Thread Number: 69159  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Found a '68 Frigidaire Washer/Dryer Set This Weekend!
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Post# 919504   2/5/2017 at 16:28 (2,608 days old) by drh4683 (Chicago western suburbs)        

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I came across these purely by accident this weekend. I went to a local estate sale only because it was a nice looking original home. Once I walked in, it was obvious nothing in the home had changed since 1968. Original owner home, totally untouched. All original kitchen with all Frigidaire appliances in Canary Yellow. (Ok, so the refrigerator was the only thing not original...) It was a large ranch with a full basement, but it happened to have an 1st floor laundry room. That's when I spotted this super nice canary yellow Frigidaire Custom Deluxe washer and dryer set. It was the last day of the sale and they gave me the set for $50. They even came with the owners manuals.
I was able to speak to the son and daughter of the original owners. Their parents signed the contract to get their new home built in September, 1967 and sometime in 1968 is when they moved in. The builder only used Frigidaire appliances and they said their mom always liked Yellow, so that's the color she chose for everything. However, the washer and dryer were hardly ever used. The original owners were depression era people, so it made sense when the son and daughter told me that their mom always felt that washing clothes with a washing machine was a terrible waste of water. She *always* washed clothes by hand in the tub. They said they could count on one hand the number of times they remember the washer and dryer getting used when they were growing up.
Well it shows, they appear to be very low hour machines and they work just fine still. I do not think the machines were ever moved, not even once, even for a floor cleaning because there was a little piece of newspaper covered in dust stuck to the floor under the washer from 1971! It was also behind the dryer wedged behind the unit near the floor is where I also found the owners manuals also covered in a thick layer of dust!
The washer is a model WCDAN and the electric dryer is a model DCDAN. As for the bright yellow color, I didn't think this shade of yellow was still around as late as 1968.


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 16         View Full Size



Post# 919509 , Reply# 1   2/5/2017 at 16:43 (2,608 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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Very nice finds, Doug! Jamie was relaying the pics along as you were sending them this morning, what a fun day you had. They do look like they're really in fine shape. I had a very similar set years ago, one of the best Frigidaire dryers I've ever used.

Post# 919510 , Reply# 2   2/5/2017 at 16:47 (2,608 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        

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Any time you think you've heard it all, and then......NOT! Many tales of people shunning their new automatics and abandoning them to a dark corner as they continue with their wringer washers, but shunning a washer for doing laundry by hand. Woe, Nelly!!! That's a new one on me.

Congratulations and what great instincts on going to the hunt. For 50 bucks you really stole them, their true priceless value gleaming in the pix showing the rollers, motor and control panel wiring, and the brand new tub and jet cone. Mahhhdone.

So glad and satisfied that you got the story, for me, always one of the best parts of the hunt, and this one is a doozy.


Post# 919512 , Reply# 3   2/5/2017 at 16:57 (2,608 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Congratulations Doug!!  Good to see you're still around, had been wondering about you.  I bet she never used the dishwasher either.  It looks like it had a white panel rather than a yellow one.  I love those dishes on the counter too!!!


Post# 919513 , Reply# 4   2/5/2017 at 17:05 (2,608 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        

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Just beautiful.

Congratulations.


Post# 919514 , Reply# 5   2/5/2017 at 17:09 (2,608 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

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Another contender for find of the month!


Post# 919517 , Reply# 6   2/5/2017 at 17:12 (2,608 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Wow!! That is one heck of a find, Doug!  Congratultions on a great score!!

I also didn't think Frigidaire still offered yellow this late...


Post# 919531 , Reply# 7   2/5/2017 at 17:48 (2,608 days old) by pumper (SE Wisconsin)        

pumper's profile picture
Why am I suddenly unable to see anything past the first picture on this site? Tried more than one browser.

Post# 919532 , Reply# 8   2/5/2017 at 17:50 (2,608 days old) by pumper (SE Wisconsin)        

pumper's profile picture
Nevermind

Post# 919539 , Reply# 9   2/5/2017 at 18:07 (2,608 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
The Washer

My Mother bought in early 1969 to replace the 55 Pulsamatic that died, I remember these well, ours lasted17 years and was used every day.

Post# 919540 , Reply# 10   2/5/2017 at 18:15 (2,608 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

That set may be a '69 production run.
In any event, those are great workhorses. Address any rust issues sooner rather than later.
Do you have the "Repairmasters" for the set?
You will love those.


Post# 919567 , Reply# 11   2/5/2017 at 21:11 (2,608 days old) by Washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
What an amazing find! And in such pristine condition! Congrats.

Post# 919569 , Reply# 12   2/5/2017 at 21:13 (2,608 days old) by Travis ()        

Beautiful! Jaw dropping beautiful.

Post# 919577 , Reply# 13   2/5/2017 at 21:42 (2,608 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
Gorgeous!

panthera's profile picture

Our Frigidaire refrigerator is that beautiful yellow, also a year after they 'officially' dropped it. Obviously, nonsense.


Post# 919588 , Reply# 14   2/5/2017 at 22:11 (2,608 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Frigidaire!

peteski50's profile picture
This is one beautiful set! Can I assume it is not a rapid dry or is it?


Post# 919596 , Reply# 15   2/5/2017 at 23:24 (2,608 days old) by oldskool (Kansas City, MO)        

Congratulations on a stunning find.

Post# 919597 , Reply# 16   2/5/2017 at 23:35 (2,608 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)        

stricklybojack's profile picture
.
And I feel myself pulled a little deep into this unusual sport celebrated here on AW.


Post# 919599 , Reply# 17   2/5/2017 at 23:51 (2,608 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Great find!

whirlykenmore78's profile picture

We don't see those every day.  In that condition, I'm floored.

WK78


Post# 919624 , Reply# 18   2/6/2017 at 05:22 (2,607 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Gasp

mrb627's profile picture

Unbelievable find!
Congrats!

Malcolm


Post# 919633 , Reply# 19   2/6/2017 at 07:04 (2,607 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        

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Wow, you just never know what you're going to find.  This may be the find of the year around here.


Post# 919646 , Reply# 20   2/6/2017 at 08:47 (2,607 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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What an amazing find, Doug!  And to think if you had not gone to the sale the set probably would have ended up at the scrap yard.

 

The black knobs are interesting, I don't recall seeing many N line washers/dryers with black selector knobs. 

 

Are you planning on putting these in as daily drivers?

 

Ben




This post was last edited 02/06/2017 at 09:09
Post# 919655 , Reply# 21   2/6/2017 at 09:55 (2,607 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
Aferim!

bajaespuma's profile picture

I'm envious; I would so love to find an old Frigidaire pair like those. That Sunny Yellow is much less offensive a color than Harvest Gold (or even Harvest); seems it would work in more locations than the latter.

 

Use them in good health!


Post# 919656 , Reply# 22   2/6/2017 at 09:58 (2,607 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Wow that really is a rare find and in Sunny Yellow! They look like they were used very lightly. Congratulations Doug!

Post# 919658 , Reply# 23   2/6/2017 at 10:16 (2,607 days old) by programcomputer (Ann Arbor Michigan, USA)        
Why am I suddenly unable to see anything past the first pic?

programcomputer's profile picture
I have had the same issue for SEVERAL days too on any post going over one picture. What is the deal? I have checked my computer and all seems fine I've allowed cookies/from site so Im kinda stumped. When you go to click on other pictures using the red arrow, a loading circle appears, but never loads any other pics....

HELPO!!!


Post# 919659 , Reply# 24   2/6/2017 at 10:17 (2,607 days old) by programcomputer (Ann Arbor Michigan, USA)        
Disregard the upper post...

programcomputer's profile picture
Suddenly, It works now....Sorry!! Beautiful machines tho!!! looks to be many year ahead for that set!!!

Chad


Post# 919660 , Reply# 25   2/6/2017 at 10:30 (2,607 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
That certainly was your lucky day! Congratulations what a wonderful set! And the manuals as a bonus. Enjoy them for many years!

Post# 919669 , Reply# 26   2/6/2017 at 11:34 (2,607 days old) by brainardcooper (Columbia, SC)        
The "Flair" Range

If they were selling that range in the first picture, it would be awfully tempting!

Post# 919670 , Reply# 27   2/6/2017 at 11:39 (2,607 days old) by MixGuy (St. Martinville, Louisiana)        
Awesome find and happy for you

I can really picture this model being a best seller offering flexibility for most everyday use without the frills of the top of the line models. Really like the Sunny Yellow Color too!

Post# 919701 , Reply# 28   2/6/2017 at 14:27 (2,607 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
Re black knobs...

Our washer had the same black knobs.

Post# 919731 , Reply# 29   2/6/2017 at 16:37 (2,607 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

Seems to me the black plastic knobs were the end of the run for the solid-tub machines. GM like most US industries in those days was being squeezed to switch to plastics so metals were more available for the Defense Industry. Or, so it was said.
The 1-18's used more plastics, however, for the most part, the knobs returned to metal. After the war ended the metals were more available. The OPEC embargo helped make more metal available as well because Detroit was unable to market the land yachts like they used to.


Post# 919734 , Reply# 30   2/6/2017 at 16:48 (2,607 days old) by moparguy (Virginia)        

Beautiful set, and sunny yellow just has to put anyone in a bright happy mood every time you see them!

Congratulations!


Post# 919765 , Reply# 31   2/6/2017 at 19:23 (2,607 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
CONGRATULATIONS!!

hippiedoll's profile picture
What an exciting find! That cheery sunny yellow sure looks nice. And the condition they're in is just GREAT! And you can't beat that price for a set, in such awesome condition!

So happy for you.
WOOOO HOOOOO...
:o)


Post# 919774 , Reply# 32   2/6/2017 at 19:59 (2,607 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

Beautiful set, congratulations.

 

It just goes to show that there are still treasures to be discovered, and that they can be had reasonably. Just gotta get out and do some exploring.


Post# 919836 , Reply# 33   2/7/2017 at 01:39 (2,606 days old) by gregingotham (New York)        
gorgeous!

what a find!

Post# 919839 , Reply# 34   2/7/2017 at 03:37 (2,606 days old) by gorenje (Slovenia)        

gorenje's profile picture
Wow! This is fantastic. You can tell from how they looks that they were almost never used.

Great find and grat deal.

Congratulations !


Post# 919862 , Reply# 35   2/7/2017 at 07:59 (2,606 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Oh goodness. Nice DCP's you hit the washer jackpot on those low mileage machines. Congrats!

Post# 919864 , Reply# 36   2/7/2017 at 08:07 (2,606 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
That is a great pair!

Out resale shopping yesterday, I didn't find any appliances, but I did find a large very heavy crystal vase from Slovenia. $20.
It is shaped like half an hour glass with the wide section at the top with deep pleated cuts all the way down. The top edge is fluted.
I've not been able to identify the brand via the internet. It could be by Rogaska for Trump Home or Miller.


Post# 919878 , Reply# 37   2/7/2017 at 09:44 (2,606 days old) by MixGuy (St. Martinville, Louisiana)        
Awesome find and happy for you

I can really picture this model being a best seller offering flexibility for most everyday use without the frills of the top of the line models. Really like the Sunny Yellow Color too!

Post# 919902 , Reply# 38   2/7/2017 at 12:25 (2,606 days old) by miele_ge (Danbury, Connecticut)        
what does "DPC" mean

miele_ge's profile picture

I saw it on the control panels and in mayken4now's post.  What does it stand for/signify?

 

Stunning machines in any event.  Congratulations to OP on their acquisition.

 


Post# 919913 , Reply# 39   2/7/2017 at 13:48 (2,606 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        
DPC

toploader55's profile picture
Durable Press Care

Post# 919997 , Reply# 40   2/7/2017 at 22:20 (2,606 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
A really good washer

Ours ran just about every day forover 17 years and was still working but got to the place it didn't spin as good as it once had, Mother thought it crazy to spend money on something that old, so She bought a Maytag..LOL..What a disaster, 2 more years and a GE filter flo was bought that was pretty good.

Post# 920002 , Reply# 41   2/7/2017 at 23:05 (2,606 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
That's a nice find Doug, did you pick up the Super Surge dishwasher and the 1967 Custom Imperial Twin 30? That Twin 30 would match your 1964 refrigerator!

Post# 920048 , Reply# 42   2/8/2017 at 09:40 (2,605 days old) by maytaglvr (Columbia Heights Mn 55421)        
Sunny Yellow to Brighten Wash Day

Congrats Doug! What an awesome find and in fantastic condition! I too was interested in the Flair Range. It also looks to be in excellent condition as well. Any idea what they were asking for a price on that? Just curious. I have NEVER seen one like that before and I love the Soft Yellow. Definitely can tell everything was always taken great care of. Again congrats Doug and have a great time with your new pair.
Steve


Post# 920056 , Reply# 43   2/8/2017 at 10:06 (2,605 days old) by RE563 (Fort Worth, Texas)        
Congrats on your find!!

re563's profile picture
I remember seeing this growing up. Everyone that had them seemed really happy with them. A while back Robert our webmaster, did a comparison of his unimatic version washing 5 pairs of jeans against a whirlpool doing the same 5 pair of jeans for roll over. I'd love to see one of these machines doing a load of jeans to see how it would handle the turn over.

Post# 920142 , Reply# 44   2/8/2017 at 18:50 (2,605 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)        

I have to say, those are EXTRA nice!

I'm not sure when Frigidaire dropped Sunny Yellow, but it was the last of the "pastel" colors before they went totally to "earthtones", with the intro of Harvest Gold.


Post# 920448 , Reply# 45   2/9/2017 at 23:47 (2,604 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        
pair of aces!

Very nice machines! We had a '63 white Imperial that I didn't appreciate at age 12. I did all the laundry and wanted/finally talked dad into a '67 KM Lady pair.

Should've kept the rather awesome GM washer at least as a spare...

You REALLY scored on these time machines. Enjoy!


Post# 920496 , Reply# 46   2/10/2017 at 09:40 (2,603 days old) by newvista58 (Northern NJ)        
KILLER, MAN....

newvista58's profile picture
Congrats Doug. As we say with classic cars,
found in the same condition, "This is that
once is a lifetime find". Use them in good
health, and often too.

Louis


Post# 920737 , Reply# 47   2/11/2017 at 13:38 (2,602 days old) by drh4683 (Chicago western suburbs)        

drh4683's profile picture
Thank you all for the kind words! For the time being, I'm going to keep these on display in my basement. I've been using my '73 avocado 1-18's as my daily drivers up in the laundry room since 2010. So far those have been doing quite well and will perhaps switch them out with these in the future.

I also must point out one thing that I found interesting; Even though the woman who owned these thought washing machines were a "waste of water", she apparently didn't feel that way about the dishwasher as that unit looks like it was well used. The electric range however was in very nice low-hour condition. I didn't ask if either were for sale, but I was told the house is going on the market just as it is and will be sold in "as-is" condition. Here's additional photos of the house while it's still in it's original condition:


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Post# 920748 , Reply# 48   2/11/2017 at 15:32 (2,602 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
washer

That is a beautiful pair what a score.Makes you wonder what else is out there.The washer is very much like mine that I found here and got from Florida 5 years ago ita a custom deluxe but the panel is lighter.The rollers on mine came Jetcone Jon approved there is no higher honor.I could not see the pictures at all the first time I looked. I was afraid we had angered our beloved webmaster somehow.Robert giveth and Robert taketh away.

Post# 920765 , Reply# 49   2/11/2017 at 17:04 (2,602 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

Quite the place.


Post# 920940 , Reply# 50   2/12/2017 at 12:03 (2,601 days old) by 48bencix (Sacramento CA)        
Stunning

This set is just wonderful. Hard to believe the condition it looks like it just came from the factory.

Post# 925904 , Reply# 51   3/9/2017 at 20:48 (2,576 days old) by TrainGuy (Key West, FL)        
Any New Finds?

trainguy's profile picture

Doug,

I hope you're enjoying this set as well. Are you going estate buying again soon?

Rich



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