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Post# 20000-7/17/2002-18:24 ||| chestermikeuk (Chester, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (Pulsator Envy!)
MESSAGE: Hi Chris
What a great find you have, see what you mean about the seven sided pulsator, does it spin the water out or manual drain???
Wouldnt like to be near that pipe if it spins the water out fast...
Mike
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Post# 20001-7/17/2002-18:31 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: A genuine Hoover Twin Tub portable on E-Bay! (hoover spinner twin tub)
MESSAGE: ah, so this is our twintub Keith! Welcome Keith!
Scott.
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Post# 20002-7/17/2002-18:32 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: Less Than 2 Hours Left
MESSAGE: Who will be the proud new owner of the 58 Filtrator?
No bids yet...1 hr 45 min left
LINK: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2038333205&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=0&indexURL=0&rd=1
*****
Post# 20003-7/17/2002-18:36 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: what on earth is this? (Now, they make Crock-Pots)
MESSAGE: Interesting history lesson - and a cool little washer also. I've never bought one of these because you couldn't watch the action unless the lower portion was some sort of clear container - no fun to watch it just sit there and hum....
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Post# 20004-7/17/2002-18:38 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Less Than 2 Hours Left
MESSAGE: oh dear, I hope someone bids on that nice dryer! Bob, why don't you buy it, so you'll have a matching dryer when you get your washer? :)
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Post# 20005-7/17/2002-19:09 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: A genuine Hoover Twin Tub portable on E-Bay! (Welcome)
MESSAGE: Hi Keith, welcome to Applianceville. Its always so much fun to hear from other collectors! The Keymatic sounds really cool, if you get a chance to post some pictures we would love to see it sometime.
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Post# 20006-7/17/2002-19:58 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Less Than 2 Hours Left
MESSAGE: Scott, that $300 bid, plus shipping means I either come to the convention or I buy a Filtrator dryer. Hmm. Which do you think I'd decide?
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Post# 20007-7/17/2002-20:05 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Less Than 2 Hours Left
MESSAGE: Well, we certainly don't want you to miss the convention! I do so wish *somebody* will buy it though, or that it will be put up for bid again. I can't stand the thought of it being hauled away. The last vintage Frigidaire dryer (a pink one from about 65 or so) did quite well as I recall; in fact someone in the club may have even gotten that one?
*****
Post# 20008-7/17/2002-20:05 ||| Gregm (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers
MESSAGE: Anyone have any clue how I can find/obtain/purchase/get an old Frigidaire washing machine with the "pulsator" washing action??
Any assistance, or if anyone has or knows of someone who has these item/s for sale and could let me know, I would greatly appreciate it !! Thank you :)
gregm978@aol.com
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Post# 20009-7/17/2002-20:37 ||| FilterFlo (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
SUBJECT: Appliance Convention Room Rate
MESSAGE: Made my reservation for the convention tonight. I was asked by the clerk if I belonged to AAA, which I do, and was told I was given a discount. The price quoted for a single room, non smoking, was $89.10 plus tax. How does this rate compare with other attendees? Jimmy
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Post# 20010-7/17/2002-20:43 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Appliance Convention Room Rate
MESSAGE: I think mine was $79 two of the nights, and $84 the last night. I think there is a discount for booking online (I did mine through Expedia at the same time I bought the airplane ticket).
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Post# 20011-7/17/2002-20:46 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Appliance Convention Room Rate
MESSAGE: My rate, booked online was $69/night for all nights (plus tax)
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Post# 20012-7/17/2002-20:59 ||| HQOTS (Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count? (Added names)
MESSAGE: Consider it done!
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Post# 20013-7/17/2002-21:19 ||| jetcone (Boston.MA)
SUBJECT: RE: Control Tower PULSAMATIC Found Today!! (Wow! Nice find!! July is Pulsamatic Month)
MESSAGE: Uni: NIce find on the pulsamatic! We must designate July as Pulsamatic month! Gizmo got one, you got one and I shipped one to you in July last year!!
July is Pulsamatic Month people!!
See you all at Johns!!!! Missed you all , I have been dug in learning how to take 3D pictures my new hobby. Now I am ready to take 3D of the convention ---------soooooooo dress nice everybody!!
See you in 3D!
Jon and AL
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Post# 20014-7/17/2002-21:21 ||| FilterFlo (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
SUBJECT: Appliance Convention NEW ROOM RATE
MESSAGE: Thanks for the info guys, I cancelled my phone reservation @ $89.10/night, and made an online reservation at $69.00/night for the first night and $67.00/night for the second and third nights. Thats quite a savings! I urge attendees to make their reservations online. The savings is almost one night free! Jimmy
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Post# 20015-7/17/2002-21:22 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (The Hunt Is On...)
MESSAGE: Hi and welcome to the club! You certainly have come to the right place, we all want Frigidaire Pulsator washers!!
Most of the Frigidaires that some of us have in our collections have been found at estate sales, thrift stores, recycling companies that take old appliances, used appliance stores, etc. Searching takes time, dilligence and patience, but as we have seen with some of our members in the last few weeks, the machines we want are out there waiting to be found. I really wish there was a place to go and pick them out like new shoes, but unfortunately, it's not that easy, but it's also part of the fun of collecting too.
Best of luck in your searching and again, welcome to the club!
Greg
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Post# 20016-7/17/2002-21:50 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count? (Sounds good!)
MESSAGE: Sounds good it looks done!
*****
Post# 20017-7/17/2002-21:54 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (What kind?)
MESSAGE: Which kind of Pulsator washer do you want?
*****
Post# 20018-7/17/2002-21:56 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: Directions for the Convention.
MESSAGE: When do we get directions for the Convention?
*****
Post# 20019-7/17/2002-22:23 ||| tlee618 (Danville, Illinois)
SUBJECT: RE: Appliance Convention Room Rate (same here!!)
MESSAGE: Mine was the same Greg, or I should say about the same, $69.30 plus tax for all three nights plus tax. The only condition is that you cannot cancel. Scott, you might want to check into this and save a few dollars. Terry
*****
Post# 20020-7/17/2002-22:26 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Control Tower PULSAMATIC Found Today!! (Wow! Nice find!! July is Pulsamatic Month)
MESSAGE: Jon, greatly relieved to see you. 3D in DC/BLT, sounds like alphabet soup to me. Darn, I was gonna wear rags. Oh. Give Al a big hug & pat for me (can see his tail waggin' now)!!
*****
Post# 20021-7/17/2002-22:29 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Control Tower PULSAMATIC Found Today!! (Wow! Nice find!! July is Pulsamatic Month)
MESSAGE: And of course, we'll have to keep monitoring that pulse throughout the month. Live water action for ever!!!!
*****
Post# 20022-7/17/2002-22:42 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Appliance Convention Room Rate (same here!!)
MESSAGE: to what website did you guys go to to get this rate? Thanks!
*****
Post# 20023-7/17/2002-23:24 ||| HQOTS (Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Directions for the Convention.
MESSAGE: We will all meet up Saturday morning at the hotel and everyone will get directions to everything.
Jamie, I have been in contact with your Mom and she has all the details and knows where to go. You don't need to worry, just enjoy.
*****
Post# 20024-7/17/2002-23:27 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: Washer Question.
MESSAGE: Did the Abc-O-Matic way of washing mold into the Kelvinator way?
*****
Post# 20025-7/18/2002-05:22 ||| tlee618 (Danville, Illinois)
SUBJECT: RE: Appliance Convention Room Rate (room rate)
MESSAGE: Scott, I went to www.holiday-inn.com Hope you can make a change and get the lower price. Terry
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Post# 20026-7/18/2002-06:59 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Washer Question. (You are correct)
MESSAGE: Hi Jamie, yes your are absolutely correct! The ABC-O-Matic washer was made by the Altorfer Brothers Company of Peoria, IL and was introduced sometime in 1949. The ABC-O-Matic washer was a big seller in the early 1950's as Consumer Reports rated them #1. Nash-Kelvinator made refrigerators, ranges and wringer washers but needed to market an automatic washer. So they contacted ABC and asked them to make an automatic for Kelvinator, using the same ABC-O-Matic design but placing a Kelvinator Badge on the machine.
Have you been able to watch video of the ABC-O-Matic in action?
*****
Post# 20027-7/18/2002-07:00 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (Pulsator Envy!)
MESSAGE: Hi Mike.
Yes, it's funny how we expect things to have even numbers of sides - I noticed the shape, thought, hmm, is it six or eight sides? - counted them, seven! Had to check again!
It spins the water out, but the pump out isn't spectacularly fast - there is enough space in the outer drum to hold a full load of water, so it can get out of the inner tub quickly and then pump out into the sink at its leisure. You can even close the outlet hose (it has a spring loaded ball to block oulet) to retain the water inside the outer drum. (suds saver)
Chris.
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Post# 20028-7/18/2002-07:04 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (Weak Pumps)
MESSAGE: YUP, Unimatics and Pulsamatics and early Multimatics had very weak pumps, because there were no was need to rush the draining process. When the 12lb tub was introduced in 1963, GM increased the size and power of their pump.
*****
Post# 20029-7/18/2002-07:33 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (multimatic)
MESSAGE: Hi Robert.
Sorry to do this to you again, but...
I've more or less got my head around Unimatics and Pulsamatics, but what is the difference between a
Pulsamatic and a Multimatic? Did the Multi replace the Pulsa, or was the Multi used on more deluxe versions at the same time?
I assume the Multimatic was to give a higher spin speed (?), how fast was it?
Thanks
Chris.
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Post# 20030-7/18/2002-07:58 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Electric Drain Pumps in Modern Dishwashers for the James
MESSAGE: Hi Robert.
can you replace the seal in the James DW with an oil seal? I haven't the faintest idea what the James seal looks like, but I have replaced the seal in many small washing machine pumps with an oil seal available from any bearing specialist. You either go in with the old seal, or if it's too wrecked, just the inside and outside diameters and the thickness of the seal. I even got a seal for the main drum bearing in a Keymatic this way. (the Keymatic seal was unusually thin, it took some chasing but I did find one) In the rare rare case you actually get a choice of single or double lip seals, go for the double lip. You can put a smear of water-tolerant grease in between the two seal lips.
Good luck with it.
Chris.
*****
Post# 20031-7/18/2002-08:13 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: Peter770 - What about Frigidare from eBay?
MESSAGE: Hey,
Did you ever get your Frigidare from you eBay win?
Brent
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Post# 20032-7/18/2002-08:19 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Control Tower PULSAMATIC Found Today!! (ATC before ATC?)
MESSAGE: The Hoover Keymatic (slope front) had a crude type of ATC - it used the heater's thermostat. It had three temperatures, 100, 140 and 185 degrees F. If the incoming water exceeded the programme's temperature, it would drop back from hot to warm (hot+cold) fill, or warm to cold fill. If it was below temperature, it would boost it with the heater.
Chris.
*****
Post# 20033-7/18/2002-08:21 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Washer Question. (Another Kelvinator Question)
MESSAGE: Hello all,
Out of all of the machines that I hope to find one day, I had a dream that I found a Kelvinator W/D set at an estate sale. The dream was so real that it took about 5 minutes after I woke up to get out of the fog of not finding this. (yet)
Here is the question. How long did Kelvinator machines have the wash action like the ABC? Or, what was the last year that this type of action was used in the Kelvinator? Between the Frigidare and Kelvinator and ABC, I have to say that those machines get me going more so than any other top loader. Never seen one live though. Thanks to all of the wonderfull videos and pictures that all of you have posted, I have been able to experence it somewhat.
Thanks
Brent
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Post# 20034-7/18/2002-09:38 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: Peter770 - What about Frigidare from eBay?
MESSAGE: Awaiting patiently (barely)...
-ph
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Post# 20035-7/18/2002-09:42 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (multimatic)
MESSAGE: The single speed Unimatics and Pulsamatics were replaced in the 1959 model line with the Multimatic. The Multimatic is basically a modified Pulsamatic that brought the pulsating back down to 330 ppm with a 1 3/4" pulse (220 ppm on slow). I'll let another expert quote the spin speed.
-ph
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Post# 20036-7/18/2002-11:02 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (multimatic)
MESSAGE: Hi Chris,
Here is the timeline and speeds for all Frigidaire Mechanisms made in the US and Canada:
Home Models:
1947-1958 Unimatic 330ppm – 1140rpm
1955-1958 Pulsamatic 630ppm – 630rpm
1959-1962 Multimatic 330ppm or 220 ppm & 850rpm and 330rpm
1963-1964 Multimatic 330ppm or 220 ppm & 850rpm and 330rpm
1965-1969 Rollermatic 330ppm or 220 ppm & 1010rpm, 6?0 and 330rpm
1970-1979 Rollermatic (1/18) 360ppm or ??? ppm & 710rpm and ???rpm
Coin-Op Models:
1959-1964 Unimatic 330ppm – 1140rpm
1965-1969 Super-Duty 330ppm –1010 rpm
1970-1976 Rollermatic ???
Can you guys with Tech-Talks handy fill in the question marks? I’m doing this from memory.
*****
Post# 20037-7/18/2002-11:08 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Electric Drain Pumps in Modern Dishwashers for the James
MESSAGE: Hi Chris, no the seal is a simple rubber bladder the clings tightly to the sides of the pump impeller rotor shaft. Unfortunately the cling has weakened over the years and has loosened its grip, allowing water to run down the shaft and out of the pump. Without a new bladder type seal there is no saving this baby, time for a new pump.
*****
Post# 20038-7/18/2002-12:01 ||| DADoES (Suthern Tejas)
SUBJECT: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D
MESSAGE: Love it, a perfect view of that machine.
*****
Post# 20039-7/18/2002-12:12 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (35 minutes of joy)
MESSAGE: 2 kids watching and enjoying a belt-drive whirlpool washer in action.
If that doesn't brighten your day, nothing will.
*****
Post# 20040-7/18/2002-12:17 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: RE: Washer Question. (I got something right for once!)
MESSAGE: Yesssss! I got it right! I have been able to see the ABC-O-Matic in action on the ABC-O-Matic Wing.
*****
Post# 20041-7/18/2002-12:23 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: I am confused.
MESSAGE: What is the difference between Pulsamatic, Multimatic, Unimatic, and Super Duty
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Post# 20042-7/18/2002-12:51 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (multimatic)
MESSAGE: Hi
I would recommend your interesting article about Frigidaire autos to Chris and Jamie, it is post #90 in the archive section - click archives at the top of the message page than select 0-1999, let it load a while and scroll down, post #90 is easy to spot, it is long.
A question for Robert about the article - you say Frigidaire produced a TL drycleaner using the unimatic mechanism, how did this work? Wouldn't fume leakage be a major problem or did the lid seal really well? I guess clothes had to be transferred to a separate dry tumbler after the clean cycle.
Richtoo
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Post# 20043-7/18/2002-13:41 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: RE: what on earth is this? (I Agree.)
MESSAGE: It is no fun just to sit and watch it hum. My Uncle hates it when I watch a washing machine run. My Aunts washer Scares me to death when it changes cycles. It would make this earth shaking bang! I always ran with my hands over my ears. She had and still has a Montgomery Wards washer.
*****
Post# 20044-7/18/2002-14:15 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: I am confused.
MESSAGE: The actual mechanism (or transmission) is different mechanically to transmit power from the motor to the agitator/spin basket.
I'm sure someone can post links to the diagrams of each that are out there in someone's photo files...
-ph
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Post# 20045-7/18/2002-14:40 ||| frigemore (Chicago IL area)
SUBJECT: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is??
MESSAGE: What a beauty. I never saw this model before, usually im not a big vintage Whirlpool fan.
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Post# 20046-7/18/2002-14:53 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: PeterH770 a question for you.
MESSAGE: Can you send me a full video of the washer you call WIA On High water setting normal cycle to agitatorjamie@aol.com. That is my favorite washing machine of all time.
*****
Post# 20047-7/18/2002-14:59 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (Good memory!)
MESSAGE: For the 65-69 Rollermatics, the speed varied depending on what model you had;
4 Speed combination machines: 330 or 220 ppm, 300, 450 & 1010 rpm On machines with a "Special" cycle, spin was 675 rpm
2 Speed combination machines: 330 & 220 ppm, 710 & 465 rpm
1970-79 Rollermatic 2 speed machines 1-18: 360 & 240 ppm, 630/650 & 420/435 rpm
70-79 Three Speed machines: 360 & 240 & 180 ppm, 630/650 & 420/435 rpm
I don't find any mention of 710 rpm spin for the 1-18's, could that have been a commercial model with that speed?
*****
Post# 20048-7/18/2002-15:11 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is??
MESSAGE: 1957 I believe. They also made a 24" version of the Imperial model (top of the line) that was called the "New Yorker." Isn't that fun? 57 was also the first year of the Whirlpool combo.
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Post# 20049-7/18/2002-15:31 ||| Calypso Bruce (Boston)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count?
MESSAGE: I will be going also, I will be there on Wednesday if anyone is coming early.
I am flying so I will be getting a shuttle from the airport .
Thanks for the info.
*****
Post# 20050-7/18/2002-15:51 ||| Calypso Bruce (Boston)
SUBJECT: WCIK Set
MESSAGE:
If someone could help me with finding a pump for a 66' CIK machine I would appreciate it. This was the same set my mom had when I was a child so I had to have it.
Maybe someone could give me an alternative until I find a new pump.
I found out that I could use a Frigidaire F/L pump although I am not sure I want to spend alot of money. Any ideas on how much an F/L pump might go for?
I will have pics at the Convention of them and my other prizes.
Cheers
*****
Post# 20051-7/18/2002-17:10 ||| gregm (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (Frigidaire Pulsator (what kind?))
MESSAGE: Hi, thanks for your response, uummmm, I don't know what kind, hahahaha, I didn't know there were different kinds. As long as it has a pulsator agitator that goes up and down. Can you educate me on the different kinds? Thanks so much !! Greg :)
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Post# 20052-7/18/2002-17:14 ||| gregm (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (The Hunt Is On...)
MESSAGE: Its nice to know I am certainly not the only old appliance buff out there. Thanks for the response and tips.
Sincerely, Greg
*****
Post# 20053-7/18/2002-17:28 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: PeterH770 a question for you.
MESSAGE: No I can't. I don't have a video camera to film it, and the WIA has been moved aside so that I can test and work on the 1972 Lady Kenmore for JasonL. Sorry!
-ph
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Post# 20054-7/18/2002-18:21 ||| chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (35 minutes of joy)
MESSAGE: Oh yeah............ A very nice view of a 1957 Whirlpool Imperial T/L.
Looks like us Whirlpool/Kenmore fans have seen our share of beauties over the years too, haven't we???
Again........ a 1957 Belt-Drive TOL Whirlpool Imperial in action. With a woman and two kids watching. A great sight for the eyes.
To me, the only one that can top that one would be to see a 1957 All Porcelain Lady Kenmore doing the same thing in action.
--Charles--
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Post# 20055-7/18/2002-18:23 ||| chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (To Jason.....)
MESSAGE: So, you got a 1972 Lady Kenmore???? If so, when did you get this beaut???? And how much work will she need before she is fully restored??
--Charles--
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Post# 20056-7/18/2002-18:31 ||| magic clean (Florida)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (memory "
refresh"
)
MESSAGE: What was the point of offering the "Pulsamatic" mech in a Control tower model. Was this a lesser featured machine, with the "Unimatic" being the top-of-the line? I'm just a little bewildered about the overlap in mechanisms & models in the late 50's.
*****
Post# 20057-7/18/2002-18:36 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: PeterH770 a question for you.
MESSAGE: Jamie, making videos is very difficult process that takes a lot of time. But I don't know if you've seen these yet, these are videos of my WCI-58 Frigidaire washer. While it's not a 1/18, it is a Unimatic, I'm sure you find them fun. Click on the link below...
LINK: http://www.classicappliances.com/WCI-58.htm
*****
Post# 20058-7/18/2002-18:38 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (memory )
MESSAGE: Hi Leslie, yes the Unimatics were the top of the line machines and the Pulsamatics were the middle and bottom of the line machines from 1955 thru 1958. In 1959 both were discontinued when the Multimatic was introduced.
*****
Post# 20059-7/18/2002-18:40 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (History of Frigidaire Washers)
MESSAGE: I think its time to post this story again for the new comers to read:
Hi everyone, I was recently asked what is the difference between the Unimatic and the other Frigidaire washers and I wanted to give an explanation for those who might not know.
The Unimatic transmission was designed and built by a Frigidaire engineer named Kenneth O'Sissen back in the late 1930's. Kenneth, who was hired by Frigidaire after working at Bendix where he invented the incrementing timer for their bolt-down washer and Kenneth’s basic timer design is still used today in some washers and dishwashers. His Unimatic, (Uni. meaning one and Matic short for automatic) consisted of a pulsator crankshaft & spin cage/brake assembly type transmission located on the top, a motor mounted in the middle and a water pump mounted underneath the motor. It was one complete direct drive unit without any clutches, drive belts or pulleys. The motor ran at 1140rpm, the gearing ratio in the pulsator part of the mechanism made the agitator go up and down in a 1 7/8” stroke at 330 pulses per minute. Since there was no gearing in the spin section of the mechanism, the tub spun at the same rate as the motor -- 1140rpm, which made for incredibly dry clothes. Because of the war effort it wasn’t until 1947 that Frigidaire introduced this mechanism in its very first washer, model WJ-60. Unimatic washers for domestic use were continued to be produced through 1958.
In 1955 Frigidaire engineers experimented with a belt-drive mechanism and introduced the Pulsa-Matic mechanism on its lower end washer model WV-35. The Pulsa-Matic agitated up and down at a very rapid 630ppm and also spun the tub at 630rpm, which was the slowest spinning full-size washer GM Frigidaire ever produced. Because of the rapid agitation with the Pulsa-Matic, Frigidaire shortened the length of the stroke of the agitation from 1 7/8" to 3/4". This change in agitation stroke and pulse rate did reduce the rate of turnover of the clothes which made for less tangling, but did not clean anywhere near as well as the Unimatic’s agitation. For this reason the Pulsa-Matic only lasted 4 years as they continued to market it in '56, '57 and '58. These models (WV-35, WS-56, WD-56, WS-57, WD-57, WS-58, WD-58 and WDP-58) are now some of the rarest of the Frigidaire washers and I only know of one collector that has one of these Pulsa-Matic washers.
The only major design of the Unimatic washers outside of the normal yearly changes in the cabinet and control panels was the introduction of the 3-Ring Agitator in 1956, with a neoprene rubber, gray colored cap, lint-chaser ring and circulator ring. The same colors were used in ’57 and a bleach cup was added. In ’58 Frigidaire’s advertising firm suggested that they color the rings (sort of like they did in the ’57 magazine ad’s), so the cap became turquoise, the lint chaser ring became yellow and the circulator became a coral color.
In 1959 Frigidaire introduced their first coin-operated washer (model WCOZ). The WCOZ used the Unimatic tranny and coin-op Unimatics were produced until 1964. Starting in 1965 Frigidaire introduced other coin-op machines with various mechanisms and continued to make them until the mid 70’s. About 1962 Frigidaire introduce their top-loading Dry-Cleaner, it too used the Unimatic mechanism and I'm not sure how long it was produced for (anyone out there know????).
For the new 1959 domestic washer line Frigidaire discontinued the Unimatic (for home use) and completely discontinued the Pulsa-Matic. They now introduced the Multi-Matic which was nothing more than a very advanced version of the Pulsa-Matic. It consisted of two drive belts (one for agitate and one for spin), a new two speed motor and a special clutch to shift drive power between the two belts. This arrangement produced Frigidaire's first multi-speed washer, allowing for 330ppm for normal wash speed or a 220ppm delicate speed as well as a 850rpm high spin speed and a 330rpm delicate spin speed. Because of the slower 330ppm Frigidaire was now able to return the agitator stroke back to a full 1.25" just like the old Unimatic. For the 1963 line Frigidaire introduced it's new 12lb capacity tub, but unfortunately for both the 1963 and 1964 line Frigidaire cheapened the clutch design of the Multi-Matic which dropped the high spin speed from 850 all the way down to 710.
In 1965 (actually it was the end of the year 1964) Frigidaire introduced the Roller-Matic mechanism. This was now a belt-less mechanism again with rollers of different sizes to drive the transmission. They also brought back the high speed spin of 1010rpm (not quite as fast as the 1140 of the Unimatic, but still very impressive). The Imperial and Custom Imperial washers had this 1010 “Rapidry spin” as well as a 650 mid level spin and a 330 low speed spin. Agitation speeds remained at 330 normal or 220 delicate speeds. In '65 they also introduced the "Deep Action Agitator" which was also referred to as "Jet-Action". They had been experimenting with this 3-cone agitator since 1962 when they stated placing it in their coin-op machines, but for some reason waited until '65 to introduce it into the domestic line.
The 1970 line brought some very big changes. They introduced the new 1-18 washer with big 18lb perforated tub and the Jet-Cone agitator. The normal agitation speed was brought up from 330ppm to 360ppm and the spin speed was lowered from 1010 to about 660. They day's of the high speed spin were now over, even though its 660 was still the fastest spin available through the 1970's.
Of course in 1980 GM sold off Frigidaire it will never be the same :( . For a few years they kept the same general look of the cabinet and control panel of the 1-18 but inside was a 1970's design Westinghouse Top-Loading washer, one of the worst top-loader washer designs ever. It was a very dark-day in applianceville. The first time I saw this new Frigidaire after catching my breath, I nearly cried. I don’t need to describe to anyone out there in applianceville what WCI is producing now as a top-loader.
If anyone has any additions to add this piece of history, that would be really great!
*****
Post# 20060-7/18/2002-18:47 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (Hello Chuck)
MESSAGE: Hi Rich,
I'm sorry but I don't know much about the Frigidaire Rapid-Drycleaner as it was called. I have never seen one in person, nor have I even seen a picture or Tech-Talk manual of one. I only know this through other collectors who have seen this machine before in person. I do know it had a window lid and the dryer was sort of mount on top of it off to the side. I think our member named "Laundromat" might be able to give us more information about the Frigidaire Rapid-Drycleaner, Chuck are you out there in Applianceland?
*****
Post# 20061-7/18/2002-20:18 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (POD!)
MESSAGE: I love it - Jon has this same washer in the Museum so we can all see it during the convention. But I think he said it needs fixing.
Peter
*****
Post# 20062-7/18/2002-20:21 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (POD!)
MESSAGE: The Whirlpool in the POD is a 1955 model
Peter
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Post# 20063-7/18/2002-20:23 ||| laundromat (florida)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (FRIGIDAIRE RAPIDRYCLEANER)
MESSAGE: Hi Uni.The Rapidrycleaner as it was called was a Unimatic with an interesting tub that was mostly solid but also had a type of filter/screanto recirculate the fluid and filter it out.the washer(always in turquoise)was at the base of the unit and the dryer was mounted above directly to the left wall of the unit.All the ones I saw were set up with 2 washers and 2 dryers.I believe they came that way because in the back of them,the complex machinery that filtered and cooled the fluids was centered to make changing the filters easy.So the waqshers were next to each other side by side with a locking lid that had a round window on it and to eather side about a foot above the top of the washers were the condenser dryers that would do no more than evaporate the fluid back to the tank and freshen the horrible fume smell the clothes had coming out of the washer.Both the washer and dryer had key locks to open and were not to be used unatended.It was rare to find a place that had an attendant friendly enough to let me come back and watch but as determend as I was and able to use my innocent ,sad,face to convince the attendants(mostly women)I wouldn't try to touch anything and I promised I'd "run along" after the final spin ended and take my "Varoom" bike with me,they'd give in and I would be at my best behavior sure not to ruin my welcome.It was quite a whirl and if the fumes didn't gag me or get me high,I'd stay for a few more cycles.The cost?$2/8 lb dry load.the machine took 8 quarters.the wash was 12 minutes,the spin was 6 minutes and the dry cycle averaged 20 minutes.sometimes,the atendant would reset the dry for another 10 minutes if the load was full or the fabric was heavy like wool or tweed.
*****
Post# 20064-7/18/2002-20:30 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: WCIK Set
MESSAGE: Hi Bruce -
What parts of the orginal machine's pump do you need?
You could use a separate electric pump - a newer style GE washer pump will work, it will need to be jumped into the motor wiring so that it runs whenever the motor is running.
*****
Post# 20065-7/18/2002-20:39 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (1956)
MESSAGE: I looked it up in the Whirlpool books and we were both wrong! It's a 1956.
*****
Post# 20066-7/18/2002-20:39 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count?
MESSAGE: Bruce, YAY, another new member I'll get to meet that I've chatted with.
*****
Post# 20067-7/18/2002-20:45 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (1956)
MESSAGE: That's right, because I think 1957 saw the introduction of the waterfall filter and notice this machine doesn't have the filter.
*****
Post# 20068-7/18/2002-20:47 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (later multimatic spin speeds?)
MESSAGE: Robert, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't GM drop the top spin speed of Multimatics from 850 rpms to 700 something in either the 1961 or 1962 year model? I vaguely remember you mentioning something about that at one time and I also vaguely remember the raction internally that I'd only want a 1959 or 1960 multimatic because later models had a slower spin speed of < 850 rpm.
*****
Post# 20069-7/18/2002-21:05 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (POD!)
MESSAGE: I did see it in a 1954 magazine ad and it was being introduced for 1955 and I had saw it on Ebay a few times as a 1955
Peter
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Post# 20070-7/18/2002-21:32 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (POD!)
MESSAGE: I just picked this off ebay
I hope this attachment works
It's the same washer as POD
Peter
LINK: http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2039331599
*****
Post# 20071-7/18/2002-21:34 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (POD!)
MESSAGE: I just picked this off ebay
I hope this attachment works
It's the same washer as POD
Peter
LINK: http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2039331599
*****
Post# 20072-7/18/2002-21:48 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (1957 Whirlpool )
MESSAGE: Sorry for the double post
I will try to post the 1957
LINK: http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2122527679
*****
Post# 20073-7/18/2002-22:31 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (1957 Whirlpool )
MESSAGE: So the POD machine is a 56, different from both ebay ads. Beautiful designs one and all.
*****
Post# 20074-7/18/2002-01:35 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (1957 Whirlpool )
MESSAGE: See, I was right. 1957 was the year the waterfall filter came out. in 1958, we saw the advent of the wash'n'wear cycle.
*****
Post# 20075-7/19/2002-05:36 ||| gregm (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (History of Frigidaire Washers)
MESSAGE: Thanks alot for the history lesson, it was indeed very interesting to me, how did you ever find this stuff out? Oh, and I couldn't agree more that when GM sold or stopped making Frigidaire, well, so much for that brand name and its reputation. To bad they wouldn't make a comeback.
*****
Post# 20076-7/19/2002-06:47 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: POD Gizmo's washer
MESSAGE: That's a cool semi-auto washer. Must be fun to play with even if you have to fill the water manually.
Does the pump constantly run on those machine? So you could run water into it and do an overflow rinse? That would be awesome.
*****
Post# 20077-7/19/2002-07:39 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: POD Gizmo's washer
MESSAGE: Hi Jason.
Yes, it is fun. I did my first load of washing in it today.
It does pump continuously, so I did do an overflow rinse.
Here's my sequence of events:
Fill the washer with hot water. (my hot water isn't that hot)
Add detergent and agitate a bit to dissolve. Whoa! Suds galore!
Add a load of whites. Wash about five minutes. Leave to soak ten minutes. Wash a couple more minutes, then turn on cold tap to overflow rinse a couple of minutes.
Close suds save ball over hose outlet.
spin water out into machine's outer tub. Remove spun clothes.
place hose outlet into washer opening, remove ball from hose outlet, set knob to pulsate. Water is returned to wash tub, as pulsator is going, it splashes water everywhere! This washer was made in the days of a "wash house" out in the back yard, with a bare concrete floor and obviously water on the floor wasn't a concern.
Add a load of coloured clothes for second wash. Wash as for whites, then suds save again.
Return water again, add a tiny bit more detergent. Wash a load of dirty muddy building clothes.
Spin out load allowing water to empty into sink.
Repeat the whole exercise for rinsing, including an overflow rinse for each load. I cut back to two loads for the rinsing, which wasn't a good idea. The wash action was much slower, and I ended up with lots of lint on the clothes.
Results: Lots and lots of fun. Very vigorous wash action. Very quiet machine when washing, just a motor hum and splashing from the wash tub.
On spin, machine accelerates very fast to high speed. You can really hear the water hitting the outer tub. Even after some minutes spinning, you can hear more water spraying onto the outer tub. As the outer tub is the cabinet of the machine, you can hear it all happening. When the spin stops and the tub coasts to a rest, the last sound is a squawk from the spin brake for a second or two. It is the same sound my mother's old Frigidaire auto made, I had completely forgotten about that sound.
The spin was nothing special, the clothe seemed dry enough but the basket full of washing was very heavy. I spun hte whole three loads out in the Fisher and Paykel (they fitted into one load) and it extracted an extra 1.8 litres of water(!) after one minute at 1000rpm.
Chris.
*****
Post# 20078-7/19/2002-07:49 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (History of Frigidaire Washers)
MESSAGE: Hi Robert, that is fascinating.
Could either you or another clever person please post a picture or diagram of the multimatic transmission layout? I'd like to see how the two belt system works.
Does anybody in Applianceville own a Multimatic?
Thanks.
Chris.
*****
Post# 20079-7/19/2002-08:17 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (To Jason, From Peter)
MESSAGE: I have the 72 LK. Jason is going to come get her soon. I have a new leveling leg on order, so that should be fixed by departure time. She also needs a new dispenser top and the timer needs a touch of work, but she is in wonderful shape with a fairly new transmission and pump.
-ph
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/lst?.dir=/1972+Lady+Kenmore&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/
*****
Post# 20080-7/19/2002-09:32 ||| calypso bruce (Boston)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (History of Frigidaire Washers)
MESSAGE: I have a 60' Custom Deluxe Multi-matic. I have had it since Feb. this year. It runs beutifully and is extremely quiet for a Frigidaire. It is a 1 speed agitate with 2 spin speeds depending on cycle chosen. I have not had to do anything to it yet except I just got a new console with the light and the suround peices from my friend John who was parting out the same exact machine.
I would post a pic but I am not sure how to do that yet.
*****
Post# 20081-7/19/2002-09:39 ||| calypso bruce (Boston)
SUBJECT: RE: WCIK Set
MESSAGE: Hi Greg,
I believe I need the whole unit for this machine.
I thought maybe if it would work I would take the pump off my 68' Rapidry and wait for another to surface at some point that way I could use the machine.
Thanks.
*****
Post# 20082-7/19/2002-09:42 ||| calypso bruce (Boston)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (later multimatic spin speeds?)
MESSAGE: I was told that the spin speed on my 60' Custom Deluxe is about 710 rpm maybe a little higher ?
*****
Post# 20083-7/19/2002-10:24 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (FRIGIDAIRE RAPIDRYCLEANER)
MESSAGE: Thanks Chuck, I knew you would know :)
*****
Post# 20084-7/19/2002-10:25 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire WM11 (later multimatic spin speeds?)
MESSAGE: Oh you're right Bob, I made a mistake the line that say:
1963-1964 Multimatic 330ppm or 220 ppm & 850rpm and 330rpm
should read:
1963-1964 Multimatic 330ppm or 220 ppm & 710rpm and 330rpm,
Also the lower end machine in the Multimatic lines from 1959-1964 all spun at 710rpm. Only the Imperial and Custom Imperials spun at 850rpm.
*****
Post# 20085-7/19/2002-10:27 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: POD ?? Anyone know what model year it is?? (1957 Whirlpool )
MESSAGE: Yes, yesterday's POD was definately a 1956 model. Whirlpool only made that particular style for one year. Sure was a neat looking machine.
*****
Post# 20086-7/19/2002-10:28 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (History of Frigidaire Washers)
MESSAGE: how did you ever find this stuff out
Oh years and years of reading about this stuff, I retain some of the information, some of it gets blurry, but it all comes back from time to time.
*****
Post# 20087-7/19/2002-10:31 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: POD Gizmo's washer
MESSAGE: Wow Chris, that's a lot of work for a few loads of laundry. I have the same rubber ball on the end of the drain hoses of my '58 Frigidaire's but I have never saved the wash water.
Hey here is an idea, if you could get a hold of a 1957 or 1958 pulsamatic timer (you can easily get them at MTS) and a water valve you could mount the timer and valve in hidden in the back of the machine and easily turn it into an automatic washer.
*****
Post# 20088-7/19/2002-14:19 ||| gregm (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Frigidaire Pulsator Washers (1960 Multi-matic from Boston)
MESSAGE: Hi - "Calypso Bruce" would LOVE to see a pic of your washer, even better would love to see it in person if you ever entertain that idea. I live just outside of Worcester. Regards.......Greg
*****
Post# 20089-7/19/2002-14:23 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count? (internet bookings)
MESSAGE: I booked all the flights for my holiday and made reservations for a room in the College Park hotel YAY! Besides going to the convention I'm going to see a LOT of the US. It's going to be great again! So looking forward to seeing you all!
Louis
*****
Post# 20090-7/19/2002-14:23 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (To Jason, From Peter)
MESSAGE: Does the timer advance or does it just need a "nudge" when I push it in at the start of cycle? If so, that's just fine with me. That could be bent contacts or something.
*****
Post# 20091-7/19/2002-14:28 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: "Appliance Graveyards"
MESSAGE: I am a recently new member of applianceville and have downloaded and enjoyed some of the old video commercials. One of them (not a commercial) is of a few guys checking out old abandon appliances on approx. 8 acres of land in I believe So. Dakota. Now, this was five years ago, Does this place still exist?? Are there places like that in New England? I heard that alot of old appliances were dumped somewhere in St. Albains, VT? Any assistance is appreciated, best regards :)
GregM from MAss
*****
Post# 20092-7/19/2002-14:54 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: A funny Frigidaire story
MESSAGE: My mom like I am sure many had a '55 or '56 Frigidaire washer in the kitchen and no dryer. It was placed in a cutout next to the kitchen sink where it would drain. Well, if a load was slightly unbalanced the thing would literally "vibrate/walk across the kitchen floor". She even had it bolted through the kitchen floor to a 2 by 4 in the basement and it still worked loose. It was later put and used in the basement. That wonderful machine worked almost daily for 13 yrs before my mom replaced it with a 1969 Maytag (which lasted 22 yrs). My mom took such meticulous care of her appliances never, ever using abrasive cleaners or setting anything on them that would scratch, nick or puck them. God, I wish we had kept them, I am sure the only thing they needed were parts because the exteriors were mint. At least I have the first Hotpoint seafoam green kitchen stove they bought in 1956. Literally looks brand new and works perfectly (except the clock is sounding a bit noisy??). Thanks for reading..............
*****
Post# 20093-7/19/2002-15:19 ||| DADoES (Suthern Tejas)
SUBJECT: RE: "Appliance Graveyards"
MESSAGE: Greetings, GregM, and welcome. It's great to see the enthusiasm of a new member.
It is my understanding that much of the Aberdeen SD appliance farm was cleaned up and sent to the dreaded krusher within the last year. A couple guys made a trip there recently and pulled out the very last of the "good" vintage items that were left.
*****
Post# 20094-7/19/2002-15:45 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count? (internet bookings)
MESSAGE: Your Majesty, let's do correspond soon, as we'll be interested to hear of your various state visit plans!
QEOM
*****
Post# 20095-7/19/2002-21:29 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Correct Convention count? (internet bookings)
MESSAGE: Me too Luigi. Can't wait to see ya!!!!
*****
Post# 20096-7/19/2002-00:36 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: POD Gizmo's washer
MESSAGE: Hi Robert.
That's a clever idea, but I don't think I'll bother. I don't mind all the fussing around, if I'm in a hurry I'll just use the Asko. I probably won't wait till there's three loads though.
Ther control knob on top isn't connected directly to the switch - the switch is down underneath, there is a rod which connects the knob on top to the switch underneath. It can only rotate about 90 degrees total, so it couldn't do a full rotation as an automatic timer would need. In the photo called "old label" you can see where the rod connects through the side into the switch in the base.
Chris.
LINK: http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gizmo_au63/vwp?.dir=/Frigidaire+WM11&.src=ph&.dnm=old+label.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//uk.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gizmo_au63/lst%3f%26.dir=/Frigidaire%2bWM11%26.src=ph%26.view=t
*****
Post# 20097-7/20/2002-10:08 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: POD 7/20/2002 Norge 14
MESSAGE: OK, I'm thoroughly ocnfused. This "looks" almost exactly like my 12/64 Norge 15, but my machine had the rear mounted filter pan. This has an agitator mounted filter--was this burp-up or a "filter-flo" type of arrangement. When was this machine on the market. I think my machine came a bit later.
*****
Post# 20098-7/20/2002-10:14 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: "Appliance Graveyards" (Appliance Graveyard gone :()
MESSAGE: "OUCH" that hurts, what a shame......thanks for the update and feedback, I appreciate it !! -G
*****
Post# 20099-7/20/2002-10:27 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: POD 7/20/2002 Norge 14
MESSAGE: Hey Bob, I think it was a "filter flo" type of arrangement. If you look at the picture, you can see the recirculating water. Aunt Josie had this machine and I remember it was around 1962-63 when she got it. I must confess though that I never saw it operate. If there was one relative who was very vocal about how she viewed my interest as "unnatural" it was her. So that machine was "off limits" as far as my mother was concerned. The payoff for me was that the machine lasted a very short time (less than 5 years) and was constantly broken. Poetic justice!!!
*****
Post# 20100-7/20/2002-10:36 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: old TOP-loading dishwashers
MESSAGE: Any hints or suggestions at finding these?? regards, Greg
*****
Post# 20101-7/20/2002-11:02 ||| imperialbob (ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: There's a '61 Mobile Maid here as well as a '59 Westinghouse roll out top loading dishwasher in yellow here in my collection, in case either of these machines would be your dream machine, they could possibly have your name on 'em.
Also, Yesterday, John Lefever, Tom Stiyer and I took out an all original, cadet blue 1955 GE electric kitchen, complete with wall hung refrigerator, under counter combo, and roll out diswasher! Here's a couple of photo's. Sorry, none of the wall hung refrig...
LINK: http://bobwirth.hypermart.net/55COMBO/INDEX.htm
*****
Post# 20102-7/20/2002-11:45 ||| frigemore (Chicago IL area)
SUBJECT: Jason more Convention Information
MESSAGE: As you know I will be there on Saturday only. I may have someone with me from Ca. from the chatroom. Ross
*****
Post# 20103-7/20/2002-11:51 ||| jgp57 (dearborn michigan)
SUBJECT: hello
MESSAGE: hello to everyone.jgp57
*****
Post# 20104-7/20/2002-12:01 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (thanks)
MESSAGE: Bob, I sent you an e-mail, I am interested and I appreciate your reply!! , thanks for the link showing the pics of the ' 55 GE kitchen, which has aroused my curiousity as well; Is that fixable?? Best regards, Greg
*****
Post# 20105-7/20/2002-12:53 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: Sounds strange.
MESSAGE: What is a "Burp-up" Filter? Is it when the water comes through the top of the agitator, like the Norge in the Norge wing?
*****
Post# 20106-7/20/2002-14:05 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: What an awesome kitchen! Under the grime there is a real classic complete kitchen! What is the destination? Does it go to the museum?
Louis
*****
Post# 20107-7/20/2002-14:31 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: 1955 GE Kitchen in D.C.
MESSAGE: Hi Bob and thanks for posting the pictures of the kitchen removal. John had told me about this right after they got the call on it. What a neat color - and an interesting find. 1955 was the first year of the GE combo washer-dryer so that will also be a fun machine to get running again. I'm surprised that that the whole kitchen is still intact - usually you see the dishwasher replaced by now.
*****
Post# 20108-7/20/2002-14:36 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Sounds strange.
MESSAGE: Exactly right - the Norge washers used a pumping mechanism in the agitator to draw water in from the bottom in one direction and pumped it out into the filter in the other direction of the agitator stroke. For a brief time in the 60's, they used a constant recirculated stream as in the POD, but then went back to the pumping, or "burp-up" agitator again and kept that style through the rest of their production lines until the 1980's when they were bought by Maytag. Hotpoint also used a burp-up filter in their mid to late 60's and early 70's machines as well. They are very fun to watch, but as with most lint filters, only marginally effective at removing much lint.
*****
Post# 20109-7/20/2002-15:20 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: Thanks for the pictures! Tom was telling me about this GE set.
*****
Post# 20110-7/20/2002-15:20 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: hello
MESSAGE: Hi jgp57! Long time no see, how are you??
*****
Post# 20111-7/20/2002-18:11 ||| imperialbob (ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (55 GE KITCHEN IN CADET BLUE)
MESSAGE: You bet it's fixable, but only by Experts such as John and Tom. If you asked just about any ordinary appliance repair shop, 99 &44/100 % of them would tell you of course it's not fixable and to throw it away immediately. So, of course, in life it's all who you know. I expect in time the 55 GE Cadet Blue kitchen will be completely restored both cosmetically and functionally. And, YES, it's going to John Lefever's Beltsville Appliance Museum & warehouse so you all will be able to have a look for youselves in about a months time.
BEST REGARDS.
BOB
LINK: http://bobwirth.hypermart.net/55COMBO/INDEX.htm
*****
Post# 20112-7/20/2002-18:21 ||| peteski50 (New York)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (All in 1 kitchen!)
MESSAGE: Bob this is a real great 1 piece unit. Is this going to the museum?
Peter
*****
Post# 20113-7/20/2002-18:36 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (Finding Old Machines)
MESSAGE: Hi Greg, we get asked that question alot about how does on go about finding vintage washers, dryers and dishwashers.
Vintage automatic washing machines as well as dishwashers are extremely rare in the 21st century. While I have found over 40 of them, its taken me over seven years to do this and I’m constantly looking. I spend at least 4 to 6 hours every week searching for these vintage machines and then countless more hours searching for parts and restoring these wonderful rare machines. There is no place in the world that we have found that sells these machines in restored condition, and even finding places that sells these machines as-is, is a one-in-a-million shot.
Since you live in near Boston, your chances of finding some vintage automatics are relatively high. Over the past six years I have found that the best locations to find truly vintage machines are older mid-sized cities and suburbs with basements. Back in the 50’s and 60’s when families purchased a new automatic washer to replace an older, original model, many times the stores did not remove the old machine for free, with delivery of a new machine. So many thrifty people opted to just push the old machine to a corner of the basement, then 40 years later I find them at the estate sales.
Here’s what I would suggest to you:
1. Make up some cards saying you are a collector of vintage automatic washers and go around to all the mom-and-pop appliance retail and service places you can find give them this card. Explain to them what you are doing, and that it’s a hobby. You’ll have to tell them that you’ll give them $100 or so for any vintage automatic washer they find for you, because if you don’t give them a good reason to look, they won’t. Believe me they wont. You’ll need to concentrate your efforts in the older cities and suburbs, and don’t bother with the newer suburban towns that are further out.
2. Next find all the local appliance-recyclers in your general area and do the same thing. The recylers are by far the best places to find vintage machines.
3. Go to the estate sales every Saturday. They should be listed in your local newspapers classified section. Estate sales are not the same as garage sales and they are usually listed separately, the main difference is at Estate Sales, the entire house is opened up and most everything is for sale.
4. Finally you need a little bit of luck. One last thought though, you have to be prepared to do the mechanical work yourself, because no one will do this for you anywhere. Most service people have no knowledge of how to work on appliances this old and do not have any desire to learn, for any price. But one thing to remember, is that servicing these machines isn’t very hard, all you need is the proper instructions and you be shocked at how easy it is to do this. We’ll be able to help you along the way, you’ve come to the right place.
Good luck on in your search.
*****
Post# 20114-7/20/2002-18:37 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: Greg Find Bob! That blue GE combo looks wonderful as well as the roll out dishwasher.
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Post# 20115-7/20/2002-19:47 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: POD 7/20/2002 Norge 14
MESSAGE: Well Anthony, I wonder what Aunt Josie thinks about you today, still "unnatural"? Well, our Norge didn't last all that long either. From 12/64 to January of 1969 or 1970, when the Kenmore 800 arrived in February. Now, I "helped" that machine's demise somewhat. In that span of time, it was also out of hte house for 3-4 weeks for a major repair too, but I don't remember what was wrong.
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Post# 20116-7/20/2002-19:55 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: Bob, incredible find. Would have loved to have seen the inside of the DW. And better pics of w/d controls. Hopefully I'll see this when I'm in Beltsville. Glad Tom is doing well. I miss him a lot. And the Fab 4 are STILL FAB. Loved the music. Outstanding choice.
*****
Post# 20117-7/20/2002-19:58 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Sounds strange.
MESSAGE: You are correct in you guess again Jamie. I'm proud of you!!! That's what a burp-up filter from the Norge family was.
*****
Post# 20118-7/20/2002-20:13 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: Its for me to cherish and polish and showoff and create a fabulous 50's kitchen someday.
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Post# 20119-7/20/2002-20:32 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (Finding Old Machines)
MESSAGE: You have given me new hope !!! :) Thanks very much for the helpful advice. I very much appreciate it and look forward to sharing pics, etc. of my future findings. Best regards -G
*****
Post# 20120-7/20/2002-21:53 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: Fun Day with Don
MESSAGE: I had the pleasure of meeting a local member, Don (Jetaction) today. We had a very nice day doing a little laundry and estate saleing. Don found a couple nifty vintage small appliances, and I a vintage box of LaFrance Bluing. Nothing too unusual in the appliance arena; a Maytag wringer and a t/l KitchenAid portable dishwasher were as close as we came to that, but as always it was fun.
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/happyhotpoint/vwp?.dir=/House&.src=ph&.dnm=Don+(Jet+Action).jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/happyhotpoint/lst%3f%26.dir=/House%26.src=ph%26.view=t
*****
Post# 20121-7/20/2002-22:12 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Fun Day with Don (Hi Scott)
MESSAGE: Hi Scott, Hey can you give me more details on the t/l Kitchen Aid dishwasher you said you saw with Don, was it yesterday?? Thanks alot :) GregM
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Post# 20122-7/20/2002-22:20 ||| GregM (Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: Convention
MESSAGE: Tell me more!! What is it? Where? When? Who coordinates, if anyone? Is it to late to attend? Thanks, -G
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Post# 20123-7/20/2002-22:39 ||| tlee618 (Danville, Illinois)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (neat kitchen)
MESSAGE: Thanks for sharing the neat pictures and music Bob. That is some kitchen set up. How much do you think a set like that would have cost back then? Did this unit come apart any place, if not it must have been hard to move.
*****
Post# 20124-7/20/2002-22:49 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers (Awesome unit)
MESSAGE: I bet that is quality heavy gauge stainless across that entire top, not like what they put out today. Very cool, am anxious to see it "cleaned up"
*****
Post# 20125-7/20/2002-23:01 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: 57 GE Dryer Makes A Comeback
MESSAGE: Last week, I spend a few hours restoring the 1957 GE dryer I found through a friend of mine a few months ago. Aside from a bad element and a lint-clogged fan, vacuuming and a thorough scrub down, there was very little work to be done on this dryer and it's now happily tumbling again. I've been using it in the garage for the last five days and am thrilled with it's performance, 25-30 minutes is the most I've needed for many loads that have been spun properly. The outside temp here has been over 95F everyday, so that helps performance a bit too. This GE is a very well built machine, nothing like it available today for sure. The only thing I don't care for is the nylon lint filter bag, it's messy and difficult to clean but other than that, I'm sold on GE dryers for 1957!
I should have put a dryer in the garage years ago! Here are a few pics of the GE.
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/gansky1/vwp?.dir=/General+Electric&.src=ph&.dnm=1957+GE+Dryer.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/gansky1/lst%3f%26.dir=/General%2bElectric%26.src=ph%26.view=t
*****
Post# 20126-7/20/2002-23:16 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Convention
MESSAGE: This year's convention is being held in Washington D.C. August 16-18. Most of us going are flying into Baltimore (BWI) airport and staying at the Holiday Inn, in College Park, MD. If you book online with Holiday Inn, you might still be able to get a better rate than by phone. You should email Jason at surgilator_68@yahoo.com to get your name in, transportation plans, etc.
There were several posts here, but I don't have their numbers. These can give you a better idea of the weekend activities and other information - does anyone know these??
LINK: surgilator_68@yahoo.com
*****
Post# 20127-7/20/2002-23:21 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Convention (Hotel Link)
MESSAGE: Here is a link to the College Park, MD Holiday Inn.
LINK: http://www.sixcontinentshotels.com/holiday-inn?_franchisee=WASCB
*****
Post# 20128-7/21/2002-02:39 ||| MrCoffee (Minnesota)
SUBJECT: RE: old TOP-loading dishwashers ('OLD' TOP LOADING DISHWASHERS)
MESSAGE: Actually, I would not mind having one of those myself!
*****
Post# 20129-7/21/2002-07:38 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: Swimwear anyone?
MESSAGE: Go swimming in the tide for a good cause...
-ph
LINK: http://www.tide.com/specialoffers/
*****
Post# 20130-7/21/2002-07:42 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (just a nudge)
MESSAGE: It's just a nudge. When it starts filling, I just push the timer to the next mark (12 minutes on the Normal cycle is more than plenty wash time for me in a Kenmore) and the machine takes right off.
-ph
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Post# 20131-7/21/2002-07:50 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 57 GE Dryer Makes A Comeback
MESSAGE: Very cool dryer, love the pink control dial.
*****
Post# 20132-7/21/2002-08:00 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: 57 GE Dryer Makes A Comeback (a keeper?)
MESSAGE: SO of the 2 sunny yellow dryers, this one is the keeper? I've always thought GE made excellent dryers. The two I had were outstanding.
-ph
*****
Post# 20133-7/21/2002-08:09 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Convention (Hotel Link)
MESSAGE: Thanks!!
*****
Post# 20134-7/21/2002-08:12 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Swimwear anyone?
MESSAGE: thats cool, hey I would wear swimwear that said "BOLD" (grin)
Somebody else must remember this detergent.
*****
Post# 20135-7/21/2002-08:14 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: POD 7/20/2002 Norge 14
MESSAGE: Of course she still thinks of it as unnatural for a lot of reasons....
*****
Post# 20136-7/21/2002-08:21 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: 57 GE Dryer Makes A Comeback (a keeper?)
MESSAGE: What a great machine!!! You know, in terms of overall value, I always thought GE made a great appliance - that is of course the OLD GE..... I cannot wait to get my 1961 GE dryer out of storage. And now I am sorry that I let that late 1970's "moose" GE dryer with the enormous drum and door get away. But it was just too big. So now I will hold out for the 1970's avocado Versatronic with panel lamp I saw at an open house. Damn these space limitations!!!!
Kind of makes up for the turquoise Frigidaire filtrator that I wouldn't spend $300 for on ebay..........
*****
Post# 20137-7/21/2002-09:23 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 57 GE Dryer Makes A Comeback (No more dryers!)
MESSAGE: Well, I can't keep all of these dryers. The Whirlpool needs new bearings, but is otherwise in a little better condition cosmetically than the GE. I really must make a descision before fall and winter come along - I have to get the garage cleaned out to get the van in! Maybe I should have a garage sale for the club, I have several machines that need homes...
*****
Post# 20138-7/21/2002-09:29 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 57 GE Dryer Makes A Comeback (a keeper?)
MESSAGE: That turquoise Filtrator is in the classified section of the our site now. I emailed the seller and he said there was someone who came to look at it, so hopefully it will go to a good home that will love it.
I saw one of those Versatronic dryers (in white) at a sale this last Spring, beautiful styling.
*****
Post# 20139-7/21/2002-10:45 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 7/18/2002 P-o-t-D (sounds good!)
MESSAGE: Sounds like a winner to me. I'm a button pusher. I will switch cycles in mid-run just to watch it go slow speed, start a PP cooldown, etc. Of course most of the times I just let 'her go, sit back, eat my pizza and enjoy the 35 minutes of heaven.
I'll try to come and get it soon. :-)
*****
Post# 20140-7/21/2002-11:20 ||| frigemore (Chicago IL area)
SUBJECT: !957 GE Pair , Yes beautiful indeed
MESSAGE: I have never seen this model GE for 1957. The Pair I grew up with is exactly like Roberts in the Museum. They are beautiful indeed. GE and Frigidaire made some of the most beautiful appliances in the 50s and 60s. I have very fond memories of that pair Chrome gleaming and purring away in our basement. I do remember the washer as being somewhat service prone however, We must have had service there at least once a year fixing something on that washer. The Dryer was much less problematic. The pair was bought for my mother by my Grandmother as a gift just after I was borne. Shortly after they were delivered she passed away so the story goes. We had that set until we moved 14 years later.
*****
Post# 20141-7/21/2002-16:41 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Fun Day with Don (Hi Scott)
MESSAGE: Hi Greg, actually I messed up, it was a frontloading machine, but it was a portable by design (not a convertible). It had a handle in front and wood top, and the traditional KitchenAid door latch with the controls at the rear (like a washer). The racks were pretty much the traditional KitchenAid f/l style as well. I think I remember seeing these in stores in the early 70s or so. Scott
*****
Post# 20142-7/21/2002-22:25 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Convention (Greg, it's not too late, please come)
MESSAGE: Greg, Magic Clean was in the same boat just a year ago. He discovered the site 3 weeks before the convention and managed to attend with the rest of us!!!! Your presence would be most welcome.
*****
Post# 20143-7/22/2002-07:05 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: From the summer of love comes this beautiful GE washer. Now this is one of the finest examples of a GE washer I've seen yet, only second to the "timeline" model of the early 60s.
*****
Post# 20144-7/22/2002-09:35 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: Old Washers and Dishwashers
MESSAGE: I just found this link. My name is Ross Roberts. I grew up with a Thor semi-automatic washing machine in the house. Since I was a little boy, I always like to watch washing machines working and also do laundry. I like in Palm Springs, California and would like to hear from other people with the same interest. I was also fascinated by dishwashers. My email address is.....nycaross@aol.com
*****
Post# 20145-7/22/2002-10:24 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (Welcome Rossroberts!)
MESSAGE: Hi Rossroberts, a big welcome to our club, we're glad you found us :).
99% of this club is made up with people who also enjoy a good wash cycle now and then. Out of sheer curiosity, I usually ask new members how they found us? Oh GregM I forgot to ask you that same question too, how did you guys find us on the net?
*****
Post# 20146-7/22/2002-11:39 ||| Noras (Rochester NY)
SUBJECT: Automatic Calrod
MESSAGE: Hello,
I recently bought a home built in the 1950's. In the basement is a General Electric pink electric stove which I believe is original to the house. It is in pristine condition and I'ld like to find out its value but don't know where to look. I have the model number but I can't seem to find an indication of what year it was built. I treasure my "Pink Cadillac". Can anyone direct me to a site or phone number that may help me with an appraisal? Thank you. Nora
*****
Post# 20147-7/22/2002-14:49 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (welcome)
MESSAGE: Hi Ross and welcome to the club. Check out the links to pictures and videos on the club - there's some very neat things to see.
I have only ever seen a Thor "Automagic" washer once, it was on display in a museum and of course, not running. Did your family have the dishwasher insert for yours? The link is to a photo album of some pictures that I took of the Thor washer last spring.
Enjoy the club - Greg
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/threeringagitator/vwp?.dir=/Scott%27s+Visit+to+Nebraska&.src=ph&.dnm=Finally+get+to+touch+a+Thor!.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/threeringagitator/lst%3f%26.dir=/Scott%2527s%2bVisit%2bto%2bNebraska%26.src=ph%26.view=t
*****
Post# 20148-7/22/2002-14:56 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Automatic Calrod
MESSAGE: Hi Nora -
We might be able to pinpoint the year of manufacture (by the model number) of your stove, but don't really have enough experience with ranges to even guess it's value for you. The attached link might be of help getting an estimate of value.
Are you using this range in your kitchen now or "preserving" it for posterity? There were many beautiful ranges in the 1950's and General Electric was at the peak of their creativity.
LINK: http://www.antiquestoves.com/
*****
Post# 20149-7/22/2002-18:12 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (old washers and dishwashers)
MESSAGE: hi there.....in answer to your question as to how i found this link, i just decided to surf the net by entering "old washing machines" and i eventually came on to this link. it is wonderful and i am enjoying it very much.
*****
Post# 20150-7/22/2002-18:17 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (Thor semi automatic washer)
MESSAGE: hi greg....yes, that is it!!!....that is the exact same crank handle that was on the thor semi automatic washer i grew up with...we did not have the dishwasher insert but i will tell you that the settings were for "wash", "spin", and "dishwasher"....with the washing machine, if you turned it on to dishwasher, the agitator would agitate while at the same time, the tub would spin....
are there any gatherings at displays of all these old washers?...i only have a condo here in southern california....but when i had a house in new york city, i had a big basement and could have collected appliances had i known it was possible....
*****
Post# 20151-7/22/2002-19:21 ||| golittlesport (California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (greetings)
MESSAGE: Hello Ross
Welcome to the club from another So Cal member! I am in Orange County. I'm in the same boat as you..."if ONLY I had a basement." But there are a few vintage machines that I would remodel my laundry room to fit in. I have a few albums of vintage advertisements and will post the link in case you or any of the other new memebers would like to browse through them. Hope you enjoy the club.
Rich
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/golittlesport
*****
Post# 20152-7/22/2002-20:17 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: And I love that deep, dark coppertone color too!!!!
*****
Post# 20153-7/22/2002-20:18 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers
MESSAGE: Welcome Ross. Glad to have another washer fanatic among us. There are a few other california members of the club too.
*****
Post# 20154-7/22/2002-20:20 ||| bendix5 (oregon)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers
MESSAGE: Hi Ross, It is nice to see another from the west coast. You are in good hands here. These people are great!!!! I have learned so much from them all. Check out the member links and all of the photos. You will be surprised at the wonderful laundry machines owned in this club alone. Have fun!
Dan
*****
Post# 20155-7/22/2002-21:05 ||| bendix5 (oregon)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (vintage advertisments)
MESSAGE: Thanks so much for sharing those ad with us. I enjoyed them. I had not seen them before. I grew up in Whittier, CA where there were lots of Bendix, Westinghouse and Kenmores around to sneak a peek at. I think taking the sneak and looking without getting caught was part of the fun. I guess they all thought I was weird. I oversuds my aunts Bendix one time and she knew it was one of us kids because she always poured a glass of water down the soap chute to clean it. Of course she just poured in some StaPuff and the suds went away but we all got into trouble because of that prank.
*****
Post# 20156-7/22/2002-21:11 ||| rapidry1000 (San Francisco)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (California greetings from the SF Bay Area)
MESSAGE: Hi Ross
Welcome to the club. I'm one of two members from the SF Bay Area. You will learn alot and enjoying every minute.
*****
Post# 20157-7/22/2002-21:15 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Convention (Thank you)
MESSAGE: Thanks for the warm welcome. I am planning on coming down and am very excited, trying to make arrangements to stay with a friend right now and if I do not find this feasable then I will book my stay at the Holiday Inn this weekend.
*****
Post# 20158-7/22/2002-21:18 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers
MESSAGE: Hey Ross, welcome, I have very much enjoyed this website since my brief beginning only a couple months ago. People have been very friendly and helpful with questions, etc.
*****
Post# 20159-7/22/2002-21:24 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (finding you)
MESSAGE: Robert, I just a new PC a few months ago and have been without a computer for at least 3 or 4 years. What got the ball rolling for me was my mom giving me her 1956 Hotpoint Stove and the floodgates opened to my desire to collect and restore. I said to myself the internet will somehow connect me with someone who shares my profound interest in vintage appliances. So i typed in to search for "antique appliances" and found you guys and am so thrilled. Plus I realize now that I am not the only one. :) .
*****
Post# 20160-7/22/2002-22:13 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (old washers and dishwashers)
MESSAGE: hi rich....good to know that there are other members here in southern california....if you ever come to palm springs, my phone is 760 328 1154...and i would enjoy seeing your machines...just spoke to neighbor where i grew up.....she had early 1950's maytag automatic with red agitator....please keep in touch....ross
*****
Post# 20161-7/22/2002-22:14 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers
MESSAGE: hi appnut...it is great to have found this site...ross
*****
Post# 20162-7/22/2002-22:17 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers
MESSAGE: hi dan...nice to meet you too....i always used fabric softener to kill excess suds in front loaders....when i was a kid, rather than play with other kids, i would rather hang over a washer and watch it at work...i loved hanging out in laundromats....i have 5 year old maytag washer and dryer....please keep in touch...ross
*****
Post# 20163-7/22/2002-22:18 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (California greetings from the SF Bay Area)
MESSAGE: hi there....and if you ever come to palm springs, please feel free to call me.....ross
*****
Post# 20164-7/22/2002-22:19 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (California greetings from the SF Bay Area)
MESSAGE: hi there....and if you ever come to palm springs, please feel free to call me.....we can share laundry room experiences...760 328 1154.....ross
*****
Post# 20165-7/22/2002-22:24 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (finding you)
MESSAGE: hi greg...back in worcester, i am sure you have a nice big basement to collect appliances....back in new york city, i had a big basement in my house....but i moved to palm springs california 5 years ago and basements are unheard of in southern california...living in a condo, i am lucky to fit in my full size maytag washer and dryer in a corner of the garage...i own 4 small residential buildings....the first two came with coin operated laundry rooms and shortly after purchasing the buildings, i bought coin operated kenmores...the 3rd building i bought has no laundry facilities but tenants have key to laundry room in building i own 2 doors away....the 4th building i bought this past february.....it took 3 months to get building permit but laundry room constructed and this time, i purchased new coin operated maytags...my tenants are thrilled...
*****
Post# 20166-7/22/2002-22:26 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: RE: Old Washers and Dishwashers (finding you)
MESSAGE: in response to you, yes, it is good to know that there are other people out there with the same interest in old washers...i also remember going to sears when i was a kid....they would always have one machine connected for demonstrations.....i would enjoy watching the demonstrations....ross
*****
Post# 20167-7/22/2002-22:28 ||| Rossroberts (Palm Springs, California)
SUBJECT: museum and conventions
MESSAGE: i would also like to know if there are any museums where one can see old washers, dishwashers, dryers, and other appliances and also if they are just displays or if they actually work....does this group ever get together to share stories??
*****
Post# 20168-7/22/2002-22:49 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: Actually, the coppertone seems to fit that washer. I wouldn't think it would be as beautiful in avocado. I know that sounds weird coming from me because I'm an avocado fan but I'd say Lady Kenmore's look the best in avocado. A coppertone Lady K wouldn't do anything for me though. A certain GOLD one will look just grand in my little collectionn ;-)
*****
Post# 20169-7/22/2002-23:16 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: museum and conventions (convention coming up soon!)
MESSAGE: Hi -
We had a convention of members last year in Minneapolis at Robert Seger's. It was a wonderful time and we were all grateful for the opportunity to meet one another and spend time in our very own "washer mecca" in Robert's basement!
This year we are meeting again, August 16-18 in Washington D.C. There will be events at several collector's homes and a warehouse/museum. Most of us are flying into BWI (Baltimore) airport and staying at the College Park, MD Holiday Inn. If you look back to post #20126 & 20127, there are links to the hotel and an email link to the person who will need to know if you are coming, and when, transportation arrangements, etc. You are more than welcome to join us - the more the better! There will be quite a few vintage machines that we'll get to see hooked up and running and lots and lots in the warehouse as well to see.
*****
Post# 20170-7/22/2002-23:19 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: I've seen Lady K's in coppertone and they are very cool. You are building quite a collection Jason, soon you'll need more room! Are you still planning on picking up your newest machine this weekend?
*****
Post# 20171-7/22/2002-23:52 ||| DADoES (Suthern Tejas)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: For some strange reason, a Lady Kenmore in coppertone doesn't seem as appropriate as a model one ore two steps down. Maybe that's because I associate coppertone Kenmores with neighbors who had a 70 or 700 series.
*****
Post# 20172-7/23/2002-05:35 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: Jason - I have seen a Versatronic dryer in avocado and it was actually really pretty. I normally am not an avocado fan, but it does work with the GE laundry - I hope you get to see one in person soon. I think you might be swayed!!!!
*****
Post# 20173-7/23/2002-08:01 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: Yes, 700s, 800s, etc look great in Copper but the "Queen" of them all should be a beautiful Avocado or gold.
I'm still planning on picking up the gold Lady K.
The collection is growing and it will soon outgrow this little trailer house.
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Post# 20174-7/23/2002-12:19 ||| chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: Jason:
I agree wholeheartily. The 1967 GE that I saw yesterday was one of the best GEs I've seen yet. The only other GEs that I like just as much (if not more) are the "Timeline" model that you've mentioned, and the "Americana Dispensall" model from the 1970's. Other than that, for some odd reason, I haven't been able to get into GEs the same way I would get into a Kenmore, a Whirlpool, a Frigidaire, or a Westinghouse F/L (which is today's POD by the way). Oh by the way, the one that's in today's POD was made the same year I was born.
Some of us have all the luck (LOL).
--Charles--
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Post# 20175-7/23/2002-12:25 ||| chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)
SUBJECT: RE: POD - The collector's Filter-Flo
MESSAGE: Gansky1:
I've seen an early 1970's Lady Kenmore sitting out in an alley just a few years ago. And if I could recall correctly, that one was coppertone too. But all in all, coppertone Lady K's are okay. But to me, I prefer my Lady K's in avacado too. Especially the 1969-71 models. Otherwise, I'll take my Lady K's in white.
--Charles--
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Post# 20176-7/23/2002-14:59 ||| Jetaction (Minnepolis)
SUBJECT: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove
MESSAGE: I am in the process of restoring a wonderful old Tappan gas stove. I am wondering if any of you in the Minnesota area have any expertise in old gas stoves, as I am almost done with the detail work, and have some questions about the burner and some other parts that I am not sure about. Thanks, Don
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Post# 20177-7/23/2002-16:04 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove
MESSAGE: Hi Don, sorry I've only worked on a few ranges and they have been electric. I have a wonderful 30" 1954 Frigidaire electric range in my kitchen.
Your Tappen sounds wonderful, where did you find it? Personally I prefer electric ranges, but it would be really cool to find a Western Holly porthole range.
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Post# 20178-7/23/2002-17:54 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (burner & valve experts)
MESSAGE: The people you need to contact are the experts at JES Enterprises. They have some great "how-to" books on restoring old gas ranges and can even be a good source for parts if you need them. I've heard good things about their Valve Cream to help with sticky, hard to turn valves.
LINK: www.antiquestoves.com
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Post# 20179-7/23/2002-17:55 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (burner & valve experts)
MESSAGE: oops, bad link in the last post - try this one
LINK: http://www.antiquestoves.com
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Post# 20180-7/23/2002-17:57 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: I bought it (the one on ebay) !!! YAY!!! My first vintage appliance purchase, I am so excited, I feel like a little kid.
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Post# 20181-7/23/2002-18:06 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: oh, how wonderful! So glad it is going to get a home! I wrote to the seller after the auction ended and suggested he place it in the classified section of our club. I told him it was much too nice a piece to recycle or whatever. Enjoy!
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Post# 20182-7/23/2002-18:06 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer (Isn't it fun?)
MESSAGE: Isn't it fun bringing home your first vintage machine? I remember how happy I was when I brought the little Kenmore into the house. It was late at night but I wanted to see her run. It's a thrill and a half to start up an old washer (or dryer) and hear it run and go through its cycle.
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Post# 20183-7/23/2002-19:24 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: New member says thanks for the warm welcome :) .
MESSAGE: ..........I did post my purchase on the board earlier. I will keep you posted and thanks again for sharing my excitement. I am, being from New England, I hate to say, surprised at how friendly and helpful alot of people have been out here. It seems like people will go out of their way to say, Hello, welcome, congrads and help is here if you need it. Robert from Minneapolis has already given me the history of Frigidaire and how to go about finding these classic appliances. His basement collection is my dream ! Maybe being from New England has nothing to do with it, but anyways I appreciate everyones help and sharing my enthusiasm has indeed heightened it. I will post this last paragraph out on the board as well.
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Post# 20184-7/23/2002-19:39 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer (thanks)
MESSAGE: Thank you Scott!! I know others can relate when i say I am elated about this and (laughing at myself) I am not sure why. I totally love the look and style of most 40's through 60's things, I always have, especially anything mechanical. I also have a few clocks that are pretty unusual from the turn of the century up to some early, art deco electric clocks that I restored and refinished the wood case. I also collect, old radios, coffeepots, toasters, blenders, mixers, lamps, some furniture, etc. I am in the very early stages of all this but looking forward to growing this hobby and sharing with others who are into it too. My dream house will have everything 50's ish from literally "head-to-toe" with maybe some 40's or 60's thrown in. I also want but DO NOT have yet a vintage console TV and vintage console stereo. I have nothing to play my old 45's on (hahahaha). Some might be grateful for that.
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Post# 20185-7/23/2002-19:41 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer (Isn't it fun?)
MESSAGE: ITs a blast man !!! my last two postings "..183 and ..184" sum it all up for me bud........
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Post# 20186-7/23/2002-20:45 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: HOO-RAY!!! One Greg says no more dryers and another Greg stars with a dryer. And what a machine it is. Greg I'm relieved that the Filtrator is going to stay in the club and be saved.
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Post# 20187-7/23/2002-21:02 ||| Jetaction (Minnepolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (More Tappan Information)
MESSAGE: I actually have two of these stoves, using the best of both to make one. One came from a shop in Mpls, the other off ebay. It is such a fun old stove, 40 inches with storage drawers including a crisper drawer with humidity control, storage for lids and pans, lighted burners, several other lights, and "Tel-U-Set"! That is basically a time bake feature, but the owners manual sings its praises by telling us that by using it, us housewives will have more time for bridge and church meetings. Gotta love those old owners manuals. Scott55405 and I both agreed that we would like more time for those things!!! I will try to post a link with a pic of the same stove, restored. scroll down to see pic of stove. Thanks.
LINK: http://www.monitortop.com/Inventory/Catalog/Stoves/1953Tappan/1953Tappan.html
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Post# 20188-7/23/2002-21:22 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (Nice Pictures)
MESSAGE: Thanks for the link to the stoves! Those were very nice looking ranges.
Best of luck with your finds!
Brent
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Post# 20189-7/23/2002-21:46 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (I can still smell the gumbo!)
MESSAGE: WOW, does that bring back memories of eating gumbo at my grandma's house in the country! And not to mention the homemade bread that used to come out of there. What a trip down memory lane.
Those are the only stoves that do anything for me. Probably because I grew up around a few of them.
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Post# 20190-7/23/2002-21:57 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: Introducing...
MESSAGE: the latest addition to the collection...
-ph
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/vwp?.dir=/57+Frigidaire+Imperial&.src=ph&.dnm=56FDintro.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/lst%3f%26.dir=/57%2bFrigidaire%2bImperial%26.src=ph%26.view=t
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Post# 20191-7/23/2002-22:00 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: thanks (big smile)
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Post# 20192-7/23/2002-22:04 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: Greg, that's just wonderful, congratulations!! Did you try it out yet, how is it running? That certainly is a beautiful dryer.
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Post# 20193-7/23/2002-22:07 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing...
MESSAGE: Peter, that is awesome, what a cool looking machine, love the control colors (copper?) and the lighted dial, thing looks mint, congrads..........,where did you find it? .......man I CANNOT wait to find my first Frigidaire pulsator washer, last time I saw one in person I was four and the first time I saw pictures of one was here when I joined a couple months ago at age 36.
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Post# 20194-7/23/2002-22:10 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing...
MESSAGE: This is just wonderful Peter, congratulations on this wonderful acquisition! I have always loved that design. The 56 and 58 are my favorite of the Unimatic models. Do you know any of the machine's history? I venture a guess that it must have been unused for a while; it does not appear to have 46 years of constant use under its belt (oh wait, it doesn't have a belt!) You know what I mean! In all events, enjoy!!!! Scott
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Post# 20195-7/23/2002-22:11 ||| bendix5 (oregon)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing...
MESSAGE: Peter that is a beautiful machine. I like the lighted dial.
Beautiful backsplash with lots of chrome. The name plate on the front. That is when manufacturers were proud to display their names and you could recognize their logos.
Enjoy!!!!
Dan
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Post# 20196-7/23/2002-22:11 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: Skinny Mini pics
MESSAGE: I'll post a narrative tomorrow on how it works, but have a look...
-ph
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/vwp?.dir=/Skinny+Mini&.src=ph&.dnm=SMarrival.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/lst%3f%26.dir=/Skinny%2bMini%26.src=ph%26.view=t
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Post# 20197-7/23/2002-22:12 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing... (Welcome to the Unimatic Circle Peter)
MESSAGE: Oh my goodness, and it works no less! That machine is MINT Peter, its just beautiful. '56 certainly was a great year. Congratulations and welcome to the world of Unimatic Washing, were drying is done in all of 20 minutes, and your sheets can be dry in around six minutes! Not to mention the fact the wash cycle is done in 28 minutes, no need for stops and starts, it just goes!
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Post# 20198-7/23/2002-22:13 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: Haven't tried it, my brother-in-law has a class 2 truck here, we are going to go pick it up in a couple weeks, I mailed a deposit on it, my first, YAY !!!! I can;t share this excitement with to many people or even some of my friends, they laugh at me (in a good way - haha). They just don't get it and/or can't relate. So I try to compare with something they love like motorcycles. Then we sorta bond, hahaha. I feel very lucky to have found it. Going to store it in my mom's basement, little does she know that I am going to ask her to store one of many, but not to many. Who knows, hehehe
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Post# 20199-7/23/2002-22:19 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: I'm glad it was saved by someone who will love it! Congrats on the beginning of your collection!
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Post# 20200-7/23/2002-22:20 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (More Tappan Information)
MESSAGE: That really is a beautiful range - well worth the time and effort you've put into it.
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Post# 20201-7/23/2002-22:22 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing...
MESSAGE: What a beautiful machine that is - and it works too!! Congrats Peter - you will never go back to slow spinning again!
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Post# 20202-7/23/2002-22:23 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: 56 Answers
MESSAGE: From what I understand, the machine was given to the mother of the seller in 1956 when they moved off the farm and into the sprawling metropolis of Ann Arbor, MI. She tried it, thought it wasted way too much water, and promptly went back to the wringer. The seller used the machine on and off, such as when he was home from college on break, and when he went to visit. The seller now lives in WI, the machine was in his parents home which is now occupied by his brother, who is quite ill. They wanted to get rid of the machine, but it was in such good shape they offered it on eBay.
The machine runs wonderfully, but needs new bellows as the tub leaks. It agitates and spins very smoothly and quietly. The agitator is in good shape, slightly discolored with age. The Circulator ring is loose, so you can see it is low on the agitator column. The tub is perfect -- no chips that I can find. There is just a tad of rust on the inside lid and a bit around the top of the tub. It is just beautiful underneath, no oil leak, no signs of water leaks.
The console is PINK, with silver and white harlequin. The logo on the front of the machine is also pink. The button in the middle of the load selector knob is a safety switch -- when you open the lid, it presses the button in and the machine shuts off. The motor reset button has been relocated (by hand, it appears) to the back of the machine for some reason. The timer light came right on when I first started the washer, but the timer indicator is off by one increment it seems.
More to come!!!
-ph
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Post# 20203-7/23/2002-22:24 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Skinny Mini pics (Syncro-Swingin')
MESSAGE: This is a very interesting mechanism - I can't wait to hear your review of the washing and spinning action.
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Post# 20204-7/23/2002-22:30 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Skinny Mini pics
MESSAGE: Interesting...even this design has at least one roller!
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Post# 20205-7/23/2002-22:30 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: Skinny Mini pics (Syncro-Swingin')
MESSAGE: After I got it (properly) remounted on the base, I turned the idler pully by hand to see the agitation. This machine oscilates back and forth for about 220-250 degrees! According to the spec, it does so at 68-72 opm, going faster on the return stroke due to the way the mechanism is, so it has to be more dramatic that people have given it credit.
The idler pulley is rusty because it is cast iron. You can see a pic or two how the belt is slightly twisting. And there is no changing any belt until the belt tention spring is released, and that is going to be a BEAR!
This week's project will be redoing the connection so that it runs on 110 -- enuf for the washer to run!
-ph
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Post# 20206-7/23/2002-22:37 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 56 Answers
MESSAGE: ...if only that dear lady knew how much water *today's* washers use, she'd be mortified! Yet another example of how that generation's undying devotion to the wringer washer has benefitted collectors generations later! Robert could confirm that it is rare a week passes that a person goes to sales and doesn't find at least one home with a wringer washer and/or one in which an automatic has never been installed.
By the way, my circulator ring is loose too, but it does not in any way affect the quality of the laundry produced.
This is just so great...I am so excited for you I could just bust!
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Post# 20207-7/23/2002-22:43 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: Congrats on landing that dryer! And welcome to the club!
-ph
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Post# 20208-7/23/2002-22:47 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: Greg, I came out of the washer closet to my boyfriend about a month ago, thinking it was time he knew what he was dealing with (LOL). It went very well and he has been very interested in and supportive of the whole thing. This weekend, we are going to visit the other Greg, and Al will have his first experience with an in-home vintage washateria/laundry studio. This way, when he buys a house and I promptly commandeer his basement and most of his garage with appliances and vacuums, he'll be emotionally prepared and know what to expect. ;-) Pictures to follow!
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Post# 20209-7/23/2002-22:54 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (More Tappan Information)
MESSAGE: Amen to that! Bridge Club, Maj, club luncheons, bring 'em on! ;-)
This sounds like an even more interesting range than I even imagined it to be. Crisper drawer and everything?! Can't wait to see it. Does it have a rather high backguard? I'm just trying to picture if I have seen such a range before.
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Post# 20210-7/23/2002-22:56 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: But what am I currently using?
MESSAGE: A pic or 2 for JasonL...
-ph
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/vwp?.dir=/Yahoo!+Photo+Album&.src=ph&.dnm=LKand118DCI.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/peterh770/lst%3f%26.dir=/Yahoo!%2bPhoto%2bAlbum%26.src=ph%26.view=t
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Post# 20211-7/23/2002-23:00 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using?
MESSAGE: What fun! I have to ask a question, having never personally used one of those wonderful Lady Kenmore button washers...are some of the buttons for things like cold water, second rinse, etc? I notice that there are about 3 of them pushed in at once...what year is this particular unit?
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Post# 20212-7/23/2002-23:11 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using? (washer specs)
MESSAGE: 1972...
Top row: Automatic Pre-Wash or Sani-Rinse/Cottons White/Permanent Press White/Kntted Fabrics/Cold Wash/Cold Rinse/Optional Second Rinse
Bottom row: Automatic Pre-Soak/Cottons Colored/Permanent Press Colored/Delicates-Washable Woolens/Spin Only/Custom Care/Selective Dialing-Cancel
When the pic was taken, I just did a Cottons Colored load with cold rinse and optional second rinse...
-ph
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Post# 20213-7/23/2002-23:38 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using? (Thirsty Lady!)
MESSAGE: and a second rinse for a whopping total of 57 gallons of water!
You'll love the new unimatic, at only 28 gallons per load, your water bill should be cut in half!
;-)
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Post# 20214-7/23/2002-23:38 ||| golittlesport (California)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing... (beautiful)
MESSAGE: Wow Peter...she is a beauty! Congratulations and many happy Unimatic washes!
Rich
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Post# 20215-7/23/2002-23:57 ||| gadgetmad (Birmingham, AL)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using?
MESSAGE: That gold Lady is way rad looking. And I never knew there were Frigidaire 118's with lighted consoles. How has the Quiet Pak insulation held up?
You ever want to have a wash-in there in Hotlanta, count me in. It would be well worth the 2-hour drive to see that Vari-Flex swish a load or two.
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Post# 20216-7/24/2002-02:30 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: Congratulations and Questions.
MESSAGE: Congratulations to Uni, Peter and Gizmo for their "new" Frigidaires. They look great!
A Question though, on Peters 56 and Unis 57 Pulsamatic, what is the small load switch for? Did the machine have two water levels? If so what did it do for overflow rinse?
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Post# 20217-7/24/2002-02:31 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: Hey Foraloyisius
MESSAGE: We are having an interesting chat in the sandbox, join in and give us your opinion.
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Post# 20218-7/24/2002-02:34 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing...
MESSAGE: Peter, I'm glad it finally arrived. Glad I have now seen a 56. That makes a complete series for me 1954-1960.
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Post# 20219-7/24/2002-02:46 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using? (Thirsty Lady!)
MESSAGE: Wow, and my 86 LK uses a total of 65 gallons when the 2nd rinse is used. 44 without second rinse.
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Post# 20220-7/24/2002-02:51 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Congratulations and Questions.
MESSAGE: arrroooaaah, the small load setting on Unimatics was achieved by increasing the speed of the timer motor and shortening the who wash cycle process. The shorter fill time resulted in the small load water level. It still did achieve an overflow rinse during the wash and rinse phases. A frustrating downside to all this, when I was a kid, aws that the smaller load still spun out on a full tub of water and many a time, tripped the off balance button and stopped the machine.
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Post# 20221-7/24/2002-03:58 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using?
MESSAGE: You better go see it now because she's coming to New Orleans soon. Maybe next weekend.
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Post# 20222-7/24/2002-04:03 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using? (Thirsty Lady!)
MESSAGE: But you have a bigger tub in yours. The 72 Lady is a 12# and yours is 14-16#?
Speaking of 2nd rinse, you don't need it if you use Arm & Hammer. This stuff rinses out clean. I almost had a suds vulcano in my little Lady (not on purpose, I was washing a rug) and when it rinsed, it was clear. Also, I had almost an oversuds in the front loader (A&H likes to suds sometimes) and with extra rinse, the final tumble was nice and clean.
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Post# 20223-7/24/2002-04:05 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (More Tappan Information)
MESSAGE: I remember this r
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Post# 20224-7/24/2002-04:12 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (Grandma's stove)
MESSAGE: I remember this range even though I was a little kid. It had a high splashback with a lighted console. I do remember the drawers in the side doors but I didn't know what they were for. It must've been a common stove because I had a few other relatives that had this one. I remember the oven controls in the right side door. Of course, the fondest memory was like I said watching and smelling the homemade bread bake and watching my grandmother cook on it.
As far as a "dream stove" I guess this would be it, even though I don't have a 40" cutout in my kitchen. Was there ever a 30" version?
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Post# 20225-7/24/2002-04:14 ||| FilterFlo (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
SUBJECT: Peter's SkinnyMini Frigidaire
MESSAGE: Peter, so glad to see you got your machines home safe and sound! Seeing the SkinnyMini brought back the memories of getting it off the appliance farm......what fun that was! Curious to know what you find wrong with the machine, if anything. It looked like it was in such good shape when we took it apart...........Now I am so eager to make the trip to Greg's to pick up my Philcos.........Jimmy
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Post# 20226-7/24/2002-08:20 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: Congratulations, Greg, you have a fine machine. I guess you were the one who went to look at it after me that evening......
Unfortunately, I have no basement and I am not sure that a dryer exhausting into my main level living area would have been the wisest thing.
It looks beautiful though. And it obviously works - the only possible problem the previous owner mentioned to me was that the top of the machine would get uncomfortably hot during the drying cycle.
Hated to let that one go, but it was a thrill to see it anyway. I do wonder though, what washer was in that house before the owner bought it. HE has told me that nothing had changed in that house since the 50's. The best part is that there had been a big estate sale there just before he bought it 18 months ago. If I knew then what I know now.............
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Post# 20227-7/24/2002-08:30 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: That dryer has an operating temperature (on High heat) of 200-210 F. The heating elements are in the top left corner of the machine (facing front of machine) so the top of the dryer will get warm after running for a while. If the thermostats are working properly, and running with a full load, the top of the dryer won't feel as hot, but it still gets pretty warm, this is normal. When I restored my 59 Filtrator (same design as this 58) I replaced the top insulation with nearly twice the R-value of what was there, but it still gets warm while running. Just the nature of the beast....
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Post# 20228-7/24/2002-08:31 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Skinny Mini pics
MESSAGE: Hi Peter
That Frigidaire of yours is gorgeous! Where did you find it??
The skinny mini, can you give us any idea how it works? It looks like a complicated mechanism. It appears not to have a "transmission", is that right?
The name Skinny Mini is still used in Australia, but it is a laundry trough (sink) only 45cm wide instead of the usual 60cm wide. It was never a washer over here.
Good luck with your new toys.
Chris.
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Post# 20229-7/24/2002-08:31 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Skinny Mini pics
MESSAGE: Hi Peter
That Frigidaire of yours is gorgeous! Where did you find it??
The skinny mini, can you give us any idea how it works? It looks like a complicated mechanism. It appears not to have a "transmission", is that right?
The name Skinny Mini is still used in Australia, but it is a laundry trough (sink) only 45cm wide instead of the usual 60cm wide. It was never a washer over here.
Good luck with your new toys.
Chris.
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Post# 20230-7/24/2002-08:47 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing... (WOW!)
MESSAGE: Peter,
I had no idea that your new Frigidare would be in such good shape! That is amazing! Can't wait to see and watch it work!
I know that you will be a good parent for it!
Thanks for the pictures!
Brent
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Post# 20231-7/24/2002-09:39 ||| Jetaction (Minnepolis)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (Tappan Doughboy)
MESSAGE: I don't believe it ever was made at 30 inches. It came with a set of doughboy salt and pepper shakers, which I have as well. They are the same mascot that appears under the burner covers. This also was my Grandma's stove, as I remember the excitement of watching those red burner knobs glow when you turned the burners on. Not much has changed!
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Post# 20232-7/24/2002-09:46 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: But what am I currently using? (Thirsty Lady!)
MESSAGE: Towels get a second rinse. My heavy towels just "aren't right" without an extra flush. Also, if I have to boost the detergent with either bleach or ammonnia (NEVER BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!), I do an extra rinse.
And my home water bill is low, as I do most washing at the 'mat...
The Atlanta area has soft water as it is. A&H detergent is mostly washing soda and baking soda. I don't use it because of calcium build up and I don't like the way it smells.
-ph
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Post# 20233-7/24/2002-09:52 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: Peter's SkinnyMini Frigidaire
MESSAGE: The only things that I'm dubious about are the 1) rusty idler and 2) the pump. The pump on these babies is integrated into the outer tub. You have to remove the Agi-tub to get to it. The Agi-Tub sets on a tub support-driver and is secure to the support by the cap on the top of the agitator. I can get the cap off, but I can't break the tub off the support. So the pump is in limbo and will take running the machine with water to see what's what. Leslie has suggested putting some antifreeze in the outer tub to lubricate the pump and seal, so I may try that first. The rusty idler is just plain ugly and may cause extra wear on the belts, which are questionable as is. But to change the belts, you have to compress the tension spring which is super, SUPER strong. I hope to have the SM connected for 110 by the end of the week to give it test run and see what happens...
-ph
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Post# 20234-7/24/2002-10:07 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: Skinny Mini pics (How it works)
MESSAGE: You have to look at the pictures to see what I'm talking about, but here it goes.
You see that the motor driver is connected by dual belts to the rusty idler pulley, which then is conneced by another pair of belts to the drive pulley. On the drive pully is the drive arm. As the pulley turns, the drive arm moves back and forth. If you've seen old locomotives, you see how the wheels turn which drives the piston (or visa versa). It's the same idea -- turning circular motion into reversing linear motion.
On the drive arm is a cable set. The cable set winds from one arm end around the agitate drum to the other end. Remember how one of the ways to start a fire at camp was to wind string around a stick, then pull the string back and forth to turn the stick on another stick to create friction and heat? Same principle -- the drive arm moves back and forth, and the cable set turns the agitate drum one way then the next. According to the specs, because of this arrangement, the tub turns faster on the return stroke, so the OPM speed is 68-72.
For spinning, the motor reverses. Turning the driver in the opposite direction pulls the spin roller in contact with the driver and the spin wheel. As this happens, the spin wheel disengages the agitate clutch and spins the tub. The agitate cable/drum arrangement is still doing it's thing, but because the clutch is disengaged, it has no effect. Just the opposite is true during agitation -- while the spin roller is in contact with the motor driver and the spin wheel, the clutch is pulled down so the spin turning is disengaged and the tub agitates.
-ph
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Post# 20235-7/24/2002-12:59 ||| golittlesport (California)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer
MESSAGE: Hi Greg
I remember that my mom would never set our 55 Frigidaire filtrator on high. It was set on medium and was never moved from that spot in the 15 years she used it. She told me that the salesman or service man had told her to keep it on medium, that high got too hot. Of course, one also had to keep the lint out of the interior of the machine with the spiffy lint brush. It sure did make our basement warm and smell good. With six kids, that thing was always running, except in the summer when clothes were hung outside.
Rich
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Post# 20236-7/24/2002-14:29 ||| jasonl (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: 1953 Tappan Doughboy Stove (... before we get to Grandma's place)
MESSAGE: I don't remember the knobs lighting up on my my grandma's but maybe the lights were burned out. The oven had a light and she would leave it on so I could look at the bread baking.
Beautiful stove nonetheless and I'm sure there are still some Doughboys out there still cookin'.
My grandma also had a 1950 Frigidaire refrigerator which is one of my dream fridges. I have a picture of it from 1977 right before she died.
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Post# 20237-7/24/2002-14:53 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: Some questions for Unimatic1140.
MESSAGE: When your WCI-58 starts Pulsating why does it start to spin first a little bit? Does the Pulsator help brake for the spin by Pulsating? Also does any washers agitator, Pulsator, or whatever have strain during the spin? Does it expand some?
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Post# 20238-7/24/2002-14:57 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: NEWSFLASH - Here We Go Again!!!
MESSAGE: Some of the older Applianceville members will remember Estate Sale Gary, who quite frequently goes estate saleing with me on Saturdays. The other day Gary tells me this story…
"Last Monday, I showed up for my 6:30am Spinning Class (exercise bikes). My friend Heidi set up next to me. She is a very nice mother of two. Her husband works for Minnegasco servicing air conditioners. I struck up a conversation about how sweltering hot it had been and how ugly Heidi's husband's job probably was. She agreed that he'd been spending a lot of time out in the mid-90 degree heat. YUK. She also shared with me that she'd had been spending time at her mother's house and who had been taking her laundry to a laundromat. Apparently, the drum in her mother’s gas dryer drum had suddenly stopped turning. I commented that her husband should just fix it or refer someone from Minnegasco. Heidi said that they had been there but Minnegasco had major reservations about fixing something that was almost 40 years old.
That comment peaked my interest. I asked her what kind of washer/dryer set her mom had. She said that the machines were by Frigidaire and they were turquoise colored!!! Her mom bought them in 1966 from the now defunct Donaldson department store warehouse. Up until the belt broke on the dryer, she had been using them for her laundry. She described her mother as being very meticulous and that they were in wonderful shape. It was a shame that it was time for them to be hauled away for trash. I gave her my phone number and told her that I had a friend that might be interested in them. A few hours later, Heidi called me at work to let me know that she had spoken with her mother. They were purchased in 1966 but were old stock left over from 1964. She even had all of the original manuals and all the paperwork."
So Gary tells me this story and hands me Heidi’s mom’s phone number, I called and left a message. She’s just called me back and says that she has decided to buy a new washer and dryer, her new set is being delivered on Friday and will sell me her old turquoise Frigidaire set. Turns out that the Frigidaire set has been humming along all this time and its only ten blocks away from my house! She said the washer works perfectly and she has been using it faithfully since they day they were installed in ’66.
What’s most interesting here is the fact that she bought them in ’66 yet the sales people told her they were from the 1964 line. I find it odd that Donaldson's (a major department store then) would have held onto inventory from two years prior. So I suspect that it might be a turquoise 1965 roller-matic washer and matching gas dryer. But we will see, I’ll be going over there at 8:15 tonight to unhook the machines and get them ready for moving on Thursday evening. I will let everyone know the second I get home from her house tonight.
Maybe Bob needs to bake a cake for Estate Sale Gary!
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Post# 20239-7/24/2002-15:15 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Some questions for Unimatic1140.
MESSAGE: Hi Jamie, let me see if I can answer your questions.
When your WCI-58 starts Pulsating why does it start to spin first a little bit?
Because during the spin cycle the agitator mechanism and spin mechanism lock together by tightening down a big spring. In order to release the agitator mechanism so it’s free from the spinning mechanism, the big spring needs to unwind. The little clockwise turn is simply that big spring unwinding. Once the big spring is completely unwound and the agitation mechanism is unlocked its starts pulsating.
Does the Pulsator help brake for the spin by Pulsating?
Nope no help there. The Unimatic transmission has two modes, either agitation/brake mode or spin mode. As soon as the spin cycle is over the transmission is immediately put back into agitation/brake mode. Since the tub is still turning and its connected directly to the motor, the tub acts as a driving force which continues to turn the motor shaft. Since the transmission is now in agitation mode and the motor shaft is being turned for a moment by the tub, this drives the agitator up and down for about 20 seconds until the tub comes to a complete stop.
Also does any washers agitator, Pulsator, or whatever have strain during the spin? Does it expand some?
All washer strain a bit when spin first starts. But motors are prepared to take this strain. Most washer motors have a big capacitor on the motor. A capacitor simply is a device that saves up a bit of extra electricity like a battery. When the motor first starts the capacitor discharges its extra electricity into the motor giving the motor a BIG extra push, this helps the motor get going and up to full speed as quickly as possible.
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Post# 20240-7/24/2002-15:15 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: NEWSFLASH - Here We Go Again!!!
MESSAGE: What a *wonderful* story this is, that these machines have been in use all these years (doesn't surprise me with a Frigidaire) and that they are being saved for posterity! Donaldson's was of course a big Frigidaire dealer in those days.
You might be interested to know that my roommate (then, and again now) bought a brand new belt-drive Whirlpool washer/dryer set at Dayton's warehouse, in early 1989...3 years after they had been discontinued, so stuff does sometimes sit in those warehouses for a while. It was a standard capacity machine with a waterfall filter, so who knows how long that may have been around.
Donaldson's warehouse was on Hiawatha Avenue, somewhere along where those grain elevators and so forth are.
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Post# 20241-7/24/2002-15:20 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer (Thanks Pete!!)
MESSAGE: thank you :)
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Post# 20242-7/24/2002-15:25 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer (Scott, (lol))
MESSAGE: Well, my other half already knows what an old appliance nutcase I am. Its all I talk about since I found applianceville, and he has a three car garage and a barn, so he should be scared, LOL. ......There seems to be a "theme" in applianceville, if you cetch my drift, LOL. My mom says its something in the drinking water.
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Post# 20243-7/24/2002-15:27 ||| Pulsator (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
SUBJECT: RE: Some questions for Unimatic1140. (Awesome!)
MESSAGE: That is really cool! Thanks for answering!
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Post# 20244-7/24/2002-15:29 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Introducing...
MESSAGE: Congratulations Peter, that washer really looks good. This particular model was the first GM Frigidaire that I saw pictures of. It was a pink set and I found it really spectacular. And I didn't even know what the inside looked like or what a Unimatic was. Enjoy it!
Louis
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Post# 20245-7/24/2002-15:30 ||| GregM (Worcester, Massachusetts)
SUBJECT: RE: 1958 Frigidaire Turquoise Dryer ((reply-angus))
MESSAGE: Thanks alot, I am very happy about it, my first vintage appliance purchase, i think i may