1929 Frigidaire

[scooter76]

Good afternoon, all. Recently aquired a 1929 Frigidaire fridge (yes, 1929, as in 81 years old!!). The mechanicals are all original and it's still running on sulphur dioxide. However, about a week ago, the compressor started making noise and I beleive the compressor has begun to draw some air into the low side when running (for those not familiar with SO2, it's a low pressure refrigerant and the low side actually operates in a vacuum).

At any rate, the reason for my question is this: Does anyone here have an OLD Frigidaire parts catalog that would give a part number for the compressor shaft seal? It's a model AHDP-4840 and the compressor is a model "EF". I know it's a long shot, but old warehouses of vintage Frigidaire parts are not unheard of. BUT, I need a part number to start. Thanks everyone!!

 

[rp2813]

Can't help with a part number but just want to say that those are some really fine looking refrigerators.

Any pix you can post of it here?

 

[scooter76]

Sure...I'll see what I can do about some photos.

 

[travis]

Model # of the fridge

I think you'll have to have a seal made. I would fall over if a parts house had these. I saw one in a box once. The problem is finding them before someone tosses them.

 

[goatfarmer]

You do know about Sulphur Dioxide, right?

 

[scooter76]

Model is AHDP-4840, Compressor Model is "EF".

Yes, well aware of the nasty nature of SO2. Plan to bleed the air of very carefully into a bucket of lye water, wearing an acid vapor cartridge respirator and all of the other necessary safety precautions. Definitely nothing to be taken lightly.

 

[norgeway]

SO2

Sulfur dioxide is pretty toxic, but it is a wonderful refrigerant!

 

[scooter76]

OK, folk....here she is!

 

[scooter76]

And inside...notice the maple trim!!

Story goes as such: Unit delivered new to a railroad depot in Iona, MN. Spent most of it's life there (and obviously very well cared for). When the depot closed, an employee there purchased it and it was used as a spare basement fridge until 1994, when it was taken in on trade(!!) at a Frigidaire dealer in Lakefield, MN. I purchased from him two weeks ago. The porcelain and trim are flawless. The top comes off and on the bottom side of the top it still has chalk inspection marks from the factory!!

 

[scooter76]

And the compressor / condensing unit...

 

[58limited]

That is absolutely awesome!

 

[rp2813]

Ah, yes. I remember almost buying one of these many years ago, but repair was so much more complex than just switching tops like with a GE of similar vintage. Aren't these Frigidaires belt-driven?

They are much more handsome than Monitor Tops IMO.

What a beauty, and a rare find for sure. Good luck with it!

 

[maytagbear]

This is something I would NEVER say

ANYWHERE else.....

It's SO cute!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[qsd-dan]

Downright STUNNING!!

Never saw an original unit of this age so damn minty. Definitely a keeper, even if never functions in the future.

 

[goatfarmer]

Beautiful 'fridge! And it fit's nice in the corner of your kitchen.

 

[rp2813]

I'll hazard a guess that this is the very Frigidaire that Fanny Brice referenced in "I'd Rather Be Blue."

 

[lordkenmore]

Stunning refrigerator! Particularly for the age!

 

[spiceman1957]

Nice!

This would be an expensive but a very nice appliance to have at that time.
John

 

[scooter76]

Thanks to all for the kind replies - I fell in love with it for all these same reasons. The condition is almost museum quality. I'm really hoping I can keep it running. That's a bit more challenging because yes, unlike a Monitor Top, it uses an "open" type belt driven compressor. Lots more opportunities for leaks than a hermetic unit. However, there is one upside - it's actually (as long as you respect the SO2 and think things through carefully) much more serviceable than a Monitor Top for all the same reasons. It has liquid and vapor shut-off valves at the receiver, compressor, and evap coil. So, as long as the valve packings don't leak, you can actually isolate and pump down any of the components using the compressor and service them without discharging the SO2.

While about 40 years apart in age, it doesn't look too bad next to my 1969 Frigidiare Custom Imperial "eye level" range (RXE-39P) that came with the house (eye level glass control panel, similar to a Flair). Which brings me to another topic - I've seen ads for a matching circa 1968 / 1969 Frigidaire Laundry Center pair with "eye level" controls, but I've never seen a set. Perhaps it never made it to production? If so, maybe it was so costly that people didn't bite? If they ever did make it, it must have been short lived. The ad I'm thinking of (Life?) shows a pair perched in a loft above a very "mod" late 60's open kitchen. Avocado set - both the washer and dryer look like standard models of the day, except with a hood over the top, with what looks like a cabinet at the rear for detergents, etc., and glass control panels at eye level (ala Flair)