Can a Flair range be saved...no matter what??????

[Dick_S.]

I want so badly to save the Frigidaire Flair range that came in the l962 completely unmolested mid century home I just bought last month.

Both ovens work, all the lights work but the four burners don't and neither does the clock, (btw, the clock isn't a biggie at this time).

I know not a thing about ranges however, a friend looked underneath and said that one wire to a burner is missing and another one looks like it had shorted out as it is discolored.
He mentioned something about two saftey switches on either side of the cooktop in the back.

Do I have a chance in hell of ever bringing it back to all its glory?

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Drop those doors , Hon !

That looks like it might be the same one I have. It's been a long time since I hadit in in use, but I'm sure at least two burners worked; it's all yours!!

 

[tlee618]

Dick, that Flair is just beautiful! It looks so well cared for. I'm no expert for sure but I'm betting that it can be saved without to much trouble.

 

[jetaction]

I am looking for......

both oven elements for one I have. If you decide not to save it and would like to sell the elements, let me know. Nice looking for sure!

 

[tomturbomatic]

The safety switches prevent the surface units from operating if the cooktop is not in the out position. Make sure that the cooktop is fully out and locked into position before deciding that nothing works. Since the safety switches are in the circuit for the surface units, they could have been damaged when the one unit shorted. I would be willing to bet it was the Speed Heat unit that failed. It's all fixable if you can find someone willing to work on it, but if it was the Speed Heat unit that failed, it might have taken the switch with it. In that case, you will have to replace the switch with a regular infinite heat switch. If, by some miracle the Speed Heat switch is still working, you must baby it. Do not start it on HIGH. Only start it on Simmer until you hear it click. Then turn the heat higher. The control operates by throwing 230 volts across a 115 volt element for a metered amount of time. On high, it will operate at 230 until the unit is red hot, usually about a minute. Doubling the voltage increases the wattage by 4 so a 1500 watt element is operating at 6000 watts while on 230. You can see how that is stressful. On lower settings, it is on 230 for shorter periods of time and it greatly prolongs the life of the element and the control not to stress it by starting it on HIGH

Beautiful kitchen; I love the cabinets. Interesting how there are three racks for each oven. You can never scour those chrome liners. Once you scratch chrome, it's there for good.

One work of warning. Be very careful of anything you place on the brushed chrome (not stainless steel) cover that rolls out over the cooktop. I know of someone who was cleaning his humidifier and set the plastic bottle of cleaner down on that part of his Flair. The acid in the cleaner went down through the chrome to the brass underneath it and left a circle in brushed chrome finish. [this post was last edited: 5/3/2010-12:15]

 

[estatesale_gary]

Flair and Speed Heat

There is a very large following for the Frigidaire Flair. Check out the Google group via the link below. You should be able to network out and find just about anything that you need.

Regarding the Speed Heat switch - many of these switches were taken out years ago and replaced with conventional switches as these switches were very expensive to replace. If that is the case, make sure you look at the switch and the element.

I have a 58 Frigidaire Custom Imperial range. Took me nearly a year to find a NOS Speed Heat switch. Make sure that your Speed Heat element is also good. A shorted element will take out the switch.

Frigidaire Flair - Google Groups

groups.google.com

 

[hunter]

that is a BEAUTIFUL stove!

I am envious I have a 1962 house that I am working on making more like it was originally.

 

[alr2903]

EstatesaleGary, my aunt had just the problem you described with her speed heat element, the repair guy put in a regular switch, just as you said. Her Flair was purchased in 1956. I would think in the days before microwave ovens, speed heat was a dream come true to warm a hungry infants formula bottle at 4 AM. Here is a link to one in the Memphis area $100. Looks in pretty good shape. alr2903

http://memphis.craigslist.org/app/1717099495.html

 

[tomturbomatic]

TYPO?

Flairs were not available in 1956; 1966, maybe?

Mainly range manufacturers with heavier elements used speed heat switches and elements; like Westinghouse Corox units and Frigidaire Radiantube units, to name two of several brands. There might have been a thin tube Chromalox "Flasher" unit, but with thinner tubes, the high wattage elements could glow red in about the same time on HIGH as a Radiantube Speed Heat unit without putting 230 volts across a 115 volt unit. GE and Hotpoint high wattage Calrod units heated fast and did not store as much heat in the material of the surface unit itself but sent it into the pan bottom and ultimately lasted longer.

 

[alr2903]

Tom no typo, she said 1956, keep in mind she is now 92. So I would agree with you. But late 1950 something. I am a 1959, and it's the only stove i remember her ever having. alr2903

 

[Dick_S.]

droppin' the doors, hon!

Smittaaae-Hope you can see what you need to with the shot I have attached.
Terry, as usual, always enjoy reading your replies-they are always so positive and complimentary.
Tom- I thank you for all your remarks about the range. Very informative ...and I will be sure I put nothing on the brushed chrome.
Gary-thanks for the link-I've already been there and printed out a few things.
Hunter- I would love to hear more about your home and what you are doing to take it back. I am posting a few more pics of my place.

 

[Dick_S.]

another shot of house.......

The house is on three levels with two steps down to the living room..............
This is a shot from the entry area looking down into the living room

 

[Dick_S.]

and then

two steps down from the three bedrooms to the flagstone family room, dining room and kitchen.

 

[Dick_S.]

It sports a huge two level covered patio that will be wonderful for all those BBQ's

 

[Dick_S.]

and...............

...is totally landscaped both front and back and sports a three room guest cottage in the back of the property. Just what I need for the washers! ((--::

 

[Dick_S.]

Oh, and a planter at the edge of the dining room

 

[Dick_S.]

It will be totally "period" when I'm done including the 57 pastel pank LK pair set against a hot turquoise background in the area to the cars in the garage!

Just love the house but you want to know something-----I'm still having problems with beginning the dismantling process on the rooms in my little cabin that I've called home for so many years. And disconnecting all my washers.

 

[spankomatic]

Nice stove! Nice Kitchenaid dishwasher too... Very cool house. I like the slab floors and stone work. Show more photos when you can.

Jim

 

[qsd-dan]

Wow! What an awesome house with endless possibilities. Congrats!!