Thread Number: 39679
'63 Frigidaire Imperial thread |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 587720   4/7/2012 at 13:36 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
A few years ago I acquired my matching '63 Imperial set. It all started with a conversation with Dick_S in Palm Springs. I told him at the time that those would be a dream set for me but I'm sure I'd never find them. He said he knew of someone in California that had a set and may be willing to sell them. He put me in touch with the seller and we struck up a deal. Of course I was hoping for Custom Imperial's with the turquoise pushbuttons but when I saw these I knew I had to have them.
It's like an old house that's a fixer upper. They needed some work but I knew what I would have once they were done. Here is the set on the first day they were delivered. |
|
Post# 587721 , Reply# 1   4/7/2012 at 13:38 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587722 , Reply# 2   4/7/2012 at 13:39 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587723 , Reply# 3   4/7/2012 at 13:42 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587724 , Reply# 4   4/7/2012 at 13:44 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587725 , Reply# 5   4/7/2012 at 13:46 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587726 , Reply# 6   4/7/2012 at 13:47 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587727 , Reply# 7   4/7/2012 at 13:49 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587728 , Reply# 8   4/7/2012 at 13:51 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587729 , Reply# 9   4/7/2012 at 13:53 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587732 , Reply# 10   4/7/2012 at 13:57 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587733 , Reply# 11   4/7/2012 at 13:58 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587735 , Reply# 12   4/7/2012 at 14:02 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587737 , Reply# 13   4/7/2012 at 14:07 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587740 , Reply# 14   4/7/2012 at 14:09 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587741 , Reply# 15   4/7/2012 at 14:11 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587742 , Reply# 16   4/7/2012 at 14:13 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587744 , Reply# 17   4/7/2012 at 14:18 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587745 , Reply# 18   4/7/2012 at 14:21 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587746 , Reply# 19   4/7/2012 at 14:23 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587747 , Reply# 20   4/7/2012 at 14:28 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587749 , Reply# 21   4/7/2012 at 14:30 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587750 , Reply# 22   4/7/2012 at 14:34 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587752 , Reply# 23   4/7/2012 at 14:38 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587753 , Reply# 24   4/7/2012 at 14:40 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587754 , Reply# 25   4/7/2012 at 14:44 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587755 , Reply# 26   4/7/2012 at 14:49 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
What were they thinking??? I don't think this will be stopping the machine any time soon!
The tab that the tub hits against in an out of balnce condition has rusted away. I just removed the whole thing as finding another one of these would be like finding a pink matched set of something rare these days. LOL |
Post# 587757 , Reply# 27   4/7/2012 at 14:53 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587758 , Reply# 28   4/7/2012 at 15:00 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
"Keyway" where tub locks onto spin shaft. A 1" long small piece of steel fits into the middle tab. If you forget and leave this out during reassembly, the spin shaft will not be able to grab onto the tub when it spins. If you lose yours you can still get them at Ace Hardware in the small parts area. They are called a steel key. (thanks to rollermatic for that info!)
|
Post# 587759 , Reply# 29   4/7/2012 at 15:03 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587760 , Reply# 30   4/7/2012 at 15:07 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587762 , Reply# 31   4/7/2012 at 15:09 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587765 , Reply# 32   4/7/2012 at 15:16 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Sub top and water injector back in place.
"But Patrick, I still see rust on the top" --- Yes you do but I am trying a new product which was a bit cheaper than POR-15 to coat this rust and see how it holds up. It is a clear spray (although it comes in colors too) made by Rust-Oleum. It looks wet after you coat everything but 2 years later I opened it up to take a look and rust is still frozen with no new rusting. Later if it starts to rust I will sand it down and coat with POR-15. I actually ran out of POR and this is what led to doing it this way. Seems to be working and was a lot cheaper. |
Post# 587766 , Reply# 33   4/7/2012 at 15:18 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587768 , Reply# 34   4/7/2012 at 15:22 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587769 , Reply# 35   4/7/2012 at 15:25 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587770 , Reply# 36   4/7/2012 at 15:27 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587771 , Reply# 37   4/7/2012 at 15:28 (4,372 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587772 , Reply# 38   4/7/2012 at 15:29 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587773 , Reply# 39   4/7/2012 at 15:30 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587775 , Reply# 40   4/7/2012 at 15:38 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I did have a problem with a leaky pump but unfortunately I never took pictures of the repair process. I had already repaired a Unimatic pump that leaked at the carbon seal so with that experience I was able to fix this one as well with no new parts except some cork gasket material bought at the auto parts store and I cut it to fit. It worked perfectly.
Here are the machines in their permanent place. Since the dryer is gas they must stay right here next to the furnace where the gas connection is located. |
Post# 587784 , Reply# 41   4/7/2012 at 16:07 (4,372 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587788 , Reply# 42   4/7/2012 at 16:27 (4,372 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587792 , Reply# 44   4/7/2012 at 16:58 (4,372 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587812 , Reply# 45   4/7/2012 at 19:37 (4,372 days old) by Northwesty (Renton, WA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Wow Patrick that is just a fantastic job. Those have got to be one of the most "space-age" designed sets ever. Congrats. |
Post# 587817 , Reply# 46   4/7/2012 at 19:53 (4,372 days old) by eddy1210 (Burnaby BC Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
These are just gorgeous Patrick! Glad you took pictures of the progression. I remember how hard all the scrubbing was on your hands, good thing you use Palmolive. As Madge always said, it's MORE than just mild. Tell me one thing though, why didn't you bypass the lid switch? I tried and tried to convince you but you wouldn't. Every time I'm there we have to put that pesky screwdriver in the hole to watch it, then I have to cleverly edit it out of the video afterward. |
Post# 587827 , Reply# 47   4/7/2012 at 21:12 (4,372 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587828 , Reply# 48   4/7/2012 at 21:24 (4,372 days old) by moparguy (Virginia)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Wow, absolutely beautiful set, and what a fabulous job you did on them! |
Post# 587830 , Reply# 49   4/7/2012 at 21:38 (4,372 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587831 , Reply# 50   4/7/2012 at 21:43 (4,372 days old) by oldskool (Kansas City, MO)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Patrick, you continue to amaze me! Another great restoration. Such quality work and documented so well. You make it look easier than it is. Thanks for posting and sharing. John |
Post# 587832 , Reply# 51   4/7/2012 at 21:49 (4,372 days old) by peteski50 (New York)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587834 , Reply# 52   4/7/2012 at 22:52 (4,372 days old) by suds14 (Pittsburgh)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Great job Patrick, they look brand new and will out last anything made today. David |
Post# 587837 , Reply# 53   4/8/2012 at 00:11 (4,372 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587839 , Reply# 54   4/8/2012 at 01:00 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
PhilR - from one Frigidaire enthusiast to another, thank you very much!
Joe - Thanks. I don't know why I didn't take pictures of the mechanism. I had that machine on its side enough times! I should get some one of these days when I inspect to make sure all is well underneath. TomTurbo - I did get a new diaphragm. Funny story is that I found it on ebay and the seller had no idea what it was. I saved the old one just in case but it eventually would have fallen apart if used. As for the agitator cap, I know what you mean and just leave it on all the time. No, I didn't alter the outer tub drain. I will check it every so often if I think something is up now that I'm a pro at pulling the wash tub out. I did coat it extra well with POR. Eugene - I'm glad you liked and thank you very much. Brian - Thanks! These machines definitely had The Jetson's look to them. Eddy - Now you know I go for originality in function when restoring a machine! Maybe I will consider putting a hidden bypass switch just for you. Stan - You are welcome. I enjoy sharing the pictures once the work is done. Jeff - Thank You. I appreciate your compliments. Robert - As always, you're welcome! Your labor of love with this website has been my best inspiration. As for another 20 years, let's just hope the belts last! John - Thank you. The pictures make things look easy and it seems easier now that it'a all done. But when I started on this I had never done anything like this before so it was all a huge learning experience. I get more confident with each machine I work on. Peteski - Can you say "YAY for GM Frigidaire"! I knew you would enjoy. David - I can only hope these will outlast any modern machine. I take great care when using them to help in that endeavor! Thank you. Louis - I will leave these to you in my will. Now how to get them across the pond??? |
Post# 587840 , Reply# 55   4/8/2012 at 01:10 (4,372 days old) by zipdang (Portland, OR)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587841 , Reply# 56   4/8/2012 at 01:16 (4,372 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587842 , Reply# 57   4/8/2012 at 01:37 (4,372 days old) by zipdang (Portland, OR)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The convertible BD Lady K that Jon had now lives with me (if you remember it). Technically I think that means I have a collection, or at least a junior collection. Lol Still trying to figure out where/how I can squeeze in extra machines. There have been some good machines on CL lately and one of these days the temptation will be too great to resist!
|
Post# 587929 , Reply# 58   4/8/2012 at 14:24 (4,371 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587936 , Reply# 59   4/8/2012 at 14:30 (4,371 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587937 , Reply# 60   4/8/2012 at 14:34 (4,371 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587939 , Reply# 61   4/8/2012 at 14:37 (4,371 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587947 , Reply# 62   4/8/2012 at 15:15 (4,371 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 587949 , Reply# 63   4/8/2012 at 15:36 (4,371 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 588187 , Reply# 64   4/9/2012 at 18:46 (4,370 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Thanks for the compliment. I hope the belts last forever after all I've read and heard about having to replace them and then getting the adjustments just right.
So far, so good and I never overload this machine. It's been a real trooper after many years of sitting and I think happy to be loved, used, and appreciated! Patrick |
Post# 588261 , Reply# 65   4/9/2012 at 21:56 (4,370 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 588268 , Reply# 66   4/9/2012 at 22:28 (4,370 days old) by mixfinder ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I love this set and I love Patrick. What can be better than seeing them both in person. K |
Post# 588281 , Reply# 67   4/9/2012 at 23:22 (4,370 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I can't get over the meticulous restoration you did here; the transformation of the outer tub from a crusted lunar surface to a shiney tar pavement is amazing--dazzling, actually.
Always wondered how Frigidaire made the 4 minute fill look so much more voluminous and pretty in the models after the narrow, tea-kettle spout fill of the Unimatics. Your picture of the water inlet with the air gap tells the whole story. Hadn't seen it before. Thanks, Pat. It was so cool to finally see how they did it.
Way up there where you talk about the drain port leaving a little water, etc, I can only see a small hole, almost nipple-like. Is that the port or am I missing it? It's so small.
The NIB Energy Ring is still yours for the asking. |
Post# 588289 , Reply# 68   4/10/2012 at 00:00 (4,370 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Kelly - Thank you as always. I knew you liked this set the first time you saw them. Looking forward to seeing you soon in Long Beach.
MickeyD - Thanks to you as well. I am sure when these tubs were initially designed in all their porcelain glory, no one expected them to become eaten away by rust starting with a minor imperfection. In a lot of ways the new plastic outer tubs are much better as you never need to worry about rust. Yes, the drain port is small, only about 1" in diameter but it does the trick and all water gets pumped away. I really like the water injector they used on these models. It is pretty cool to see it in action. I always thought the later rollermatics fill flume looked sloppy in comparison. |
Post# 588295 , Reply# 69   4/10/2012 at 00:51 (4,370 days old) by badgerdx ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I really think this warrants a "machine in action vid"... Fantastic job restoring and documenting the process. I'll have to have you oversee my tuning up of the Crosley (it's making noises). |
Post# 588402 , Reply# 71   4/10/2012 at 11:42 (4,369 days old) by turquoisedude (.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Patrick, those machines are just gorgeous! So happy to see that the tub was repairable and that you were able to save it.
Funny thing about the agitator cap - the one on my 63 Deluxe has developed a bad habit of popping off during a wash cycle...
These really are stylish machines - congratulations on a job well done!! |
Post# 588418 , Reply# 72   4/10/2012 at 13:19 (4,369 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
A quick way to tighten up those agitator caps... Save the large rubber band that comes on a bunch of celery, put the band around the top of the agitator without any twists in it then replace the agitator cap, snugs it right up. This works well provided you don't have a habit of removing the cap everytime to "dispense" the detergent thru the column. I always just dump mine into the load.
|
Post# 588482 , Reply# 73   4/10/2012 at 20:20 (4,369 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Greg - I love your 'cover with a blanket' story. Actually I tell my machines being worked on that they too can work as well as one of the running machines as long as they cooperate! So far it's working.
Bob - I am experimenting with video making. Once I figure out editing I will have to post one. Don't overload your Crosley, not sure how sturdy they were built. "alr2903" - I will have to remember to watch Jaws next time it comes up on cable. Thanks for telling me about it. Funny, I bought the original "Freaky Friday" just so I could see the scene where they overload the '68 rapidry machine. Paul - The agitator cap takes an act of congress to remove on mine. The plastic tabs are so hard they don't flex much. I just leave it in place now. About the tub, that POR is a life saver. Joe - I was once told about the rubber band trick by an old repair man. It really quiets the rattle down if the cap is loose. You also don't need to keep the spring loaded bleach dispenser in place if you don't want to when using the rubber bands. Works well on the rollermatics and 1-18 agitators but the other styles would require a different solution. |
Post# 588483 , Reply# 74   4/10/2012 at 20:25 (4,369 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
In as much as I loved the older 3 ring agitator washers,the BD models,pre 1970 were my least favorite. The Rapidry spin from the older Pulsamatics spoiled me.The red Affinities I have now spin 1100 rpms and are the closest I've had in newer,current models to come even close to the original Rapidry spin.
|
Post# 588946 , Reply# 75   4/13/2012 at 01:42 (4,367 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
We had a new '63 white Imperial.Very cool machine & you've done wonders with yours! Great to see the pair as our dryer was a '60 tol Norge. Also,what model Buick is that? You seem very sharp/methodical,good blessings to you. |
Post# 588950 , Reply# 76   4/13/2012 at 02:43 (4,367 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 588955 , Reply# 77   4/13/2012 at 03:37 (4,367 days old) by badgerdx ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Ironically, I associate those mag wheels with Buick, too. I had to go back and look at the pictures. I would have thought it was a 69 Buick GS if you didn't show the Mach 2 photos. |
Post# 588956 , Reply# 78   4/13/2012 at 04:38 (4,367 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hi Patrick, a great restoration and fab to see the inside pics, nothing better than seeing a rusty tub brought back to life!! I too kept looking for the "Drain Hole" was really surprised to see the size of it, does the pump actually suck the water out then?? and how long does it take to empty the drain tub??
I realised later that as its a solid tub it doesnt really matter how long it takes as long as theres space for the spun water... Happy washing, Mike |
Post# 589015 , Reply# 80   4/13/2012 at 10:10 (4,366 days old) by westingman123 ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Rubbish! Look at the results. You've got talent. Remember, all the masters took their time. Keep those resto's comin... |
Post# 589098 , Reply# 81   4/13/2012 at 16:58 (4,366 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Thanks guy's. Appreciate all the comments and compliments.
Mike - The pump does seem to get all the water out and does a very good job of it with a strong flow and the outer tub is large enough to hold it all while it's draining. Bob and William - You are right on those wheels being used by others. Some had a slightly different paint scheme and others just had unique centercaps. William, I was just trying to be offended that you called it a Buick! LOL Westingman - Thanks for your encouragement. I'm working on another resto right now and may have to pull a rabbit out of a hat to scare up a part or two. It's fun and challenging to work on these machines, I will say that! |