1960s GE coin op washer

[historian]

Restoration advice

Hey again! I have started restoring the worst one of these four machines. I need to draw upon the expert advice here. What is the best procedure to treat the usual rust around the bottom of the outer tub on the old GE. It is not too bad and not rusted through. I want to stabilize it so I am comfortable using it occasionally. Also, after treating the rust should I use a sealant on the new boot when installing it and if so, which one?

The transmission on this one was full of rusty water which has been sitting for 30 years. I have a spare working newer plastic case transmission that is in working condition. Can I replace the original transmission with the newer plastic body transmission and order the appropriate newer style plastic hub cover and still use my black original activator/agitator? If I can use the newer transmission should I replace the seals top and bottom or leave it alone if it is working?

I have included pictures of these. Thanks everyone!

 

[combo52]

Restoring An older GE FF Washer

Hi, just sand down the rust in the outer tub and paint with a marine two part paint, You don't need to glue the boot in place.

It would be better to use the better plastic transmission, if you want to use the old agitator you will need to find a different lower agitator bearing insert, like the one pictured.

John L.

 

[historian]

Thanks John L, I appreciate your help!

 

[historian]

More GE help needed!

Hey again! I have a couple more questions. How do you get the single speed clutch stem off of the motor shaft. I removed the U-bolt and plate but the clutch stem doesnt give. I used a gear puller on it and it still didn't give any. Is there a pin or screw I've overlooked holding it on or is it just seized? Also, the motor was stiff as it had sat for about 30 years. I worked the shaft a little and it freed up. Can anyone give me any tips to relube the motor or should I leave that to the local motor shop?

Thanks!

 

[bajaespuma]

1962, a wonderful year

 That's a WA-855W!! A Suds-Saver and it's matched to the next-step-up dryer DA-920 W that would have been mated with the 1962 iteration of the Rotary Fabric Dial model. If you ever want to sell these, let me know please.

 

[historian]

Thank you baja I appreciate it. I dont intend to sell them but if my plans change I will let you know. I love those illustrations you do! Food for thought - the next step would be to get a 3D printer and print some vintage washers with your talent

 

[swestoyz]

Reply 22

The shaft extension is seized on the motor shaft. Get the torch out and heat the base of the extension. Once heated give it a rapid twist with an upward motion. “Wash - Rinse - Repeat” until off.

Love the ‘62 set, BTW!

Ben

 

[historian]

Thanks Ben! I love this site and appreciate you all!

 

[bajaespuma]

On second thought...

...not that it's important to any sane person but me, but I'm thinking yours might be a 1963 hybrid-oddball model. Something in the picture of the control panel struck me as wrong but I forgot about it while trying to dodge the virus and stay employed.

 

The control dials on the W series were either white on black for the lower-end models, or they were black on white for the 850 and 950 models. Your machine has the clear ridged plastic dials that, up to now I thought, they only used for the '63 X series (but yours doesn't have the SOAK cycle highlighted in red- a rarity). Also, your machine has the slightly modified chrome knob that was only used on all the X models.

 

I think that by the end of 1962 GE had to do many free service calls to replace many of the plastic dials on their more expensive washers that had illuminated dials because they melted. In response they decided to scrap that feature entirely in favor of the cooler fluorescent tube on the side of the control panel coupled with easier to read non-illuminated dials. Then they scrapped all of the wonderful plastic dials in favor of the easier, cheaper embossed and printed dials that lasted to the end. I've noticed in my collection a lot of those dials have melted at some point right where the bulb is mounted. I'm betting that a lot of users, like me, would paused the machine during the cycle to soak or whatever and that leaves the dial light on which damaged the plastic after an hour or so.

 

Bummer for me; I loved those plastic dials.

 

Can't know for sure without looking at the rating plate on the LH or RH side of the bottom of the cabinet; if there's a W it's a '62, if there's an X '63.

 

[historian]

Thanks for the info Baja! I love this era of GE's and find all the details interesting! I will check that model number plate soon. I keep this one at another building. Next trip there I'll check it out.