1960s GE Mobile Maid info wanted

[ken]

Calling on our vintage GE Mobile Maid experts to provide any info/opinions on this model.

Its for sale very near me priced at $100 which Im thinking is a bit much as seller doesnt know the running condition. No interior pic.

Thanks

 

[turquoisedude]

Mobile Maid 101

It's a pain that they don't have any interior shots, because, alas, that's the weak point in these dishwashers...  The plastisol-lined tubs can rust badly and leak, usually at the very bottom of the tub where the impeller and p ump chamber are located.  Even a small leak can get water into the motor and wreck it.  Any nick or scratch in the plastisol can lead to rust, too.   It's not all doom and gloom though - plastisol tubs can be fixed.

 

You'll want to make sure the racks are in good shape and the silverware basket is present and also in good shape.  I'll hazard a guess the silver basket in this one will be the larger white plastic version.   Also be sure the detergent cups are in good shape. 

 

Last potential problem, especially if the seller says they don't know if the machine is working or not, is the hookup hose assembly and Unicouple.   The hoses, the brown-coated version in particular, seem to be prone to cracking and hardening with age.   

 

Unless you can get to see it in person and actually plug it in, $100 would be a little steep;  I'd try 'em at $50... 

 

Let us know what happens and if you happen to get a model number!

 

 

[ken]

Its only about 30 min from home. Close enough to take a look. Its in a location which is popular as a summer vacation destination so maybe it came out of a summer home and wasnt used much. I'll see if I can get a couple interior pics and model # before I think about going to take a look.

 

[akronman]

Well

I agree $50 is wiser than 100. Get more pics, even if you're only offering $50.

GE had lots of differences in the racking systems, from "remove the top one to load the bottom"(cheap) to self-rising ones, fold-away, etc.

The script beneath the dial should say POWER SHOWER, which is a desirable option. This also means it's a spray arm and center tube model, damn fine washing.

My PlastiSol interior had rust holes through it, mine were easily repaired and not a leak since. But the reputation ain't great. The motor's were prone to fail, and parts are very NLA. If racks are bad, you're out of luck it seems.

But my $20 dishwahser, with much work and repairs, around $80, washes wonderfully. AND IT IS FUN

 

[launderess]

Somewhere in the archives there is another query about same

IIRC these are "BOL" GE MM units but still might be fun to have around.

 

[bajaespuma]

What they all said

I'm a big fan of these machines and I agree with most everything that has been said here. I wouldn't buy any dishwasher without having a good look at the interior, the racks and the dispensers but that's me.

The worry about the Plastisol is usually inflated; if the tub is in good condition without any rust spots, the Plastisol lasts a little less long as Porcelain which can chip and then rust. I have three 50-year old dishwashers with Plastisol interiors that are in near perfect condition. Once water gets underneath the plastic, however, the rot can spread disastrously.

 

[launderess]

There are some parts out there, but not much and not all.

Pump impellers and seals are very hard to come by for older units.

Unless you are set upon having original GE Mobile Maid unicouple hoses, they can be found at any parts supply as modern portable dishwashers and washing machines still use same.

 

[launderess]

If the thing is only thirty minutes away

I'd go to check it out with money in hand and make an offer pending inspection. Many persons will ask for $$$ for their old appliances but when faced with cold cash can and often do change their tune. Take some points/tips from other members who have been through the same. Explain you are a collector of vintage appliances and this isn't your first time at the rodeo. You know what the thing is worth and are offering a fair price *now*, they can either take it or leave it.

Nearly 99% of these large appliance offerings are coming from persons that purchased a property and found the things lying about. They have no real vested interest in demanding a high price other than the thing was in a home they purchased.

Average price for a GE Mobile Maid is around $25 to $50 going by what one has seen here in the group. The high end is being generous as many members have gotten their units for almost nil. The MM on a Goodwill action a week or so ago sold for $5 or so IIRC.

 

[ken]

Looky, Looky what I found

Did a search to get a look at other GE MM and came across this post by Paul last Aug. Same machine. Price hasnt changed. By the comment from Ken in CT that ad must have included an interior shot.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?48302

 

[launderess]

Yes, that is the post was thinking about.

Am equally correct in that the seller isn't going to move that thing at his price. Local demand obviously isn't there (aside from now you Ken) and shipping will be dear, very dear indeed.

Previous advice stands; make an offer upon what you think the thing is worth "take it or leave it". You might take along some listings showing recent sales of MM models more TOL than his fetched less, much less than seller's asking price.

If after all this seller still insists upon $100, I'd tell him he can die with that secret and head for the door. *LOL*