Thread Number: 4083
Frigidaire 1-18 gets a makeover! 		[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 95516   11/24/2005 at 13:41 (6,726 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Let's just say my 1-18 (model WC) has never been the prettiest machine, mostly thanks to 27 years of hard use and the previous owners using Spray & Wash and ruining the finish and overlay on the old control panel. I did the mechanical work during the summer, but I hadn't run the machine for a couple of months recently, because I needed to do some much-needed maintenence on it and locate an ever-elusive 3/4" drain hose, which I finally found! So after a new drain hose, silicone spray on the snubber, a good cleaning inside the cabinet, and a new hose that connects the water valve to the fill flume, it was time to move on to the other, more serious, cosmetic problem.

I never thought I would find or come across another control panel, until last week, when Greg M. in Massachusetts offered me a MINT panel that appeared to have never been used!! So 2 weeks ago, it arrived, and the weekend before last, I switched them out. The new timer turned much more smoothly than the old, so I put the old motor in. I also jumped the lidswitch, which made way for another addition...A WINDOW LID!!

I decided to give it a try with the new panel, and what would be better than to do a huge towel load that the 1-18 is best known for!! And, we seem to be snubbing and braking well on spin, unlike when I first brought it home! Yes, the tub actually "bounces back" like it should after the machine stops!

Here are the pictures, before and after the makeover. What a difference!!!

--Austin

CLICK HERE TO GO TO westytoploader's LINK



Post# 95520 , Reply# 1   11/24/2005 at 15:44 (6,726 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Gorgeous job junior!

Post# 95522 , Reply# 2   11/24/2005 at 16:34 (6,726 days old) by compwhiz128 ()        

Nice!

That would be awesome if it had a knob to adjust the spin speed, I had a dream that I found one like that.

Post# 95523 , Reply# 3   11/24/2005 at 16:48 (6,726 days old) by lavamat_jon (UK)        

Woop!

That looks fandabbydozey :-). Great work!

All ready for the December wash-in yet?

Jon

Post# 95535 , Reply# 4   11/24/2005 at 19:54 (6,726 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Wow Austin, it looks just beautiful, I'm impressed. Congrats on a job well done!

Post# 95538 , Reply# 5   11/24/2005 at 20:05 (6,726 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Thanks guys! The tub's leaning to the back a little bit on spin, so the snubber might need some adjustment, but I'm not going to mess with that until the wash-in, when everyone is out and can "oversee" the operation and possibly help correct the problem. I've had the front off and moved the tub back & forth from the top a gazillion times in an attempt to straighten it out...but I digress. It balances OK, just leans.

Corey, if I remember correctly, the 1969 WXP and "High Fashion" WXN Rollermatics (solid-tub machine) had an infinitely variable agitation and spin control. They are both EXTREMELY rare though!

Post# 95564 , Reply# 6   11/24/2005 at 22:57 (6,726 days old) by drmitch ()        

That made a cool washer Austin! Looks great! Looks like your enjoying your laundry room!

Post# 95569 , Reply# 7   11/24/2005 at 23:35 (6,726 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
What a difference now eh? (that's my Canadian "eh" ) LOL

Post# 95574 , Reply# 8   11/25/2005 at 00:52 (6,725 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Austin, soo cool. I'm getting soo excited. Frigidaire row. Can't wait--laundry is collecting.

Post# 95620 , Reply# 9   11/25/2005 at 20:19 (6,725 days old) by bethann (Indianapolis)        

Good job Austin. It looks so much better!

Post# 95626 , Reply# 10   11/25/2005 at 21:52 (6,725 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
I am so excited! I will play with my twin when I get there! It looks great Austin!
Steve

Post# 95633 , Reply# 11   11/25/2005 at 22:38 (6,725 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
I had a quick look at it with the original panel, but haven't yet seen the machine run. I'm in for a treat!

Post# 95634 , Reply# 12   11/25/2005 at 22:51 (6,725 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
That machine looks soooooo much better! And the window lid is a great added touch also. It looks much like the 1971 Gold Crown I had for many years,right down to the Harvest Gold color.

Post# 95635 , Reply# 13   11/25/2005 at 23:31 (6,725 days old) by gregm ()        
great pics

 wow, your welcome and it sure looks great, what a difference, before and after .......... very glad it worked out for you, I don't know about that one but I know I polished another one of my consoles with "jubilee" kitchen/appliance wax, it helps protect and those consoles scratch and mark easily, you can only use mild, liquid soaps, NOTHING ABRASIVE WHATSOEVER. After cleaning, the wax helps provide a "stronger" finish less susceptible to scratches or markings from detergents or otherwise ..........

My mom use to polish all her appliances with "jubilee" and her formica countertops. You can still buy it on the internet but not in stores ..............

Hope you and your family had a nice thanksgiving.

Post# 95644 , Reply# 14   11/26/2005 at 01:02 (6,724 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Wow Jubilee. That's a name I had long forgotten. My mother also used it. Came in a round glass bottle with screw top cap didn't it. And the smell, I can almost remember it.

Post# 95650 , Reply# 15   11/26/2005 at 04:30 (6,724 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Austin, great makeover. I love the window in the lid too. But what is that? You're washing towels in cold water? Oy! LOL

Post# 95659 , Reply# 16   11/26/2005 at 08:43 (6,724 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Luigi, maybe the water heater will be installed by the wash-in. Everybody ship your towels in LOL!!

Post# 95661 , Reply# 17   11/26/2005 at 08:51 (6,724 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)        

Beautiful job of restoration! It almost brough tears to my eyes. I still feel that the 1-18 was one of the best washing machines ever made.

Post# 95669 , Reply# 18   11/26/2005 at 09:46 (6,724 days old) by agiflow ()        

Great job Austin!!

Post# 95719 , Reply# 19   11/26/2005 at 18:00 (6,724 days old) by compwhiz128 ()        

"Corey, if I remember correctly, the 1969 WXP and "High Fashion" WXN Rollermatics (solid-tub machine) had an infinitely variable agitation and spin control. They are both EXTREMELY rare though!"

Sweet, a dream come true for me :)

Post# 95740 , Reply# 20   11/27/2005 at 00:24 (6,723 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
I'll bet it was like seeing an angel when you got the new head on it! It's beautiful, you did a great job!!


Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      


Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members Click Here To Sign Up.



                     

automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
 Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals 		Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy