Thread Number: 63134  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
The last 'International Washer Rescue' mission of 2015 a success...
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Post# 857112   12/17/2015 at 14:22 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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The stars really aligned this fall/early winter on the east coast - the weather has been unseasonably warm so there has been no snow or ice to impede getting to and from the house in Ogden AND a number of rare and unusual machines have bubbled up to the surface.  New Jersey has been a particularly good source, it would seem.  I found two real beauties that I simply could not resist.

 

Here's the haul I ransacked and pillaged from the New England states - one ABC O Matic model 72 and a Norge model AW432 Timeline.  

 

The look on my face sure seems to be saying  "I can't believe what time it is...."  LOL


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This post was last edited 12/17/2015 at 15:01



Post# 857113 , Reply# 1   12/17/2015 at 14:28 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
The backstory on the Norge

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If this mention of a Norge in New England sounds familiar, you're right!  The washer was actually listed in a craigslist ad for a Norge refrigerator and it took Phil (overphil)'s keen eyes to spot it.  I made arrangements with the seller to pick this up a couple of weeks ago (then lightning struck again... stay tuned). 

 

Anyway, according to the seller, this washer belonged to her grandmother and the machine was moved to the basement of the home where she grew up sometime in or around 1964.  The machine was working at the time, but had not been tested. 

 

Apart from a whole lot of dust, the washer seems to be in great shape.  This is the first pre-1960 washer I've come across where the original supply and drain hoses are still reasonably good and the original power cord is still soft and pliable!


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Post# 857115 , Reply# 2   12/17/2015 at 14:29 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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With help from PhilR, we manhandled the washer out of the basement and onto his truck.    We then headed off to our next rescue in Melrose, MA.... 


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Post# 857116 , Reply# 3   12/17/2015 at 14:30 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Hey, this place looks familiar too...  It looks like it may have been on TV earlier this fall... 


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Post# 857117 , Reply# 4   12/17/2015 at 14:37 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Yes, folks, once again, the evil Canadian raiders have plundered a US-built washer and whisked it over the border... 

 

And yes, this is the ABC O Matic that surfaced in New Jersey just a couple of weeks ago (the lightning struck twice for sure). 

 

Eddie (toploader55) picked up the machine in Jersey and brought it to Jon (jetcone)'s place for temporary storage.  Jon did an inspection of the machine and proclaimed it worthy of keeping should I not have managed to haul my Royal Canadian keester down there to get it!!  The washer does run, but it's going to need some new hoses, belts and lubrication.  It will, alas, also need a tub boot (so if you're listening, Santa... LOL).

 

But the machine is in really nice shape, too.  I think it's a real beauty, but I'm having a devil of a time figuring out what year it was made.  1955 seems to be the most likely date... 


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Post# 857118 , Reply# 5   12/17/2015 at 14:39 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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But this was a rescue mission, and Phil and I came to the aid of our Northeastern Chapter brethren.  Jon, Eddie, Phil and I relocated 8 machines to Jon's house for temporary storage until he can get a new storage shed built. 

 

Oy, my achin' back.... LOL 


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Post# 857119 , Reply# 6   12/17/2015 at 14:42 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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And as the ABC got loaded onto the truck, the Poppy Red Frigidaire dryer sat whimpering on the driveway...  We loaded it on the truck and it will now find a home with Phil.  I think he collects Frigidaire stuff, right??  (ducks and runs....) 


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Post# 857121 , Reply# 7   12/17/2015 at 14:46 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
End of the line... for now

turquoisedude's profile picture

And so late last night, the 'new' Norge and ABC machines got tucked into the garage in Ogden.  We're redoing the bathroom down there so this is probably the safest place for them.

 

Unfortunately, I'm not going to get to play with them until after New Year's... possibly into early January until we're back down at the house in Ogden. 

 

This Christmas to heck with the sugarplums... I'm going to have visions of washers dancing in my head!!  


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Post# 857123 , Reply# 8   12/17/2015 at 14:57 (3,023 days old) by ken (NYS)        

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Congratulations. Looking forward to pictures as you go through them and bring them back to life. And videos of them washing.

Post# 857130 , Reply# 9   12/17/2015 at 15:35 (3,023 days old) by Supersuds (Knoxville, Tenn.)        
There's something about an ABC

supersuds's profile picture
The styling is really attractive and the X-Centric washing action should be loads of fun!

I think you got an exceptionally interesting washer there.


Post# 857136 , Reply# 10   12/17/2015 at 16:01 (3,023 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Found a clue about the ABC

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I was just having a look at the wiring diagram from the ABC (thanks, Eddie, for saving that from disappearing into the salt flats...) - I noticed a revision date of 10-56 on it.  Sooooo, it may be a 1957 model - I'll probably only know for sure when I can get into the machine and hopefully locate a date on a component.   That would make this one of the very last ABC-badged machines, IIRC.... 


Post# 857140 , Reply# 11   12/17/2015 at 16:19 (3,023 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Well Eddie stayed on the poor devil

jetcone's profile picture

He was forced to eat Crouton Pizza and salad and engage me in fanciful conversation last nite.

And today he helped me hump out the other 7 machines that had to be saved so I am now officially out of the evil secret supply storage area. 

Every one has come home for Christmas as you can see by my deck! 

 

I had the tree trimmer in today to cut off any limbs that could fall over the winter. 

So we should be good to go until April when the new shed arrives !!

 

 

Thank you again International Contingent of Machine Rescuers Local 118 !

 


Post# 857155 , Reply# 12   12/17/2015 at 16:59 (3,023 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

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There's always an adventure in Melrose. ROFLMAO !!!

 

It is always great to PhilR, Paul, Artie and oh yes, Dr. Frigidaire.

 

Strange how I always leave Melrose malnourished and weak.

 

Just kidding. The accommodations are always too gracious at "The Tree House".

 

It's a very relaxing peaceful home and the host is always too kind and generous.

 

I look forward to my return trip to fill some boxes.  Thanks guys. As always a pleasure.


Post# 857180 , Reply# 13   12/17/2015 at 19:04 (3,023 days old) by cadman (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Wow Paul, all I can say is CONGRATULATIONS! Somebody's livin' right!

Post# 857201 , Reply# 14   12/17/2015 at 22:02 (3,023 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Great Finds!

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Hi Paul these are the best! I like the way the ABC timer says "Shampoo" - I hope you can find a window for it! The Norge is also awsome! BTW is that the rear of a frog eye kenmore - I dont see the front?
Best Wishes,
Peter



Post# 857202 , Reply# 15   12/17/2015 at 22:04 (3,023 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        
"I can't believe what time it is..."

washerlover's profile picture
Hey Paul, I love that -- shouldn't that be "I can't believe what Timeline it is?!" I just can't believe another Norge Timeline is going to be saved! It's time for another Timeline! Best of luck in the restoration and please, please post videos and pics.

Post# 857213 , Reply# 16   12/18/2015 at 00:17 (3,023 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Yes Pete

jetcone's profile picture

that is a Frog Eye, nice machine. I found it years ago south of Boston, GregM had it for awhile then it went to Coldspot66 who neatly inserted new bearings and now its back here running beautifully! It will soon taste a RotoFlex on loan to me by Jetaction . 

 

 

 


Post# 857217 , Reply# 17   12/18/2015 at 00:40 (3,023 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Very nice finds Paul.  I kind of expected the Norge timeline to have the holes in the agitator paddles, similar to the one that shows up in POD? 

 

LOL,  spellcheck indicates "Norge" is misspelled. 


Post# 857219 , Reply# 18   12/18/2015 at 00:55 (3,023 days old) by 114jwh (Vancouver)        
Congrats Paul!

Not one but TWO very rare finds and in great condition!! Can't wait to see you get them going!

I've seen late 80's/early 90's Norge kitchen appliances in Canada but can't recall ever seeing anything much older than that. Was Norge ever marketed in Canada before the 80's? Never seen ABC up here either for that matter....maybe they were both just super rare.

In any event, once again congrats on these awesome finds!


Post# 857221 , Reply# 19   12/18/2015 at 00:59 (3,023 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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That ABC-O-Matic looks like it's from the same year as the pink set Mark Harman has. That was a 1957 set, more information in this thread. I guess his has the suds saver and this one doesn't?

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/T...

Anyhow, that's a great machine! Congratulations!

BTW, mr Jetcone, it looks like a certain basement door could do with a lick of paint! :-)

Fearless in the Netherlands


Post# 857222 , Reply# 20   12/18/2015 at 01:15 (3,023 days old) by washdaddy (Baltimore)        
Paul- Congratulations!

Norge timeline- what is sticking up out of the top of the console on this machine above the "N"? Is that a control for something? I'm not too familiar with those machines. I've seen them in pics but not closely like you have posted.

 

Thanks,

 

Rick, Washdaddy


Post# 857235 , Reply# 21   12/18/2015 at 06:05 (3,023 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        
Congratulations to all of you!

I am sure that Santa and the reindeer are relieved that this particular holiday load did not have to be delivered by sleigh. Three cheers for mild weather!

Post# 857239 , Reply# 22   12/18/2015 at 07:12 (3,023 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
I just love my

jetcone's profile picture

tough Dutch Uncle! OXOXOX  Yes you are correct Foraloysius. It needs some rust killer then paint. I just can't decide what color...been very busy saving machines, tenants and detergent markets.

 

 

 


Post# 857241 , Reply# 23   12/18/2015 at 07:22 (3,023 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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That is sure a pretty ABC, Paul, great catch. And welcome to the Timeline club, you'll love playing with that washer. I've been shocked a few times by what will fit into that (seemingly) small tub with the giant agitator, it's one of my favorite blanket machines. While it looks like the load isn't turning over much, it was top rated for cleaning in it's day by CR and with a set of ear plugs, you could even put it in the kitchen. :-)

Rick, the little button the Norge panel is the off-balance indicator, it pops up and turns off the machine when the tub hits the lever at the bottom of the machine. Pushing it back in resets the lever on the switch. I don't think I've ever had an unbalanced load in that washer, but I don't do a lot of small loads and really don't get many delicate things near that one - lol.


Post# 857242 , Reply# 24   12/18/2015 at 07:24 (3,023 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Greg does that Timeline

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have the ball point suspension ? or was the Philco that had that?

 

 


Post# 857246 , Reply# 25   12/18/2015 at 07:30 (3,023 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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Philco had the ball-point balance. But the Norge does seem pretty stable, good snubber system.

Post# 857252 , Reply# 26   12/18/2015 at 07:51 (3,023 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
'Cause nosey newts want to know

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...and how did the friendly gendarmes at the border treat you this trip???


Post# 857260 , Reply# 27   12/18/2015 at 08:55 (3,023 days old) by customline (pennsylvania)        
Wow !!!!

Love that Norge !!!!! Can't wait to see the resto pics.

Post# 857261 , Reply# 28   12/18/2015 at 08:59 (3,023 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture

An ABC, AND a Norge?  Wow, someone was good this year!  ;)


Post# 857265 , Reply# 29   12/18/2015 at 09:20 (3,023 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

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Ken, this time we were fine!

The guys on both sides of the border were very friendly this time! It's a good thing because we were both really tired on our way back!

How was it when you crossed the border with the 1963 GE set?


Post# 857292 , Reply# 30   12/18/2015 at 11:46 (3,023 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
To jump right in with everyone else....

revvinkevin's profile picture



WOW and CONGRATS Paul! Two neat machines and I really like the styling on the ABC-O-Matic.

I look forward to more photos and videos of each machine... just make sure you have a stack of towels standing by to wipe up after operation with the lids open! LOL

Happy Holidays to all!
Kevin


Post# 857295 , Reply# 31   12/18/2015 at 13:07 (3,022 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Wow, great finds Paul. Both machines are beautiful!!! Welcome to the Orbital Wash Action Club!

Post# 857298 , Reply# 32   12/18/2015 at 13:31 (3,022 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        

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Very Nice!  Congratulations on the ABC!  I'd love to find one of those or the later Kelvinator!


Post# 857389 , Reply# 33   12/19/2015 at 08:05 (3,022 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Thanks, everyone!

turquoisedude's profile picture

It's just killing me that I am not in the garage in Ogden playing with these machines today...  Well, I'll have fun later this winter, right?

 

James - From the 50s until the early 70s Norge appliances were sold in Canada, BUT under the Moffat brand name.  The elusive Moffat washer/dryer combo was a Norge-built machine and I've seen a few refrigerators and ranges that still had Norge model tags on them, even though the crest on the door or control panel was Moffat.  I still kick myself for passing on a Moffat/Norge dishwasher years ago... Oh well... 

 

Ken - as Phil mentioned, the border personnel going down and coming back up were downright friendly.  I think perhaps at this time of the year and due to the decline of the Canadian dollar VS the Greenback there are less travellers so their workload is easier.  

 

Now, how many sleeps until New Years??   LOL 


Post# 857432 , Reply# 34   12/19/2015 at 16:50 (3,021 days old) by christfr (st louis mo)        

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love them totally awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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