Another Unimatic Found!

[Unimatic1140]

Just a few hours away from home I just found a 1949 Frigidaire Unimatic which was posted on Facebook Marketplace. Went up there to pick it up and was thrilled to see it has the original tub with the harmonizer balance ring mounted on springs below the tub. These harmonizer machines are extremely stable but I assume were more costly to build.

The machine was bought at an auction of an old Furniture/Appliance store nearly 30 years ago and has sat unused. The machine worked perfectly and the transmission is nearly silent. Couldn't be more thrilled. I had a '49 years ago but that tub and harmonizer was replaced the 1950s tub so it wasn't original like this. This machine is very similar to the '47 except this is the first year of the all solid tub without the perforated liner.

Picture 6 shows how the water fills the tub through the water exit holes, picture 7 is my 1947 model for comparison.

 

[washerlover]

Looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor! Awesome find -- congrats!

 

[repairguy]

Congrats Robert the machine looks great. There is no way a machine of that vintage found in southeast Texas would look anywhere near that nice. The humidity makes it just about impossible to have a collection in a non climate controlled space here.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

Wow! It's in stunning condition! Congratulations Robert!

 

[peteski50]

Frigidaire!

Congrats Robert this is a real awsome find
Best Of Luck
Peter

 

[reactor]

What a find!!

Congratulations, Robert on finding such a treasure. It's amazing what shape it's in! That tub looks as if it just came off the assembly line.

I hope you will post a video of it in operation. The next time you have the back off, it would be great if you could snap some photos, am very interested in seeing the balance ring mechanism.

Once again, Congratulations!

Barry

 

[maytagmike]

WOW

Congrats Robert, absolutely stunning !!!. In beautiful shape.

 

[Unimatic1140]

The next time you have the back off, it would be great if you could snap some photos, am very interested in seeing the balance ring mechanism.

You can't see the harmonizer from the back of the machine it is bolted underneath the tub. Thankfully the machine is in such good shape that I don't have to pull out the tub. Here is a picture of what it looks like from Greg's 49. The ring weights about 70lbs and it is mounted with heavy duty spiral springs. The ring tends to move towards the opposite side of where the unbalance is in the tub. The faster the tub spins the more it corrects the balance of the spinning tub.

 

[reactor]

thanks

That you, Robert! That's an impressive assembly.

 

[ea56]

Congratulations Robert on such a remarkable score!  There’s no more deserving person than you to have found this Unimatic!

 

Eddie

[this post was last edited: 8/12/2024-11:59]

 

[Unimatic1140]

I forgot to post a picture of the tag that was inside the washer. I assume that is was placed on the outside of the machine at the appliance store attached with magnets. It says 1948 but it's a 49 model, but the store was close with its estimation. From the back of the tag you can see it must have gone into this store about 1977-1978 or so. And yes I agree Nobody Washes Clothes Like a Frigidaire!

 

[luxflairguy]

Great find Robert! May I ask what the spin r.p.m. is? Greg

 

[appnut]

Congratulaitons Robert. It would have never occurred in my wildest imagination to see a Uunimatic fill like that.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Great find Robert! May I ask what the spin r.p.m. is? Greg

1140 rpm!

 

[luxflairguy]

Super fast! Thanks!! Greg

 

[qsd-dan]

A very nicely preserved Unimatic. I assume it was a display model removed from a residence where it saw little use and just sat there looking pretty.

You know it's coming...

WE NEED VIDEO!

 

[foraloysius]

You did it again Robert! Great find! Who knows what else is there out for you!

 

[Chetlaham]

Beautiful!

Well deserved, this washer definitely belongs with you.

 

Seeing Unimatic in mint condition increases my appreciation for them.

 

I've said it before but I'll say it again- I wish you could find something like this on sale at a home center or appliance store brand new in 2024.

 

[gizmo]

WOW!

Such a beautiful find. I am gobsmacked.

Well done Robert.