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Thread Number: 47026
GE Washer Dryer Combo saved |
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Post# 684088 6/16/2013 at 14:24 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude  (.) |
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As promised, here are some pictures and further information about the washer-dryer combo saved from the crusher! The machine was part of a GE Wonder Kitchen that was up for sale in the Syracuse NY area - I had seen it before heading on the big road trip and was kind of surprised it was still there when I got back. Well, I figured I had nothing to loose, so I contacted the seller about the washer dryer and the wall oven. And I got 'em both! More about the oven in another thread.
So, here's the combo - a bit grimy from being stored and moved around several times in the past years, but nothing horribly bad in terms of damage. 
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Post# 684089 , Reply# 1 6/16/2013 at 14:26 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684090 , Reply# 2 6/16/2013 at 14:27 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684092 , Reply# 3 6/16/2013 at 14:31 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Inside the tub, there are some rust stains, but no evidence of 'rot-through'. Not sure how intact the inner tub is, but initial inspections did not show anything (it could still leak in the drain sump, though - I'll only know that with some water in it),
Best of all, the dry control thermostat probe is present; I was keeping my fingers crossed that the probe wire to the thermostat was also present! 
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Post# 684093 , Reply# 4 6/16/2013 at 14:35 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Now, this is interesting... Note the selections on the pushbutton control. What looks different here?
Here are some clues: The model number is a 1WD562N1G. That makes it a washer-dryer combo made specifically for a Kitchen Centre in 1956 and turquoise. The serial number is RN301986. According to my GE 'decoder ring', the machine was built in April of 1956 and was the 986th unit built in the month. Debate and discuss. In the meantime, I am going to do some more tinkering... LOL 
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| Post# 684094 , Reply# 5 6/16/2013 at 14:39 (3,963 days old) by paulc (Edinburgh, Scotland) | ||
Congratulations | ||
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Post# 684101 , Reply# 6 6/16/2013 at 15:03 (3,963 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions) |
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Post# 684106 , Reply# 8 6/16/2013 at 16:35 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Spin danger
No doubt a warning of the 200 RPM spin speed.... LOL Seriously, I think that it may indeed have been to alert users that with the 'normal' dry setting, the calrods did power up to preheat the clothes.
Surprisingly, this machine has but three baffles (like the 56 combo in my Kitchen Centre). I can't recall if the 55 combos did, too (Jon, please chime in if you're out there!!). If it's like the combo in the kitchen, there's no spin until the indicated segment on the timer. | ||
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Post# 684107 , Reply# 9 6/16/2013 at 16:41 (3,963 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis) |
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How fun this is! | ||
| Post# 684120 , Reply# 10 6/16/2013 at 18:38 (3,963 days old) by bellalaundry (St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) | ||
Paul... | ||
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Post# 684125 , Reply# 11 6/16/2013 at 19:09 (3,963 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
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I bet yours is not too far after mine they only had "OMIT DRY" the first two model seasons, my combo has 4 baffles in the tub, it is a 1955 model. It has the transmission and a separate motor/pump combo. Yours probably has a clutch connect to the big motor but the same balance mechanism as mine.
Nice find but so amazing you got it in your color scheme. thats serendipity!!!
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Post# 684126 , Reply# 12 6/16/2013 at 19:17 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Ding Ding Ding! We have a WINNNAH!
Well done, Jon - I thought the Omit Dry option was only on the 'standalone' units like your '55, but my guess is that they switched sometime midway through the 1956 year run. Now, what on earth should I do with it... Cannibalize it for parts or try to restore it?? HMMM.... Let's see what's inside it... | ||
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Post# 684169 , Reply# 13 6/17/2013 at 07:17 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Further exploration...
I had to see what was 'under the hood' with this latest Combo. code-named "Project Syracuse" so that Hubby doesn't figure out what this is...
I took it apart and noticed some well-eaten insulation... BUT good news - the wiring and most importantly, the probe wire for the dry thermostat seemed to be intact. Guess the New York mice don't have the same taste for copper as the Texan mice do! 
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Post# 684170 , Reply# 14 6/17/2013 at 07:20 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684172 , Reply# 15 6/17/2013 at 07:22 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684173 , Reply# 16 6/17/2013 at 07:25 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684175 , Reply# 17 6/17/2013 at 07:28 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684176 , Reply# 18 6/17/2013 at 07:31 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684177 , Reply# 19 6/17/2013 at 07:36 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Post# 684178 , Reply# 20 6/17/2013 at 07:45 (3,963 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Discovery and Dilemma....
I must admit that I did not expect the motor to start up so readily. The tub seems to be turning quite easily in 'tumble' mode. I manually advanced the timer through the cycle and I could hear the fill solenoids engage. The pump solenoid engaged and the pump ran smoothly. I heard the spin solenoid buzz but the tub did not accelerate to the blindingly fast 200 RPMs.... And as I had not hooked the 240v supply up, I had no way of knowing for sure if the dry function would work...
So here's the dilemma: Should I try and do any further work on this machine? I bought it as a 'parts donor' not expecting anything to work on it. My gut instinct is to grab the thermostat and swap it with the one in the Kitchen Centre (and investigate and hopefully resolve the timer power issue on that machine). However, I think I should try a 240v test on 'Project Syracuse' to make sure the darned thermostat even works... I have a lot of projects on the go, so needless to say, I'll be under pressure to 'get that bloody lot out of the garage' by fall. I guess I should just move down to Ogden full-time... LOL Thoughts? Suggestions?? | ||
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Post# 684208 , Reply# 21 6/17/2013 at 11:29 (3,962 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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My 2 point 673 cents worth.....
Congrats Paul on scooping up another combo!
My thought, as unpopular as it may be, is you bought this as a "parts donor" so use it as a parts donor. Strip off all the useful / needed bits and say "buh bye" to the rest.
The cabinet / chassis, while restorable, looks pretty rusty / rough and would be a lot of work. You said yourself you already have a lot of projects on the "to do" list, so why add another "major" project to it?
As Robert and others have said "You can't save them all......."
Kevin This post was last edited 06/17/2013 at 14:05 | ||
| Post# 684223 , Reply# 22 6/17/2013 at 13:04 (3,962 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
Combos raining down from Heaven
If it were a Maytag, John combo would be on a flight to Montreal right now.
You're retired now, and remember when that shop was almost available, and you fantasized about taking the dive and going into restoration full bore. Well, Mister Paul Turquoisedude--that's what this customer would call you--could the Universe be any more clear of her intent for you, with this clue ? Restored by you, this manna from above, a Vintage, General Electric, Under-counter, Automatic Washer-Dryer Combination could yield a small fortune in today's market. Go for it. And the new shipper Jackie from Washington State has a pick-up next month in Montreal. A practice run for your future Shipping and Receiving Department of the Turquoise Dude's Appliance Emporium. Aworg Karma is now fully at work. And Hubby could be the Customer Host and PR vice president. (You would, however, have to check shipments to make sure he wasn't secretly adding bonuses to the order from your unappreciated private collection.) Chuckle. | ||
| Post# 684254 , Reply# 24 6/17/2013 at 14:30 (3,962 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
I have to agree with Kevin and others...
You have a great looking one right now. I'd possibly hook this one up and see what works and what sparks/squeals/grinds then take what you need for yours and possibly find homes for the good stuff you don't need. I usually think about saving all the machines I can but not everyone can go to the party. SOMEONE has to stay and be a parts donor. That machine could save who knows how many machines by being a donor...
RCD | ||
| Post# 684263 , Reply# 25 6/17/2013 at 15:16 (3,962 days old) by alr2903 (TN) | ||
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Paul, I have never restored anything but go with your heart. If you want to try to save it go for it. There may be many combos out there. I have only seen 1 in real life. arthur | ||
| Post# 684330 , Reply# 26 6/17/2013 at 22:51 (3,962 days old) by golittlesport (California) | ||
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| Post# 684342 , Reply# 27 6/18/2013 at 00:29 (3,962 days old) by badgerdx () | ||
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Golittle, that's just evil posting that turquoise combo-porn on this site... | ||
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Post# 684352 , Reply# 28 6/18/2013 at 02:05 (3,962 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
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Paul do you know if the pump has its own motor or is it clutched to the main motor?
If all those components are working by just powering her up then I'd say you have a daily driver there, she lasted this long running and probably was retired because of the timer issue. That can be fixed. I'd restore this one for two reasons, she has the amazing cast iron transmission and the OMIT button both very rare. Well three reasons she also has the Red Danger Spin Will Robinson timer. Well FOUR reasons, she has the 3 baffle system,never seen that on a GE before, myun has the 4 baffle and as you well know mister later combos all have 6 for piece by piece washing!! So there are FOUR good reasons your other machine should become the parts donor----Heavens!!!
I can't get over how LOUD she is. Myun, the motor to tub belt is snapped , the motor is quiet and the tub turns easily enough but I have to take the whole thing apart to get at that belt. Haven't had the time yet.
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Post# 684386 , Reply# 29 6/18/2013 at 08:31 (3,962 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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| Post# 684416 , Reply# 30 6/18/2013 at 11:38 (3,961 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
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Well...
After reading the other posts, especially Jon Charles, I find myself on the fence now. Either Way you go, you know we'll support it but... Two would be pretty cool. I didn't realize that the second one has those rare features, but then again, I've never had the pleasure of working with one... Yet...
Ooohhhh, hard call! RCD | ||
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Post# 684432 , Reply# 31 6/18/2013 at 12:55 (3,961 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Paul -
I have restored a couple total ugly duckling machines, one that wasn't even worth anything as a parts donor, and nobody else wanted it. Restorations are fun as you well know when you have the time, energy, patience, parts, etc. BUT, from my experience, using the machine that was an absolute POS and would have stayed that way and been destined for the crusher is usually among the the most rewarding to use later on. If this beastie that is teetering on crusher fodder would be a joy to use when you're done, maybe you might want to consider that as you weigh the choices. Good luck with whatever you decide!! Gordon | ||
| Post# 684433 , Reply# 32 6/18/2013 at 13:00 (3,961 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
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Restore for your store.
Consider how many fellow clubbers and friends would pay you a small fortune if you decided not to keep it.
The lust in the air for combos these days is feelable. Loved all that myun Will Robinson stuff, Jon. Now you've got my lunch wiggling. And another please "OMIT." Can't get enough of it. By the way, around here "myun" is high Irish dialect. So Paul, when will the Hubby Court Decision be coming down? | ||
| Post# 684556 , Reply# 33 6/19/2013 at 05:02 (3,961 days old) by tecnopolis (Ocala/Dunnellon, Florida 34481) | ||
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Post# 684562 , Reply# 34 6/19/2013 at 07:04 (3,961 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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EXTRA GE COMBO I would continue testing the dry system to see what parts are worth saving and recycle the rest. As Travis and others pointed out after you get done restoring a GE under-counter you would be lucky to get anyone to give you even a $1000 for it and you will have more than $3 to $4 thousand invested in time alone and most importantly you may need parts to fix and keep your machine running. | ||
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Post# 684574 , Reply# 35 6/19/2013 at 08:51 (3,961 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD) |
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Organ donors are good to have. | ||
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Post# 684824 , Reply# 36 6/21/2013 at 07:14 (3,959 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
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Ahhh | ||
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Post# 684875 , Reply# 37 6/21/2013 at 11:14 (3,958 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Going with my gut feeling....
And that says test the timer and the thermostat - if the timer is more reliable than the one in the kitchen Combo, well, it will become the replacement! Likewise for the thermostat.
I have a horrible feeling that this latest combo will leak like a sieve, but I will at some point try a water test just for the thrills of it... Oy, do I have a project list for this summer! | ||
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Post# 685017 , Reply# 38 6/22/2013 at 05:29 (3,958 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
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No | ||
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Post# 685053 , Reply# 39 6/22/2013 at 10:57 (3,957 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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Post# 685115 , Reply# 40 6/22/2013 at 17:46 (3,957 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
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Kevin | ||
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Post# 685428 , Reply# 41 6/24/2013 at 18:23 (3,955 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia ) |
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| Post# 685464 , Reply# 42 6/24/2013 at 20:44 (3,955 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
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Saw a snow White Heron the other day. | ||
| Post# 685493 , Reply# 43 6/25/2013 at 00:55 (3,955 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
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Kevin...
You could get away with that where you live. If the authorities in Los Angeles didn't send the water police for all the spillover running down the street during your last wash in, anything else you do is small beans by comparison. Now the water company meter reader, on the other hand, couldn't count that high...
Ducks and runs as well... RCD | ||
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Post# 685880 , Reply# 44 6/26/2013 at 19:59 (3,953 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i) |
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Post# 686010 , Reply# 45 6/27/2013 at 13:28 (3,952 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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Andy, you are right, I CAN get away with it!
Todd, this is very different. Paul bought this combo specifically with the intent of using it as a parts donor, plus he has a nearly identical machine in better condition. Your beautiful Lady K combo on the other hand was never intended as a "parts donor". Unless I'm mistaken, it was in beautiful condition and needed no restoration, only a VERY hard to find hose.
I am very fond of those Lady K combos, so I may not like that you "sent it away never to return", but I do understand why you did.
Kevin This post was last edited 06/27/2013 at 13:44 | ||
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