Thread Number: 2850
My New Find !
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Post# 76192   8/2/2005 at 20:18 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Can you guess what it might be?




Post# 76195 , Reply# 1   8/2/2005 at 20:30 (6,813 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
That's a Frigidaire 1-18,I can tell by the hole in the bottom for the shipping block.

kennyGF


Post# 76196 , Reply# 2   8/2/2005 at 20:42 (6,813 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: 100% Agree:

Hi! Patrick, that is definately a "1-18" "GM" Frigidaire Washer, as with what KennyGF mentioned it is obvious, because of the Hole from the Shipping Block and because I happen to know the looks of the Bottom of those Washers anyway.

So, when are we going to get to see the rest of the Washer and where did you locate it?

Peace and Happy "GM/1-18" Frigidaire Washer Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...


Post# 76197 , Reply# 3   8/2/2005 at 20:42 (6,813 days old) by jamman_98 (Columbia, SC)        
AW darn

jamman_98's profile picture
Why can't i find good stuff LOL

Post# 76201 , Reply# 4   8/2/2005 at 21:08 (6,813 days old) by retromom ()        
1-18?

Ok Patrick....let's see the pics!

Post# 76206 , Reply# 5   8/2/2005 at 21:23 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Oh the suspense...

pdub's profile picture
Here we have it!
Frigidaire 1-18 Model WS
1976 model year
Found it on Craigslist


Post# 76209 , Reply# 6   8/2/2005 at 21:25 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Control Panel left side

Post# 76210 , Reply# 7   8/2/2005 at 21:26 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Control Panel right side

Post# 76211 , Reply# 8   8/2/2005 at 21:27 (6,813 days old) by rickr (.)        
New find 1-18

rickr's profile picture
Very nice looking machine Patrick!And it looks to be in mint condtion also. Congratulations on a great classic find! Have you tried it out yet?

Post# 76212 , Reply# 9   8/2/2005 at 21:28 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Genuine GM !

pdub's profile picture
logo

Post# 76214 , Reply# 10   8/2/2005 at 21:30 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
a little dirty, but won't be for long

Post# 76217 , Reply# 11   8/2/2005 at 21:32 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Underneath

pdub's profile picture
Dirty but runs very quiet with no leaks....YAY !

Post# 76219 , Reply# 12   8/2/2005 at 21:34 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Unbelievable

pdub's profile picture
I will completely take this all apart and make it look like new again. I can't believe people let things get this way.

Post# 76221 , Reply# 13   8/2/2005 at 21:36 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Here we go!

pdub's profile picture
It's gonna be a fun ride!

Post# 76225 , Reply# 14   8/2/2005 at 21:40 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
I've never had one this far apart. What a rush to take the knowledge I've gained from this forum and put it to work.

Can you tell I'm excited?


Post# 76230 , Reply# 15   8/2/2005 at 21:47 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
More pic's to come

pdub's profile picture
I don't know about the rest of you but I just love seeing pic's of peoples projects and collections and so it is a blast to be able to share with you all here.

The agitator does have a couple of cracks, probably from the missing lint filter falling into the tub, but they are smooth and don't appear to affect the operation.

I have a new lint filter and rail on the way and maybe someday I will come across a 'good' jet cone agitator. Here is a pic of the dirty agitator which has already cleaned up very nicely with some Bleche-White.


Post# 76233 , Reply# 16   8/2/2005 at 21:51 (6,813 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Patrick, what a find. I don't EVER recall seeing a 1/18 control panel that style--the way the timer knob and graphics are laid out. But, almost a horror premonition to WCI versions down the road.

This is a true treasure!

Bob


Post# 76234 , Reply# 17   8/2/2005 at 21:52 (6,813 days old) by GEExtraRinse (Hudson Valley, New York )        
WOW!!!

geextrarinse's profile picture
I haven't had a chance to play with alot of old machines - but this one looks to be in overall great shape! I think you lucked out! And I don't really care for Frigidaires!



Post# 76235 , Reply# 18   8/2/2005 at 21:57 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Goatfarmer and Sacto- you both win the prize for being right!

Retromom- Hope you like the pics. I'm sure you're familiar!

Jamman- Your day will come! Just keep looking.

Rickr- I have run the machine and it is so much quieter than I remember my old one being. It really is in much better shape than the dirt on it would make you think. It is already cleaning up very nicely. The good thing is that the previous owner was still using it daily and I think that is why everything still operates well. He was relocating to another state and that's why he was selling it along with some other non-important stuff. It was definitely my lucky day.


Post# 76240 , Reply# 19   8/2/2005 at 22:04 (6,813 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Appnut- Yes, I thought the same thing when I saw the control panel. I had never seen one like it either. It is unique for a GM produced 1-18.

GE ExtraRinse- Well give yourself time and us Frigidaire fanatics will convert you. You ain't seen turnover 'til you've seen a 1-18!

Yes I do feel really lucky. I hope it continues.


Post# 76242 , Reply# 20   8/2/2005 at 22:11 (6,813 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Patrick, I like your style!! Do it all and do it right. That is the only way to restore these for keeps! Good for you (:

Post# 76254 , Reply# 21   8/2/2005 at 23:13 (6,813 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Hey Patrick, wonderful find, congrats!!!! Interesting control panel, I don't think I've ever seen this model of 1/18 before. Thanks for taking the extra time and energy to post the great pictures too, its certainly is appreciated by all.

Post# 76257 , Reply# 22   8/2/2005 at 23:22 (6,813 days old) by westytoploader ()        

YAY, another great 1-18!!! The mechanism looks like it's in great shape and very clean as well. The control panel is the best 1-18 panel design, IMHO...I wish all of them had that chrome instead of fake (and "biodegradable"...LOL) woodgrain!

And it is interesting like Bob said that this machine bears so much resemblance to an early WCI Frigidaire, especially the lettering! I would have originally thought it was a 1980 model. I have the window lid that came off of a similar machine, in Harvest. If things ever get in order I'll put it on my 1-18; the only thing I'll have to do is defeat the lidswitch. This lid doesn't have a center strike.


Post# 76263 , Reply# 23   8/2/2005 at 23:44 (6,813 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Patrick preach man preach it!!! Frigidaire!! Frigidaire!! Frigidaire rollover / turnover!!! woo hoo!! Bob

Post# 76277 , Reply# 24   8/3/2005 at 02:06 (6,813 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
New Find

peteski50's profile picture
Real Great find. I always go for a 1/18 the control panel is unique. I do remember that model but do not remember it comming with the window. Best of Luck with this beauty.
Jetaction
Peter




Post# 76279 , Reply# 25   8/3/2005 at 03:58 (6,813 days old) by Petek (Ontari ari ari O )        
Only once

petek's profile picture
do I ever remember seeing one of those washers. Would have been back in the late 60's or early 70's the lady across the street had one and why I noticed it in her basement was because it was running making a different sound and it was red. I'd never seen a washer that wasn't white before. It didn't have a window or I'd remember that, but she did let me look inside it. I was intrigued because I'd seen it on tv ads.

Post# 76298 , Reply# 26   8/3/2005 at 06:21 (6,812 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Cool. Congrats!!!

Noe I am beginning to see the intrigue of the engineering of these things! (*DUCKING FOR COVER*)

The suspension seems to be very "Maytag-esque"

What is that white/beige thingy called the "pit" that the whole tub assembly sits in/on ?


Post# 76329 , Reply# 27   8/3/2005 at 08:50 (6,812 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
Wow! Beautiful! This is a 78-79 model, or at least the control panel is. It wasn't until the last year of the 1-18's that GM started to majorly play with their control panel graphics. The other 2 designs for controls they had in this model line are the rapid advance timer model and the model with timer graphics on either side of the timer knob. GregM has that machine. Wonderful find! Very handsome! Congrats!

Post# 76333 , Reply# 28   8/3/2005 at 08:55 (6,812 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
BTW, this is a remarkably flexible washer. With the fabric selector and the cold water key, you can wash just about every fabric in your house in this machine using the Regular cycle. Wait until you see how much water the Perm Press and the Knits cycle wastes! I have the same model from the previous model year and just love it!

Post# 76343 , Reply# 29   8/3/2005 at 09:13 (6,812 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Wonderful pics of the 1-18. I, too have never seen those graphics. And its a programmed washer! What a great find. Wonderful wash action and with a window lid.......one of the best washers from the 70's that you could get....

Post# 76363 , Reply# 30   8/3/2005 at 10:58 (6,812 days old) by gmpayne (INDIANAPOLIS, IN)        
1-18

Wonderful machine. I wish all machines had windows in the lid.

Post# 76390 , Reply# 31   8/3/2005 at 13:28 (6,812 days old) by bostonwash ()        


EXCELLENT. great find. complete with window. I thought the windows were an after market thing, but that looks real from the factory.

You say it needs to be taken apart and cleaned but it looks like it just needs a sponge down and its as good as new.

Our neighbors, in the 70s, had a matching harvest gold frigidaire set in there kitchen with that agitator. I got yelled at a couple of times for attempting to open the lid and look inside.

Now I have seen a couple of Frigidaires briefly, from the 60s and looking underneathe they seemed quite complicated and they weighed alot. However, this washer looks much more streamlined with the inner and outer tub in close proximity so not alot of waste on water. THIS washer seems similliar to todays GEs in layout, meaning the motor and transmission are bottom of the tub mounted.
So I am wondering, why did they stop making this style frigidaire washer? I mean it is not like when Whirlpool changed from BD to DD, an improvement for sure. I think everyone agrees that the White Westys that followed in the early 80s and there after were junk but they were NOTHING like THIS design.
Were these washers to expensive to manufacure, prone to breakdown, too harsh on clothing, simply too good and thus would last too long and defying programmed obsolescence? This inquiring mind wants to know.

Think of what this design washer would look like today if still made.


Post# 76402 , Reply# 32   8/3/2005 at 15:22 (6,812 days old) by roto204 (Tucson, AZ)        
Interesting graphic

roto204's profile picture
I too thought that the shift from the blockier "FRIGIDAIRE" script to the smoother (and used up through the nineties) "Frigidaire" logo was a product of the WCI shift, but obviously not.

Yes, this is a very handsome control panel, and I agree with Austin--preferable to the detergent-edible and hard-to-recreate woodgrain.


Post# 76460 , Reply# 33   8/3/2005 at 20:07 (6,812 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Very nice find - you will enjoy this machine every washday!

Post# 76477 , Reply# 34   8/3/2005 at 21:53 (6,812 days old) by Mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
Oh yes, very nice

mayken4now's profile picture
and enjoy it to the fullest. Wish I still had ours! Am in the market,but here in Florida, it is doubtful.

Steve


Post# 76479 , Reply# 35   8/3/2005 at 21:59 (6,812 days old) by westytoploader ()        
Go for it Steve!

If I can find one in Texas, you can certainly find one in Florida! In fact, the chance of finding one there is better!

Post# 76483 , Reply# 36   8/3/2005 at 22:17 (6,812 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        
This is a very interesting machine

unimatic1140's profile picture
Could this machine be from the very last production year, 1979-1980???? I agree with Nate that its very strange to see the Blockier Crown and F on a GM made washer. The font style spelling out Frigidaire also seems very 1980's.

Post# 76560 , Reply# 37   8/4/2005 at 12:31 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Model year confusion

pdub's profile picture
The seller of this machine told me it was new in 1979. I didn't question this until I took off the front and the schematic is dated 2/76 in the lower left corner and clearly says model WS at the top center. So I too am confused. Maybe they had this design in 76 but updated things like the control panel and Model # but didn't change the date on the schematic.

I also have a service parts catalog supplement that supposedly only goes up to 1976. It clearly lists this washer model # as well as shows a picture of it. I will scan it in and attach it to another post.


Post# 76568 , Reply# 38   8/4/2005 at 12:52 (6,811 days old) by pulsator-power (connecticut)        

Wow- that's the 4th 1-18 that was saved in the last month.
Yes, I'd like to see the parts diagram too. I found a WC-6 about 3 weeks ago in Harvest Gold. The tub brake locks up.
It finally releases with a clunk, then it's free wheeling.
Jerry


Post# 76589 , Reply# 39   8/4/2005 at 15:05 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Parts Service Manual

pdub's profile picture
Here are some scans of the documentataion I have. The WS does appear to have the most unique control panel applique other than the WKC. You can see the December 76 date on each page.

Here's the cover


Post# 76590 , Reply# 40   8/4/2005 at 15:06 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Page 1

pdub's profile picture
As you can see, the WS did come with the window lid.

Post# 76591 , Reply# 41   8/4/2005 at 15:08 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Page 2

pdub's profile picture
WS, WC, AND WKC

Post# 76592 , Reply# 42   8/4/2005 at 15:14 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Page 3

pdub's profile picture
WD, WCDA and WCD.

Post# 76593 , Reply# 43   8/4/2005 at 15:17 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Page 4

pdub's profile picture
WIA, WCI, AND W1.
Would love to find a WCI. Those options are perfect.
And the lighted console, too!


Post# 76596 , Reply# 44   8/4/2005 at 15:27 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Page 5

pdub's profile picture
W2, W22, and W4. W22 is identical in appearance to the beloved WC-6 which seem to turn up quite frequently.

Post# 76600 , Reply# 45   8/4/2005 at 15:41 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Progress Update

pdub's profile picture
All shined up and ready to run. Spin wheels are nice and clean, no more residue.

Post# 76601 , Reply# 46   8/4/2005 at 15:42 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Transmission back view

pdub's profile picture
Hoses are all in good shape.

Post# 76602 , Reply# 47   8/4/2005 at 15:44 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Control Panel

pdub's profile picture
Cleaned up and ready to eassemble along with that pesky lid switch. I'll keep it working for originality.

Post# 76603 , Reply# 48   8/4/2005 at 15:45 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Dinner Anyone?

pdub's profile picture
You could eat off this !!!

Post# 76604 , Reply# 49   8/4/2005 at 15:47 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
The 'stangs...

pdub's profile picture
are keeping a close eye on all the happenings. They want to know when they get their garage back!

Post# 76606 , Reply# 50   8/4/2005 at 15:49 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Sub-Top

pdub's profile picture
Look how well it cleaned up. It wasn't easy.

Post# 76607 , Reply# 51   8/4/2005 at 15:51 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Ready for the front panel to go back on. Cabinet got all new stainless steel screws.

Post# 76609 , Reply# 52   8/4/2005 at 15:54 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
First Fill

pdub's profile picture
The hose that goes from the fill valves to the tub was leaking at the fill valve nipple. Just a little tightening took care of that. Kind of scared me at first though!

Post# 76612 , Reply# 53   8/4/2005 at 15:59 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
It's done!

pdub's profile picture
I can't believe how quiet this machine is. I think this is what they must have sounded like when brand new. There is a little squeak at spin startup, but it goes away once it gets up to speed.

As soon as my rail and lint filter arrive it will be complete.

This has been fun and it's a great machine. I hope you have enjoyed my sharing.

Thanks to everyone for your comments and support.

Patrick


Post# 76627 , Reply# 54   8/4/2005 at 17:28 (6,811 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Great Find!!

peteski50's profile picture
Real great find I never remember the 1/18 being quiet. I love the scanned brochure brings back so many memories. I want to pull all those machines out of the pictures and have them be real.
Peter



Post# 76628 , Reply# 55   8/4/2005 at 17:31 (6,811 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Great work, it looks brand new!!! I still can't get over how clean the base assembly is!!!

I'm glad it's quiet...mine certainly isn't!! Does the brake work?


Post# 76629 , Reply# 56   8/4/2005 at 17:32 (6,811 days old) by westytoploader ()        

And is that an early-70's Mustang Boss 302 in the background??

Post# 76632 , Reply# 57   8/4/2005 at 18:08 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Hi Westy- I was surprised at how well the base cleaned up. It really does look like new. There are imperfections on the cabinet paint but I'll wait on repainting as it's not that bad.

Yes the tub brake actually works. My old one used to keep spinning for several minutes when you lifted the lid, but this one does what it's supposed to and brings the tub to a stop. It even made a funny groan once as it stopped last night.

Ah, the Mustang. It is a 1972 coupe. 302 engine, 2 bbl carb, cruise-o-matic transmission, power front disc brakes, power steering, and (tada) factory air conditioning. I have completely restored this from the wreck it was when I bought it in 96. I have taken it to car shows and have had a lot of fun with it. It's a great car. Thanks for asking.


Post# 76637 , Reply# 58   8/4/2005 at 18:49 (6,811 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Interesting how you removed all 4 panels...I'll definitely do that with mine and clean up the base/oil the snubber when I put the new brake lining and window lid on.

After the shed's finished and all the "keepers" are in place, "Freshening-up the 1-18" is on my to-do list!


Post# 76650 , Reply# 59   8/4/2005 at 19:22 (6,811 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Another thing...I love the rounded timer lettering! No "line-tracing" with this one!

Very nice Mustang too!!!


Post# 76651 , Reply# 60   8/4/2005 at 19:23 (6,811 days old) by christfr (st louis mo)        
you go

christfr's profile picture
A-1 job..but then again i knew all along you were cut out for this..fantastic restoration job!!!!and now that the bug and bitten you whats your next project?? i love it..

Post# 76658 , Reply# 61   8/4/2005 at 20:05 (6,811 days old) by SteveD (Guilderland, New York)        

I have a service catalog from 11/78 and they show this as a WS-9B or 9G (both without the window). Apparently the "B" models and "G" models were made in the same year, the only difference I can find is the wiring diagram on the "G" is in the console in an envelope as opposed to pasted on the front of the tub. Also, the WS-9B/G is identical to the Custom Imperial WCIB/WCIG with the different graphics. The WEG "Holy Grail" also uses this same font on the "Frigidaire", as well as the logo on the "Tech-Talk" service manuals back to at least 1977. On a side note I used a piece of rigid insulation from inside a refrigerator door, cut to exact size, on the inside of my 1-18 front panel, and you can barely hear it run other than the pulsating wash action.....

Post# 76676 , Reply# 62   8/4/2005 at 21:17 (6,811 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)        
Fantastic Clean Up!

That clean up job you did looks fantastic! That machine looks like new. What did you use on the base to get it so clean?
Enjoy your 1-18!


Post# 76686 , Reply# 63   8/4/2005 at 22:33 (6,811 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
SteveD- I had that same thought about putting insulation inside the front panel. Thanks for confirming that it worked for you.

Whirlcool- You'll be surprised. All I used was regular dish soap and water to clean the bottom tray. The whole bottom is baked on porcelain. They sure don't make 'em that way anymore.

christfr- My next project will have to be tearing apart a 1965 dryer. It's got thermostat issues and I had started on it but this new washer jumped ahead of things.


Post# 78000 , Reply# 64   8/13/2005 at 07:10 (6,802 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
cleanliness

"I will completely take this all apart and make it look like new again. I can't believe people let things get this way"

Trust me, VERY few people ever lift the top on their washers and clean under there. "Out of sight, out of mind" syndrome


Post# 78182 , Reply# 65   8/14/2005 at 00:52 (6,802 days old) by roto204 (Tucson, AZ)        
Beautiful job!!!

roto204's profile picture
My 1-18 is jealous! Beautiful job on the cleanup--with your lint filter, she'll run like a pro!

Your manual scans were very interesting. It's apparent that GM did go bananas playing around with their control panel designs.

The WCI is most similar to mine--looks like yours is in a class of its own! I agree with Austin--yours is a very snazzy control panel layout.

Thanks for sharing all the great pictures!

--Nate



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