Thread Number: 34087
Frigidaire 1-18 WIC-A and DECI dryer
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Post# 511885   4/17/2011 at 02:29 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Hi,

I'd like to have more information on my new Frigidaire washer/dryer set.

I think they were manufactured in 1977. The washer has a console which is identical to the WCI with the exception that it says "two speeds" instead of 3 speeds. Anybody has a list of the different models available in 1977?






Post# 511886 , Reply# 1   4/17/2011 at 02:33 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Like the 3 speed model, it has an 8 position fabric selector. I'm wondering what's different since all the controls seem to be the same...



Post# 511887 , Reply# 2   4/17/2011 at 02:39 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
The only other difference I noticed is that it lacks the fabric softener dispenser.

Post# 511889 , Reply# 3   4/17/2011 at 02:40 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
The dryer lacks the drum light bulb and cover. Anybody knows where I could find the cover?



Post# 511890 , Reply# 4   4/17/2011 at 02:44 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
The console view that I saw in another thread shows the very similar WCI washer model.

Post# 511892 , Reply# 5   4/17/2011 at 02:51 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Here are the controls on the dryer

Post# 511893 , Reply# 6   4/17/2011 at 02:55 (4,730 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I'm wondering what's the "Lint Guard"? Does that light comes on when the lint filter is clogged?

Post# 511898 , Reply# 7   4/17/2011 at 04:45 (4,730 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Nice set!
First number in the serial number is year of manufacture, if they are GM Frigidaire.


Post# 511901 , Reply# 8   4/17/2011 at 05:24 (4,730 days old) by retromania (Anderson, South Carolina)        
Ohh - weee!

ENJOY!!

Post# 511914 , Reply# 9   4/17/2011 at 09:24 (4,729 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1-18 WCI MODELS

combo52's profile picture

 In the mid and later 1970s all the manufactures that made three speed washers dropped this very expensive to build feature. Florescent lights porcelain tops on washers and dryers were also among the many things that started to disappear after the energy crisis of the 1970s. The lint guard light reminded you to clean the lint filter, it could tell if the filter was getting clogged by means of a small pressure switch that could sense when the suction was increased on the blower side of the lint filter which would indicate a clogged filter. It was a good idea that some LKMs also had, MT even had a system on thier electronically controlled dryers in the 1990s that had a little magnet imbedded in the dyers filter and a reminder would come on when you started the dryer if you hadn't moved the filter. 


Post# 511915 , Reply# 10   4/17/2011 at 09:48 (4,729 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
The notes in the washer lid still specifies "normal", "slow" and "gentle" speeds for the different fabric settings on the control panel. The other 2 speed models I have seen have 6 fabric settings, this one still has 8. I'm wondering why?

Post# 511951 , Reply# 11   4/17/2011 at 13:55 (4,729 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

laundromat's profile picture
great set!

Post# 511954 , Reply# 12   4/17/2011 at 14:05 (4,729 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I looked again and slow applies to spin and gentle to wash... So it's certainly a 2 speed, but I still don't understand why there are 8 settings on the fabrics selector since some settings provide the same combination of temperatures and speeds...

For example, I'm wondering what could possibly change between the Permanant Press delicate and Knits settings?


Post# 511967 , Reply# 13   4/17/2011 at 15:18 (4,729 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Phil, although the Knits setting and the Permanent Press Delicate setting appar to be the same, they are very different.  The Knits setting provides alternate agitation and soaking periods throughout the wash time slected (I'm 99% sure of this) whre as the Delicate setting would provide gentle agitation for the entire wash time selected without any pause/soak periods during the wash.  My GE Filter Flo from the late 1970s also did this.  If you will notice on the Model WIA above, there is a separate Knits cycle on the control dial than Permanent Press Cycle.  That as also comon on the Custom Delux model and maybe one or two others in the 1/18 series. 


Post# 511970 , Reply# 14   4/17/2011 at 15:43 (4,729 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        


joelippard's profile picture

Congratulations on some beautiful looking Frigidaires!


Post# 511973 , Reply# 15   4/17/2011 at 16:02 (4,729 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Beautiful! Another place to verify year of manufacture on these is usually printed on the schematic on the outer tub.

Post# 511984 , Reply# 16   4/17/2011 at 17:04 (4,729 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Flooded

 

Seeing your machines and apparent affliction with Frigidaire brings back floods of happy memories and some not so much. I hate to admit being this shallow but I will never forget how I felt in December 1979.  Buying new appliances for a kitchen remodel, bit inside the store, was like a set from Twilight Zone. They said Frigidaire on the back splash but why are the coils so skinny. The dishwasher said Frigidaire on the label, but inside the racks seemed askew. I didn't even have to open the lid. I saw the shape and the agitator icon on the water level switch and my heart sank. I asked if Frigidaire had launched a value added line up like GE and Hotpoint. It  felt like the day the day the President was shot.  Eerie and too quiet. When the salesman avoided my eyes and launched into the schpeil about improvements in design Frigidaire was making in their appliance line, I looked past him and saw a GM Frigidaire range in the clearance room. I bought the stove there, Frigidaire found a GM side by side in Kentucky and I bought the first of many Maytag dishwashers.

 

Since that day in 1979 I have scrounged, found and rehabbed Frigidaire ranges and refrigerators so I would always have a back up in case we moved are I needed parts.  I took a hiatus from 2002 until 2006 and here I am today still scrounging. 

 

Your Frigidaire washer is from time in space when the customer recognized, appreciated and was willing to pay for it.  I’m a sucker for anything that lights up and they are shining on all the time.

 


Post# 512082 , Reply# 17   4/17/2011 at 23:39 (4,729 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Here are the model numbers and serial numbers. I can't read one of the numbers on the washer but they both appear to be from 1977.



Post# 512084 , Reply# 18   4/17/2011 at 23:44 (4,729 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I'd like to get a cover for the drum light. Anybody knows where to get one?

Post# 512104 , Reply# 19   4/18/2011 at 01:43 (4,729 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)        

aldspinboy's profile picture

Theres nothing like lighted consoles !

Congratulations on that pair of Frigidares very nice !

 

 

 

 

 

Darren k


Post# 512125 , Reply# 20   4/18/2011 at 08:35 (4,728 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Hey Phil, beautiful Frigidaire set! Yes, they were both made in '77. I pulled the parts books out last night and confirmed that the WIC-A did indeed come with a two speed motor. In previous production years, GM would use a -A version of a model and reduce down features but still offer an Imperial model. It appears the -A for your model meant it received the two speed motor, and more than likely, a non-windowed lid. Who cares though - you've got lighted panels! Enjoy this wonderful washer.

For the dryer drum light cover, you're at the mercy of a parts donor, or someone here who may have one on hand. I wish I could help you out but I don't have many 1-18 parts.

@ Kelly - do I spy an Iowan-made microwave there in your GM Frigidaire kitchen? ;-)




This post was last edited 04/18/2011 at 10:46
Post# 512133 , Reply# 21   4/18/2011 at 10:36 (4,728 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1-18 DRYER DRUM LIGHT COVER

combo52's profile picture

I did manage to find a used one for my poppy custom imperial dryer some years ago. It would best to look up the part # and search, if I come across another I will try to remember you. Unfortunately these covers were plastic and they were installed in the middle of the heat inlet for the dryer drum. You may be better off getting a piece of round glass from an older WP-KM dryer and gluing it in place with clear RTV sealant and changing the LB from the rear as needed. You should not use this dryer without the light cover in place as it will increase the drying time and cause heater element fatigue and early failure because not enough air is being drawn across the heater..


Post# 512263 , Reply# 22   4/19/2011 at 00:04 (4,728 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Ben,

Do you have the part number for the drum light cover in my dryer?
When I got these, I thought about your video on YouTube and your comment "Using this washer makes you feel like you are sitting at the helm of a 1975 Buick Electra - acres of wood grain!" since I do have a 1975 Electra!

I was hesitating between buying these or some of the Rollermatics there but the green Rapidry didn't have a matching dryer (and it seemed noisy) and the white one had a matching dryer and seemed in better shape but I liked the idea of having a 1-18 set from 1977 as I was born on 1-18-1977! And I really like lighted consoles!
If I had more space and more money, I would have bought other ones too. There was another Harvest Gold 1-18 washer with a window lid but it didn't have the lighted console or matching dryer to go with. And there was a 1961 Custom Imperial dryer but, as you might expect, no matching Multimatic washer for it...

John, If you ever find another lens for the dryer, let me know! I'll follow your advice and I'll try find something to block the hole until I find the correct lens.

Today, I carefully removed paint drops from the control panels. I think that someone had tried to do it previously but stopped after removing just a few and scratching the black part near the timer motor. I used a soft cloth and automotive wax and it didn't hurt the finish. Even the small scratches from the previous attempt are gone now.



Post# 512350 , Reply# 23   4/19/2011 at 11:00 (4,727 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Phil, if you do get the part number for the drum light lens, let me know.  There's a part shop in St-Hyacinthe that I make hubby go to fairly often and they have a surprising number of parts still....


Post# 512376 , Reply# 24   4/19/2011 at 14:21 (4,727 days old) by AutowasherFreak ()        

Nice Frigidaires congrats!

 


Post# 512390 , Reply# 25   4/19/2011 at 15:46 (4,727 days old) by StrongEnough78 (California)        
PhilR

strongenough78's profile picture
Could you PLEASE post some pics of the Electra? I love the 75 model year of that car. So huge and beautiful. My Great-Grandmother had a 75 Riviera until she passed in the mid 80's. It was given to my Uncle who used it quite a bit until it's demise. I'd love a 75 Electra to go with my 72 Imperial I'd love to get my hands on.

Post# 512455 , Reply# 26   4/19/2011 at 20:16 (4,727 days old) by steved (Guilderland, New York)        
part number

Frigidaire drum lamp cover for DCI, DCIG, DECI or DGCI is 1125577. I might have a pic of it somewhere

Post# 512459 , Reply# 27   4/19/2011 at 20:24 (4,727 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Vern,

I have emailed you...

Steve,

Thanks for the part number!

Phil


Post# 512465 , Reply# 28   4/19/2011 at 20:41 (4,727 days old) by steved (Guilderland, New York)        
same

It seems like all 1/18 dryers with drum lamps use the same cover. I guess you twist it to be able to remove it. That help?

Post# 512474 , Reply# 29   4/19/2011 at 20:55 (4,727 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Thanks for the picture, I'll have to do some research!

Post# 512477 , Reply# 30   4/19/2011 at 20:58 (4,727 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Wow, I never knew they offered a dryer rack!!


Post# 512493 , Reply# 31   4/19/2011 at 21:58 (4,727 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Phil - I'd love to see your Buick collection sometime. I've grown up around plenty of old Buick, Olds, Pontiac, and Cadillacs, but yet I've have never seen a drivable ACRS car in person.

Ben


Post# 512553 , Reply# 32   4/20/2011 at 04:18 (4,727 days old) by StrongEnough78 (California)        
Phil

strongenough78's profile picture
Hey I've seen that one when I've done Google searches for the 75 Electra. I knew the screen name looked familiar lol. I've even seen the video posted of it. That is a beautiful car and I love the color. I do like the Electra hubcaps on that car. Looks very sharp. And I'm sorry I must have worded my last responce wrong. I personally don't have a 72 Imperial, but I would love to have one. That and a 75 Electra like yours. Sorry for the miscommunication. However, the Imperial I have on my avatar picture is the exact color set up I want. The midnight blue with the black vinyl top, but in a 4 door not a 2 door. If I ever do get my hands on one, I will share pictures with you. Thanks for the email! She's gorgeous!

Post# 513498 , Reply# 33   4/24/2011 at 21:07 (4,722 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I have installed a plastic lens from a Whirpool but it didn't fit too well. At least, it blocks the hole!

If someone comes across a correct lens, let me know. I tried with the part number from John and all I found was a Whirpool refrigerator part that shares the same number!

One of the places I called had acces to a scan of the instruction manual for the dryer.
I could be wrong but I think the WCI model (not White Consolidated!) wasn't available anymore as the matching washers for the DECI dryer was the WIC and the WIC-A (see picture).


Post# 515004 , Reply# 34   5/1/2011 at 19:53 (4,715 days old) by retromania (Anderson, South Carolina)        

Who has the Buick collection? My parents owned quite a few Buicks.

Post# 515098 , Reply# 35   5/2/2011 at 03:09 (4,715 days old) by StrongEnough78 (California)        

strongenough78's profile picture
retromania, that would be PhilR. He has some beauties!

Post# 515139 , Reply# 36   5/2/2011 at 09:19 (4,714 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I just have 3 but I really like them. They've been stored for winter until yesterday. Unfortunately, I can't afford to drive them as much as I used to. One (US) gallon of premium costs about $5.91 (US$) here today...

Post# 516765 , Reply# 37   5/10/2011 at 07:38 (4,706 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Can someone explain me how to repair/adjust the tub brake on these washers. The brake on this washer works intermittently but it usually doesn't... I haven't noticed any water leak on the mechanism.

Post# 518266 , Reply# 38   5/16/2011 at 12:51 (4,700 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I uploaded a few low quality videos on YouTube...

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PhilR's LINK


Post# 518271 , Reply# 39   5/16/2011 at 13:30 (4,700 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        
Tub Brake

joelippard's profile picture
Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it, the braking seems hit or miss on some rollermatics. I know with my 1-18 if I have not used it in a while the brake doesn't work as much but with more regular use it works perfectly.

Post# 518450 , Reply# 40   5/17/2011 at 07:54 (4,699 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1-18 WITH AN INTERMITTENT BRAKE

combo52's profile picture

Joe that is some excellent advice from someone that is going through hell fixing a unimatic. And I agree completely leave it alone it probably needs more than an adjustment, the brake pads and clutch pads are probably worn. Every 1-18 that I have had has done this to some extent but it never seems to hurt the overall operation.


Post# 518472 , Reply# 41   5/17/2011 at 09:45 (4,699 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Ok, I'll follow your advices! Since it doesn't leak and it's not making strange noises, I'll leave it like that until a bigger problem appears!


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