Thread Number: 71744  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
"Ya know, Every Now and Then"....(in my best Tina Turner Voice)
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Post# 949317   7/21/2017 at 18:54 (2,441 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        

jetaction's profile picture
Recalling the many years I have enjoyed our vintage appliance club, the dream machines I have found and most importantly the friendships I have made. I don't post too often and work harder at downsizing than hunting and collecting but as the thread says, every now and then...something comes your way that makes you sit up straight and your heart skip a beat. So here we go, we'll start with this.




Post# 949318 , Reply# 1   7/21/2017 at 19:03 (2,441 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
OMG ...


Post# 949320 , Reply# 2   7/21/2017 at 19:07 (2,441 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Don!!  Have a heart!!!!!!! 

 

Now Tina, you best behave girl.  Or I'm gonna sic Ike on ya sorry ass!!!!


Post# 949322 , Reply# 3   7/21/2017 at 19:31 (2,441 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        
It's a trick

gansky1's profile picture
I'll bet there's oil heaters in those boxes!


Post# 949324 , Reply# 4   7/21/2017 at 19:39 (2,441 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Back side of boxes

jetaction's profile picture
Oh boy...

Post# 949329 , Reply# 5   7/21/2017 at 20:01 (2,441 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
New in Box, literally

jetaction's profile picture
High Speed, Automatic cycles, Electric, Lighted panel, still in the box

Post# 949330 , Reply# 6   7/21/2017 at 20:14 (2,441 days old) by TrainGuy (Key West, FL)        
Congrats!

trainguy's profile picture

Don,

What a wonderful find. I am so very happy for you. Can't wait to hear the story behind these beauties!

Rich


Post# 949334 , Reply# 7   7/21/2017 at 20:36 (2,441 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Thanks so much!

jetaction's profile picture
Pretty simple, Craigslist, not far from my home. The seller bought them at an estate sale, one owner, husband bought them for his wife and never hooked them up. Must have been in a climate controlled home as there is no pitting, rust or usual suspects. Wow! The Tide is still pourable, not a brick at all. There are plastic appliance covers still in the bags, hoses are supple for 60 years. These machines are older than me!

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Post# 949335 , Reply# 8   7/21/2017 at 20:50 (2,441 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        
Gorgeaus Don

mayfan69's profile picture

ABSOLUTELY gorgeous Don

 

Congratulations!

 

Cheers

Leon


Post# 949337 , Reply# 9   7/21/2017 at 20:52 (2,441 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
Absolutely stunning!

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Wow Don, that is an absolutely amazing find. CONGRATULATIONS !!

I'm not sure I could take them out of the boxes, but will watch this thread with great anticipation for their unveiling.

Congrats again!!

Gordon


Post# 949339 , Reply# 10   7/21/2017 at 21:08 (2,441 days old) by Glhturbo2 (Reidsville, NC)        
WOW

What year are these beauties from? Congrats on a beautiful unused set!

Post# 949340 , Reply# 11   7/21/2017 at 21:15 (2,441 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Oh I'm so glad you got those Don, I saw those on CL recently too! Congratulations!!!

Post# 949341 , Reply# 12   7/21/2017 at 21:16 (2,441 days old) by KenmoreBD (Mass, usa )        
WOW!

Simply Stunning! Enjoy!




-Andy


Post# 949344 , Reply# 13   7/21/2017 at 21:35 (2,441 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        
Congratulations!

When the tape kit on our 58 lady stripped off the drive apparatus, that is the panel Sears replaced it with.

 

I wonder what it was that made Sears have to black out the MISER in SUDSMISER. Our lady was not a suds saver, but the instruction book had the picture of the control panel with the SUDSMISER and the instructions for using it so I have wondered about this since 1958.


Post# 949346 , Reply# 14   7/21/2017 at 21:47 (2,441 days old) by appnut (TX)        
Don!!!!!!

appnut's profile picture

I've only seen the LK Combo version of these control panels as it's what was next door to us when we moved into the house 9/61.  The washer knob was on the left hand side (where the dryer panel's knob is) and the dryer knob was on the right (where the washer's panel is here).  The cycle colors are very reminiscent of the combo.  I look forward to close-up detail pictures of the washer's control panel, complete with legible photos of the auxiliary knobs.  Clutch the pearls and everything else!! 


Post# 949347 , Reply# 15   7/21/2017 at 21:52 (2,441 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)        
My, My, My, My

pulltostart's profile picture

Speechless.  Congratulations one helluva find!!!  I have to echo Gordon's sentiments - after all these years, they look right at home in their boxes.

 

lawrence


Post# 949350 , Reply# 16   7/21/2017 at 22:03 (2,441 days old) by Mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

Sweet! That's a real washer & dryer. Stunned. Please do share more pictures.

Barry


Post# 949356 , Reply# 17   7/21/2017 at 22:39 (2,441 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
WOW, Don

combo52's profile picture

This has to be the most amazing find in about the last 5 to 10 years here on AW, and it looks like they sprang the extra $10 for the Suds-Saver option.

 

We used to figure that the purchase of the SS option would usually save enough money over the life of the washer that it was like getting the washer FREE, imagine your foolish neighbors not buying the SS option, and you have had an automatic washer for free.

 

Also wondering if the dryer is a real High Speed model that can be connected to 50 Amps with the dual heater element.


Post# 949362 , Reply# 18   7/21/2017 at 23:38 (2,441 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
A true dream-machine set; and new-in- box, to boot. Congratulations, Don.

Post# 949375 , Reply# 19   7/22/2017 at 00:28 (2,441 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

The knobs, starting on the left are the Infinite water level with RESET position, the Sudsmiser control for save or drain, the wash water temperatures, the rinse water temps and the agitation speeds. The spin speed was built into the cycles. I am not sure, but I think one of the lesser features on this machine was the elimination of the Cool setting in the wash temperature selections. On our Lady, the Delicate cycle had the gentle agitation speed built into the timer. You could not get normal agitation in the delicate cycle.


Post# 949386 , Reply# 20   7/22/2017 at 02:25 (2,441 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Lottery Winner

mickeyd's profile picture
Oh what fun those buttons will be, with a glorious SUDS to boot.

Old childhood memory, perhaps faulty, but Sudsmiser was coined and copyrighted by Whirlpool for their machines exclusively, and either someone goofed or the copyright happened after the fact requiring a do-over for the "Sorry, Suds only!" Kenmores.


Post# 949388 , Reply# 21   7/22/2017 at 02:39 (2,441 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Amazing! Stunning! Congratulations!!

Post# 949392 , Reply# 22   7/22/2017 at 04:33 (2,441 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
"These Machines Are Older Than Me"....Kenmore

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Congratulations Don, what a NIB MIB find, that's what its all about sharing the joy when finding never used equipment, just goes to show stuff is still out there - and nearby ha ha !! Yes what year are these ?

Nowthen "To Use or Not to Use ?


Post# 949393 , Reply# 23   7/22/2017 at 04:56 (2,441 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

toploader55's profile picture
WOW Don.

Sorry I missed you this trip.

What a great find. Can't wait to see them run.


Post# 949394 , Reply# 24   7/22/2017 at 05:36 (2,441 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        
Wow, that's awesome!

philr's profile picture
What a nice set! Even the boxes look almost new!

Congratulations Don!


Post# 949395 , Reply# 25   7/22/2017 at 06:26 (2,441 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Swoon!

turquoisedude's profile picture

Don, this is just amazing! Congratulations!!  I have never ever seen a matched washer and dryer set still in the box turn up.  The fact that they were stored in climate-controlled conditions is the best luck imaginable.  Wow!!  I am stunned...


Post# 949398 , Reply# 26   7/22/2017 at 07:03 (2,441 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Drool!

jetcone's profile picture
Gawd they are beautiful Don! Phil is right even the boxes are new holy moly.
Ugh that tub I want to dive right in
Congratulations I'll be out to droooool


Post# 949402 , Reply# 27   7/22/2017 at 07:18 (2,441 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
kenmore!

peteski50's profile picture
Wow Don,
This is so Great - Best Of Luck with them!
Peter








Post# 949407 , Reply# 28   7/22/2017 at 07:44 (2,441 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1958 Cycla-Fabric Kenmore Pair

combo52's profile picture

These would be next to the TOL Lady Kenmore's in 1958 and have most of the important features of the LK machines.

 

There was a turquoise pair of 1966 LKs found NIB about ten years ago that a friend still has and of course the finder of these beauties also bought a pair of never used 1966 Maytag 806 machines again in turquoise, so that is three pairs that have been found in this club.

 

John L.


Post# 949410 , Reply# 29   7/22/2017 at 08:10 (2,441 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

Beaitiful! The 58-59 cycle-fabric is one of my favorite models. I love the multi-color timer on that machine. Can you post a close-up of the washer timer?

Post# 949420 , Reply# 30   7/22/2017 at 09:52 (2,441 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
Aferim!

bajaespuma's profile picture

Three words: OMG.


Post# 949426 , Reply# 31   7/22/2017 at 10:26 (2,441 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        
Emergency

ovrphil's profile picture
I'm having a heart attack. I don't own jack squat in the beauty lineup of vintage appliances..cannot believe my eyes. Don, how did you survive not fainting and passing out as you opened these up to see what's inside?

I was not prepared when you posted the box pictures..honestly, I thought it was a joke.

Awestruck. My wife will ask, "so how come you don't find these things on Craigslist, all the hours you spend at the computer searching?"

Great surprises here on aw.org.

Just ...wow!


Post# 949427 , Reply# 32   7/22/2017 at 10:34 (2,441 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Requested pics and information

jetaction's profile picture

How fun to share this with you all, thanks for your nice comments. They will be hooked up, I don't keep anything around for "pretty" as that really only benefits who will buy something new in the box at my estate sale someday! They are from 1958, dryer is high speed and I will keep you posted when they do their maiden wash. I know there is some maintenance before they are used that should occur with machines that have set for 60 years so if you have tips let me know. I wasn't certain that I would buy them when I decided to look at them but the high speed dryer, suds saver, NIB, lighted panels and FIVE wash temps (including Cool and Medium) offered with a separate rinse temp selector did me in, I didn't even pause. As far as I know they are about as flexible and fully featured Kenmore that I know of.   Enjoy the pics. 


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Post# 949429 , Reply# 33   7/22/2017 at 10:41 (2,441 days old) by dosxxpapa (Oregon)        
Unbelievable

dosxxpapa's profile picture
WOW..... Amazing Find....

Post# 949430 , Reply# 34   7/22/2017 at 10:48 (2,441 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Great find Don! Nobody deserves these more than you, congratulations!

Post# 949434 , Reply# 35   7/22/2017 at 11:36 (2,441 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

Thanks for the pics! I know you will enjoy them. One thing you should check is the belts on both washer & dryer to make sure they aren't stuck to the pulley or cracking from dry rot. Can't wait to see your maiden wash!

Post# 949438 , Reply# 36   7/22/2017 at 12:13 (2,441 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

If you have the cool wash setting, you probably have the cool rinse setting as well.  I discovered that with our Lady.  Daddy had a London Fog raincoat. The instructions said to rinse it three times in cool water. I switched the wash water temp to cool and got a cool fill for the rinses which was warmer than the cold setting in Georgia in the summer where the water came out of the Chattahoochee at the base of the Buford Dam, so instead of cold, it was damn cold.


Post# 949445 , Reply# 37   7/22/2017 at 13:53 (2,441 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

WOW Don, that is SOOOO amazing, incredible, unbelievable, to find a matching 59 year old pair like this, still untouched and new in the box... just stunning!  CONGRATULATIONS!

 

Kevin


Post# 949448 , Reply# 38   7/22/2017 at 14:15 (2,441 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Unbelieveable!

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
and still in the box. What an amazing find, congrats.
WK78


Post# 949451 , Reply# 39   7/22/2017 at 14:23 (2,441 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
Congrats Don

mayken4now's profile picture
Faint! That is unheard of. Like John says, at least in the last 5-10 years.

Post# 949456 , Reply# 40   7/22/2017 at 15:51 (2,441 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
congratulation on these rare gems

pierreandreply4's profile picture
congratulation on these rare gems and still brand new as well completly mint rare gems indeed

Post# 949464 , Reply# 41   7/22/2017 at 17:39 (2,441 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)        

Those are really nice.


Post# 949465 , Reply# 42   7/22/2017 at 17:56 (2,440 days old) by ken (NYS)        
Amazing Find

ken's profile picture
To say this is a rare find is an understatement. They are beautiful. Glad to see another member here got them. Sharing your find here seems to make it even more fun doesn't it? That way we can all see them and enjoy them. Looking forward to a video of them operating. Hope you have many hours of fun with them.

Post# 949473 , Reply# 43   7/22/2017 at 19:37 (2,440 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
WOWZERS!!

hippiedoll's profile picture
Congratulations on the very cool find!
I'm sharing in the excitement & hope to see & hear them in action soon...
:o)


Post# 949474 , Reply# 44   7/22/2017 at 19:40 (2,440 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

daveamkrayoguy's profile picture
Man, what's NOT to like?!

Think this is finally a place for the line from OC Smith's "Wham! Bam! Blue Collar Man", from his TOGETHER album: "I got a new washer and dryer from Sears"...


-- Dave


CLICK HERE TO GO TO DaveAMKrayoGuy's LINK


Post# 949475 , Reply# 45   7/22/2017 at 19:41 (2,440 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Don, I'm assuming the Wash n Wear cycle has the cool down phase as that was the "hot" feature in Whirlpool products in 1958 and beyond. 


Post# 949482 , Reply# 46   7/22/2017 at 20:23 (2,440 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

It's the smell. There was a certain smell the rubber and plastic parts had in those days. Like appliance cologne.
I'm so glad the good Angels led you to these. With your typical level of enthusiasm you will have a great time playing with these.. Enjoy!


Post# 949484 , Reply# 47   7/22/2017 at 20:31 (2,440 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Always amazing to find NIB:

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
I found a New on pallet mid 70's Hobart CRS-66 dishmachine a few years ago. I had no way to get it here or a place to put it. I hope it did not end up in some greasy spoon getting beaten up by teenage dish boys.
WK78


Post# 949496 , Reply# 48   7/22/2017 at 22:17 (2,440 days old) by Washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        
And a suds saver to boot!

washerlover's profile picture
I don't remember ever seeing those types of consoles before. So deluxe, shiny and new! I can't top any other comments other than I am so happy they landed in a good home. And here I was all excited today to have just picked up a pristine 1985 Whirlpool set complete with owner's manuals. I don't even think I'll bother to post any pics after seeing your absolutely amazing set! Congrats!

Post# 949505 , Reply# 49   7/22/2017 at 22:56 (2,440 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)        
WOW

akronman's profile picture
Congratulations on the find of the decade, and all the pics.
1 question on the dryer: What does the AIR FLOW knob/lever do?

Those are the shiniest glowing high--end machines in ages!


Post# 949560 , Reply# 50   7/23/2017 at 04:04 (2,440 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Air Flow Feature On TOL 1958 KM Dryers

combo52's profile picture

This was a one year only feature,  [although they had a similar accessory that came with the 57 LKM dryers ] when you pulled the black knob below the console the part of the console above the lever tilted inward and allowed all the exhaust from the dryer to blow into the room   [after the lint filter ].

 

I think the main purpose of this was to use this POWERFUL Kenmore dryer as a way to warm up a recreation room etc.  [remember this were powerful dryers, the gas ones were 37,000 BTUs and the electric ones were 8,400 watts which converts to around 25,000 BTUs of heat.

 

It will be interesting to see how the operating guide describes this feature, hopefully Don will share that information.

 

John L.

 

 


Post# 949561 , Reply# 51   7/23/2017 at 04:12 (2,440 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Bob-- Looks the the distance on the control dial between 'Rinse' and 'Damp Dry' is greater on the Wash 'n' Wear cycle than it is on either the Normal cycle, so I also assume there is a cool down protocol. I'll bet it's the sequence of fills and partial drains used on the '59 and '60 Kenmores. No agitation during the cool down process.

The console styling/design is to die for. 😘

Don, these gleaming beauties deserve a pedestal and spotlight.


Post# 949591 , Reply# 52   7/23/2017 at 09:41 (2,440 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
Who buys a

laundry pair and leaves them boxed? Maybe left in an old Sears store when it closed?

Post# 949607 , Reply# 53   7/23/2017 at 10:16 (2,440 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Eugene, that would be the correct sequence.  I don't think Kenmores began agitation while filling during the cooldown maybe 1967 or 1968.  Next door neighbors had a 1967 or 1968 next to TOL Whirlpool pair and it did do just two drain and fills for the cool down but didn't agitate wile it filled.  Rinse agitation was also gentle on that model.  It had Super Wash for both Normal and PP/W'n'W cycles too.  That being said, maybe when WP modified their cooldown sequence to where the cooldown drains were now slow speed rather than normal speed, Sears specified agitation while filling to differentiate between them and WP.  The two 1959/1960 Kenmores I was exposed to shifted to gentle at 6 or 4 minute wash time point and then drained at normal speed during the cool down and rinse was gentle agitation.  It always made more sense to do that slow agitation while refilling during cooldown phase to evenly distribute the cooling fill rather than concentrating it to one side of the tub until filll was completed and slow agitation commenced. 


Post# 949615 , Reply# 54   7/23/2017 at 11:21 (2,440 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

A truly amazing find! That was when washing machines were REALLY washing machines! Congratulations to you!!!

Post# 949636 , Reply# 55   7/23/2017 at 13:05 (2,440 days old) by dishwasherfan (Phoenix, AZ)        
WOW!

dishwasherfan's profile picture
Truly amazing basement find. Thanks for sharing.

Post# 949837 , Reply# 56   7/24/2017 at 14:33 (2,439 days old) by Jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Clarification

jetaction's profile picture
I wrote Jean shaw about the swquence of
The wash n wear cycle as some of you had wuestions. See her response below. Also, the vent in the dryer console can be opened to blow the filtered air in the room for warmth and humidity.


  View Full Size
Post# 949930 , Reply# 57   7/25/2017 at 04:58 (2,438 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Gasp...

mrb627's profile picture
I have no words. Flabbergasted.
Malcolm


Post# 949932 , Reply# 58   7/25/2017 at 05:31 (2,438 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
More thoughts on Wash 'n' Wear cool-down: I used the Wash 'n' Wear cycles (Sturdy: Medium water temp; 4 mins. fast followed by 4 mins. slow agitation / Delicate: Warm water; 4 minutes slow agitation) on our 1960 Kenmore Model 80 only a couple of times.

My mom was convinced the cycles didn't work right because of the fill/drain cool-down sequence. Tried to explain it to her, but she was having none of it. Besides, you couldn't use the suds-saver, so that was a deal-breaker for her. The woman loved her suds-saver!

I convinced her to try the cycle and let it do its thing, but she was so bothered by all the water being used she muttered something in Italian, interrupted the cycle after the 2nd or 3rd refill and never used it again.

Even with 5 or 6 partial refills, the water in the tub opposite the fill flume never really got cold. Allowing no agitation during the cool-down process made for a rather inefficient method.


Post# 949935 , Reply# 59   7/25/2017 at 06:20 (2,438 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Uncle Peter, my smelling salts!

launderess's profile picture
Pardon while I go loosen my stays...



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Post# 949937 , Reply# 60   7/25/2017 at 06:21 (2,438 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Don, you sly puss!

launderess's profile picture
Clever you nabbing that scrumptious set, and keeping it all under the radar.

Congrats and enjoy in best of health!


Post# 949941 , Reply# 61   7/25/2017 at 06:58 (2,438 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Should just like to say

launderess's profile picture
For those that bounce into this forum lamenting how they "cannot" or "never" find anything decent much less NIB; Don's great find proves once again there still are things out there to be found.

Just requires patience and diligence is all.


Post# 949949 , Reply# 62   7/25/2017 at 08:04 (2,438 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
That is correct Launderess. Also, attending estate sales. Gyrafoam has stated that for years to those complaining of dry runs.

Don, thanks for the Wash-n-Wear bulliten


Post# 950047 , Reply# 63   7/25/2017 at 18:50 (2,437 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA)        
Kenmore cool-down sequence timeline

First version (1958) - Alternating drain (high speed?) and fill, and on some models, pause at the next timer notch.

Second version (1964, along with the 3-speed models) - First notch: low speed drain followed by simultaneous fill and low agitation. Second notch: fill only then resume low agitation. Third and fourth notches: repeat steps of first and second notches respectively.

Third version (1976, along with the dual-action agitator) - First notch: high speed drain for aprox. 45 seconds before pause. Second notch: Fill and high agitation when full.


Post# 950091 , Reply# 64   7/26/2017 at 01:43 (2,437 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA)        
Whirlpool cool-down sequence history

So did Whirlpool originally have about the same cool-down sequence as the second Kenmore version described above? When did they switch to the pause method?

In c.1973, they introduced the KNIT cycle with the single-staged cool-down, as opposed to the double-staged in PERMANENT PRESS and the lack of such in GENTLE. This was phased out c.1978.


Post# 950111 , Reply# 65   7/26/2017 at 06:44 (2,437 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Randy-- You are correct; both the 1959 Lady Kenmore and the 1960 Model 80 had high-speed drains during the cooldown process.

Post# 950190 , Reply# 66   7/26/2017 at 22:43 (2,436 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
BEAUTIFUL!

THE STUFF IS OUT THERE!!! We just have to find it, I try to attend all the estate sales I can, you never know what will turn up!

Post# 950208 , Reply# 67   7/27/2017 at 00:52 (2,436 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)        
SWOON!

ultramatic's profile picture

 

 

I'm on the fainting couch, I'll give a more substantial comment later.


Post# 950256 , Reply# 68   7/27/2017 at 10:37 (2,436 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
OMG

golittlesport's profile picture
Hi Don! Congrats on this amazing acquisition! What a gorgeous set!

Our neighbors had this set when I was a kid. They bought it when they moved into their newly-built house. They also had a 1953 Kenmore with the controls on the front of the cabinet that they kept when they got the new set. I was amazed someone would have two automatic washing machines. Many folks had an older wringer washer still around when they got an automatic (we did) but I didn't know anyone else with two working automatic washers.

These neighbors had a kid my age so we were always over there playing in the basement and I got to know these machines very well. Loved the waterfall lint filter. With the exception of bleach and fabric softener dispensers, these models had it all. I didn't fully appreciate their flexibility as a kid, but do now. For example, the speeds were controlled by the cycle selected, but with the separate agitation control you can get a slow agitate/fast spin combination on the normal cycle, or slow/slow on the wash n wear cycle.

I always thought these were stunning machines and was breathless (like Laundress) when you opened the boxes in your photos. What a trip down memory lane! Thanks for sharing!


Post# 950438 , Reply# 69   7/28/2017 at 09:56 (2,435 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Rich you solved a mystery for me and made my day!

jetaction's profile picture
Thanks for the clarification about the agitation/spin speed options. I assumed the agitation speed dial controlled both agitation and spin and thought it odd it was labeled that way. I also was thinking that as flexible as these machines are (the most flexible in the Kenmore line) too bad they didn't have the option for a slow agitation/fast spin. I never need a slow spin, especially on a Kenmore. Now I know that agitation is truly just for that and these are capable of a slow agitation and fast spin which I am thrilled with. Thanks my friend, hope to see you in the near future, we are overdue!

Post# 950439 , Reply# 70   7/28/2017 at 10:17 (2,435 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

Those are a truly incredible find!!!

Post# 950445 , Reply# 71   7/28/2017 at 11:20 (2,435 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

I'm surprised the agitator doesn't have the grey scrubber cap. All the 58 and 59 model Kenmores, except for the very last frogeyes, had them and a neighbor of ours when I was a kid, had this model and it had the scrubber.

Post# 950449 , Reply# 72   7/28/2017 at 11:47 (2,435 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        
:-)

chetlaham's profile picture
Its not often we witness a true dream come true, but as I type we bear witness :) Well deserved and I am so happy for you. If only I could be there to smell that 60 year old rubber.

Post# 950454 , Reply# 73   7/28/2017 at 12:17 (2,435 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)        

ultramatic's profile picture

 

 

Heart felt congratulations! I can't even begin on how stunned I am at this discovery. Just as you think you could never see something like this pop up, there you go. Can't wait to see more pictures of them and not to mention a few vids!


Post# 950492 , Reply# 74   7/28/2017 at 16:41 (2,435 days old) by stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)        

stricklybojack's profile picture
.
Eye poppin'!
NIB, accept no substitutes..


Post# 950528 , Reply# 75   7/28/2017 at 22:08 (2,434 days old) by sears9000 (Pensacola, Florida.)        
Those are absolutely gorgeous!

Congratulations on your NIB find. Those are so beautiful, they need to be encased in a shrine! I mean even the pregger agitator has a shine to it, along with my favorite cap it has. The dryer is also beautiful. May you enjoy them for a long time. You will never see quality like that again. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Post# 950620 , Reply# 76   7/29/2017 at 13:39 (2,434 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Don, when is the maiden wash?

Post# 950737 , Reply# 77   7/30/2017 at 05:05 (2,433 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture

Don-- Still returning to this thread to look at the photos of the '58s. Love that shiny preggers Roto-Swirl agitator. Such a gorgeous set.

When you have time: Could we get a close-up of the washer's pop-up laundry guide? I've enjoyed reading the suggested settings for the dryer. Even the guide is beautifully colored and styled!


Post# 950895 , Reply# 78   7/31/2017 at 09:43 (2,432 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Requested pics and information

jetaction's profile picture
Here you are.

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Post# 951114 , Reply# 79   8/1/2017 at 14:27 (2,431 days old) by midcentnurse (Lake Charles, La)        

midcentnurse's profile picture
I would do anything to have those in my 1958 laundry room. Almost give up my brand new Speed Queen frontloader set, which has taken 6 weeks and still isnt here but still.. Anything! :( Eyes literally tearing up now.

Post# 951119 , Reply# 80   8/1/2017 at 14:54 (2,431 days old) by midcentnurse (Lake Charles, La)        

midcentnurse's profile picture
Still waiting on the washer, national back order, thanks for telling everyone speed queens are the best! ;)

  View Full Size
Post# 951207 , Reply# 81   8/2/2017 at 04:07 (2,430 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        


Congrats, Don! Here's hoping for many years of use in good health!!!


Post# 951213 , Reply# 82   8/2/2017 at 04:57 (2,430 days old) by MrAlex (London, UK)        

mralex's profile picture
Ooh, it’s so... shiny!

Post# 951279 , Reply# 83   8/2/2017 at 11:33 (2,430 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        

iheartmaytag's profile picture

WoW, Just WoW!!


Post# 951284 , Reply# 84   8/2/2017 at 12:16 (2,430 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

So Don.... how long before these beauties are ready for their full spread, photographic debut? laughinglaughing  Action shots are of course expected! tongue-out

 

Kevin

 


Post# 951324 , Reply# 85   8/2/2017 at 17:46 (2,429 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

toploader55's profile picture
Don must just be getting over the vapors of acquiring these.

There must be some adjustment and medication required after finding something like this.

I would be a basket case (although life makes me a basket case in general)

I will admit I would love to hear the sounds of those machines in actions .


Post# 951508 , Reply# 86   8/3/2017 at 23:26 (2,428 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        
Never never before...

Never have seen these VERY cool consoles. NIB--Oh MY! "So beautiful,no words..."

Thank you for sharing and enjoy!


Post# 951563 , Reply# 87   8/4/2017 at 08:34 (2,428 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
I know the second tier GE 1960 I got from

jetcone's profile picture
Gansky has more flexibility than theTOL line did!!

I checked - that's real 'golt' on those dials !!!!!
Golt hasn't been used in years !!!


Post# 951574 , Reply# 88   8/4/2017 at 10:58 (2,428 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Permanent Press Refills

mickeyd's profile picture
Use the lowest water level, then you can enjoy the show without using a gazillion gallons. When Whirlpool Mark XII came and the PP cycle did its third drain, I thought it was broken. That's when the pounding on the front door started. Then after the fourth and fifth dump and the pounding got louder, I thought, "Why, the world has gone mad!"

By the sixth and final dump, they broke right through the front door. The dreaded water nazis. Shucks. Luckily I had a flame thrower at the ready to subdue them. But Don's doctrine says his beauty can gulp up to 7--SEVEN-- PP refills. Surely, these are end times. Gadzooks! What eva shall we do?


Post# 951615 , Reply# 89   8/4/2017 at 18:47 (2,427 days old) by Spacedogb (Lafayette, LA)        

This post has been removed by the member who posted it.



Post# 951671 , Reply# 90   8/5/2017 at 10:22 (2,427 days old) by jeff_adelphi (Adelphi, Maryland, USA)        
The unboxing!!!

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Post# 951672 , Reply# 91   8/5/2017 at 10:27 (2,427 days old) by jeff_adelphi (Adelphi, Maryland, USA)        


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Post# 951673 , Reply# 92   8/5/2017 at 10:30 (2,427 days old) by jeff_adelphi (Adelphi, Maryland, USA)        


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Post# 951674 , Reply# 93   8/5/2017 at 10:34 (2,427 days old) by jeff_adelphi (Adelphi, Maryland, USA)        
Now the washer!!!

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Post# 951675 , Reply# 94   8/5/2017 at 10:40 (2,427 days old) by jeff_adelphi (Adelphi, Maryland, USA)        


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Post# 951676 , Reply# 95   8/5/2017 at 10:44 (2,427 days old) by jeff_adelphi (Adelphi, Maryland, USA)        


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Post# 951678 , Reply# 96   8/5/2017 at 10:58 (2,427 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

WOW!!!! What beautiful machines! That washer and dryer are some of the best built machines that were ever made!!! It is how Kenmore machines were in more homes than any other.

Post# 951679 , Reply# 97   8/5/2017 at 11:03 (2,427 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Wonders never cease!

mickeyd's profile picture
The close-ups are fabulous; everything is simply gleaming. Loved seeing how the suds model hoses are piped. And the people--you all look literally awestruck and reverent!

Thanks so much, Jeff, for sharing the glory. A big hello to everyone.


Post# 951682 , Reply# 98   8/5/2017 at 11:34 (2,427 days old) by realvanman (Southern California)        
Just Incredible!

Not a spec of oil or corrosion under there! Simply gorgeous!

I would have saved the boxes though. :) Tipped gently on their sides to open the bottom flaps, pull out slightly, then right the machine, and slide the intact box off.


Post# 951683 , Reply# 99   8/5/2017 at 11:41 (2,427 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

I am speechless with wonder and tingling all over my chest, neck, and arms!!.  To see that virgin bakelite rotoswirl preggo agitator.  Brings back such fond memories of the 2 Kenmores that had this same agitator when I was 5-8 years age. I've never seen a new dryer drum of this style, all I ever saw were drums that had been well loved by their families.  Greg, you're gonna have to give me an indepth discussion of this experience.  I'm glad to see all of y'all got to experience this together.  Don, "Madame Kenmore" can't hold  candle to you!!

 

I look forward to ALL the literature/documentation being placed on ephemera. 


Post# 951713 , Reply# 100   8/5/2017 at 17:46 (2,427 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Kenmore!

peteski50's profile picture
This is a real beautiful set and imagine getting all new in the boxes! I wish all the vintage machines can be brand new! Don I wish you Luck with this awesome set!
I am Happy :) to see all you guys are together for a mini meet washin! I wish I could be their. I hope you all have a great time and regards to all!
Best Wishes,
Peter



Post# 951773 , Reply# 101   8/6/2017 at 00:22 (2,426 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

I swear-that's my Grandmothers washer!!!!Just like hers!!!!!Liked watching it whenever I visited her.Thats neat to find one fresh in the factory box--"unissued"!!!

Post# 951796 , Reply# 102   8/6/2017 at 05:08 (2,426 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

toploader55's profile picture
Good Lord !!!

Congratulations on such a amazing find.

And what a great group for the Un Boxing.

I know they are coming, but to hear and watch those machines running will be a trip down memory lane.

My best to everyone and congratulations again.


Post# 952124 , Reply# 103   8/8/2017 at 09:05 (2,424 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
More photos...

swestoyz's profile picture
I came up to Don's Friday evening, and after some grilling on the brand new Weber and chatting with family and friends, they had saved the best for last - the washer unveiling.

For prosperity sake, here are a few photos I snapped during the process.


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Post# 952125 , Reply# 104   8/8/2017 at 09:05 (2,424 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
And... some more

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Post# 952126 , Reply# 105   8/8/2017 at 09:06 (2,424 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
Finally - a video

swestoyz's profile picture
I published this out to YT over a cell signal so it wouldn't upload as HD. Either way, this was the maiden wash, and we get to hear the first timer advance click!






EDIT - Later this evening I'll republish this in HD.

Ben


Post# 952188 , Reply# 106   8/8/2017 at 15:03 (2,424 days old) by realvanman (Southern California)        
Tub Light!

As a lightbulb collector, I would LOVE to have a clear photo of the label and the base of that 1958 lightbulb! It's very rare to get to know exactly when a lightbulb was made.

By documenting known ones, it helps to identify those that are found in the wild. :)

Keith


Post# 952199 , Reply# 107   8/8/2017 at 16:33 (2,424 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
Im glad

These were saved, this really shows just how much better products were than todays junk...Absolutely no comparison...I'm glad John put the magic touch on it, he can make anything run forever!

Post# 952208 , Reply# 108   8/8/2017 at 16:58 (2,424 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Oh my.... I need a cigarette after seeing the unveiling photos and first run videos.  And I don't even smoke!! 

 

Don, you truly have a treasure there!! 


Post# 952210 , Reply# 109   8/8/2017 at 17:24 (2,424 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

toploader55's profile picture
Just look at the build quality there. God, That Top of the machine open with the snubber and everything sooooo brand new. All that steel and porcelain.

Good Lord. This country should be ashamed of itself for not building machines like this anymore.

Yeh, Yeh,... I know I am living in the past but this is stellar.

Thank Goodness Don found these and for some reason a young couple had bought the house and scrapped them.
Just gorgeous !!!

Don, Will you bring these to Boston in October ? ( I heard a rumor you are coming back : )

And Thanks for the Vid Ben. Oh the sounds of the More washing away.

Sweet Dreams tonight for everyone that watches that vid.

"Dreams of the Woo-Woo dancing in their head"


Post# 952213 , Reply# 110   8/8/2017 at 17:41 (2,424 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks for the video of the maiden wash. The well-deserved attention these '58s are getting is akin to the excitement surrounding an archaeological find.

Tub Light: One word of caution. Expect that bulb to pop every now and then due to splashing water during the suds return or at fast agitation combined with a low water level. The bulb on our 1960 Model 80 went out on a regular basis. The repairman finally installed a foil shield directly in front of the bulb to protect it from splashing water...but it ruined the dispersion of light flooding the interior. Is that what John is working on in the photo above, or is that the heat shield to prevent the top directly above the bulb from getting too hot? Anyway, I removed the shield and put some of my allowance money toward purchasing appliance bulbs (can't remember if it was 25 or 40 watts). We always had several in stock as replacements.




This post was last edited 08/08/2017 at 18:51
Post# 952215 , Reply# 111   8/8/2017 at 17:44 (2,424 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Here's the HD version of the video.






Post# 952222 , Reply# 112   8/8/2017 at 18:21 (2,423 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)        
It's a Time Machine!

pulltostart's profile picture

Suddenly - it's 1958 again.  How sweet is that?  Thanks to everyone for sharing the photos and videos.

 

lawrence


Post# 952235 , Reply# 113   8/8/2017 at 20:02 (2,423 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)        
WOW WOW WOW

akronman's profile picture
Thanks for pics and vids!!!!!
I have a well-used 1959 Whirlpool and 1960 Whirlpool, now I know where to add in a tub light!

Thank you for documenting and showing off these 2 great machines, congratulations!


Post# 952305 , Reply# 114   8/9/2017 at 09:32 (2,423 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Damn!

mrb627's profile picture
How do they show absolutely NO SIGNS of age?
Where were they stored? In a vacuum?

Malcolm


Post# 952311 , Reply# 115   8/9/2017 at 09:55 (2,423 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

Beautiful machines! Thanks so much for sharing the pics and video. I love the way the three colors of the cycles light up.

Post# 952327 , Reply# 116   8/9/2017 at 12:35 (2,423 days old) by realvanman (Southern California)        
Hard Glass

It is entirely possible that the original tub light bulb was made of "hard glass", which would resist breakage due to thermal shock. But once these burned out, they more than likely got replaced with ordinary bulbs, which of course will pop when splashed, as mentioned.

I wonder if hard glass bulbs can still be had?


Post# 952334 , Reply# 117   8/9/2017 at 13:58 (2,423 days old) by amyofescobar (oregon)        

amyofescobar's profile picture
I finally clicked on this thread today :'-]

@jetaction would you mind if I shared some of these photos on a Facebook page of mine?


Post# 952351 , Reply# 118   8/9/2017 at 15:16 (2,423 days old) by sears9000 (Pensacola, Florida.)        

I agree with Eddie that this country ought to be ashamed for not making good quality appliances , or anything as well as that beautiful washer and dryer. Nothing today comes up to the standards of that 58 Kenmore laundry pair. I know without a doubt that washer would clean clothes a lot better while being gentle with them. If I could, I'd build a time machine big enough to go back in time, and buy my appliances if I can get the currency of that time period, and bring them here instead of buying the modern junk of today.
Don, I'm so glad you got them. I know you will appreciate, and take care of them. Like I said before, I hope they will last you a good long time.


Post# 952361 , Reply# 119   8/9/2017 at 17:03 (2,423 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Keith-- I always replaced the tub light with what was called an 'appliance bulb' made for use in washers, dryers, refrigeration and ovens; never with a common household incandescent. Don't know whether those were the 'hard glass' bulbs you referred to.

Putting our Kenmore experts to work: What features did the '58 Lady Kenmore have that the 'Four Star' model did not? Bleach and fabric softener dispensers? Self-cleaning lint filter? Ultraviolet 'hygiene' light? Scrubber cap on agitator? Thanks in advance for any light you can shed. The 1959 Lady K I had briefly back in the mid 90s featured all of the above. Would be interesting to find out which of those features were held over from '58 and which were new for '59.


Post# 952399 , Reply# 120   8/9/2017 at 20:58 (2,422 days old) by amyofescobar (oregon)        

amyofescobar's profile picture
@Sears9000 I was thinking about this too.
In times past, homemaking was a much more visible aspect in one's life. People just have very different lifestyles now, because there is a freedom of sorts thanks to various technology. Plus some social revolutions.
And... maybe some politics and wars have had a say too. ;-)

My hope is that in the future, we'll really see great things happen that bring us full circle, especially in the realm of technology, because so much is happening right now. For example, the invention of the automobile is seen by many as something that has disrupted the vital "town square" feeling to many cities around the world. Roads must be bigger, parking lots emerge, buildings and homes are farther apart now.

However, with the ever evolving technologies, tech that has matured or "fermented" if you will, we might start seeing some smarter solutions (self driving cars, electric batteries, various public transport endeavors). We can bring things into balance again by making the technology work for us instead of against us, which cuts costs and makes new options possible. I'm hoping it will be able to change our culture too.


Post# 952463 , Reply# 121   8/10/2017 at 05:37 (2,422 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

toploader55's profile picture
@ amyofescobar... Love your Avitar :)

Post# 952475 , Reply# 122   8/10/2017 at 07:39 (2,422 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Technology: Many here long for the return of the 1950s and 1960s--primarily for the appliances, I suppose--but without the internet, the AW family would be far smaller. We'd probably exist via newsletter. Members rely on craigslist, eBay, etc. to find vintage appliances and the parts to keep them working.

Me, I'm glad to be a part of the 21st century, warts and all. Was there ever really a time when everything was hunky dory? I think not.



Post# 952494 , Reply# 123   8/10/2017 at 09:57 (2,422 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
amyofescobar

jetaction's profile picture

Absolutely, use all the pictures you want!


Post# 952514 , Reply# 124   8/10/2017 at 13:05 (2,422 days old) by realvanman (Southern California)        
Frigilux

I agree. There never has been, nor ever will be a time that was or is perfect. As much as I long for the past, when quality and style were king, I begrudgingly admit that I am better off in the present, for many of the reasons you site, but other reasons as well.

The most important reason for me, my Beloved is a stunningly beautiful dark brown, and I am a pasty beige. It is a pathetic truth that this would have been tremendously more difficult in decades past!


Post# 952528 , Reply# 125   8/10/2017 at 15:25 (2,422 days old) by Kenmoreman ( Southern NH)        
Dryer lubrication

I was a Sears technician in 1970 and saw quit a few of these machines. They were beautiful!!! I noticed you were doing a bit of lubrication on the washer and rightfully so. There are so many replys on this thread I hope I am not repeating one. The dryer was so over engineered! The blower assembly has an oil wick as did later designs. If you pull it out you will see it. You should Soak it with turbine oil and let it set in before you use it. I envy your aquisition! They are museun quality. Great post!!!


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