Cool Westy Fridge in Madison, WI

[swestoyz]

There are hundreds of 50's fridges out on CL at this very moment, but this particular Westy caught my eye. Anyone seen this model with the separate green panel over the freezer area? Guessing Mid 50's. Is this one that counts the amount of times the door is opened for the frost-free feature?

Ben

http://madison.craigslist.org/app/2923520221.html

 

[swestoyz]

Interior shot. One clean fridge!!

 

[arbilab]

The square button at the top right counts door openings. It was round on older models.

 

[appliguy]

Wow

That is the first 1956 Westinghouse Fridge I have seen for real....it's just gorgeous.... these fridges had interchangeable panels in Westinghouse's "Confection Colors" so you could come up with a whole slew of two tone color combos for your fridge........here is a link to a commercial for a 1956 Westinghouse fridge with a bottom mount freezer on youtube......PAT COFFEY

 

[rp2813]

That's a very nice looking fridge.  Considering my luck, I wouldn't take a $100 gamble on it being a simple fix.

 

[norgeway]

I bet I can fix it!!

Cheaper than anything...the starting relay on these old Westinghouses is in the thermostat itself..if they are unplugged and stand a while...the trapped moisture makes it stick, I have seen three that did this, all you have to do is bang on the thermostat knob with your fist, it jars loose and operates just like new..

 

[swestoyz]

You know, Madison isn't that far away......

Hum.....(message sent)[this post was last edited: 3/28/2012-08:30]

 

[combo52]

Cool WH Refergerator

This one looks to be in really good condition Ben, it is very unusual to see WH refs that are not all broken up on the inside as they had a lot of problems with plastic fittings. Frigidaire and GE-HP did a much better job with plastic parts during this time period. This could have a stuck thermostat or bad relay-overload or other electrical problem. I think that you should go for it Ben as there are not many WHs refs that have survived from this time period.

 

[norgeway]

WH fridges!

I agree with john about the plastic parts, I think the WH fridges of this time period were great running boxes, for some reason they will keep ice cream firm, while GEs and Frigidaires wont, my Aunt has a 55 Frost Free with juice dispensers in it, she has never had a service call on it, it dosent defrost any more, but just sits there and quietly keeps on going! pretty good for 57 years old, I have never understood how WH could keep ice cream hard and yet not freeze fresh food, my cousin had a 56 Hotpoint and to keep ice cream you had to either turn it as cold as it would go...and have your milk frozen too, or put the ice cream in a metal container, I had a 50 Frigidaire and it was the same way, but my Grandmothers 50 Westinghouse kept ice cream hard as a brick, those old WHs said Colder Cold...and it was true!!! Of course all the fridges with a seperate freezer kept stuff frozen, im talking about single door fridges.

 

[swestoyz]

I've been in communication with the seller. I'll keep you guys posted on how this turns out.

I'm sticking true to Robert's Rule - 1 in, 1 out! Not to figure out which of 5 refrigerators are going to the curb.

Ben

 

[polkanut]

I saw an unusual WH fridge today in a dark brown that no door shelves.  It did have a separate freezer door though.  I didn't see a price on it, but it did look like it was missing a shelf or 2.

 

[goatfarmer]

Go get it, Ben!

 

[swestoyz]

Well Gang - I made a day trip to Madison. Never been there - beautiful city with plenty to do downtown. I was given several suggestions of places to eat - certainly will try them all on my next visit.

 

[swestoyz]

The panel isn't plastic like I was expecting. Instead it is some sort of matting over a shell. It has bubbled in a few places, but it should clean up nicely.

 

[swestoyz]

I'd say the fridge is a 8 out of 10, condition wise inside. All the plastic parts that need to be solid are mint on the inside. I believe it is either missing an extra dozen egg storage or something else above the 1 dozen egg storage, as well as 1 shelf. Otherwise, it's all there.

 

[swestoyz]

The kid was right - when you plug it in, it does nothing. The light does turn on, but when you turn the thermostat to anything but off, you hear it click but then nothing. The fan also does not kick on which would be a good sign as it appears it is wired in series with the compressor.

After checking the wiring diagram, there are a few things to poke around before calling this one a dud.

Oh and one last thing - this is the widest appliance I've had to haul in the basement, requiring the basement door to come off, as well as the fridge door handle. I gave up tonight trying to get the handle back on. I'll give it another attempt when I feel like getting mentally abused by another appliance.

Ben

 

[goatfarmer]

Great 'fridge, Ben. Let's hope it's an easy fix.

 

I like eating at the Prime Quarter, in that area. You get to choose, AND grill your own steaks. We stay in Janesville a few times a year, for the Jefferson Swap Meet, and make sure to eat there.

 

[polkanut]

Oh for sure!

Madison has a very eclectic restaurant scene especially being a college town, and the UW attracts professors and students from around the world.  You can find just about any cuisine that may interest you.  Let me know when you plan on going back.  It would be great if we could meet up as I only live about 2 hours north.

 

[westingman123]

Wowee wow wow. That's one purty fridge.