67' Frigidaire Imperial Rapidry1000

[phmorrow]

I just bought this set 3weeks ago, I tried to post videos on here but it wouldn't let me do it. I would like to service this machine as I am going to use it regularly. How should I go about greasing the mechanism? Last night I had a small load in and when it went into a spin cycle it went off balance pretty bad.. I don't know how these washers are designed but I had a filter flo do the same thing and it tore the tub boot. should I be concerned or am I just overthinking things? I would be grateful for any kind of info from any of you Frigidaire guys out there... Thanks

 

[davy1063]

NEVER!!!!!!

Lubricate a Rollermatic mechanism!!!! Keep any lubricants away from the rollers or any surface they contact!! If it's going off balance, make sure the load is distributed evenly (in quadrants) in the tub.

 

[combo52]

Out Of Balance Load

When a load goes OOB in a spin drain machine you usually have way too little clothing in the machine for the amount of water you used, or you are washing very heavy towels etc with much lighter items like sheets.

 

Rapid-Dry 1010 Frigidaire washers are one of my favorite Frigidaire machines I have two of them.

 

[phmorrow]

It was a small load of whites. I had it on the small load setting but the over flow rinse filled the tub up and caused it to go out of balance. I was referring to lubricating the ball joint. It seems noisy at times, not bad just here and there it will make a little noise.

 

[phmorrow]

It was a small load of whites. I had it on the small load setting but the over flow rinse filled the tub up and caused it to go out of balance. I was referring to lubricating the ball joint. It seems noisy at times, not bad just here and there it will make a little noise.

 

[combo52]

Ball Joint On RollerMatic Frigidaire

Can be adjusted for wear and the tinniest drop of high grade silicone oil could be added when you have it apart.

 

You want to be very careful not to get any lubricant of any type on the drive rollers, if you do the machine will not run until you get it all off.

 

[jetcone]

Ball joint adjustment

Under the ball joint you will see a castellated nut. Turning that nut will be tough but it is supposed to be tough. You can turn it with a bicycle wrench and you only need to turn it between 1/32-1/16 of an inch to shore up the bearing. It will feel very tight but that will eliminate the knocking which is caused by wear of the delrin bearing inside against the ball. It does not need lubricating, the delrin is self lubricating. 

The rollers are also self lubricating with a very dry black lubricant the only comes into play when they are turning, as the rollers heat the lubricant flows-- at room temperature it looks and feels like a black tar--well sometimes they used a gray compound too.

 

The biggest noise is created by loose or dirty clutch plates. They can chatter.

 

 

On the lid there maybe a loading diagram to show you how to load in quadrants, and for a solid tub machine the more clothes packed in the better. I've seen Robert cram towels in there thinking uh oh but his loads always balance- BASTARD !

Also a neat trick I've learned from JohnE is cut 4 squares of rug grip and place them under the legs , she won't move until hell freezes over.

My "Fringedaire" used to walk all over the basement from one side to the other, now she is locked down !

 

 

[phmorrow]

@Jet Cone

LOL thanks for the Info., How would I go about cleaning or replacing the clutch plates? Also, on the bottom of the castellated nut there is a screw, kind of in between the nut and the ball joint. There is a hole on the other side for a screw also, but the screw is missing. Is this normal or am I missing a screw? With all of that being said, do you think this machine will be ok for regular use? I don't want to damage it, seeing that parts are hard to find for these things.

 

[roto204]

I've seen Robert cram towels in there

It's because of his innate magical abilities.

 

[jetcone]

LOL NATE !!!

Yes there is one lock screw, not two , never two , never saw two !

 

 

Wonderful machine for laundry. I wouldnt get into the clutch unless you really feel the need. Sometimes they just smooth out after use too.

Its very important to load properly because you machine I think was introduced before the "Sure-Spin" clutch. That was introduced to create a lot of slip at start up so clothes didn't lump up in the wash water and cause OOB.

 

 

[phmorrow]

OK

Thank you for all of your advice on this machine, it is greatly appreciated. I don't know a whole lot about these machines but I am a mechanically inclined person so I'm willing to get my hands dirty to keep this beautiful machine going. Hopefully it will last for years to come.

 

[hippiedoll]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

on your 1967 rapidry frigidaire!!! i can't wait to see some pictures!!!
;o)

sorry i can't offer any advice or tips, as i am totally non-mechanically inclined!!! but i do share in your excitement!!!

)

 

[phmorrow]

Thank you guys

Thanks so much for the kind words everybody. I'm so glad there are other people out there who share the same weird washer infatuation that I do!! I will try and get some picture/ videos of them on here soon... I already tried once but did not succeed.

 

[bajaespuma]

Aferim!

I love these machines and I'm glad you were fortunate to find one. There were so many of them around here in the late eighties and early nineties, but they must have all been dumped.

 

I'm also glad you found this site and had the same epiphany that most of us experienced. I still think the Rollermatics were some of the coolest washing machines ever marketed.

 

[phmorrow]

FINALLY

Was able to upload some pics!!

 

[LaVidaBoem]

Hello Neighbor, and Merry Christmas...

Just wanted to wish you well with that set...really nice.

 

Have you thought about your retirement plans lately..??

 

I would like to personally help with any thing in that realm that I possibly could;

perhaps, a substantial contribution to the fund of your choice (including, but not limited to your back pocket!)>>??

 

I have heard that Santa is kinda busy this year...so, you know, I was kinda like, you know, thinking...

Load 'em up, and bring them to me??

I might could even throw in another set while we look over your finances??

 

Just kidding, but if you ever...well, keep me in mind.

 

I love Avocado of all them colors more than should be reasonable...

 

Have a Good One,

LaVidaBoem

 

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The trouble with Trouble,...is that it starts out as fun!

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Edited: TWICE...I must be tired...You boys and Girls have a Good Night!

Time for one of them deep soak cycles...in the bathtub!

[this post was last edited: 12/12/2015-22:05]

 

[appnut]

Wow, this does have the variable water level and 4 spin speeds. 

 

[joelippard]

Very Nice!  Congratulations!  I've never seen an "Imperial" before, just a Custom Imperial.  I have two '67s similar.  A Custom Deluxe and a Custom Imperial.  If you need advice this is a great place for it.  I've had these machines apart in every form and fashion possible in the last 7 years I've been a member of AW.  Check out my threads on here.

 

[gansky1]

Thanks for the pics - that's a beautiful set. One of the softest (and quietest) dryers, too.

I believe the washer has only two water levels, looks like timed fill/wash settings on timer dial.

Congrats, collectively, we should help you keep those running for a long time. Enjoy them!