Yes, there is always a 'but'....  

It's been a long time since I've felt up to the challenge of a machine restoration, yet I threw myself into one of my 'project machines', the 1950 Westinghouse Wash-Well dishwasher.   I move a lot slower than I used to - shclepping a tub out of a machine like this one, for instance, requires planning so that I can actually DO it.... 

Still, I've managed to get most of the work done on this dishwasher, but I'm stuck on one last issue - I do not seem to be able to make the tub latch into place.  

The way the tub and lid mechanism seem to work is that the tub lid lowers and locks down as the tub is slid to the closed position.  I was unable to make the tub even close until I added a couple of washers to the tub safety switch that the opener dial should 'close'.  During my first couple of tests, the tub just popped open, which stopped the machine (I guess my rewiring of the safety switch was good...LOL).   I came up with a creative solution to keep the tub in place for a first full-cycle test today (which was a success). 

I have a couple of theories.... One is that the dishwasher frame is weak and subject to vibration because I have not yet re-installed the tub side panels.  The second is that the dishwasher frame is not level and the tub is leaning forward.   The third is that perhaps the tub lid is not pressing down firmly enough to hold it into place.  The last theory is based on what I could glean from the service manual for this machine.  There was no specific "complaint" about tubs popping open during the dishwashing cycle.  

Any thoughts or suggestions?    At the moment, I'm thinking tub lid tension adjustment.... 

Robert, I'm fortunate the tub seal is still soft and flexible, but I like the idea of adding some closed-cell foam tape.  That stuff has bailed me out a number of times!