Could this be a 1979 1-18??

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westytoploader

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Used with a 1994-1995 MOL GE dryer. I'm still waiting on a picture of the interior, but I've compared the control panels with Greg's 1979 Frigidaire line info and it looks like a BOL '79 GM. Ironically Frigidaire offered one water level/4 temperature selections with this model...LOL. Something you don't see today! It could also be a single speed (not sure if they offered gentle with this version), as well as a Jet Action 16...

I literally jumped up in the air when I saw this, because at first I thought it was a dryer (silly me). Unfortunately this could also be an early WCI model, since WCI kept the control panel for a long time, even on their early plastic tub machines. Until she sends me more information, can any of you help solve this mystery?

Thanks,
Austin

 
I remember towards the end of the production line, they (GM) were putting the standard "Jet-Action" agitator (from the solid-tub machines) in the 1-16's. I thought that would be kind of cool to see in operation. Maybe this machine is one of them.
 
1-18??

I am usually able to tell from a little closer up. We should all take bets. Let me gamble and say it is the real 1/18 from about 79 or 80. I actually sent the owner a email asking to look for the GM emblem on the console, to determine.
Peter
 
99.9%

Was browsing around San Francisco Craigslist when I saw an 80's WCI Frigidaire washer. Did this little comparison shown here; now I'm 99.9% sure it's a GM Frigidaire washer. Can't wait to see a picture of the interior to solve this mystery!

--A.W.

11-27-2004-19-48-8--westytoploader.jpg
 
The early WCI "Fraud-gidaire" "1-18" also had lids like the White-Westinghouses of the era with convex front and rear edges (sadly, some with GM-era windows, like one trojan-horse top-of-the-line 1-18 I spotted several years ago). The real GM Frigidaire lids had parallel edges.
 
Don't worry Kenny, when she replies I'm going to tell her that I researched it, and this machine is at least 25-30 years old and the design wasn't very reliable (of course we all know this isn't true; as long as you maintain the bellows & DON'T OIL THE ROLLERS--LOL!). With this I could convince her to sell me the dryer only and throw the 1-18 in for free! YAY! The GE dryer, while "plastic-looking" on the outside, still carries the old design (per the control panel; alike to a '94 GE Filter-Flo washer) so I don't have to worry about drum supports wearing out...now if it's gas then that will be a good thing.

I'd still have a WCI Frigidaire if it was window-equipped. The early versions weren't as bad IMHO, with a speckled-porcelain washtub and the Westinghouse rear-mounted recirculating filter. When we move into the "plastic era" (the 80's WCI machine in the comparison had a plastic tub), however, I won't touch one because I know it won't last 1 more day. Even though WCI Frigidaires are still a far cry from the cool GM-made machines, give the earlier versions credit because in the late 80's they REALLY became cheap!

OK, someone slap me ;-)
 
The WCI Frigidaire machine in the comparison photo was a Franklin style machine with the angel-wing agitator in it, similar to the agitator in Robert's Wizard. You can tell by the lid and the panel on the front.
 
Straight-Vane

Actually this particular machine has a straight-vane agitator. The angel-wing would be a lot more fun though...

11-28-2004-13-01-44--westytoploader.jpg
 
1-18

So, are you getting anywhere with the 1-18?
I'm almost positive that it is one, as my parents had both the GM version & the later WCI Frigidaire, & they look different outside Jerry
 
1-18 Conspiracy

I checked the other day and the ad had been pulled, and I didn't receive ANY response from the seller after I emailed her TWICE. I wonder if she saw my "conspiracy" to convince her that the 1-18 wasn't worth anything, realized she had a collectible washer, and pulled the ad...LOL. However, I anxiously waited on this deal which really makes me mad.

I hope a plastic GE spills its water all over her laundry room someday, but on the positive side I think I found a Filter-Flo in Austin to use all the Mini-Basket stuff that Don sent me. YAY!
 

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