Thread Number: 54639
It was a Frigidaire day, and a clamshell day to be exact! |
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Post# 770332   7/12/2014 at 20:29 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Hey there gang!
I wanted to take a moment tonight to write-up a pretty amazing find that I picked up today. The story starts the day after I got back from vacation a few weeks ago, and I received a text from a buddy who is a local antique dealer. He and other antique dealers get first dibs on the estate sales in the area, and he noticed an old dryer in the basement of one of the estates he was going through that day. His message was pretty simple, "this looks like something you'd be interested in, right?"
YEP. This post was last edited 07/12/2014 at 21:21 |
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Post# 770333 , Reply# 1   7/12/2014 at 20:31 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770334 , Reply# 2   7/12/2014 at 20:33 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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So, after a week of him getting in touch with the firm that runs the estate, and the firm trying to figure out why I was involved, I had finally made arrangements to go pick up the 1-18 washer and the '63 dryer today. From the sounds of it, the current owner's mom was using the dryer up until a few years ago.
I started chatting with the son of the owners and I mention that I collect this stuff, and he got a big smile on his face and said, "come with me." This post was last edited 07/12/2014 at 21:22 |
Post# 770335 , Reply# 3   7/12/2014 at 20:34 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770336 , Reply# 4   7/12/2014 at 20:38 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Sure enough, his dad kept the original 1963 Frigidaire in a room just off the wash room in the basement. Stored in what was a wood shop, I think the guy also smoked Camels down there for 40 years. I couldn't get a shot of the washer in the room that we hauled it from, but let's just say it was NASTY. |
Post# 770338 , Reply# 5   7/12/2014 at 20:40 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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She cleaned up pretty nicely, after wiping down the nicotine layer off everything. |
Post# 770340 , Reply# 6   7/12/2014 at 20:43 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Similar to what Jon Charles experienced with his charcoal '57 set, the nicotine preserved everything. Even though it was in a wet, damp basement, there is actually very little rust on the machine. The underside was in amazing condition. The Multimatic mechanism broke loose from the belts and worked great! |
Post# 770342 , Reply# 7   7/12/2014 at 20:47 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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The 1-18 has seen some pretty serious use since it was installed in August of 1979. This washer was made towards the end of the GM Frigidaire production. The rollers will need some cleaning, but other than that it sounded fine. |
Post# 770344 , Reply# 8   7/12/2014 at 20:49 (3,575 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )   |   | |
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GREAT!!!Another pair saved!!!! |
Post# 770345 , Reply# 9   7/12/2014 at 20:49 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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The dryer is in about the same condition as the washer. A continuous pilot certainly hasn't been good for it, but how could I pass it up. |
Post# 770347 , Reply# 10   7/12/2014 at 20:52 (3,575 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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that is an AMAZING find there!!! i'm more into maytag center-dials but DAAAAYYYYYUUUUUMMMMMM!!! that sure is purdy!!! you really cleaned that washer up NICE!!! it looks GREAT!!!
man did you luck out on that washer & dryer!! i LOVE the styling of them!!! they are just beauuuuutiful!!! so, does the washer work??? why did the dad pull it off into the side room?? did it break or what?? you HAD to find out the story!!!??? please tell...... can't wait for a video of the washer in action!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o) |
Post# 770348 , Reply# 11   7/12/2014 at 20:54 (3,575 days old) by classiccaprice (Hampton, Virginia)   |   | |
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Post# 770349 , Reply# 12   7/12/2014 at 20:55 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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So, why does the washer model number not indicate the year, similar to the dryer?
That's because this was a merchandizing model! Aimed towards those who were on a budget, you could get a new Frigidaire washer, but not pay for some of the glitz and glam of their standard models.
I have some of the doctrine for the washer, but not this exact model. What I know is that they started with this model series in 1963, and continued it in 1964. The 1964 "-2" models look like '63 models, but are indeed 1964. I've scanned what I have.
Note that the 1963 "-1" mechanizing models have an 8 pound tub!!! All 1963 standard models had the new 12 pound tub. This post was last edited 07/12/2014 at 21:30 |
Post# 770351 , Reply# 13   7/12/2014 at 20:57 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770352 , Reply# 14   7/12/2014 at 20:58 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770354 , Reply# 15   7/12/2014 at 21:00 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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So why did the dad shove the washer to the side, and replace it with a 1-18?
You may recall in the first photo I posted that there is a timer sitting on top of the washer. The dad had intended to fix the timer, as it is stuck in the ON position. Unfortunately the outfit that sourced him a new timer got the WRONG ONE. Sucked for him, but it worked out great for me!
Oh, and I also asked the son if his parents kept any of the owners manuals. Sure enough... |
Post# 770355 , Reply# 16   7/12/2014 at 21:05 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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So do the lights glow brilliantly? Does the washer work at all? I did power up the washer, and with the timer being hung-up, I'm thinking that it isn't quite activating the motor correctly, but it spins fine. I do want to pull the motor and clean the start switches, as the nicotine is probably close to causing a short.
I'm looking forward to working on the '63 later this fall, along with some other toys that have traveled to the Midwest.
More to come!
Ben |
Post# 770365 , Reply# 17   7/12/2014 at 21:14 (3,575 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Post# 770367 , Reply# 18   7/12/2014 at 21:19 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Ah yes, Eugene, I totally forgot to mention that. You are correct, the very rare 1963 and early 1964 pulsator column has been swapped out on the new '63, as well as on my '63 Custom Imperial. When I first saw the washer in the other room in the basement, I may have asked the washer gods for one more miracle. The Jet Action agitator on the new '63 is an earlier conversion (probably late 60's), where the Custom Imperial has the mid to late 70's conversion in place.
I guess the gods want me to keep looking for one....
Ben |
Post# 770369 , Reply# 19   7/12/2014 at 21:26 (3,575 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
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Post# 770370 , Reply# 20   7/12/2014 at 21:27 (3,575 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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Post# 770371 , Reply# 21   7/12/2014 at 21:31 (3,575 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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Post# 770373 , Reply# 22   7/12/2014 at 21:33 (3,575 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 770378 , Reply# 23   7/12/2014 at 21:41 (3,575 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)   |   | |
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Post# 770391 , Reply# 25   7/12/2014 at 22:30 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770392 , Reply# 26   7/12/2014 at 22:33 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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A shot of the '63 CI panel. The link goes to a thread where the 61-63 washers were discussed in depth.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO swestoyz's LINK |
Post# 770393 , Reply# 27   7/12/2014 at 22:36 (3,575 days old) by brainardcooper (Columbia, SC)   |   | |
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That absolutely took my breath away when I saw this thread. I am so envious & excited for you. I have that filtrator dryer we spoke about earlier this spring. Now I hope I have the luck / fortune to find a washer to be a close match. Congratulation! |
Post# 770394 , Reply# 28   7/12/2014 at 22:39 (3,575 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)   |   | |
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Post# 770399 , Reply# 30   7/12/2014 at 22:56 (3,575 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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Ben: You are exactly correct about the color differences. The set my parents had was the blue & gray. I always thought the clamshell design was a one year only thing, but I guess not. Thanks for letting me know the differences. I don't think there are many sets like this left out there. Any idea who got Trainguy's set? |
Post# 770405 , Reply# 31   7/12/2014 at 23:20 (3,575 days old) by bluejay (Havre de Grace, MD)   |   | |
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Post# 770406 , Reply# 32   7/12/2014 at 23:24 (3,575 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)   |   | |
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Post# 770413 , Reply# 33   7/12/2014 at 23:44 (3,575 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
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The real clamshell was on the 1961 models. That year, the lighted panel could be folded on the controls. In 1962-63, it was fixed. In 1963, some knobs were also changed so they would extend more, the Custom Imperial washers and dryers kept the 1962-style knobs for a while and then changed to the new style during production. Some economy 1964 models were made with the 1963 looks.
Ben, are your new machines 1963 models or 1964? The WIA-63 and 1964 WIAS-2 are quite similar but your washer looks more like a 1964 WIAS-2.
EDIT: I had completely missed your post #12! It's a 1964 model indeed and those scans I have attached show the same pages as yours! Being a 1964 "special" model probably explains the painted side panels on the washer. |
Post# 770420 , Reply# 34   7/13/2014 at 00:13 (3,575 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Hey there Phil, the machine I found is a WIAS-1, not a WIAS-2. The '63 models are the "-1" and the '64 models are the "-2". Confusing, I know! These are somewhat rare outside of the standard models.
I wish I had docterine that talked specifically about the WIAS-1, but alas I do not. The owners manual is also dated from the fall of 1962. Thanks again everyone! I ended up spending several hours fiddling with the '63 washer tonight. I figured out what is wrong with the timer, and I need to stop by the hardware store tomorrow to pick up a new set of belts. If isn't going to take much to get this old girl up and running (thankfully I've been gathering multimatic parts for quite some time.) Ben |
Post# 770428 , Reply# 35   7/13/2014 at 01:26 (3,575 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
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Cool machines you found there. All of them. I have the exact same gas dryer with the WIA-63 matching washer. They are both 1963 models. You will have so much fun with these machines and others are always drawn to them.
I found belts at Ace Hardware for them. The replacement belt numbers I bought were 3L280 and 3L320 and they fit perfectly. Patrick |
Post# 770434 , Reply# 36   7/13/2014 at 01:39 (3,575 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 770444 , Reply# 37   7/13/2014 at 05:18 (3,575 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 770466 , Reply# 38   7/13/2014 at 06:09 (3,575 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)   |   | |
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Post# 770484 , Reply# 39   7/13/2014 at 07:14 (3,575 days old) by maytagmike (Burlington, Vt)   |   | |
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Post# 770496 , Reply# 40   7/13/2014 at 07:55 (3,575 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)   |   | |
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Post# 770504 , Reply# 41   7/13/2014 at 08:16 (3,575 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Post# 770509 , Reply# 42   7/13/2014 at 08:38 (3,574 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)   |   | |
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Post# 770512 , Reply# 43   7/13/2014 at 08:56 (3,574 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)   |   | |
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There was one friend I had in school who lived near me (had such a crush on his older sister and she & I were fairly close, at least as friends ) and I remember a discarded Frigidaire clam-shell washer on the front lawn...
I can't remember what model it was or how much capacity... It didn't have buttons and the console had no lights--probably just the timer dial and one or two knobs...
-- Dave |
Post# 770559 , Reply# 44   7/13/2014 at 14:05 (3,574 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
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Post# 770590 , Reply# 45   7/13/2014 at 16:56 (3,574 days old) by Kenmore71 (Minneapolis, MN)   |   | |
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So…let me see if I can get this correct.
The WIAS-1 appears to be similarly featured as the WIA-63 with the exception of using the 8lb. tub instead of the 12 lb. tub, cutting some corners on trim finishing, slightly different panel styling for the 6-position switch, and the lack of a separate cold-water control?
Here is the console of the 1963 WIA:
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Post# 770592 , Reply# 46   7/13/2014 at 17:05 (3,574 days old) by Kenmore71 (Minneapolis, MN)   |   | |
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The WIA cycle selections and their effects are below.
If I understand correctly, the WIAS-1 would function exactly the same way but without a cold water option (short of turning the hot water faucet valve off).
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Post# 770647 , Reply# 47   7/13/2014 at 20:10 (3,574 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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So I take it that the 8lb version of this washer came with the agitator shown in the photos and the 12lb version of this washer came with the 3 ring agitator? This thread is the biggest discussion I have seen on these clamshell designed Frigidaire's since I've been a member(2006) Happy to see it. |
Post# 770694 , Reply# 48   7/13/2014 at 22:40 (3,574 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770721 , Reply# 50   7/14/2014 at 02:20 (3,574 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
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This is a 1961 clamshell dryer. The 1961 Custom Imperial washers and dryers had no pushbuttons and they were the only ones that had light panels that folded over the controls.
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Post# 770725 , Reply# 51   7/14/2014 at 04:45 (3,574 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)   |   | |
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Post# 770748 , Reply# 52   7/14/2014 at 07:25 (3,574 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
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Post# 770797 , Reply# 53   7/14/2014 at 11:35 (3,573 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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These washers are now 52-53 years old by now. I would imagine that they now are rarer than hens teeth. In the past 10 years or so I have only heard of five or six of them being found. Are the parts very unobtainium? The people who find these are very, very lucky indeed! |
Post# 770826 , Reply# 54   7/14/2014 at 13:58 (3,573 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)   |   | |
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Post# 770837 , Reply# 55   7/14/2014 at 14:27 (3,573 days old) by Kenmore71 (Minneapolis, MN)   |   | |
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Post# 770845 , Reply# 56   7/14/2014 at 15:09 (3,573 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
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Post# 770976 , Reply# 57   7/15/2014 at 00:11 (3,573 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 770998 , Reply# 58   7/15/2014 at 05:40 (3,573 days old) by turquoisedude (.)   |   | |
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Wow, Ben, what a find!! It just goes to show there are still plenty of hidden treasures out there and that it pays to ask about these things at estate sales.
Is rust inside the dryer a concern if the pilot light had been burning for years? I don't know, well, anything, about gas dryers (Hubby barely trusts me with electric ones...).
Have fun with them!! Can't wait to see how the washer progresses. |
Post# 771018 , Reply# 59   7/15/2014 at 09:09 (3,572 days old) by mitch (Atlanta)   |   | |
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Congrats! Mitch |
Post# 771244 , Reply# 60   7/16/2014 at 03:24 (3,572 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)   |   | |
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Absolutely fabulous!! I loved these in their physical,outer beauty but,after seeing the True Rapidry models that were direct drive or RollerMatics from '64 to '69. However, they seamed a bit quieter and had great agitation. A neighbor of ours had the same set in pink. The 1-18 s were also great and fun to watch but,my own,personal preferences are the front loaders. Thanks for saving such gems. Enjoy doingmany tons of laundry in them.
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Post# 771286 , Reply# 61   7/16/2014 at 10:53 (3,571 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)   |   | |
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Good for you Ben, These look like great machines. Happy washing. Gary |
Post# 771359 , Reply# 62   7/16/2014 at 19:38 (3,571 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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The early FD standing pilot gas dryers are easy to convert to the spark type electric ignition by using the parts from a later 60s FD gas dryer. This also makes the dryer much safer because changing it over means installing a dual gas valve so there is virtually no chance that the burner will ever fail to shut off when the dryer does.
Years ago I saw several MT and FD gas dryers where the burner did not shut off, it was worse on the MT HOH dryers because the flame [ under the dryer drum ] not only set the dry clothing on fire but it also burned the large felt seals that MT used on HOH dryers. I once sold a 1962 pink FD gas dryer to a customer, and the gas valve ended up sticking open. When I caught it the porclean top of the dryer was beautiful shinny black because it was so hot on the right side above the burner. But when it cooled down it still looked like new so I put in another gas valve that I robbed from an old Norge dryer and the machine continued to work. |