the "tooth" that held it in place.  There was a 1965 Monkey Wards service manual that was available a couple of months ago I downloaded.  One mention was the filter basket could be used for a deterrgent dispenser (aka filter-flo).  I tried that a cvouple of times but not all the powder was dissolved bgy the end of the 12 minute wash cycle so I never did that again.  I wish I understood about the modulating gas valve on the dryer back when I was 10.  I wouldn't have fretteed as much as I did about more delicate fabrtics if I'd understood.  Loved that 3-way dryer door.  I believe thjis washer is a POD for a detergent commercial occassionally.  IU believe these oculd have been for sale in late 1966--remember seeing them at our Foley's Dept. store around then and despereately wanted these over what was at home because of the two preferred cycle buttons additions as well as temperature buttons on the dryer.  Can't wait to see these some day after restoration.  I wonder if these did the partial drain and then began spinning (this was about the time that came about) or was it more like what ours was (like Robert's too) where by total drain, then whatever mechanism engaged (with a nice "pop" and motor engaged and a naer standstill and ramped up the spinning).   Our washer timer dial had the word "EXTRACT" rather than seen here--Automatic Cool Down. 




This post was last edited 03/08/2013 at 20:59
Post# 664610 , Reply# 26   3/8/2013 at 20:44 (4,037 days old) by SRSwirl ()        
OMG John...

What were they washing...BRICKS?!!! I'm glad I'm not going crazy. I've seen a LOT of Norge washers and I thought I was in the Twilight Zone. The idea that the NARROWEST part of the fins could break off is really strange! AND, two of the fins in the EXACT same place...really bizarre. The later version burpolator had the holes in the skirt. From the skirt, the tube to carry water to the filter went up the spline...so that could reinforce the wings...but I would not have thought it possible that the narrowest section of the wings could break off in the non-burpolator version.

Post# 664612 , Reply# 27   3/8/2013 at 20:56 (4,037 days old) by appnut (TX)        
Small KNobs on either side of timer dials

appnut's profile picture

These were off-set timer dials like on mid-1960s Frigidaires.  One of the knobs on the washer was the water level.  The other knob turned the timer dial (at least on the ones I saw in the store).  The knob push/pulled for on/off.  For the dryer, I can only think of what two were for.  One for setting the timer.  The other was for stop'n'dry feature.  The third little knob may have been a buzzer/signal off/on, but that's just guessing.   I think it was nice the filter basket and filter stream nozzle were color-coordinated with the agitator (if it was blue when new). 


Post# 664634 , Reply# 28   3/8/2013 at 23:15 (4,037 days old) by A440 ()        

Awesome find John!
Great looking set.
Thanks for the burner shot.
What the the BTU input rating of the burner?
The dryer looks huge!
Brent


Post# 664635 , Reply# 29   3/8/2013 at 23:32 (4,037 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Hello, John

mickeyd's profile picture
Dryers rarely wow me, but this one is truly beautiful. And the washer is to die for!

Like many here, I adore the Norge, and to see a TOL all lit up and full of bells, whistles, and buttons to play with is so satisfying.

Can't believe we gassed all night on the telly and you didn't mention the new found treasure. It was a fun and nice surprise to find out here.


Post# 664644 , Reply# 30   3/9/2013 at 00:50 (4,037 days old) by mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

We had a 1969 Monkey Ward Norge and, boy, could it wash. It held 20 lbs easy and the lint filter was like the one shown in the picture. I remember it being a loud machine and the brakes on it. Clothes were always clean. One of the best washers we ever owned when I was growing up. It was built, no nonsense. Can't wait to see a video of this on when it's rehabbed.


Post# 664670 , Reply# 31   3/9/2013 at 06:02 (4,037 days old) by kakidd (Texas)        

what does VHQ stand for??

Post# 664671 , Reply# 32   3/9/2013 at 06:05 (4,037 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
Why did a Norge break down....

Because when things really work,parts do wear!!! Still the all time BEST washer ever made!!!

Post# 664675 , Reply# 33   3/9/2013 at 06:37 (4,037 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        
VHQ

goatfarmer's profile picture

"very high quality"


Post# 664676 , Reply# 34   3/9/2013 at 06:38 (4,037 days old) by kakidd (Texas)        
Of Course!

Thank You!

Post# 664782 , Reply# 35   3/9/2013 at 19:36 (4,036 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1967 Norge With a Broken Agitator

combo52's profile picture

Michael the reason the agitators broke in this area was this was one of the greatest areas of stress, the agitator was driven at the top and most of the stress was the outer fins on the skirt, so the slight flexing in the waist area would cause the rigid fins to brake in this area, we saw many-many Norges do this around this time period.

 

Someone asked about the claimed capacity of this washer, Norge was claiming 18 pounds at this time. When these extra large washers came out around 1963-4 they claimed 14, then quickly went to 15, then 16, , 18 and finally 20 pounds. The tub was always the same size and I would estimate the REAL capacity be be in the 14-15 pound range.


Post# 664816 , Reply# 36   3/9/2013 at 23:20 (4,036 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)        

Wow, what nice finds. It is uncanny that two vanes on the agitator would break off in the exact same place. I too thought it was all part of the design.

Post# 664831 , Reply# 37   3/10/2013 at 03:06 (4,036 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
What a great set! I really like their control panels!

Post# 664871 , Reply# 38   3/10/2013 at 10:21 (4,036 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1967 Norge With a Broken Agitator

combo52's profile picture

Usually all four vanes would break in this area, but I never saw the agitator break completely so we would just smooth out the rough area and the customer could keep on washing.


Post# 664996 , Reply# 39   3/10/2013 at 23:11 (4,035 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        
Why, oh why?

peterh770's profile picture
Does the washer timer turn clockwise and the dryer timer turn counterclockwise?

Such a handsome pair! Congrats! I think Mark in VA has the same VHQ dryer...


Post# 665053 , Reply# 40   3/11/2013 at 08:20 (4,035 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
No,no,no that agitator and machine are

jetcone's profile picture

original, that's how the agitators were made in the parallel universe, this machine has somehow flopped over here. You'll need a doorway generator to hop over to the parallel earth and search parts stores there to replace it like new!! Get crackin'!

 

Oh while you are there pick me up a spare IBM Selectric 251 please!

 

 


Post# 665054 , Reply# 41   3/11/2013 at 08:21 (4,035 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
norge!

peteski50's profile picture
John,
This is really a beautiful set.
Best Wishes
Peter


Post# 665876 , Reply# 42   3/14/2013 at 18:07 (4,031 days old) by chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)        
1967 Norge TOL VHQ Set.....

I know I'm not a Norge fan and all, but I like these.....

But I have to admit, that is a cool looking set at the beginning of the thread....

The Push-Button Consoles on are VERY attractive....

I'm definitely digging the backlit consoles....

So, this was Norge's answer to the Maytag 906's and to Sears' Lady Kenmores' of the day?????

--Charles--


Post# 666387 , Reply# 43   3/16/2013 at 22:06 (4,029 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Being a huge Norge/Wards fan, these are awesome machines! I have a 1965 Norge "VHQ" with bakelite agitator and missing the lint filter -- still on the hunt for that. Had the matching dryer but had to downsize and unfortunately it went to the crusher. Those washers are hard-working machines and really do the job. I believe they compensated for the capacity issue by just allowing the but to fill up higher without changing the size of the tub. I have a Wards Signature 20-lb capacity and the tub is the same size as my '65 Norge but it appears that the Wards 20-lb fills up more than the Norge.

Post# 673098 , Reply# 44   4/16/2013 at 02:03 (3,999 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture

The same NORGE VHQ washer is featured in a Tide ad in today's POD. 


Post# 673126 , Reply# 45   4/16/2013 at 06:30 (3,999 days old) by appnut (TX)        
The same NORGE VHQ washer is featured in a Tide ad in today&

appnut's profile picture
The only difference betwween the machine in the ad and John's is the one in the ad has the black bakelite agitator like our 1964 Norge15 had. I remembered this ad and immediately noticed the different agitator John's had.

Post# 673133 , Reply# 46   4/16/2013 at 07:30 (3,999 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1967 Norge VHQ Washer

combo52's profile picture

How cool Bob glad you noticed this difference in the agitators, I had assumed that our machine was the first year for the blue polypropylene agitator, but I did not realize that Norge made the same washer with the black Bakelite agitator. This is great news because the near mechanically perfect donor machine is a year older and has the black agitator, so I will probably just leave it unless I can find an unbroken blue PP agitator.


Post# 673179 , Reply# 47   4/16/2013 at 12:52 (3,999 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Thanks for the heads-up on the POD ~ What a beauty!

mickeyd's profile picture
Always a sucker for the elevated control panel with lots of buttons and a huge dial, the VSQ Norge is a stunning example. And the blue agitator makes it all the more special.

Re-reading the thread, I just noticed the reference to a three speed motor. That'll be fun to see, cycle 9, Fragile, Lightly soiled, and maybe the woolens wash.

Interested in the 1st button, SOAK. John, only the rinse is marked soak, nothing else on the dial. Does the soak button hold the timer some where, and for how long?

And, when you have time, there are two smaller dials, one on each side of the main. Betting one is water level, of course, but what about the other?

Imagine there will be many heads bent over this gem, when the museum opens.


Post# 673238 , Reply# 48   4/16/2013 at 17:35 (3,998 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        
but what about the other

philr's profile picture

The knob on the right of the timer dial (on the washer) is to set the timer, at least I think it is!


Post# 673265 , Reply# 49   4/16/2013 at 20:00 (3,998 days old) by appnut (TX)        
Michael, to answer your questions

appnut's profile picture
The "soak cycle" is on the dial where the rinse begins. No it doesn't "hold" the timer. it simply selects the water temperature (cold) and normal agitation and spin. Our 1964 Dispense-o-Mat, button #1 was soak. it was a cold fill. Coincidentally, where the pre-wash cycle is on the timer dial is where our soak cycle was. A 4 or 5 minute agitation and extract with spray and finish spinning. There is a separate pre-wash cycle button which I suspect is a warm fill. the other "small" knob is used for setting the timer kind of like the 1960 Frigidaire Custom Imperial.

Post# 673282 , Reply# 50   4/16/2013 at 21:29 (3,998 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Also interesting to note this first year of Norge non-bakelite agitators doesn't appear to have the exclusive "scrubber" top to help rid us of ring-around-the-collar and other hard-to-get-rid-of stains!

Post# 673379 , Reply# 51   4/17/2013 at 06:49 (3,998 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1967 Norge VHQ Washer

combo52's profile picture

Todd, interesting question about the scrubber cap, although I do not ever recall seeing a SC on a Norge washer, was that a Montgomery Wards exclusive ?


Post# 673394 , Reply# 52   4/17/2013 at 08:07 (3,998 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
I think he means the ribbed top on the white plastic agitators. IIIRC reading in some doctrine somewhere that those ribs could be used for scrubbing too. I don't recall seeing the rubber scrub-caps on the solid basket machines except in Montgomery Ward branded models.

Post# 673455 , Reply# 53   4/17/2013 at 12:40 (3,998 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Uncle Robert Appnut

mickeyd's profile picture
Thank you ! I don't know anyone who knows control panels and cycle sequences like you do, any brand, any model.

What a wonderful gift you have.



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy