1965 Frigidaire Custom Deluxe Rollermatic Rides Again!

[kenmore71]

Ben (Swestoyz) came to the Twin Cities this weekend which always means that some machines are going to get worked on!

On Friday, Ben finished putting most of the final touches on a Don's (Jetaction) 1965 Frigidaire Custom Deluxe Suds Saver Machine. Mechanically there were really no problems with the machine, it was just that the outer tub had rusted through! Another outer tub had been been found and installed last fall but, as usual, there were a few small parts that needed to be procured and then installed by an expert

Below is a pic of the machine in action once it was hooked up in the basement.

Also, here is about a minute of agitation of the overflow rinse. There is a little bit of "cone slap" going on that will be taken care before the weekend ends

 

[kenmore71]

Here is a close-up of the left side of the console with the Frigidaire logo and model designation

 

[kenmore71]

The center of the console.
This layout is eerily reminiscent of a Frigidaire range burner control layout from the later 60s!

 

[kenmore71]

Below is a close-up of the timer.

And here is a video of the spin-out.
The action starts at 0:16 with the low-speed (465 RPM) spin.
At 1:16 note the speed shift to the "Rapid-Dry" 710 RPM spin!

 

[kenmore71]

An action shot of the spin:

 

[kenmore71]

And finally...

Below is a still shot of the suds return.
On this machine this is accomplished by an additional small pump that actually pumps the suds into the tub through the same fill flume and that the fresh water comes in! This particular machine is a bit shy and it seems to take 3 or 4 "tries" before the pump is able to prime and begin the return.

Here are a few seconds of "live action!"

 

[peteski50]

Custom Deluxe Rollermatic!

Mark - real nice - remember their is no action like JetAction!
Peter

 

[gansky1]

Such a pretty machine - and a perfect load for the Jet Cone!

 

 

[philr]

Congratulations for your restoration and thanks for showing the videos!

 

I thought this model was a '66?

 

I'd like to get one similar to this one to match with my newer dryer! I'm wondering if anyone in the club still has this washer from TrainGuy? Or any non suds saver model with this console. In fact, I'd even be interested in buying the console alone from a parts machine!

[this post was last edited: 3/17/2012-22:32]

 

[joelippard]

Nice!

I just love a solid tub Rollermatic!  I see you have the somewhat rare "impact" clutch model.

 

[pdub]

Beautiful

Where does the knocking sound originate from? Is it a worn agitate arm?

The machine is beautiful and looks like it's got many years ahead.

Frigidaire did such a good job with the colors on the control panel.

Patrick

 

[retro-man]

Oh the memories

That is the exact same washer that my mother purchased when the kitchen was done over in 65 or 66. She purchased the matching dryer with it along with frost free lower freezer refrigerator and self cleaning electric stove and dishwasher. They all matched pretty good with the controls and accent colors. I used to watch that washer for hours. These replace the room full of appliances from the late 50's which were all frigidare also. Nice to see and hear that washer again.
Jon

 

[turquoisedude]

What a nice machine - and a suds-saver too!  Thanks for posting the videos!

 

[kenmore71]

The slapping is a phenomenon that we like to call "cone hop". It comes from the 2 pieces of the agitator that have worn over the years where they meet and there is a little bit of play between them during the vigorous up and down stroke. The usual solution to this I am told is to add some short of shimming between the two pieces. Red gasket material is one of the popular options for this.

 

[mickeyd]

A PERFECT washing machine, Mark

I forgot how much fun Rollers are during the rinse when the small items get tossed in circles by the jets. I used to love watching that. And a million thanks for showing the Suds Return. So cool the way the tight coiled stream rams in on an angle. Rickr says his Return works perfectly without faltering, Maybe he could tell us the secret. My aunt's always stalled and took several attempts when I enjoyed it, but she didn't use it. Perhaps that's the secret, using it.

 

[swestoyz]

You are correct Phil - this is a '66, but looks like a '65. I suspect it is a very early 66 as it still has the push button thermal reset.

Last fall it was horrible to get the outer tub out. Each of the screws holding the mechanism support were rusted so they required grinding. FUN! However, this was the fate of many Rollermatics.

This spring I finished up assembly and cleaned the rollers. Runs like a beaut!

Ben

 

[philr]

Ben, are you sure that the reset button was removed on some of the 1966 models?

 All the 1966 washers I have seen seem to have it.

 

[pdub]

Don, you lucky guy!

Mark-
Thanks for the explanation on the cone-hop sound. I have a 68 where you could actually wiggle the lower cone back and forth by hand. You should have heard what that sounded like when running. I think the previous owner started the machine then ran upstairs and closed the basement door so they wouldn't have to hear it. You are right, flat rubber gasket material cut to fit and placed between the cones snugs them up just right.

Ben-
Great job on the tub replacement. I know that is a big job the first time you do it but sounds like you are a pro now. Wish you lived closer for your friendship and expertise!

Patrick

 

[lebron]

First of all Mark , very nice Frigidaire, I like the blue all around.

In response to Phil's message, "In fact, I'd even be interested in buying the console alone from a parts machine!"

I have a Frigidaire that looks pretty much exactly like the one pictured, except I dont think that mine is top of the line. I can definitely email you more pictures if you are interested in any parts of the machine.

 

[swestoyz]

Patrick - thanks for the kind words!

Phil - here is a shot of the spared panel from the parts machine without the push button. I believe the model number was WCDK but certainly was a 1966 model (K).

All the photos in the '66 Tech Talk show the thermal push button switch, however I recall reading somewhere in the doctrine that the change was made mid year.

Ben

 

[rollermatic]

enjoyed your thread

and the pics! love rollermatics and enjoy working on them. that pic of the outer tub in reply 15 looks very familiar! i have had 2 of mine look about like that and have had to grind out the screws just as mentioned. it's a dirty job but easily done!

gonna start back on mine this summer, have 2 more i have not cracked open yet, will be interesting to see what condition the outer tubs will be in. i had one that i had to strip down for parts as the outer tub was completely rusted out.

 

[philr]

Lebron, I sent you a PM!

 

Ben, thanks for the picture of the parts machine. I don't remember seeing another one without a reset button. As you said, I guess it was a mid-year change.

 

From what I have seen, all 1965 models have their  "Crown and F" logo at the left of the "F R I G I D A I R E" script and washers have the agitator drawing under the "R E" letters of the script, of even further right on some models, while the 1966 models have both the logo, the agitator drawing and everything centered (under the "I D" letters of the "F R I G I D A I R E" script).