Thread Number: 48653
1956 Frigidaire Imperial Cold-Pantry
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Post# 704883   9/23/2013 at 13:35 (3,839 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

Hi, I'm looking to find anyone, just as lucky as me, that own a cp or pcp 143-56 or it's sister the cp 120-56. There has to be some of them out there as I have found in searching that they are quite rare. Any help would be wonderful!




Post# 704887 , Reply# 1   9/23/2013 at 14:10 (3,839 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture

I don't own one but these are great-looking fridges! Post some pictures of it if you can!


Post# 704931 , Reply# 2   9/23/2013 at 16:40 (3,839 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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A guy down the road from me had one sitting on his trailer full of scrap most of the summer. It's gone now.


Post# 705668 , Reply# 3   9/27/2013 at 11:56 (3,835 days old) by moparguy (Virginia)        
CP 143-56

I have a CP 143-56, they are a truly magnificent fridge, from the full porcelain exterior with just the right amount of brightwork bling, to the anodized pink interior! Mine is a nice running fridge, which made its way to me via Ted's wonderful collection. I'm glad that we have another here, would love to see pics, and I will post some shortly...



Post# 705799 , Reply# 4   9/27/2013 at 21:38 (3,835 days old) by moparguy (Virginia)        

My Imperial Cold Pantry, in her magnificent porcelain finish!


Post# 705800 , Reply# 5   9/27/2013 at 21:39 (3,835 days old) by moparguy (Virginia)        

And the beautiful pink interior!


Post# 705854 , Reply# 6   9/28/2013 at 04:34 (3,834 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture

That's a beauty!

 Seeing your Rival ice crusher beside it reminds me that my friend who borrowed mine months ago didn't bring it back to me! 


Post# 705860 , Reply# 7   9/28/2013 at 06:09 (3,834 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

That Frigidaire Cold Pantry fridge looks like the one the "Rutherfords" had in "Leave It To Beaver"!Neat looking box!The ones today are just that--plain looking boxes.

Post# 705952 , Reply# 8   9/28/2013 at 16:29 (3,834 days old) by twintubdexter (Palm Springs)        

twintubdexter's profile picture
Looking at these photos reminds me of having to clean those old Frigidaires for resale. A ton on them came in and almost all of them worked just fine. Some of them were absolutely filthy. Those aluminum shelves would get full of gook underneath and were a "B" to clean. The slides on the walls were awful too, and if they had that door hydrator and it was filthy too it was the worst. I remember a couple of them that were so dirty and stinky I helped them make the scrap guy's truck by punching a hole in the freezer evaporator. I was a mean little kid, or in today's lingo, "me bad."

Post# 705968 , Reply# 9   9/28/2013 at 17:45 (3,834 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

How is the defrosting routine on these bottom freezer models when compared to that of the GE Combinations?


Post# 732410 , Reply# 10   2/2/2014 at 00:17 (3,708 days old) by beezus9 ()        

I have a gorgeous CP-120-56. Sadly it just stopped cooling. Could be the starter, but I think it's the compressor, as it was making "struggling" sounds for several months before it conked. So I'm searching online for parts. Any help would be very much appreciated!

Photo is my fridge. YouTube link is my model in a vintage commercial!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO beezus9's LINK


Post# 732437 , Reply# 11   2/2/2014 at 08:13 (3,707 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        
Love that commercial

toploader55's profile picture
And that fridge...

Love the Produce Center in the door. To have appliances like that again.

That must have been filmed somewhere on the east coast. The Stangl "Thistle" pattern Cassarole was made in Fleminton, N.J.

My Mom had that pattern


Post# 732518 , Reply# 12   2/2/2014 at 16:54 (3,707 days old) by statenislandgwm ()        
Kelly Garrett....

had that same refrigerator in yellow on Charlie's Angel's


Post# 732521 , Reply# 13   2/2/2014 at 17:17 (3,707 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Karen,

Do you know if your fridge was already repaired/restored in the past?

I'm assuming it still has it's original sealed refrigerating system but it's good to know something about it before you have any service done to it.

If your rotary compressor is dead, it could be converted to a different compressor but that requires some time and modifications. I think you'd need to have a tech check it first to know exactly what caused the failure and to see if it stil holds it's charge of refrigerant. In any case, be prepared to face costly repairs. Be sure to find someone who knows what he's dealing with... Repairing old appliances can be a bit like sending your pet to the veterinarian. A $15 cat can cost $1500 in surgery if you're willing to spend that money on it and you know it's not going to survive forever after...


Post# 732563 , Reply# 14   2/2/2014 at 20:47 (3,707 days old) by whirlaway (Hampton Virginia)        
Does anything Capacitor start?

Does your compressor have capacitor start,they usually start to get weak and then go dead.Very seldom do they just stop working,like you say it sounded like it was strugelling.My washer did that,replaced the starting cap on it and it took right off. Good luck!!!!!

Post# 734899 , Reply# 15   2/13/2014 at 01:28 (3,696 days old) by beezus9 ()        

Phil,

That was clever of you, figuring out my name. Good detective work.

The couple that owned it before me had a tech look into restoring it to current technology, but he talked them out of it, saying they didn't need to fix something that was working. I suspect he opened it and looked around, so my best guess is that it's no longer just as it came from the factory, but pretty darn close.

Thank you for all the good info, and for posting the A to Zero PDF in another thread. Very informative!

The hunt is on for the right person to fix my glorious fridge. I know it will take time and $$ But it will be worth it.

Karen


Post# 734952 , Reply# 16   2/13/2014 at 10:56 (3,696 days old) by firedome (Binghamton NY & Lake Champlain VT)        
there was a 143

firedome's profile picture
for sale here about a year ago, very clean and it had been mechanically restored too, for $125... wish now that I'd snagged it! I don't think it sold but the CL ad disappeared. I love the anodized racks and trim in these.

Post# 735410 , Reply# 17   2/15/2014 at 11:14 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

Finally I have gotten around to some pictures. I bought it restored yet had to replace the "new" compressor after 2 years. I had a commercial refrigeration company do the work and they did an outstanding job. Very happy with my Cold Pantry!
And in response to defrosting, the new thermostat is a constant cut-in approximately 38 degrees, so the frost on the vertical Refrig-O-Plate melts off and runs into an electrically heated drain to the base. There is no set time, it defrosts when it is off.
Hope you like!
Tim





Post# 735413 , Reply# 18   2/15/2014 at 11:24 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

another shot

Post# 735414 , Reply# 19   2/15/2014 at 11:27 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

a rare piece

Post# 735415 , Reply# 20   2/15/2014 at 11:32 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

inside

Post# 735418 , Reply# 21   2/15/2014 at 11:38 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

an inside view

Post# 735420 , Reply# 22   2/15/2014 at 11:41 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

and a few of my other children!

Post# 735421 , Reply# 23   2/15/2014 at 11:43 (3,694 days old) by trice4440 (saint louis, missouri)        

and a few of my other children!

Post# 735423 , Reply# 24   2/15/2014 at 11:53 (3,694 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Your kitchen is awesome!

Post# 909395 , Reply# 25   12/2/2016 at 18:07 (2,673 days old) by Tlbrown (377 Oxmoor Dr Elizabethtown Ky 42701)        
Fridgedaire Imperial Cold Pantry

I purchased one ythis weekend would like to restore or sell

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Post# 909398 , Reply# 26   12/2/2016 at 19:15 (2,673 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

you should restore it.


Post# 926328 , Reply# 27   3/12/2017 at 01:48 (2,573 days old) by Ketch (Donges)        

Hello,
Newbie here. Longtime single visitor to watch and search informations. Just registered since yesterday.
I've a Frigidaire Imperial cold pantry in running condition for a daily servicing since 4 years. Sorry if my language in English is not good. I'm French and learning English language 2 years but + 35 years ago :)


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Post# 926336 , Reply# 28   3/12/2017 at 03:44 (2,573 days old) by Ketch (Donges)        

Maybe do talking more about me ?I like the American way of life from the end of the 40's and in the 50's. I'm not a collector but like use this vintage kitchen appliances. For the story about my Frigidaire refrigerator, i find one in our Craigslist here in France. This website is calling "le bon coin". It's my #1 source to find vintage stuff. 5 years ago I found one at 15mn from my home. This Frigidaire Imperial cold Pantry was in a cattle and owned by an aristocratic family. Bad condition but so rare in France. Plastic shield inside broken. Missing accessory inside. Really dirty and some rust inside. Exterior not better, few pocs on the body, enamel paint with deep rips, aluminum trim behind the handle door broken. The seller asking $300 and don't know if it running or not. I offering $50. Go back home whithout the Frigidaire.
In the 50's in France, if you want a refrigerator at home, it's necessary an American made. No factory in France, just G.E made in France under the name of Frigeco. Only basic model, no combination available. Frigidaire build is own Factory in around 1958, made and sell refrigerator on France after this date. But like G.E only basic model with single door. Of course not Imperial model available.
You do have a lot of money in France in the 50's to imported a brand new Imperial ! Heavy duty fees and custom fees.
So, the guy who selling this Imperial call me 3 weeks later and said right for $50. Ok i go and pickup to my garage for made a restoration. Running but no cold. Stand by for a restoration later. The Imperial you see on the pictures in my kitchen, it's not this one. Let me know if you want read again more about my Frigidaire . . .


Post# 926457 , Reply# 29   3/12/2017 at 21:56 (2,573 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Hi Fred, nice to see another French-speaking member here! I am surprised to see that you got a Cold Pantry in France! It must be quite rare there.

Post# 926532 , Reply# 30   3/13/2017 at 09:03 (2,572 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
Yes, there are many things to be checked before

panthera's profile picture

Assuming the compressor is dead. The start capacitor in a refrigerator from the 1950s is more likely to be dead, today, than any other component.

I'd make use of Robert's excellent library to test each component separately before condemning the compressor.


Post# 927211 , Reply# 31   3/16/2017 at 15:21 (2,569 days old) by Ketch (Donges)        

Hi Panthera ,
Have you check at "Antique Appliances" ? they offering few universal Electric parts for vintage refrigerator. Maybe they have an universal start capacitor at reasonable price, easy change part.

Bonjour Phil :)
Good to see you here. Few years ago you help me with sending the spare parts catalog for this model.
It's possible to speak French on private message ? Yes , i need technical explanation but my language in English is so poor to understand well here. Since few weeks ago, my Cold Pantry made water inside the door on top and also inside on back cold wall.
Phil, i've also find here a 1938 Frigidaire refrigerator, like NOS condition. Amazing story . . . :)


Post# 927328 , Reply# 32   3/16/2017 at 21:29 (2,569 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
Fred, I just emailed you!



Post# 927341 , Reply# 33   3/16/2017 at 22:05 (2,569 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
Hi Fred,

panthera's profile picture

Thanks for the tip - I'm OK on parts right now, but there's three in one of the garages waiting to go. Who knows what they'll need.

We tracked down the broiler for the little oven on the Flair! Progress!


Post# 979525 , Reply# 34   1/23/2018 at 00:29 (2,257 days old) by Moe (Iowa)        

Hey all! New to the forum. I found myself here looking for help/advice to try and save 1956 Frigidaire Imperial from the scrap pile. I found one, in pretty good shape aesthetically. But, according to the current owner, it runs, but doesn't cool.
Was wondering where to start in figuring out what is wrong with it?
Any help would be much appreciated!


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Post# 979580 , Reply# 35   1/23/2018 at 13:32 (2,256 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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If the compressor is running, but it is not cooling, someone needs to put some refrigeration gauges on it, and see what the sealed system is doing.


Post# 980037 , Reply# 36   1/26/2018 at 17:51 (2,253 days old) by Moe (Iowa)        

We're renting a trailer and picking it up this weekend. We'll have to go from there.
I should start looking for parts...
Any good resources?


Post# 985143 , Reply# 37   3/3/2018 at 17:29 (2,217 days old) by agitatorboogie (Denver)        
My dream fridge

agitatorboogie's profile picture
I can only hope to find one soon. BTW, has anyone watched this seldom seen promo video about the 1956 Frigidaire Cold Pantry (I say it because as of this posting, there's only 87 views). Who knew the fronts were interchangeable and available in different colors? Just like m'lady's makeup.... Melissa's has a blue plate. Damn....







Post# 993295 , Reply# 38   5/6/2018 at 13:59 (2,153 days old) by weed30 (St. Louis, MO)        
Need repair in St. Louis

My Frigidaire Imperial needs repairs. It cools but the motor (compressor?) makes a LOT of noise. I think it might need a pad to quiet the vibration? The evap fan inside the fridge has a broken wire. I think I can fix that, but if I can find someone to fix the noise I'd have them fix the wire too. The pics are from the ebay ad when I bought it. I later found another for sale on Clist in another state. It never sold but the seller agreed to sell me all of the shelves/veg crisper/etc. that were inside, so I have two sets of those :) I also added a photo of my Gaffers & Sattler Range - isn't it purty?

Anyway, any recommendations for repair in St. Louis?


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Post# 1084265 , Reply# 39   8/7/2020 at 17:24 (1,329 days old) by Jethowl (Ontario, Canada)        

I realize that I’m reviving an old thread, but I just purchased a fridge that looks very much like these!
I was wondering if anyone could share where is a good place to look for parts (I need a metal shelf for the fridge portion), as well as insight on model #s?
I’m trying to figure out which year mine is, with little success!


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Post# 1084275 , Reply# 40   8/7/2020 at 18:53 (1,329 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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Model number not stenciled on the back?


Post# 1084288 , Reply# 41   8/7/2020 at 20:45 (1,329 days old) by Jethowl (Ontario, Canada)        

It is on the back! Model number is FD-95C-56
I have tried searching it, but it hasn’t yielded any relevant results.


Post# 1084304 , Reply# 42   8/8/2020 at 05:30 (1,328 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

1956. Contact this place, they may have parts or know someone who does.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO goatfarmer's LINK

Post# 1084332 , Reply# 43   8/8/2020 at 08:23 (1,328 days old) by Jethowl (Ontario, Canada)        

Thank you so much, Goatfarmer! Really appreciate it!!

Post# 1084389 , Reply# 44   8/8/2020 at 17:53 (1,328 days old) by Jethowl (Ontario, Canada)        
New question...

Since I haven’t been able to find a close up picture of the inside of this fridge model (most had the freezer on the bottom, if I’m not mistaken?), can anyone tell me what went on either side of the “butter” compartment? It seems like I’m missing a couple pieces.

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Post# 1084756 , Reply# 45   8/11/2020 at 17:45 (1,325 days old) by sarahperdue (Alabama)        
Ohmygosh!

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That door fresh vegetable storage in the video ad. I want that!

Post# 1085090 , Reply# 46   8/14/2020 at 19:15 (1,322 days old) by FLAT4NBRAIN (TIPP CITY)        

Heres mine

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Post# 1085228 , Reply# 47   8/15/2020 at 23:47 (1,321 days old) by WaterNai (California)        
Wow!

waternai's profile picture
I had no idea a model like this existed! These are wonderful! I especially like the pull-out vegetable case and the spreadable-temperature butter compartment. I will be keeping my eye out for a fridge like this.


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