Thread Number: 70371  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
3 new machines: 2 Simpson's and 1 GALA twin tub 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 932854   4/17/2017 at 01:11 (2,565 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        

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Well, after getting a slap on the wrist and backside for not telling David I bought these machines, all 3 have finally arrived.

 

First up: A 1970's Simpson '85' Four Speed Automatic, which arrived from Tasmania: had been sitting underneath a house unused for 20 years. Needs a new pump but other than that, appears in very good condition.

 

Secondly, a 1960's Simpson 'Simpsomatic' Semi automatic Fluid Drive. While I already have one similar, this one actually has a heater! Haven't figured out exactly how a Semi auto Fluid Drive heats the water and then fills the inner tub, but i'll find out soon.

 

Lastly, one for our UK friends: a made in Britain GALA twin tub: in very nice condition except the spinner isn't working so if any of our UK friends has a repair manual I'd be most grateful.

 

The last 2 machines came from a deceased estate sale in Victoria.

 

Water testing is to follow.

 

Cheers

Leon
  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 10         View Full Size



Post# 932871 , Reply# 1   4/17/2017 at 05:22 (2,564 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Congrats!

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Those are lovely machines!

The GALA twin-tub either received low use and or was very well cared for by previous owner.

Post# 932872 , Reply# 2   4/17/2017 at 05:45 (2,564 days old) by WishyWashy (Brisbane, QLD, Australia)        

Gosh Leon - they’re incredible for their age! Your commitment to sniffing out these forgotten but well-preserved barn-finds is massive, and the mind boggles at just how much time, distance, and dollars you generally sink into the whole pursuit. Hats off to you - You definitely walk the walk.

Unless it’s just the photos, the condition of that first Simpson - inside and out - looks simp(son)ly superb.
As for the second Simpson, its hard to resist a wry smirk when one recognises that the knobs are the same pieces that Simpson were sticking on their upright stoves during the same period. (Maybe that’s why it has a heater!)
The washtub in that Gala actually looks enamelled. I take it that she’s fairly heavy. Given that you can select water temperature with the left hand dial, I’m assuming that it has supply-hose connections on the back, and that the little bar marked “Lift” that sits across the centre of the control panel is a water dispenser.

They're excellent. Dare I paraphrase Jaws by venturing that “You’re going to need a bigger Showroom…”

Best Wishes,
WishyWashy.




Post# 932875 , Reply# 3   4/17/2017 at 06:17 (2,564 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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You do have a knack for sniffing out the pretty and interesting machines. The Simpsomatic is just spectacular, how fun.

Post# 932878 , Reply# 4   4/17/2017 at 07:07 (2,564 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Hi Leon.

Your collection and collection room is stunning and now you have to find room for three more!

They all look great, though being from the UK, I have most affinity with the GALA. Badged as 'Supermatic', they were Hotpoint UK's first twin tub - model number 1400 LA and were introduced circa January 1960.
Model 1400 LA was the heated model, whilst 1401 LB was the unheated version, both remaining in production until replaced by the 1420 (heated) and 1421 (unheated) models in 1963.

I have to ask the question - what model number is the GALA version?

I know that in recent times a couple of 1400 have been put through a heavy repair, so am sure people will be able to offer advice with your GALA.

Paul
p.s I have never seen this version of Supermatic with a band around the waist line - certainly, none of the UK based machines that I have seen have them. Is it a protective guard, akin to a furniture guard on a vacuum, or does it serve some other purpose?

Post# 932879 , Reply# 5   4/17/2017 at 07:13 (2,564 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        
briefly, as an aside .....

 the UK also had a budget version of the 1400, in the form of the Twin Six - models 1410 LSA (heated) and 1411 LSB (unheated).

Quite simply, its a regular Supermatic/GALA, but with all the fancy stuff stripped off the top.
Did a version of this make it to Australia too?

Below is my 1411 - an ornament only, as the spinner leaks like a sieve.

Paul

Post# 932890 , Reply# 6   4/17/2017 at 09:31 (2,564 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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beautiful yet interesting units.....

can't wait to see a demo of each.......

Post# 932892 , Reply# 7   4/17/2017 at 09:59 (2,564 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
To echo what Martin said....

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Really neat and interesting machines, CONGRATS on acquiring them Leon!!!

 

I look forward to hearing and seeing more (video) about them.

 

Cheers,

Kevin

 

 
Post# 932910 , Reply# 8   4/17/2017 at 11:20 (2,564 days old) by simpsomatic (Melb, Aust-now Palm Springs,US)        
Simpsomatic heater

 Hi Leon,

Simpsomatic for simpsomatic here. Great find. Back in the days where hot water suppy in Oz we restricted to alloted daily use due to a gravity fed tank in or on the roof these machines with heaters were a godsend. The semi-automatics were the most cumbersome. Simspon, Kelvinator/Leonard and Frigidaire solid tubs all followed the same principle that eventually became automated in top of the line automatics. You have a video I believe of one very early model Simpson showing and explaining the process. As for the Simpsomatic you fill the wash tub to your desired level. Make sure the drain plug is in the laundry trough and large enough to hold a washtub of water. Spin the water out to the laundry trough. When the timer shuts the motor off the water in the laundry trough will siphon back into the outer tub of the Simpsomatic. Turn the heater an and temperature is felt through the side walls of the wash tub. At that time shut off the heater, put the drain hose from the laundry trough back over in to the wash tub and select wash and set timer. The outer tub will drain/fill the washtub then off you go with your washing. Ingenious actually. Have fun and lots of videos.

Post# 932911 , Reply# 9   4/17/2017 at 11:31 (2,564 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        
Now that should be a DAVIDATOR!!!!

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That first & second pic is what I wish you could STILL get here in the states! 

 

 

-- Dave
Post# 933097 , Reply# 10   4/18/2017 at 08:01 (2,563 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        
saving suds might be a bit easier...

 My semi-auto Frigidaire Pulsa-matic round body washer has a simpler method to save suds and then heat on heater models (mine has no heater): The drain hose has a rubber ball attached to two springs on the outlet. you fill the inner basket with water, then roll the rubber ball to cover and block the hose outlet. The ball is retained by the springs. Spin out the water, as the hose is blocked the water gets trapped in the outer drum. (which in my machine is the outer casing.) Then you can engage the heater. When water is up to temp, you can place the hose end over the inner basket and unblock the hose outlet. Now set the machine to agitate and it will pump the water back into the inner basket.


Post# 933110 , Reply# 11   4/18/2017 at 09:34 (2,563 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Nice finds Leon!  That 60's Simpsomatic is very nice indeed - looking forward to a demo of that one!

 

As for the slap on the wrist, it's an occupational hazard.... LOL   A nice dinner and a couple of G&T's will usually calm the waters. 
Post# 933304 , Reply# 12   4/19/2017 at 06:20 (2,562 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Great Washer Finds

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Wow, Leon you really found some cool rare machines, when you told me that you had found these machines I never dreamed hey would be in such good shape [ I assume that you at least had to clean and polish ], I can't wait too see your collection in the fall this year [ your spring ], keep us posted, John L.
Post# 933619 , Reply# 13   4/20/2017 at 22:59 (2,561 days old) by Rberryiii3 (Palm Springs, California)        
Great machines

 Enjoy. How's your collection coming along we met last year at when you were shipping a container of machine back home.
Rob
Palm Springs



This post was last edited 04/20/2017 at 23:22
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