Thread Number: 6482
Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII
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Post# 130540   5/22/2006 at 11:54 (6,520 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Hi everyone, new guy here! Veg and Unimatic know me from Audiokarma, I collect vintage color televisions and am a Moderator over there.
Well.. It seems that the vintage appliance bug has bitten and I am on my way to making another crowded basement!
It started when I went to an estate sale by my home this weekend, it was there that I found this Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII. It's in excellent cosmetic condition with a bonus, it even works still! My question about it is approximately how old? I am guessing 1969-1970 as it looks like an April 1969 date code on the motor. I noticed the '67 model in the pictures was similar but had a slightly different styled area around the lamp. Also, when did they drop the RCA name? My machine just has the Whirlpool script.





Post# 130543 , Reply# 1   5/22/2006 at 12:13 (6,520 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
NICE CATCH!

toggleswitch's profile picture
uhm, paneling?

OH MY.

If I had to guess I would say the home where the estate sale was held had *paneling disease*


Post# 130570 , Reply# 2   5/22/2006 at 13:39 (6,520 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Nice washer, Dwight! If you post the model and serial number from the tag on the back of the washer, we'll be able to date it down to the month it was made.

Togs - the paneling was applied at the factory! Check out the ad link from 68.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO gansky1's LINK on eBay


Post# 130571 , Reply# 3   5/22/2006 at 13:42 (6,520 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Oh,

What.A.Beauty!


Great find, and welcome.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 130576 , Reply# 4   5/22/2006 at 13:50 (6,520 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Well... If you need to know, yes! The whole basement was set up that way. Every wall had it!
Now if I could just find the matching dryer...


Post# 130579 , Reply# 5   5/22/2006 at 13:55 (6,520 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Waht color is that? It looks less yellow than *almond*

Thanks for the tub shot.

Wow live and learn. Paneling!
Not sure if I feel comfortable with a dryer (heat source) with wooden accoutrements! Worse in my head if gas-heated!


Post# 130581 , Reply# 6   5/22/2006 at 13:57 (6,520 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Looks like I no longer have a data plate. I see rivets by the hose outlet, but that's all that is left. Dang!
Anywhere else I could look?


Post# 130585 , Reply# 7   5/22/2006 at 13:59 (6,520 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
D'oh! Those rivets is where the serial plate should be...

I think you're about right though - 1970'ish.


Post# 130586 , Reply# 8   5/22/2006 at 14:07 (6,520 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
No RCA

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Welcome to the club from this side of the pond, nice machine,

Does it have push buttons or a timeline, cant quite see from the pic, nice panelling as well, imagine it all around your laundry room.

What type of agitator is it??

Mike


Post# 130588 , Reply# 9   5/22/2006 at 14:26 (6,520 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Hi Mike!
The agitator says super surgilator.


Post# 130597 , Reply# 10   5/22/2006 at 14:48 (6,520 days old) by mixfinder ()        
It gets even better

The matching dryer has a feature that allowed you to swing the door sideways, like a Whirlpool or drop it down, like a Kenmore.
The door was framed in chrome to hold the wood accent and is heavier than the typical door.
The matching dryer and Imperials of the 70's also had a lever, on the console, that shifts the belt to a different pulley to speed up or slow down the belt driven functions for heavy or normal loads.
You were cautioned not to move the lever unless the dryer was running.

Kelly.


Post# 130599 , Reply# 11   5/22/2006 at 14:53 (6,520 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm)        
Togglepuss

Might it be Avocado?
Captain, it is a beauty; a great "first" vintage
washing machine.


Post# 130612 , Reply# 12   5/22/2006 at 15:39 (6,519 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Yes, it is Avocado in color. That dryer sounds pretty good with the convertible door and two speeds...
They replaced the original matching unit with an Avocado mid 80's Kenmore.
I left that one behind as someone else wanted it.


Post# 130613 , Reply# 13   5/22/2006 at 15:41 (6,519 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!)        

veg-o-matic's profile picture
Oh Dwight, this is the beginning of the end! You think those consoles and combos take up a lot of room...?

Very cool machine. Never seen one like it. And I love the fact that Whirlpool designed the dryer door along the same lines as the tailgate on Ford station wagons.

Welcome! You'll love it here (be forewarned though, that it's a lot different than AK!) We actually have a few more AK retreads around--Chad Hauris, Cory H., Jason L....

veg


Post# 130628 , Reply# 14   5/22/2006 at 16:58 (6,519 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        
WELCOME!

goatfarmer's profile picture
I "thunk" I had that same washer in storage.Close,but no banana.....

kennyGF


Post# 130634 , Reply# 15   5/22/2006 at 17:22 (6,519 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        
I'm Speechless

.

Post# 130635 , Reply# 16   5/22/2006 at 17:34 (6,519 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII

peteski50's profile picture
Love this model. Is it in working order?
Best of Luck!
Peter


Post# 130637 , Reply# 17   5/22/2006 at 17:56 (6,519 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        
IN Gregs picture post....

The paneling treatment came off better on the washer. But it sure made the dryer unattractive. Now whens those frigidaires with the upper storage cabinets on that balcony gonna come up again. They are my favorite. alr2903

Post# 130641 , Reply# 18   5/22/2006 at 18:41 (6,519 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Welcome!!

Greg, that is one of my all-time favorite Whirlpool print ads. Granny taking in laundry and all the wonderful features of the Mark XII helped her waltz through so she could generate her income!!! I think I remember Jon LeFevre having the dryer when were were at the 2002 convention. But I don't remember if it was Avocado or White.


Post# 130642 , Reply# 19   5/22/2006 at 18:43 (6,519 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
nice machine,

and I kinda like the paneling, its SO kitchy!!
A shag carpet front ould have been fun too!


Post# 130646 , Reply# 20   5/22/2006 at 19:12 (6,519 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
The machines from that ad were ones I drooled over for years, I wanted that set in the worst way. I had room for them in my bedroom, at the end of my bed. Santa sucks.

Post# 130673 , Reply# 21   5/22/2006 at 20:49 (6,519 days old) by drmitch ()        

Cool Captianmoody! :)

Post# 130674 , Reply# 22   5/22/2006 at 20:52 (6,519 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Hi Peter!
Yes, it still works great and looks pretty much all original too.
So you guys think it is a 1969 or 1970 model? Without the data plate, I am out of luck on knowing exactly right?
Funny, I actually ran a load of clothes through it at the sale! They were sitting by it so I said what the heck..
The owner must have been worried about the machine getting rusty in the basement or something, as it and the dryer were sitting on a wood platform 6" off the floor!
Seems odd as there were no signs of flooding or water down there.


Post# 130675 , Reply# 23   5/22/2006 at 20:59 (6,519 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Hi Dwight,

Glad to see the "bug" has bitten...there will only be more washers to be found! And what a machine to start a collection with, congratulations! That Whirlpool looks like it's in really nice shape and hasn't had much use. How does it look underneath? And does this one have a console light?

Love that awesome woodgrain front panel; I didn't realize this was ever an option, too cool! It will look great in a 70's paneled basement!

--Austin


Post# 130676 , Reply# 24   5/22/2006 at 21:02 (6,519 days old) by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        
Im thinking...

powerfin64's profile picture
its about a 70-72, the panel style matches my 72, 3 speed dryer.
Beautiful machine! wish it was just a few years older, and it would be my dream machine.

Rich


Post# 130704 , Reply# 25   5/22/2006 at 23:08 (6,519 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Dwight - that is one heck of a cool find there, you will have sooo much fun with this machine. And that killer paneling - who would have thought? One heck of a way to get started - hope the bug doesn't hurt!

Austin - I think I spied a florescent blub starter on the top portion of the back panel. Great engineering there - so easy to change (or rattle)!

Ben


Post# 130713 , Reply# 26   5/23/2006 at 01:01 (6,519 days old) by fixerman ()        

Sometimes a date is stamped on the side of the transmission. I don't know if it would exactly match the washers actual manufacturing year or not.

Post# 130723 , Reply# 27   5/23/2006 at 02:38 (6,519 days old) by 68imperial ()        
Whirlpool Imperial

Hi I just want to say that that is a great machine i have one similar in the copper color Tom :)

Post# 130726 , Reply# 28   5/23/2006 at 03:25 (6,519 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        
WP Imperial

I have a WP IMP 90 something like the one shown in the first entry.--It doesn't have the paneled front.Mine is white.The agitator and metal agitator cap is the same-Its my favorite.Gets heavy use at my place-got it from the Swap shop in Ayden,NC.check with them on old washers-sometimes they get an oldie.Most of the time its the DD WP and KN.also GE.The big problem here is getting the flourescent bulbs for the control panel.None of the lighting or electrical suppliers here have the bulbs.Probably should replace the starter as well-sometimes when the bulb goes it goes too.

Post# 130749 , Reply# 29   5/23/2006 at 07:04 (6,519 days old) by imperial70 (MA USA)        

What makes the cool sounds on a whirlpool washer. Is it the tranny or the motor or something else. I wish I could create that sound. Very relaxing.... :-)

Post# 130752 , Reply# 30   5/23/2006 at 07:27 (6,519 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Wonderful find and I second Westytoploader.

Steve


Post# 130770 , Reply# 31   5/23/2006 at 09:24 (6,519 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        

Avocado and wood paneling on a belt drive whirlpool. Does it get any better?

Awesome machine.

What makes the "grind click clunk" when it starts spinning is the spin solenoid/wigwag device. That musical WOOWOOWOOOWOO that you hear is actually the sound of thousands of angels singing in harmony. Actually what makes that noise is a mystery.


Post# 130776 , Reply# 32   5/23/2006 at 09:57 (6,519 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
It's all about the wig-wag.

toggleswitch's profile picture
Love the sound! I used to open and close the lid just to hear the solenoid engage and disengage the spinning tub!

Post# 130779 , Reply# 33   5/23/2006 at 10:20 (6,519 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        
Me too

I used to push the lid switch with my finger and if you timed it just right, you'd get a good "GRRRRRRRRRRRRRIND-click-clunk"

Post# 130802 , Reply# 34   5/23/2006 at 12:01 (6,519 days old) by agiflow ()        

Those base fins on this particular surgilator look HUGE. Can only imagine what kind of of turnover this agi. gives. KEEP THAT LID CLOSED! LOL. A true classic.

Post# 130821 , Reply# 35   5/23/2006 at 13:11 (6,519 days old) by captainmoody ()        

I enjoy those sounds when the whirlpool is running also! My other reason for getting it was the build quality back then.
It has the tougher motor and the end frames are not welded to the stator like the newer ones. I like machines that can have individual assemblies rebuilt, not thrown away and replaced.
My next big must have is a Frigidaire top loader from the GM ownership era.


Post# 130914 , Reply# 36   5/23/2006 at 21:56 (6,518 days old) by wash&where? ()        

LOOKS LIKE CAPTAINMOODY WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE PINK FRIGIDAIRE SET IN MINNESOTA.

Post# 131069 , Reply# 37   5/24/2006 at 17:54 (6,517 days old) by captainmoody ()        

Well, after spending $16.29 for a replacement bulb I got the Whirlpool lit up again!
When the guy brought up the box he blew dust off it! Guess they don't sell many bulbs for those units...
After checking date codes on the timer, motor and other items, it looks like nothing is newer than May 1969. That was exactly the year I was looking for on this one, so it worked out pretty well.
Now the search is on for a nice 60's Frigidaire...


Post# 131071 , Reply# 38   5/24/2006 at 18:34 (6,517 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Yay!

Post# 131094 , Reply# 39   5/24/2006 at 21:15 (6,517 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Very nice vintage Whirlpool Dwight. I just love the machines that light up. Fixing the light is not an option around here! It's a requirement! LOL!!

Post# 131119 , Reply# 40   5/25/2006 at 00:03 (6,517 days old) by wigwag (San Diego)        
Which Whirlpool is it

All,

My grandmother had a Supreme 80 set, it was a standard capacity machine. Had the whirlpool scripting on the left side. Then 5 brown push buttons for temperature, then some text (cool down care and magic clean filter) then the water level knob (knob was similar to machine above from 1969)

Does anyone know which year this machine was or have a pic of one from a catalog? I've got a standard capacity belt drive machine I'm saving for the one day when I find at least the console to the machine my grandmother had. That was the machine that first got me interested in washers and I would just love to see that machine again or at least know what year it was.

Thanks so much!
Steven


Post# 727558 , Reply# 41   1/13/2014 at 20:23 (3,726 days old) by glk00 (Chicago)        
Hello Dwight I have my mom's Whirlpool Mark XII Gas Dry

Well I'm not sure if your model was their Top of the Line Your Year. Seems the push buttons were different than the model I have. I know Mine was the Top of the LIne when I purchased it for my mom. It was the only model that had the two way dryer door.
For one year they sold it but stopped due to patent infringments with the Ford Motor company. Seems it's design was the same as the Station Wagon back Doors that could open like a door or open like an oven door.
I myself liked how classy the Whirlpools looked compared to other manufacturers of the time. I will say however the Lady Kenmore counter parts ran much quieter and had a few nice additional features. That Dryer also had a Ultraviolet Germicidal light in it that stayed on the whole drying cycle. And the Electronic Sensor also was elegant compared to jus the two metal sensor strips on all others.
I don't have a picture of the dryer to upload but I can check. I know I have brochures of the time. Just have to find where I packed them away. When I find the info I'll scan and send it to you.
Not sure if I gave you any additional information about your washer. However That agitator does a might fine job. I still have my convertible Whirlpool washer that I still use from time to time when I'm in a hurry to get laundry done.
Happy New Year
Gerry



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