1950's vintage GE oven/rangetop

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rickyricardo

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May 19, 2021
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Location
Portsmouth
Hello! We have a GE stove which I believe may be original to our 1950's home. I am trying to figure out the vintage of it, and also trying to locate the correct part number for the baking element in the smaller (left hand side) oven. My local GE parts folks have had no luck trying to find a replacement. The model is a 1J408. The serial number is 1J408-2L15.8 NL 12045A. Any guidance is MOST appreciated!
Rob

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Hello rickyricardo

There's a G. E. stove like yours on Ebay (though probably abt. 10 yrs. newer). the guy is scrapping it if its not sold as a Pick Up Only in 1 month (home demolition) Its in Union, NJ.

Perhaps, you could email him your element photo to see if his matches, then come to some Price/Pickup for the element, instead of paying his full asking price.

Worth a try, maybe.

Here's the link to that Ebay page:

 
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Lawrence is correct - the 'L' in the model number is the GE date code for 1954.  I believe this style of element was used for several years.  The most likely replacement would be to use one from a later model - there may be still be NOS elements for 70s double-oven ranges around.  Some rewiring would be need (remove the connector block and wire the element directly to the supply wires) but it's not a difficult fix.  
 
My grandfather's sister had this same range, I was enamored with it for years.  Sold at their farm-auction for $5 when they moved to town in the early 1980's.  

 

 

In the appliance ephemera library, there is a comprehensive guide to basic parts for GE ranges from 1940 through the 70's.  You may have more luck searching the internet with the specific part number for your element.  

 
I have stated this here a number of times in the past, but the independent appliance parts retailer near me can have a replacement element made to order for a very reasonable price.  I had a replacement oven element for my mom's 1949 Westinghouse range made and the turn-around time was only a day or two.  I just brought the failed element in to be matched up and that was that.

 

The key here is going through an independent appliance parts retailer.  Big operations like Marcone won't give you the time of day for something like this.  Call around to local shops and inquire. 
 
Plug -in element For A GE Range

These are still available, the replacement will likely have straight sides.

 

We have quite a few of these in stock if you can't find it locally, If I knew where you lived I may know where you can go buy one.

 

If you want to call me we can ship you one for around $40 it would go out next week.

 

Alco Appliance 301-937-6996

 

John 
 
Reference the 1954 GE oven/range 1J408-2L1 15.8 NL12045A:
Still on the trail finding the correct part number for the baking element in the small (LHS) oven. The general electric "condensed parts catalog" lists two different numbers for this, based on whether the range is 236V (WB44X127) or a 208V unit (WB44X128). How does one tell what voltage the range is?
Adding to the excitement (confusion?) looking up either of these brings up an element with a two terminal connector, not the 3-spade connector that's fitted with the stock element.
Once again, thanks for any insights.
 
I can't speak to the parts catalog issue, but would like to repeat that you should not expect a replacement element to have those same squiggly sides.  It will likely have an angular shape. 

 

On my mom's stove, the original 1949 bake element had coiled nichrome that snaked through clay insulators, all housed in a metal framework.  The replacement elements were radiant tubes with a vague, blocky V shape, and integrated heatproof spacers to hold he element off the floor of the oven.  My mom was an avid baker and the radically different element baked the same as the original.

 

You're just looking to replace a radiant tube with another radiant tube, so don't worry about a replacement that's differently shaped performing any differently.  From looking at your element, I would guess that there are rests on the oven cavity sidewalls for the front end to perch on.  If so, you want to be sure a replacement has the right dimensions to use those same rests, or has the supports as seen on the element in the ebay stove.  

 

If you want to stick with the original part, then ebay is likely your best bet and you may need to be patient.   Trying to locate the exact original through parts retailers would likely become very time-consuming, and again patience would be advised.

 

I have linked to an element that may be a viable replacement, but it's more pricey than the later types.  I would take John up on his offer.  You won't get a better deal if the linked element is any indication.

[this post was last edited: 5/20/2021-23:59]

 
Range voltage

Look on the model tag, in addition to model and serial numbers, it will have the electrical rating information.

 

Unless you live in apartment building or palatial mansion which has three-phase power, it is likely 120/240 volt service in your home. 208y/120 volt service is rarely seen in single family homes.
 

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