Thread Number: 28608
Something different came thru The Pile today. GE Combo action! |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 436879   5/22/2010 at 23:33 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
|
Post# 436880 , Reply# 1   5/22/2010 at 23:34 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436881 , Reply# 2   5/22/2010 at 23:36 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436882 , Reply# 3   5/22/2010 at 23:36 (5,059 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Don't know the year for sure, but would say between '57 & '62. Would like to see the inside. |
Post# 436883 , Reply# 4   5/22/2010 at 23:38 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436884 , Reply# 5   5/22/2010 at 23:38 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436885 , Reply# 6   5/22/2010 at 23:39 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436887 , Reply# 7   5/22/2010 at 23:40 (5,059 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Would say with that interior, that it's most likely a '59 or earlier. Be nice if all my wishes came true that easy! |
Post# 436888 , Reply# 8   5/22/2010 at 23:44 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436898 , Reply# 11   5/23/2010 at 00:28 (5,059 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
That is very nice. Perhaps GE did their sheer look about the same time as Frigidaire/GM; 1957? I'm sure the rounded interior is pre 1960. What a great find! What are the "breaker" panels? |
Post# 436903 , Reply# 12   5/23/2010 at 02:09 (5,059 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Breaker panels are what I call the plastic trim panels that span the gap between the cabinet and the inside liner that hides the insulation, etc. Usually broken by all sorts of things like dropped glass jars, frozen turkeys and even children trying to reach things on top... They can be glued but never quite look right again...
I can't believe all the lights this machine has. It could be defrosted just by opening the door for a few minutes... LOL! RCD |
Post# 436911 , Reply# 13   5/23/2010 at 05:37 (5,059 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436930 , Reply# 14   5/23/2010 at 11:39 (5,058 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Drew,
I think that's a 1957 (BH-12P). GE's literature says: "A separately insulated and refrigerated freezer on top, and an automatic defrosting refrigerator section below. Foot pedal opens the magnetic refrigerator door. *2 Revolving Shelves, 2 Stationary *Magnetic Safety Doors *Automatic defrosting refrigerator section *Big 74 pound true zero-degree freezer *Removable, adjustable aluminum door shelves *3 Mini-cube ice trays *Fold-away bottle racks *Butter compartment *Egg rack *New corner lighting *Two porcelain vegatable drawers *Juice can dispenser, ice cream rack" By comparison, mine is a 1958. Lawrence |
Post# 436931 , Reply# 15   5/23/2010 at 11:40 (5,058 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436932 , Reply# 16   5/23/2010 at 11:42 (5,058 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436952 , Reply# 17   5/23/2010 at 12:42 (5,058 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436955 , Reply# 18   5/23/2010 at 12:51 (5,058 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I'm thinking the 'R' in the serial would then translate over to having been produced (but not necessarily the model year) of '58, but I agree it is probably a '57 model year (see brochure).
Lovely, lovely GE. If my '51 ever dies I would love to replace it with a similar GE Combination to the one you found. I recently saw a '55 GE Combination behind one of the local appliance stores in canary yellow. It was too far gone to be saved, so instead I grabbed the hydrator drawers for storage boxes! Ben |
Post# 436956 , Reply# 19   5/23/2010 at 12:56 (5,058 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 436959 , Reply# 20   5/23/2010 at 13:25 (5,058 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
One tip-off to the model year is the color of the interior. Ge changed those each year, just like automobile changes. '55 featured yellow liners, '65 had turquoise liners (with copper-colored shelves and trim), '57 had the pink liners and '58 had the light blue.
Drew - I wouldn't worry about the number of shelves, especially if you were going to actually use the refrigerator. Mine has one more shelf, but I find that they are too close together and really limit what can be stored. If I were to remove the top shelf I think I could remove one of the revolving shelves, and the refrigerator might be more practical. BTW - that strip of aluminum trim on the freezer door - whatever you do don't lose it! It's key to storing the juice cans. My unit is missing that piece and the cans simply roll out the bottom, with nothing to retain them. Lawrence |
Post# 436973 , Reply# 21   5/23/2010 at 15:29 (5,058 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
My neighbors the Wilsons used to have an earlier model GE with the "lazy susan" shelves. Thought it was a '54, but might have been a '56 model, as I remember it having copper finish trim. Will try to ask them about removing the shelves, as I know they did so when cleaning it. |
Post# 436984 , Reply# 22   5/23/2010 at 17:01 (5,058 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437039 , Reply# 24   5/23/2010 at 21:20 (5,058 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437144 , Reply# 25   5/24/2010 at 11:34 (5,057 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437148 , Reply# 26   5/24/2010 at 11:47 (5,057 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
If I had a truck that would make it up there, I think my partner in crime and I would be making another trip up to Reno. I'm very tempted by that beautiful fridge even though it's a little newer than I was looking for.
Is it definitely going to need paint? I would be using it for my 2nd fridge out in the laundry room so it wouldn't have to be perfect. Ralph |
Post# 437222 , Reply# 27   5/24/2010 at 18:46 (5,057 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437247 , Reply# 28   5/24/2010 at 21:08 (5,057 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437284 , Reply# 30   5/25/2010 at 01:36 (5,057 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Thank you Doug! That helps.
Ralph, I see that you have a 50's GE on your wishlist. If this one fits the bill, let's talk. The paint really is in good shape witha few scratches on the sides but no big thing and the front is in great shape. I actually have a 50's Admiral two door cycle defrost that is my current garage frig. I don't know about anyone else, but being able to knock an item off someone's wishlist is a awesome feeling... RCD |
Post# 437356 , Reply# 31   5/25/2010 at 12:50 (5,056 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437376 , Reply# 32   5/25/2010 at 14:32 (5,056 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
And I thought this thread was about a washer/dryer combo! |
Post# 437385 , Reply# 33   5/25/2010 at 14:58 (5,056 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437387 , Reply# 34   5/25/2010 at 15:08 (5,056 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437406 , Reply# 35   5/25/2010 at 16:10 (5,056 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
OK Drew, I'll look into securing a truck and perhaps the help of another member ;-)
It's not exactly what I'm looking for (that machine may not even exist), but it's more interesting than the '70-ish Whirly that I've had for almost 20 years, probably uses less energy and dimensions are almost identical. It might also be that the butter compartment always keeps it at a spreadable consistency. No guarantee yet, but if you can shove it into a corner for a while (I know your space is limited) I'll see if I can line things up to rescue it. |
Post# 437411 , Reply# 36   5/25/2010 at 16:26 (5,056 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
RP, according to my neighbors their '56 model had the full width foot pedal, and a rounded cabinet like the earlier models, if that's what you're looking for. |
Post# 437440 , Reply# 37   5/25/2010 at 17:53 (5,056 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Tom, I do think it's the '56 model year that I consider ideal. I like the earlier styling, but I am also looking for a passive cooling system for the condenser coil as opposed to forced draft, and magnetic seal doors instead of latching. I think the '56 likely has the magnets since it has the pedal, but I don't know if that means it would have forced draft too. I'd have to look at a picture of a '56 to see if it has a grille at the bottom or a solid kickplate.
|
Post# 437617 , Reply# 38   5/26/2010 at 14:32 (5,055 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 437637 , Reply# 39   5/26/2010 at 16:24 (5,055 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
1956 was the last year for the rounded styling for GE. In 1957 they introduced their "straight line styling" which was their version of Frigidaire's "sheer look". 1956 was also the first year for GE's magnetic doors. I can't address the forced-draft status for 1956.
My 1958 is frostless in the refrigerator section, and that's the reason for the shelf/diverter on the back wall - to catch water drops and send them down below the refrigerator where they can evaporate. Lawrence |
Post# 437638 , Reply# 40   5/26/2010 at 16:28 (5,055 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
From the 1957 Service Manual for the BH models:
"The freezer should be defrosted two or three times per year. The fresh food evaporator defrosts automatically. Each time the refrigerating machine suts off, it stays off until the fresh food evaporator temperature goes above thirty-two degrees, allowing the frost accumulated during the running period to melt. "The defrost water in BH12 refrigerator drains into a trough mounted on the rear wall, down the rear corners of the inner liner, through a drain in the liner bottom and into an evaporating pan under the refrigerator." Lawrence |
Post# 437641 , Reply# 41   5/26/2010 at 16:33 (5,055 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
My 1958 has it's own quirks. For whatever reason, the system short-cycles; it runs for a short period of time, then shuts off and within 2-3 minutes it attempts to start again. Usually it takes 3 or 4 attempts (John Jowers at Antiqueappliances.com has said the pressure of the refrigerant is equalizing before it restarts) and then it starts cooling and repeats the cycle. Consequently, the system doesn't stay "off" long enough for the evaporator coils in the top of the refrigerator to become above 32 degrees, frost and then ice builds up and cooling efficiency drops. My solution? I purchased an appliance timer and have it programed to shut off between Midnight and 2 am every morning. This allows the frost to melt and correct the problem. This seems to be effective and I am hoping to be able to cut the "off" time back to one hour/day.
Hope this helps explain the BH-12P. Lawrence |
Post# 437675 , Reply# 42   5/26/2010 at 18:51 (5,055 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
This is really interesting.
The refrigerator's defrosting "cycle" is entirely passive, and the condenser coil cooling is forced draft. They had the clean-back technology outside, but not the forced air circulation and heated-defrost system inside. Truly a transitional model. I think I'd have fun telling visitors about the fridge. Well, the few who would care. |
Post# 437681 , Reply# 44   5/26/2010 at 19:48 (5,055 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Magic Clean - you're correct. Thank you for pointing that out. I researched in the 1958 Service Manual, and here's the description:
"All combination refrigerators have two small six-watt flat, flexible heaters; one is clipped to the inlet tube, and the other is clipped to the outlet tube of the fresh food evaporator, or serpentine. Thse heaters are wired into the cabinet wiring so that the control contacts short out the heaters when the contacts are closed. Thus the heaters are on only when the machine is off, the control contacts open, and the serpentine in the defrost cycle." I need to see if these are functioning properly in my '58. Lawrence |
Post# 437686 , Reply# 45   5/26/2010 at 20:23 (5,055 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 438477 , Reply# 46   5/30/2010 at 13:22 (5,051 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 438505 , Reply# 47   5/30/2010 at 17:23 (5,051 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 438556 , Reply# 48   5/30/2010 at 23:35 (5,051 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 438716 , Reply# 49   5/31/2010 at 14:23 (5,050 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 438717 , Reply# 50   5/31/2010 at 14:30 (5,050 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 439008 , Reply# 51   6/2/2010 at 02:24 (5,049 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Can any of the GE experts advise on how long they used the Alnico magnet system with metal strips as opposed to incorporating the magnets into the gasketing?
Back in the mid-late 80's we got a used GE fridge through a friend and I remember it having this same Alnico system but the fridge didn't look at all retro. I'm thinking it was older than it appeared, but still late enough to have an all white interior. I usually remember ALL of my appliances but this one was MOL and came and went in a hurry and I don't know why. The magnets are about the only thing I DO remember about it. |
Post# 439097 , Reply# 53   6/2/2010 at 11:47 (5,048 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 439828 , Reply# 54   6/5/2010 at 20:03 (5,045 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Could and was! The combo AND the KDS-20 left Reno about an hour ago. The loading and tie down was a little Sanford and Son (yes, I'm including myself in that...) but they shouldn't blow off the truck for at least... oh... 5 miles... LOL! It was good to see everybody again and I'm told there WILL be pictures of the incredible journey. Oh, yeah! Nate was cruising the haulaway pile and found a 'hood ornament' for the Frigidaire dishwasher. Push him for pics of that...
Yay! Two more escape The Pile to live on! RCD |
Post# 439910 , Reply# 55   6/6/2010 at 10:03 (5,045 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Ralph,
I've looked through my GE literature, and I find a mix of the magnetic bar and the magnetic seals up through about 1980. By the mid 70's only the manual defrost and the cycle defrost models had the Alnico magnets. As someone noted above, they were never used on the side-by-side models, so it looks like the magnetic seals were introduced in the late 60's with those models and gradually were incorporated over time into all of the other models. Lawrence |
Post# 439912 , Reply# 56   6/6/2010 at 10:14 (5,045 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 440023 , Reply# 57   6/6/2010 at 22:08 (5,044 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
OK, maybe the "sound" part is a bit of a stretch, but it'll get there.
We left Andy's place around 6:15 and got to Nate & David's around 9:30. I had a cold one there and then was on my way by 10, home by 10:30. We had a big butch Silverado quad-cab. A white one. Very comfortable. I'll be posting pictures. I've started disassembly of the interior for cleaning and am coming up with lots of questions, which I think I'll ask in a separate thread. Andy, you're right about those bugs. Now the combo has 'em on both sides! We had a real nice trip, took a detour onto the old US 40 over spectacular Donner Pass on the way up and stopped for photo ops. It was a long day, but worth it. And who'da thunk, when my partner saw the KDS 20 on the truck this morning, he actually paid it some compliments. And here I was expecting howls from him. It's tucked away in the garage where Nate's basket case '72 Frigidaire was. I shoved that machine back in the corner where the rats tend to like to hang out. More as it develops, so keep an eye out for a new thread. |
Post# 440273 , Reply# 58   6/8/2010 at 01:05 (5,043 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 440274 , Reply# 59   6/8/2010 at 01:09 (5,043 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 440276 , Reply# 60   6/8/2010 at 01:14 (5,043 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|