Early 70's ish GE Gas Dryer For Daily Driver?

[DigAPony]

Would this GE gas dryer be safe for regular use? Looks to be about 1973 vintage? If not, what service would be necessary.

I've had three of these over the years; two electric, one gas, perhaps not the best in some respects but I liked them and they were/are all trouble free until the '69 electric model stopped heating.

http://cnj.craigslist.org/app/3676478799.html

 

[tomturbomatic]

It will probably need some reconditioning, but should be a safe, dependable dryer.

 

[dnastrau]

1973

Yes - I'd bet that 1973 is about right since my grandmother's '73 GE set looked just like that style.

 

[bajaespuma]

No better dryers ever made. And yes, I know, them's figh

Or 1972. It's an oddball model, somewhere between the 7900 and the 6200 and I'd grab it if it were closer. GE gas dryers were fast and pretty accurate especially if one was lucky enough to have natural gas service.

 

We had the electric 7900 and it had to have been the best dryer my Family ever owned. When I visited the house it had been in a couple of years back it was still in service, almost 40 years later.

 

[kenmoreguy89]

This is what I think:

If you make sure all the piping does not leak,  burner and devices, so thermostats, safety thermostats and everything works as it should  and is in good working conditon I don't see why it should not be safe...

To be even more safe you might have to change few parts if they looks  bad (such maybe thermostats) and clean from possible lint and dust .. if burner looks good  and works fine it likely will do so for very long, eventually replace that one also if looks bad, rusted etc.....

You know as Tom condensed in a word: "Reconditioning"....
That's the checking procedure everyone should follow when purchasing an used dryer from a private, you never know... but not because it is "vintage", actually I'd be more concerned from newer stuff rather than old ... looks like it's very well taken overall, and then  likely you might have more problems and threats with a newer one...

That's what I think....

Good luck with your amazing new dryer!

 

[pulltostart]

Ken,

I agree, 1972 (at the latest).  The graphics on the console were changed for 1973.

 

lawrence

 

[DigAPony]

Okay, I"ll shoot an email and see if still available.

By the way, The painted cabinet and front panel appears yellowed compared to the porcelain top. Is that from overheating, UV rays or what?

 

[bajaespuma]

My front panel and my cabinet appear yellowed compared to my top. It's from being 56 years old.

 

[brianl]

Hey DigAPony...

Where in NJ are you? If you need provisions to get it home, I can certainly attempt to help you out.

 

[DigAPony]

Thanks for the offer.

I have a Dodge Grand Caravan that is perfect for transporting washer/dryers. No heavy lifting involved either, just tilt it back and slide in one of the side doors.

Years ago my '87 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme could fit a washer or dryer in the trunk believe it or not. Must've looked crazy to other drivers but try that with a Toyota and Honda.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Try that with a Toyota or Honda...

Yeah, about that. QSD-Dan is (in)famous for that. After a visit to 'The Pile' behind our shop, he had so much stuff to take with him that I don't even know how he got into that Accord to drive home. Just about the only thing missing was a washer tied to the hood like a hunting trophy. Just hysterical. I have pictures somewhere...

RCD

 

[tomturbomatic]

Sometimes yellowed paint can be lightened by taking a cloth slightly dampened with water and putting some fingernail polish remover (acetone) on it and quickly wiping the paint. After this, you need to apply a finish coat over the paint with a polish or car wax of some sort. The paint that WP used in the 60s cleans up very well with this. Others might not.[this post was last edited: 3/17/2013-10:31]

 

[akronman]

daily driver

I have a 66 GE gas dryer as a daily driver----take it all the way apart, get ALL LINT OUT by washing/rinsing the numerous airways/tubes/blower assy/front door. Clean up and oil the motor, check the glides in the front. Check the belt, remove and clean the various thermostats. GE drums are smaller than Whirlpool, but other than that a good design and solid performer, you should have a good daily driver, congratulations

 

 

Here's the picture of YOUR dryer, for the archives. It looks TOL or near, lots of flexible cycles and a buzzer, very nice machine. You know the dryer sheets almost always end up in the lint filter, don't bother using them on a GE. My 66 GE and 92 Hotpoint both have the same minor problems, and both are solid performing gas dryers.