Thread Number: 9909
A born-again Magic Minute! 1959 Kelvinator |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 182836   1/12/2007 at 22:44 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hey there folks, My, it has been a busy month already! I took a break this afternoon from tearing down plaster to piece the 1959 Kelvinator back together. For those not in the know, I found this machine on New Year Eve in 2005, just a little over a year ago. I've included a few before shots of what the machine looked like when I pulled it out of the basement of an old Maytag Appliance store. It was missing the upper boot, and it would not spin or agitate. A complete rebuild would be needed, and there was a broken foot that needed to be replaced as well. I tore the machine apart in Cory's basement last January, hauled the parts this summer to my folk's place, and finally, slowly but surely, I've been working on it when I get a free moment at the new house. I completely refinished the frame this fall, with a nice sand blast job. I drilled out the old, seized feet, and drilled out the original nuts to retrofit some sturdy Maytag feet. When it was sandblasted, I had the metal shop weld some 1/2-13 nuts to the frame to complete the conversion. The outer tub needed a touch of POR-15, as well as the inner tub. As soon as I had the frame completed, I bought my house, so the project was on the back burner once again. Slowly I've pieced it back together, and this afternoon ran a few tests. Hopefully it will be water ready soon! Here are a few before shots: Jan 2006 |
|
Post# 182837 , Reply# 1   1/12/2007 at 22:45 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182839 , Reply# 2   1/12/2007 at 22:46 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182840 , Reply# 3   1/12/2007 at 22:48 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182843 , Reply# 4   1/12/2007 at 22:50 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182844 , Reply# 5   1/12/2007 at 22:52 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182847 , Reply# 6   1/12/2007 at 22:55 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The last few weeks I've let the seals cure with a good coat of RTV, but I've been busy with some major demo on the house. Today I got a wild hair up my ass to start putting it back together, since I was getting tired of breathing plaster dust. First step.... get the key installed with the bearing, while trying to hold onto the greased spin shaft. It was interesting. |
Post# 182849 , Reply# 7   1/12/2007 at 23:00 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182850 , Reply# 8   1/12/2007 at 23:02 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182853 , Reply# 9   1/12/2007 at 23:04 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182854 , Reply# 10   1/12/2007 at 23:05 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182856 , Reply# 11   1/12/2007 at 23:09 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Cross member in place, with motor and pump recently installed. Notice those beautiful Maytag feet - and that pesky clutch. I didn't completely install all the suspension pieces, as I wanted to do a few tests to make sure everything works smoothly. So, for those who are familiar with the bottom side of an ABC/Kelvinator, you can rest easy tonight - I'll get everything put back in it's place soon. |
Post# 182858 , Reply# 12   1/12/2007 at 23:10 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182859 , Reply# 13   1/12/2007 at 23:11 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182860 , Reply# 14   1/12/2007 at 23:12 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182861 , Reply# 15   1/12/2007 at 23:13 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182862 , Reply# 16   1/12/2007 at 23:14 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182863 , Reply# 17   1/12/2007 at 23:14 (6,285 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182867 , Reply# 18   1/12/2007 at 23:24 (6,285 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Overall, I am excited that the machine has reached this point. I ran the machine, doing several tests, for about an hour. Early on, the motor would need a little push of the agitate pulley to get things going, but after a while, it would run a complete cycle on its own. I felt confident enough to put the tub in for yet another test run. Well, it again needed a nudge, and it got up to about half speed before blowing the fuse. I think the clutch is not slipping enough and causing the motor to over heat. I've included a movie on YouTube showing the mechanicals in motion. There are two noises - one is a high pitched squeak. The other is a lower pitched thud. I have the lower pitched noise figured out (running sans tub), but the little squeak is driving me nuts. I made sure everything was well lubricated during installation - so I'm pointing again to the motor. I'm sure the bearings need attention as well. Let me know what you guys think - is it something besides the motor? I just wanted to take a second and thank Jimmy, Robert, and Greg for all the knowledge and wonderful resources that all three of you provided me to help with this machine. Without you guys, I know I would not have gotten this far - at all. And also, Mark - thanks for taking the time to produce those new boots - this machine will be so ever-thankful of your dedication to this wonderful hobby. Thanks so much. Ben CLICK HERE TO GO TO swestoyz's LINK |
Post# 182892 , Reply# 19   1/13/2007 at 00:36 (6,285 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182894 , Reply# 20   1/13/2007 at 00:42 (6,285 days old) by exploder3211 ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Nifty project |
Post# 182898 , Reply# 21   1/13/2007 at 01:06 (6,285 days old) by peteski50 (New York)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182899 , Reply# 22   1/13/2007 at 01:11 (6,285 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182918 , Reply# 23   1/13/2007 at 05:44 (6,284 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Hi Ben Congratulations on such a FAB restoration, all the hard work was worth it....AND, a Timeline Kelvinator, that would have to be an ultimate WANT!!! I hear what you mean about the "Squeak", it sounds like a wet squeak to me, rather like lots of lube rather than a dry one, if that makes sense, had a similar sound on my hotpoint TL after a re-build.. Cheers, Mike |
Post# 182921 , Reply# 24   1/13/2007 at 05:54 (6,284 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 182932 , Reply# 26   1/13/2007 at 07:38 (6,284 days old) by tlee618 ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Ben that is one beautiful machine. You have done a great job on her. Thanks too for all the great pictures. |
Post# 182935 , Reply# 27   1/13/2007 at 07:55 (6,284 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 182962 , Reply# 29   1/13/2007 at 10:54 (6,284 days old) by northwesty (Renton, WA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Nice restoration, and thanks for the photos they are a great reference. |
Post# 182972 , Reply# 31   1/13/2007 at 11:28 (6,284 days old) by golittlesport (California)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 182974 , Reply# 32   1/13/2007 at 11:46 (6,284 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
It's like taking a course with a great textbook full of pix. Another timeline today. The last pic looks pink--pretty cool. I love the one of the outer tub water test, sharp, clean, colorful, beautiful Your amazing skill gives great washer hope to new learners like me. Thanks, Ben Martin, you can see the distinctive ABC/Kelvy wobble in the "Shampooing action" shot, 2nd last pic. Best loved play by a Kelvi : The quick click into spin with the immediate full flush of the power rinse. It lasts about a minute and it's really fun! So much water. Bye. |
Post# 183025 , Reply# 34   1/13/2007 at 17:21 (6,284 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Very nice Ben, it's a show-stopper! You probably haven't tried running it with water in the pump, that may quiet the high-pitched squeak - that would be easy enough to eliminate for dry testing, then I would guess the clutch next. I had bad pads on the clutch in the 66 Kelvi and it made almost the same sound. If I remember correctly, the clutch pads need to be lubed with a light coat of vaseline but if they are worn down, the meal shoe will lightly rub the clutch drum. |
Post# 183069 , Reply# 35   1/13/2007 at 20:53 (6,284 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
It is beautiful, I can't wait to see it in action! |
Post# 183093 , Reply# 36   1/13/2007 at 23:22 (6,284 days old) by rickr (.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 183095 , Reply# 37   1/13/2007 at 23:40 (6,284 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 183104 , Reply# 38   1/14/2007 at 01:13 (6,284 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Hey folks, thanks for the great comments and suggestions! I really wish all of you could be here to see this thing in action - these machines are incredible! Mike: thanks for the tips on the squeaking. I think you may have it the nail on the head with this one. After it ran again today for awhile, the squeaking disappeared completely - I bet the grease was just getting broke in. Steve R: you are missing out, man! If Eddy would not have shown Cory and I Greg's '55 at the '05 Convention, I would have had no clue what this machine was capable of. In that instant I saw a machine that was just as dramatic as the Frigidaire. Steve B: thanks for the words of encouragement! I remember seeing photos of your Kelvi in your album. It sounds like pads to me too. I tried to get the 1 3/16" measurement that the Master's manual states on those spring tension jobies - but the nuts bottomed out before I even reached that measurement! Oh well. If you need any more photos, I'd be happy to help. I would love to see what the belt arrangement is like on your machine. Martin: All ex-centric Kelvinator's were solid tub machines. From what I've read here, AMC went to ABC and asked that they build them a washer for their appliance lineup. Thus, the Shampooing Kelvinator! Mickey: Snow? What snow. Oh yeah, funny you mention that - because we just now received our first real snow fall this year! Austin: Exactly - night and day. I'm really not sure why the designers would have gone for the fine thread, vs. the corse thread. But you can see why I made the decision to make a change in that dept! Funny you mention the lint filter. When I found the machine, there was no agitator in it. After digging around in the heaps of crap in that basement, I found an agitator but no cap. I've gone back and found another agitator and red bakelite cap, but no filter. Yeah, the off balance mechanism is on the side of the tub. After reading the service manual, it mentioned that anywhere from 4.5 to 5.5 pounds of off balance weight will be enough force to trip the microswitch. I've included a photo for you. POR-15 - love the stuff, even after a week has gone by and it is STILL on my hands. And those stupid lids..... don't get me started! Greg: eee eee eee was right! Almost all of the squeaking noises were resolved with installing the wash tub. My guess is with the extra weight, everything settled into the proper place. I am a bit concerned about the clutch though. I took your suggestion and put a thin coat of vaseline on the shoes and drum. The machine appeared to work flawlessly for a good hour. After a while, the motor would begin to lag excessively. After a bit of investigation, it appeared that I had too much tension on the agitate belt via the pump pulley. After a few adjustments, I was able to get the machine to spin up again without blowing the fuse or breaker. You will hear the start switch kicking on and off in the movie below. It sounds EXACTLY like Cory's multimatic when he was having belt tension issues, and I will assume that it sounds similar to your '59 as well. So, I'll make a 2nd attempt at getting the clutch off the motor, I broke 2 allen key wrenches tonight trying to get it off ;-). Rick - I agree, being a home owner is a totally new playing field! Before working on the washer tonight, Dad and I hauled out 1200 lb. of plaster to the dump. It sure didn't seem like that much when it was falling off the walls. I really do enjoy working on the house though, much better than sitting at the desk at work getting fat. Bob: I wouldn't say that it is gold quite yet, but when it is, I'll be sure to make a deposit! I've included a link to some video I shot this evening. There will be some fine tuning ahead - the motor is still blowing fuses and tripping breakers during spin-up. Ah, the joys of 'modern' appliances! Ben CLICK HERE TO GO TO swestoyz's LINK |
Post# 183151 , Reply# 39   1/14/2007 at 12:25 (6,283 days old) by sambootoo (Moody, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
That's super! Just as I was about to get rid of the machines I've got waiting to be restored (because of time and space issues) you show up with this work of art. Job well done and congrats. |
Post# 183155 , Reply# 40   1/14/2007 at 13:48 (6,283 days old) by peteski50 (New York)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 183174 , Reply# 41   1/14/2007 at 18:00 (6,283 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 183237 , Reply# 42   1/14/2007 at 22:59 (6,283 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Ben, the video is great--can't wait for the water one to come. The tub, the panel, the frame: everything looks brand spankin' new. My God, a restoration masterpiece. Isn't that snow to the left of you and under the front of the car or just a glimpse of suds of the future from all the fantastic splashing of the Kelvination. Greg--did you miss the flume in the pic entitled "Water testing the outer tub"? Ben, I guess you do have snow now; you're all over the weather channel ! Hope you make out okay, Brutha! Mike |
Post# 183265 , Reply# 43   1/15/2007 at 07:33 (6,282 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 183287 , Reply# 44   1/15/2007 at 11:06 (6,282 days old) by scott55405 ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Ben, looks like a wonderful machine! You've done a wonderful job with it, and I know you'll find your way through any remaining glitches. I like this particular one, with the "crank" timer. |
Post# 183325 , Reply# 47   1/15/2007 at 13:33 (6,282 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 183348 , Reply# 48   1/15/2007 at 16:07 (6,282 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The washer looks great. I am only 35 miles from the ABC factory and have never been able to get one of these machines, they have to be out there somewhere? How is the house going? I have done the plaster thing too and it is no fun. Thanks for the pictures. Gary |
Post# 183352 , Reply# 49   1/15/2007 at 16:25 (6,282 days old) by speedqueengkc ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The restoration is beautiful. I hope you enjoyed it. |
Post# 183354 , Reply# 50   1/15/2007 at 16:31 (6,282 days old) by laundryshark (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Those are interesting videos of your Kelvinator restoration in progress. Would be interested in a downloadable Windows Media Player compatible copy of a full fledged Kelvinator washer in action to save in the "Vintage Appliance Videos" folder on my computer. Many Thanks!--Laundry Shark |
Post# 183440 , Reply# 51   1/15/2007 at 20:54 (6,282 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 183441 , Reply# 52   1/15/2007 at 20:56 (6,282 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 183445 , Reply# 53   1/15/2007 at 20:57 (6,282 days old) by nasadowsk ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Ok, how does the thing work? I get the eccentric shaft, but what keeps the agitator from spinning around? Blind faith? |
Post# 183447 , Reply# 54   1/15/2007 at 21:02 (6,282 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
And the fill flume disappears! I am anticipating a lack luster fill, but we'll see. I can see why they revised this on later models to directly fill the machine into the tub - maybe for a more effective overflow? I'm not expecting any Blackstone eye-piercing jets to come out of this guy! Greg - gotcha served right up. We have a tub rim fill machine here! I am imagining that it will fill in a similar fashion to the 1949 Frigidaire, but time will tell. You'll notice in the close up photo that there is a lip that will direct the jet stream down to the rim of the tub, instead of having it shoot against the rubber seal that surrounds the opening of the porcelain top. It will not be as dramatic as the later - or earlier machines, but fun never-the-less. Sam - oh my, thanks! If you really need to move the machines, it is understandable. I know personally this one is the first of a LONG line of machines that need a good make over. It isn't necessarily patience, but more persistence than anything to keep the dream alive. Greg - gotcha served right up. We have a tub rim fill machine here! I am imagining that it will fill in a similar fashion to the 1949 Frigidaire, but time will tell. You'll notice in the close up photo that there is a lip that will direct the jet stream down to the rim of the tub, instead of having it shoot against the rubber seal that surrounds the opening of the porcelain top. It will not be as dramatic as the later - or earlier machines, but fun never-the-less. Mike - yes, snow! I hate this fluffy white stuff, but this was the first real snow of the year, so we'll manage. The new Tahoe performed flawlessly on the way to work at 6 this morning. Kelly - as the adverts said, "no gears to strip or wear out!" It really is a simple design, but not quite as 'dependable' as one might think. This machine has more grease fittings than a front end of a '59 Caddy. But - in a design aspect, this mechanism/suspension really is pretty nifty. GregM - I forgot you had a '57 - MAN, I can't wait to see that machine up and roaring! You know where to find me if I'm needed. Glenn - I completely forgot about what you had mentioned until I watched the video a 2nd time! Since I haven't yet installed the upper clamp on the boot, the agitator post assembly is allowed to 'travel' along the diameter of the boot, causing a slight rotation. It sure would be cool if it could do that naturally without a leak! Gary - the house is going well - just had the drywall contractors over for the bid tonight, and I'm excited to have that project completed! You would think that being so close to the factory that with a little digging, you'd find one in a basement close by. I would like to say the same about Fairfield, IA, but it hasn't happened yet. Laundry Shark - don't forget that Robert has some wonderful video's of his 1949 ABC in the Cyber Museum. Check those babies out! |
Post# 183515 , Reply# 56   1/16/2007 at 07:36 (6,281 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|