If it's in proper working order, it's probably a safe buy.  Depending on the asking price, that is.

I don't believe this one is frostless.  

lawrence

That's about a 1968 model Frigidaire. Should have a "N" in the model number, something like FD 141 TN or similar. That one still has the model number stamped on the back. Cycle defrost, not a frost free. 

 I wouldn't hesitate to use this as a daily driver 'fridge. No fans, or defrost systems to worry about. Go for it!

I think the "cycle defrost" is similar to GE's, where the evaporator coil/plate in the rear of the fresh food section does defrost, but the freezer section doesn't.  Defrosting occurs each time the compressor cycles off.  The compressor remains off until the coil/plate in the fresh food section reaches a certain temperature, signaling that the condensation has melted and drained away.

The freezer must be defrosted manually.  Either turn the cold control to the "OFF" position or unplug the fridge, then let the freezer defrost.  There are portable defrost heaters that help speed the process (see picture).  It doesn't look like there's a drain in the freezer section, which is a real drawback IMO because that means sopping up all of the water.  GE provided a drain, so a simple wiping down is all that's required.  All told, the hands-on portion of defrosting the GE totaled about ten minutes.

A new freezer door gasket made a huge difference on my GE.  I went from defrosting every three or four months to less than twice a year.

This could be an excellent ref for you if the sealed refrigerating system is working properly.

I would not replace the gasket unless you can find an exact replacement that is in good pliable condition AND only if it is truly not sealing properly, you will know if it is leaking because you will get fast frost build-up on the ceiling of the freezer. Otherwise just clean up the old seal without removing it.

Best way to defrost is to put one or two fairly large pots of boiling water in the freezer after turning the temperature dial in the ref section off. [ the food in the ref section can stay put as defrosting should only 1/2 - 3/4 of an hour ]

I would NOT use an electric defroster because I have seen many older refs destroyed by these and it is not nearly as fast and is a bigger mess than the pots of boiling water.

Also DO-NOT use anything metal to try and scrape loose the frost, this FD ref uses a roll-bond aluminum evaporator and even a blunt butter knife can puncture the evaporator and immediately destroy the refrigerator     [ if you want you can use a plastic windshield scraper ]

John L.

Model number should also be behind the kick plate or crisper drawers.

I've had limited success with putting something behind the gasket, a filler of sorts. Maybe a small piece of foam?

The Frigidaire looks great!  Congratulations on a great find.

lawrence

 I've provided a link to a site that offers all types of refrigerator door gaskets.  Instead of going by make and model, it shows the design of the gasket (cut-away side view) and you pick what matches yours.  You can order a cheap collection of samples to match up.

You can try repairing the gasket with silicone, but since it's the freezer, you really do need a tight seal all the way around in order to reduce the frequency of defrosting.  Repair may not be enough.

The good thing is that it's much easier to replace the gasket on the freezer door than on the fresh food door.   It's a more manageable size and you don't need to tilt the fridge back like you would in order to get at the bottom portion of the gasket on the fresh food door.