'56 Fridge Functions Fabulously!

[turquoisedude]

Finally got a chance to test the GE wall-mount Combination fridge yesterday - what a pleasant surprise that was! The refrigerator started immediately and runs very quietly. I swear that this has to be the quietest refrigerator that I have ever owned!
Despite all the other appliances in the set needed re-wiring work to some extent, the refrigerator was ignored by the mice and all the original wiring is in perfect shape.
I do need to tweak the door light switches, though. They are a bit sticky. Any recommendations on what I should use for this? I've used WD40 on other sticky electrical switches (those toggle-style ones on older blenders and vacuums) successfully in the past.

 

[turquoisedude]

Just had to add the close-up of the refrigerator side!

 

[panthera]

I would suggest you

not use WD-40 at this point. Go to Radio Shack (or some such place) and pick up "Contact Cleaner".
WD-40 contains several petroleum distillate which can attack some older thermoplastic resins.
I am happy for you, after all the work you've invested in these wonderful appliances, it was about time for something to work off the bat!

 

[turquoisedude]

I agree, I don't want to damage this in any way - thanks for the tip!
BTW, I still haven't gotten the new oven thermostat - I found a place in Pennsylvania who may actually have the NOS part!

 

[hydralique]

I am turquoise with envy!

That's a really beautiful refrigerator, and it's so nice that you've got it going again.

 

[turquoisedude]

Thanks!

I still can't believe I actually found one - I had seen one in Toronto last year that was for sale but I wound up passing it up. When this one came up, I wasn't about let it get away!
One of these days (well, I hope by fall now) I'll be re-assembling the whole kitchen centre and installing it. Stay tuned!!!

 

[roto204]

Wow!

That copper trim is *so* pretty. Congratulations on a lovely find--and yes, although there's much to be said for hard work, there is no gratification quite like having something just work out-of-the-box!

 

[panthera]

NOS

always feels better, but since the current part is identical with the one use back then (and considerably more accurate), I wouldn't waste money on it if it is more expensive than the quote we found a while back.
Some stuff just hasn't changed in decades, says a lot about the solid engineering people once did in the US. Back before the young dynamic managers took over...

 

[58limited]

Congrats! I'm glad this is coming together for you.

 

[turquoisedude]

Pantera,
I just found out that neither of the suppliers for the oven thermostats are willing to ship to Canada! I have one other possible source from a local parts place in Montreal - this person has bailed me out in the past, so I think I'll see what he has to say!

David,
Glad to see you're following the saga of the 56 appliances! I am keeping a photo and text journal of the whole process and very much looking forward to the day when I can post photos of my 'new' atomic-style kitchen!!

 

[gansky1]

Probably the nicest one of these I've seen - all the hard work and hunting parts has been repaid with this refrigerator, congrats!!

 

[panthera]

Contact me

So not a problem. Write me at me email, we can have it sent to our very American address and then on to you.

 

[58limited]

I would also be willing to act as a middle man for any parts you need that can't be sent directly to you in Canada. I'm currently doing this for an Australian who is restoring a car.

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Very Cool!

I had always heard of these, but never thought I would see one until I went to Jimmy's home.
It is an amazing unit! Like you say, very quiet, and efficient.
Cooled beer in a heartbeat!
Not many of these amongst the collectors here, so your find is very rare!
Post pictures of the finished resting place.
Awesome for you!
Brent

 

[filterflo]

Hi Paul,
A copy of the GE Wall Mount Service Manual installation instructions is in the mail to you.....Your refrig looks fabulous!!!!!!!!!

 

[jetcone]

OMG

Thats the fridge I grew up with. It has the smallest freezer section in the Universe!

Mom had to go to Japan to learn orgami packing techniques so she could get the whole Thanksgiving dinner tucked back into the frige on T-day!

Good luck with it, I think it should have been made about 125% bigger then it would have been devine!

 

[turquoisedude]

Size does matter...for a freezer!

Yes, the relatively teeny freezer does have me concerned. The freezer section of my current Kelvy looks cavernous compared to this one. However, I will be keeping my 'basement refrigerator' (an early 60's Westinghouse - no need to ask what colour it is) and I think I will invest in a food freezer.
Sigh - I wish I still had my 1961 Westinghouse upright freezer!