Thread Number: 18014
The Best of 1955, PART 2
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Post# 293443   7/30/2008 at 01:52 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

Well, we just got back to Minnesota, after a LONG trip to New York. Of course the trip was to pick up a 1955 Frigidaire Unimatic and matching dryer so it was really nothing! God, I can't tell you guys how excited I am to have these things, they are so beautiful!! Been in the club only 6 months and I already have these beauties, un-fucking-believable. They are more or less in mint condition. The washer tub has a little rust in it, but it is purely cosmetic. Some of it has already flaked off during the drive. I noticed when I picked them that the tub was "frozen" as it wouldn't move... but it must've loosened up during the drive because it now rotates freely in one direction and STOP irk in the other!!! The inside of the dryer is MINT even the door boot is still intact.

So without further ado, I bring to you the most beautiful appliance set ever...





Post# 293444 , Reply# 1   7/30/2008 at 01:55 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

garage

Post# 293445 , Reply# 2   7/30/2008 at 01:57 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293446 , Reply# 3   7/30/2008 at 02:02 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293447 , Reply# 4   7/30/2008 at 02:04 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293448 , Reply# 5   7/30/2008 at 02:08 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293449 , Reply# 6   7/30/2008 at 02:09 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293450 , Reply# 7   7/30/2008 at 02:13 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

note that the little pilot cap deal is off, i have it, just took it off so it i wouldn't loose it during the trip

Post# 293451 , Reply# 8   7/30/2008 at 02:14 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293452 , Reply# 9   7/30/2008 at 02:17 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

yeah there's some rust, but i don't think it will be too hard to take care of

Post# 293453 , Reply# 10   7/30/2008 at 02:19 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

that's DIRT, not rust! the cabinets on both machines are free of rust

Post# 293454 , Reply# 11   7/30/2008 at 02:22 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

the dryer is MINT YAY

Post# 293455 , Reply# 12   7/30/2008 at 02:24 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293456 , Reply# 13   7/30/2008 at 02:25 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

even the door boot deal is in great shape

Post# 293457 , Reply# 14   7/30/2008 at 02:26 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

of course it's a FILTRATOR

Post# 293458 , Reply# 15   7/30/2008 at 02:29 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

Kristen found the original owner's manuals!!!!! WAY TOO COOL!!!!

Post# 293459 , Reply# 16   7/30/2008 at 02:31 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

the dryer is definately WIDER than the washer... I find that to be absolutely perfect!

Post# 293460 , Reply# 17   7/30/2008 at 02:33 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

My Maytag wringer is very pissed that it is no longer going to receive all the attention...... "Hey, I need a comeplete restore too!"

Post# 293461 , Reply# 18   7/30/2008 at 02:36 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        
match made in heaven

I'm the luckiest guy in the world... these will always forever be my favoriteEST set in my (still small, but growing) collection.

-Jed


Post# 293462 , Reply# 19   7/30/2008 at 02:38 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        
whoops

this pic was supposed to go in the previous thread

Post# 293463 , Reply# 20   7/30/2008 at 03:10 (5,720 days old) by mielabor ()        

Beautiful! I like the speckled porcelain interiors.

Post# 293465 , Reply# 21   7/30/2008 at 03:37 (5,720 days old) by trainguy (Key West, FL)        
Congrats Jed!

trainguy's profile picture
Here's wishing you many, many years of enjoyment with this set. And welcome to the unimatic club!

Rich


Post# 293468 , Reply# 22   7/30/2008 at 04:47 (5,720 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture
That's the ultimate score!
Congrats!


Post# 293469 , Reply# 23   7/30/2008 at 05:17 (5,720 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
While not a fan of "potty mouth" talk, will forgive you this!

Congrats on such a wonderful set, and you are living proof to newbie collectors who bounce in here saying they "can't find anything". Anyone who will drive a pick-up almost half cross country with today's petrol prices, just to collect a vintage appliance set is AOK with moi!

Looking forward to snaps of the restoration (what little there seems to be),process and maiden wash/dry.

Again, congrats!

L.


Post# 293480 , Reply# 24   7/30/2008 at 06:04 (5,720 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()        

Besides being an "Absolutely Fabulous!" pair, your new dryer is "Energy-star approved" for recovering/saving heat in winter.

*LOL*


Much luck and success with these.


Post# 293484 , Reply# 25   7/30/2008 at 06:53 (5,720 days old) by northwesty (Renton, WA)        

Congratulations on getting such a great set. Hope they are up and running for you without too much trouble. Really nice styling on those of course. One of the great finds of '08.

Post# 293488 , Reply# 26   7/30/2008 at 07:02 (5,720 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Hi Jed, yay, the set is just beautiful!!!!! Oh you are going to love washing and drying in these machines.

Don't forget to put really hot water into the pump before you give it a try. This will lubricate the carbon face seal, otherwise you might destroy this seal. This is the rule of thumb for all vintage washers.


Post# 293493 , Reply# 27   7/30/2008 at 07:28 (5,720 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
Aferim!

bajaespuma's profile picture
Absolutely fabulous! I've always loved that black Frigidaire agitator with the coffee percolator center sitting inside that dark (is it black?) porcelain tub. I am again amazed at the craftsmanship and workmanship that once went into American made white goods.

My hat's off to you; I'm in Connecticut and I thought the drive to Rochester from here was long! I'm going to have to stop spending money on washing machines for a while and save up for a pick-up truck.


Post# 293504 , Reply# 28   7/30/2008 at 08:23 (5,720 days old) by customline (pennsylvania)        
Wow....

What a great pair ! Congrats.

Post# 293505 , Reply# 29   7/30/2008 at 08:26 (5,720 days old) by gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        
Jed-----

Best wishes on your wonderful addition. I know you'll have fun!

Post# 293510 , Reply# 30   7/30/2008 at 08:58 (5,720 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        
Beautiful Set

toploader55's profile picture
I had my eye on them too. Glad you got them. Good Luck Jed. Eddie

Post# 293518 , Reply# 31   7/30/2008 at 09:48 (5,720 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Jed, what a beautiful set. As Robert said earlier, welcome to the Unimatic Club! ;-)

Congrats,

Ben


Post# 293524 , Reply# 32   7/30/2008 at 10:02 (5,720 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Nice set. Two snaps for making that long drive. Who cares about the price of gas anyway!

Post# 293531 , Reply# 33   7/30/2008 at 10:39 (5,720 days old) by roto204 (Tucson, AZ)        
Wowies!

roto204's profile picture
Those are just beautiful--and no, I wouldn't guess there would be any rust on them, since that's mile-thick, all-over porcelain.

Lovely, and congratulations!!

Now, I think we're due a quick lecture by someone about liquid detergents and such, aren't we? ;-)


Post# 293539 , Reply# 34   7/30/2008 at 11:06 (5,720 days old) by tuthill ()        

Hey everyone, thanks for all the comments on my machines!! They really are beautiful, aren't they??

As far as liquid detergent goes, I have some, and I remember people commenting about it with my wringer. The reason I have it is because when I was at ACE picking up some stuff for the wringer, I wanted some TIDE and that's all they had. I will not put it in the Unimatic, it will have to settle for the boring, unscented, unsudsing powder that my mom uses in the Duet. I am open to all detergent suggestions!

p.s. sorry for the F-bomb, not planning on doing it again... just PLEASE understand the context :)


Post# 293554 , Reply# 35   7/30/2008 at 11:52 (5,720 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Great looking set Jed!! Congratulations, and thank you for the detailed photos!

Post# 293564 , Reply# 36   7/30/2008 at 12:54 (5,719 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        
Congratulations Man!

joelippard's profile picture
On those beautiful machines! Welcome to the Frigidaire club!! There is NOTHING like a Frigidaire, at least in my opinion.
I also soon hope to have a Unimatic/Filtrator set.

I'm curious as to what the deal is about the liquid detergent in the Unimatic? Is it harmful in some way?


Post# 293565 , Reply# 37   7/30/2008 at 12:56 (5,719 days old) by autowasherfreak ()        
Wallpaper

I'm using your second picture as wallpaper on my computer. It would nice to have a screen saver of vintage washers, complete with sounds, anyone good at this type of thing?

Jim


Post# 293566 , Reply# 38   7/30/2008 at 12:57 (5,719 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Excellent nab on the 55 set! You're going to love this washer (and dryer) so much...

Post# 293572 , Reply# 39   7/30/2008 at 13:10 (5,719 days old) by goblue ()        

JED awesome find. the washer tub looks like its gonna need some elbow grease but man there beauties for the age.

Post# 293577 , Reply# 40   7/30/2008 at 13:41 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

Some more pics. A lot of the rust just washed right off. It fills, but doesn't agitate. Check out the link to the video showing the lack of agitation. The spin was too noisy for me to let go for any length of time, it was like a ROAR. You can also see that video on YouTube.

I am open to any suggestions as to why it won't agitate. :)


CLICK HERE TO GO TO tuthill's LINK


Post# 293582 , Reply# 41   7/30/2008 at 14:05 (5,719 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
Detergent & More.

volvoguy87's profile picture
I seem to remember something about there being a chemical in liquid detergents that can be harmful to the neoprene in Frigidaires. As for the loud spin (I haven't yet found the video) it might be a bad bearing, but I don't know which one. As for the lack of agitation, it could be seized bearings, a bent part, oil turned to grease, or some other problem. The folks here will know better than I will. The motor does come on and hum, so at least that is working.

Congratulations on your Unimatic. I hope you enjoy it for years and years. Also, thanks for sharing with us!

Congrats,
Dave


Post# 293583 , Reply# 42   7/30/2008 at 14:13 (5,719 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
While I haven't seen the video (youtube is blocked at work) but it sounds like water has gotten into the transmission. Not a huge deal, but I wouldn't use the washer anymore until the transmission gets a complete restore. If there is water in there running it will cause wear on gears.

My 1958 WCI-58 Turquoise Unimatic had water sitting in the transmission for over 25 years outside on the farm and I was able to restore it to brand new condition.


Post# 293584 , Reply# 43   7/30/2008 at 14:13 (5,719 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Just lovely!

turquoisedude's profile picture
Congratulations on scoring this set - you'll have lots of fun with them. The original books are a real bonus, too.
Enjoy them!


Post# 293587 , Reply# 44   7/30/2008 at 14:16 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

Here's the video showing the loud spin. It's even worse in real life, LOUD (sad face)... I didn't have the guts to let it go all the way up...

CLICK HERE TO GO TO tuthill's LINK


Post# 293588 , Reply# 45   7/30/2008 at 14:17 (5,719 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        
Oh and before I forget...

unimatic1140's profile picture
oh and the reason it wont agitate is the gears are frozen (with surface rust) together. Again not a show stopper, but it needs to be taken apart, cleaned with mineral spirits and rebuilt, including a new spin bearing and fresh oil. The spin bearing is a $10 part still available at any bearing retailer.

Post# 293594 , Reply# 46   7/30/2008 at 14:43 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

The wash tub after some rust removal

Post# 293597 , Reply# 47   7/30/2008 at 14:44 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293599 , Reply# 48   7/30/2008 at 14:46 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

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Post# 293611 , Reply# 49   7/30/2008 at 15:23 (5,719 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Nice score

jetcone's profile picture
there Jed!

They will polish up beautiful! Like Robert says the tranny needs a good cleaning, the gears and the filter screen for the oil pump too. You probably have water in there since it would have to pass through the spin bearing first and that is why it is screaming!

I've had my share of screechers in my day!

Once you spin it with the new bearing you won't believe the difference!
And just think your clothes will be "live water action" clean from now on!

have fun these machines restore nicely

jet







Post# 293662 , Reply# 50   7/30/2008 at 20:03 (5,719 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Jed, I still get all tingly thinkin' about this wonderful score you've gotten. You deserve this wonderful set!! Congratulations!! Bob

Post# 293671 , Reply# 51   7/30/2008 at 21:01 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

I took the Pulsator off, and I was able to remove even MORE rust from the tub... by the next round it will be immaculate!!

Post# 293672 , Reply# 52   7/30/2008 at 21:04 (5,719 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
Congratulations!!!

golittlesport's profile picture
Greetings from your cousin pair in California. I agree with you...I think those are the most beautiful set in the world! Rebuilding the Unimatic transmission is not that difficult and many in this club can help you. I watched Greg Nunn rebuild mine with help from Robert and Jimmy. I even got to get my hands dirty. My grandmother had this set when I was a boy and my mother had the filtrator dryer (paired with a Westinghouse Laundromat. Sometimes I still can't believe I have them. As the instruction book says... "You will find your Frigidaire Imperial Automatic Washer a joy to use." (And exciting to watch!)

Thanks for posting all the pictures. You are already making great progress....lint chaser ring in place and everything. Did you get the brush to clean the filtrator?

Cheers!

Rich

Here is a pic of mine...


Post# 293674 , Reply# 53   7/30/2008 at 21:05 (5,719 days old) by mihi ()        

Man, these are absolutely gorgeous, just so cool.

Post# 293676 , Reply# 54   7/30/2008 at 21:09 (5,719 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
pulsator

golittlesport's profile picture
The rubber pulsators get a bit of a star shape as they age...mine looks like yours. It is cool that the original agitator is still in your machine. Many Unimatics had their original agitators changed out wth jet-cones.


Post# 293677 , Reply# 55   7/30/2008 at 21:11 (5,719 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
I bet it won't be long

golittlesport's profile picture
until you get your machine purring away and washing like this

Post# 293686 , Reply# 56   7/30/2008 at 21:43 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        

Rich, nice machines!! yep, cant wait to restore these things and get them up and running!!

Post# 293687 , Reply# 57   7/30/2008 at 21:49 (5,719 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Looking good Jed!

Certainly appears that there was water sitting in the tub for good amount of time. When you had the pulsator column out did you get a chance to inspect the water bellows at all?

Also - did you do a dry run before hooking up the washer? If possible always try to do a dry run on a machine prior to filling it up. Always fun bailing out a tub full of water with a plastic cup! (I know, I've done it multiple times - did I learn?) ;-)

- Ben (green with envy!)


Post# 293689 , Reply# 58   7/30/2008 at 22:05 (5,719 days old) by tuthill ()        
BEN!

You're too much, you make it look like I know what I'm doing!!!! Thank you!!!

The bellows looked good to the untrained eye, no rips or tears anywhere.


Post# 293793 , Reply# 59   7/31/2008 at 13:56 (5,718 days old) by tuthill ()        
PULSATION

I got it to pulsate, as you can see in this video... However, there is a grinding noise coming from the back of the washer... any ideas on what this could be??? Also, any tips for getting the rear service panel off? I've removed all the small screws from the edge but the two large screws in the middle seem to rusted for me to get... Them being flat-head doesn't help much either... why o why couldn't they make these for sockets???????????????

CLICK HERE TO GO TO tuthill's LINK


Post# 293794 , Reply# 60   7/31/2008 at 14:31 (5,718 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Jed you should not run that washer anymore until the transmission is drained and rebuilt. That grinding is the agitation gears grinding together and wearing out because either they totally dry and no oil is on them or they are soaking in a water bath. Now go unplug that washer :)

You can lay the washer on its side (don't forget to put padding down) and you can take a vice grip and get those screws turning from the inside out.


Post# 293811 , Reply# 61   7/31/2008 at 15:20 (5,718 days old) by tuthill ()        

OK, obviously I'm going to take the advice of Robert, and not run the machine anymore (at least till it's rebuilt), but I couldn't resist making this quick little video!!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO tuthill's LINK


Post# 293838 , Reply# 62   7/31/2008 at 17:41 (5,718 days old) by roto204 (Tucson, AZ)        
*Swat!!*

roto204's profile picture
;-)


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