1961 Multi-Matic questions

[rickr]

I got the 1961 Custom Imperial going with a replacement motor cap. It sounds good and runs well on spin or wash cycles. The belts needed to be replaced, so I ordered # 3L-320, and # 3L-280, as those were the numbers for the 1960 model. The lower belt (3L-320) fits exactly, however the upper belt (3L-280) is too small. Should I order the # 3L-285 upper belt for this 1961 model? or did the 1961 models use another size belt than the 1960 models?

Also thought it would be a good idea to change the oil in this transmition. Do I drain the oil from the plug on the side of the trans, or should it be disassembled for the oil change? I think I would rather not tear this down, as it works well, however if that should be done, I will do.
And how much Ace Hardware compressor oil should be added to this trans?

One last thing. The 1960 model I have (gutted) does not have a bottom support, like any other early Frigidaires I have seen. Did this machine have a bottom support? The 61 model does have one, but the cabinet is wider on that one. I don't think the 61 support can be used on this 60 model without quite a lot of retrofitting. Any ideas?

This 1960 Custom Imperial will be quite a looker when it is finished! I love it already, and she's still in pieces. I repaired the film strip inside the console for the wash selections Saturday night. What a pain that was to get to, but it is so Space Age cool now that that it works again.

Thanks! <:

 

[saltysam]

so I ordered

Hey Rick, Where did you order your belts from? I still haven't been able to locate them for my 1960 Deluxe.
Mark

 

[rickr]

Ordered from my appliance people:

Home Appliance Parts

260-422-2788

Ask for Gordon

Robert stated that these belts could be also obtained from a hardware store, but I always try to purchase everything from this place. They are always good to me, and never act as if I am a bother. If fact they consider me as one of their best customers. You can't beat that, so I get anything appliance related through them. I will not ask to return the incorrect belt to them either, as they ordered those at my request.

 

[saltysam]

Home Appliance Parts

thanks rick for the info. I will give them a call.
Mark

 

[gansky1]

I think the cross-brace on the '60 should be the same as the earlier Frigidaires, I can't remember off-hand for sure though. Let me do some searching and I'll poke around in the shed - who knows what's lurking in there!

 

[rickr]

Thank you Greg! I will keep my fingers crossed.... <:

 

[Unimatic1140]

I think the cross-brace on the '60 should be the same as the earlier Frigidaires,

I think the crossbrace for the 1959 and 1960 Multimatic is slightly different from the 1957-1958 Unimatic crossbrace. They might fit, but I seem to remember something different about the two designs. The 1956 and earlier brace I'm pretty sure will not fit as the cabinet is rounded.

 

[gyrafoam]

Well Rick,

my '61 CI is in storage in Virginia, so untill I get moved I can't measure it to check and see if any of my spare cross-braces will fit. If you measure yours (hush, Toggle) and let me know how long it is ('ah said hush,Toggle) I'll see if I have a spare one for you.

 

[rickr]

Thank you Steve! Greg is going to look in his shed also. As I said, I am keeping my fingers crossed. <: I am in need of a cross brace for a 1960 Custom Imperial. The 1961 Imperial is being used for parts for the 1960 model. I will measure the bottom crosswise of the 1960, and post the dimensions later..

 

[rickr]

Well, I measured the distance for the missing cross brace on the 1960 Custom Imperial. It is 25 to 27 inches.

The cross brace that is on the 1961 Custom Imperial that is being used for parts is 34 inches. I hope that someone can find the 25 to 27 inch cross brace that will fit the 1960 model for me.

Fingers and toes are now crossed.... <:

 

[gocartwasher]

interesting

its my year ,

 

[gyrafoam]

Rick,

I found one exactly 29 inches long from edge to edge. The bolt holes would be slightly shorter. Think it will work?

 

[rickr]

Hi Steve, I would think that would be easier to work with than the 34 inch one from the 1961. Perhaps it would even fit without modification. I bet it's the right one!
I will send you an email when I get home from work.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[gansky1]

The cross-brace extends into the flanges on the bottom of the cabinet about 1/2" on each side - so that sounds like the right one Steve found.

 

[rickr]

Pics of the 61 parts machine

Here she is in all her "gory" lol!!

She doesn't look too bad, because the poor lighting. Kind of like the people in sleazy bars....... <:

I'll post pics of the 1960 Custom Imperial thats being restored later.

 

[rickr]

Tub shot

It is missing the pulsater assembly, so if anyone has a nice 3 Ring for sale, please let me know.

This thing looks like hell, but it really runs pretty nice for a Multi-Tragic. <:

 

[gyrafoam]

I'll be on the lookout for you Rick. Every now and then I do see a spare detergent column with the rings.