Thread Number: 80661  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
1959 Maytag
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Post# 1046306   9/29/2019 at 17:40 (1,641 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        

I just acquired this wonderful set at auction. They are near mint condition and work wonderful. It's as much fun as getting a new car!
I spoke with the owner of the washing machine museum in Colorado, and he suggested this site. It looks like a great resource.


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Post# 1046311 , Reply# 1   9/29/2019 at 18:24 (1,641 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

Beautiful set of  'tags, congratulations!


Post# 1046312 , Reply# 2   9/29/2019 at 18:24 (1,641 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Congratulations! It is a beautiful set and my favorite era of Maytags, as well. Interior shots of the washer and even some video would be welcomed enthusiastically.

Post# 1046320 , Reply# 3   9/29/2019 at 18:51 (1,641 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Congratulations.  Looking forward to more pics.


Post# 1046324 , Reply# 4   9/29/2019 at 19:03 (1,641 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Nice, and you have the sprinkler attachment for the dryer.


Post# 1046327 , Reply# 5   9/29/2019 at 19:30 (1,641 days old) by easy (Boston, Mass)        
Fabulous set

Did you get the agitator mounted fabric softener dispenser?

Post# 1046332 , Reply# 6   9/29/2019 at 20:03 (1,641 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture

Sweet!  Congratulations!  I look forward to seeing more!

 


Post# 1046334 , Reply# 7   9/29/2019 at 20:10 (1,641 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

daveamkrayoguy's profile picture
Sixty-year-old machines, that are more like Time Machines, now!

Congratulations, good luck, and use in the best of health...



— Dave


Post# 1046343 , Reply# 8   9/29/2019 at 20:43 (1,641 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
Cont.

The origional receipt says it was purchased exactly 60 years ago 9/29/59 $474 in Los Angeles CA at Simon's Washer Shop. I looked them up, but they are no longer in business.
I did not get a fabric softener dispenser although it did come with a lightweight white filter that I assume goes in the dryer. It also still has the metal cover plate that went where the vent is.


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Post# 1046344 , Reply# 9   9/29/2019 at 20:51 (1,641 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture

Magnificent pair you found, Maytag had one of the best turquoise shades.  Congrats!

 


Post# 1046350 , Reply# 10   9/29/2019 at 21:48 (1,641 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
Cont.

BTW does anyone out there know their value? They are priceless to me, but curious.

Post# 1046354 , Reply# 11   9/29/2019 at 23:32 (1,641 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)        

ultramatic's profile picture

 

 

Absolutely stunning. Congratulations!


Post# 1046375 , Reply# 12   9/30/2019 at 05:31 (1,640 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

They are worth what someone wants to pay for them.


Post# 1046376 , Reply# 13   9/30/2019 at 05:32 (1,640 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture

Utterly awesome set.  Almost-impossibly well kept.

 

For our convenience I ran $474 through the inflation calculator.  Are you sitting down?

 

In today's so-called money, 474 1959 dollars would cost $4,178.99.  No wonder stuff was so good back then.


Post# 1046379 , Reply# 14   9/30/2019 at 06:41 (1,640 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
59 Maytags In Excellent Orignal Condition

combo52's profile picture

$474 was a lot of money in 1959, as to the value today its what someone would pay for them, If I were interested I think about $474 is about right for an original unrestored pair.

 

If you were to try and start using these machines on a weekly basis you would soon find there are issues that would need addressing, and if you tried to use them a lot you would spend a lot of time and some money trying to keep them running.

 

Its a little like finding a 1959 Chrysler New Yorker in a garage with 21,000 miles on it, you would not be able to drive it to work everyday without doing a lot of work on it.

 

The good news is these neat Mts are a little more usable and practicable than driving a 58 car every day.

 

Good Luck with these machines, let us know how they work out for you, John L.


Post# 1046407 , Reply# 15   9/30/2019 at 08:42 (1,640 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Maytag!

peteski50's profile picture
This is a very nice pair - Best Of Luck with them!



Post# 1046441 , Reply# 16   9/30/2019 at 13:27 (1,640 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture
OMG! They are beautiful! Congratulations on the find of a lifetime!! There are lots of Maytag experts here on this site who will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

Enjoy them and please keep sharing pictures with us!


Post# 1046450 , Reply# 17   9/30/2019 at 15:18 (1,640 days old) by Washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Ditto everything everyone has said. Awesome find and beautiful machines!!! Congrats!

Post# 1046455 , Reply# 18   9/30/2019 at 17:19 (1,640 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
Cont.

Thank you everyone for the nice comments. I am grateful to have such a good resource.

Post# 1046463 , Reply# 19   9/30/2019 at 18:27 (1,640 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
The Maytag A606 I acquired back in March I only paid $30 for, and the washer worked on the first test other than adjusting the water level switch, and that’s was it for the washer.

Now the matching DG606 dryer I converted to a DG306 timed dryer needed a lot of work. It hadn’t been serviced or had the lint cleaned out in 46 years, and while the drum turned with little effort, I took everything apart and cleaned it up as much as I could. I had to do painting since it had some rust from the constant burning pilot light, and I had to replace all the felt seals since the outer felt seal was pretty much toast around the air enters the front of the drum.


Post# 1053993 , Reply# 20   12/11/2019 at 18:11 (1,568 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
Update

My husband bought me a microwave to match. The color is almost a perfect match. What a great guy he is.

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Post# 1054037 , Reply# 21   12/12/2019 at 04:26 (1,567 days old) by askolover (South of Nash Vegas, TN)        

askolover's profile picture

Wish they were mine...I love turquoise Maytags!


Post# 1054049 , Reply# 22   12/12/2019 at 06:46 (1,567 days old) by potatochips ( )        

This is the find of the year right here! Congrats!!


Post# 1054422 , Reply# 23   12/16/2019 at 04:38 (1,563 days old) by christfr (st louis mo)        

christfr's profile picture
oh super nice .. congrats.. love those tags

Post# 1054475 , Reply# 24   12/16/2019 at 15:47 (1,563 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
WOWZERS!!

hippiedoll's profile picture
That set is BEAUTIFUL!
CONGRATULATIONS on that awesome find!
And you are right, it is as exciting as getting a new car!

I hope you get great & long use from them MAYTAGS.

WOOOOO HOOOOO!
:oD


Post# 1131428 , Reply# 25   10/19/2021 at 11:07 (890 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
After 2 years..

Greetings All,
After 2 years of use of my beauties the washing machine is starting to squelch squelch squelch when it is spinning. I have replaced the belts, so what is my next step? I looked up the manuals posted on this site, but there is not one for my year that I can find. I imagine it is a bearing issue, but not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Post# 1131433 , Reply# 26   10/19/2021 at 12:39 (890 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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



Post# 1131434 , Reply# 27   10/19/2021 at 12:40 (890 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

Posting a video will yield the best results but I'm 95% sure it needs a new tub bearing which translates to a new stem and seal kit to go along with it. The transmission oil in this thing was shot decades ago and fluids have come a long, LONG ways since 1959. It probably also needs a new lower o-ring seal at minimum. Do it right, do it once.


Post# 1131443 , Reply# 28   10/19/2021 at 14:57 (890 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
...

gsd-dan
Thanks for the info. Any guesses on where to start for a parts list. I have a local store that got the belts, but don't know how much help they can be for a parts list. If anyone out there has one, could you please post it.


Post# 1131447 , Reply# 29   10/19/2021 at 15:39 (890 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
Any guesses on where to start for a parts list

www.automaticwasher.org/c...

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/...


Post# 1131457 , Reply# 30   10/19/2021 at 18:59 (890 days old) by rickr (.)        
Vintage appliance parts

rickr's profile picture
Call Gordon at Home Appliance. They have been in business since 1966. Gordon is the son of the original owner. Talk to him, and I am sure he can help you figure out what you need, and ship the parts to you. From there you are on your own, to find a repair shop/person willing to do the work for you. Best of luck. They are a beautiful set of high quality machines.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO rickr's LINK


Post# 1131496 , Reply# 31   10/20/2021 at 10:04 (889 days old) by Mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

Utterly awesome!!! Very nice. One of the very best washers ever.

Barry


Post# 1131568 , Reply# 32   10/21/2021 at 07:42 (888 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Noisy Durning Spin 1959 MT Washer

combo52's profile picture

Hi Robin, A video with sound would really help.

 

If it makes the noise as it starts to spin as water is being pumped out the main drive belt is the first thing to check and replace, if the noise is there at full speed with or without a load it could be the top or bottom radial bearing [ unusual in a MT washer for these bearings to get noisy ]

 

If it only makes the noise with a load it could be dry or failed damper pads, try moving the tub side to side and see if you get any sounds like you are hearing.

 

If it is a noisy lower radial bearing it is fairly easy to take the front off the washer and Squart some oil on it to see if that quiets it down, if it is the top spin bearing making the noise you can turn the washer up-side-down and Squart oil on the bottom of the bearing and under the rubber edge of it and let it soak a few days, this will usually buy you time.

 

Even as a seasoned technician tearing this machine apart for rebuilding is not an easy job, it can be done however depending how much ability and time and money you want to put into it.

 

Let us know what you find.

 

John L.


Post# 1131572 , Reply# 33   10/21/2021 at 08:23 (888 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
Studying

Hey guys, thanks for all the great information. My hubby is studying everything and will be asking you all questions as soon as he starts the repair.

Post# 1131575 , Reply# 34   10/21/2021 at 09:25 (888 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
Video

First video link, hope it works

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Riverrat's LINK


Post# 1131581 , Reply# 35   10/21/2021 at 11:30 (888 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)        

My parents had the copper colored version of this same set. It lasted for decades.

Post# 1131582 , Reply# 36   10/21/2021 at 11:52 (888 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

A longer video would be more helpful since the tub bearing generally makes its noise at top speed but it's sounding like damper pads at the moment.


Post# 1131583 , Reply# 37   10/21/2021 at 12:08 (888 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Noisy Durning Spin 1959 MT Washer

combo52's profile picture

Hi Robin, the sound in your video is a main drive belt sound, have you installed a new OEM style belt  yet ?

 

John L.


Post# 1131592 , Reply# 38   10/21/2021 at 14:09 (888 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
Oh yeah, that’s definitely the main drive belt. My Maytag A810 made the same sound when the belts were on their way out and a few Maytags at the laundromat down the street made a similar sound when they went into spin as well. Lorain Furniture has a few videos of a pink Maytag from the early 60’s that made the same sound when it went into spin as well. Replacing the belts is very easy on a Maytag, should only take about 10 minutes and there’s countless videos on YouTube on how to replace the belts ona Maytag and it’s the same for all Maytags built from the late 50’s to 2006.

Post# 1131615 , Reply# 39   10/21/2021 at 21:47 (888 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

I get ahead of myself since every new Maytag I intent to keep immediately gets new belts, carriage rollers and springs (not applicable on this model), pump lubed, damper pads lubed, new injector sock (not applicable on this model), a hose extension on injectors prior to 1966, plus whatever needs attention.


Post# 1131630 , Reply# 40   10/22/2021 at 07:13 (887 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
I'm the repairman

Hello group, thanks for responses to Riverrat's concerns about her washer, I'm Peter, I'll be maintaining these for quite a few more years hopefully. I've replaced both belts with new maytag belts so I don't believe it's a belt noise, they are in like new condition. My ear, (not real reliable) says its coming from the bottom radial? bearing area but could just as easily be coming from the bottom of the tub. Its what I call... uuurrrrk uuurrrrkk urrrrkkk starting out with the spin and pumpout, keeping pace with the rpms and fading as it gets to full rpm. it did it with just water load while I was testing it. For the first investigation of the noise I removed the front panel and investigated the bottom bearing arraingement, removed and reassembled, the bearing is not obvioiusly washed out, with not too much play in it.
Spray lithium grease, under rubber deflector and on top of lower unit initially eliminated the noise but it is returning after a couple dozen loads, not with just water right now, but under loaded spin it still there but not as bad. I'm currently looking at the exploded parts diagrams and maintainence manual exerpts, yes the main stem and tub bearing don't look like fun. I need to find and lubricate the pads someone was speaking of next. thanks, I'll be in touch, Peter


Post# 1131646 , Reply# 41   10/22/2021 at 12:04 (887 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

There's 2 bearings at the bottom of the transmission stalk. 200835 is the pulley bearing which only operates during agitation, it's out of the equation during the spin cycle. 200720 bearing is the spin bearing located in the brake package. The brake package must be removed to inspect/replace. I've never heard a spin bearing squeak, they always rumble like an express train when they fail. I'm still holding firm on damper pads.

 

The damper pads on pre 1966 washers were lubricated with Maytag transmission oil. 80/90 gear oil will work as a replacement and is far cheaper that paying Whirlpool $25 for a 1 quart and 2 ounces of transmission oil just to lube the damper pads. Squeaks like the one in the video almost always point to metal on metal contact. The slightest bit of gouging renders the damper useless. Maytag quit using that damper assembly in 1965 and discontinued it's availability in the very early 2000's. You're basically up a creek finding another one besides locating another pre 1966 machine with a good damper that isn't trashed from lack of maintenance. This is another prime example why it's a horrible idea to put a very old machine into daily service without a complete tear down and rebuild.


Post# 1131690 , Reply# 42   10/23/2021 at 08:36 (886 days old) by Riverrat (SPRINGFIELD MO)        
damper pads

Well I have no exploded parts diagrams yet to look at, so I'm not sure right now where or what the damper pads look like or are located... I assume I might be able to identify them once i remove the front panel and start looking once again... I agree that it dosent really sound like any belt or bearing squall that Ive heard before, like you suggest it sounds like plastic or rubber urrrk urrrrk. Are they part of the tub stablization during spin or what...


Post# 1131727 , Reply# 43   10/23/2021 at 19:37 (886 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
no exploded parts diagrams yet to look at,

Damper pads photos and how to get at them:

www.automaticwasher.org/c...






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