Filterflo Saved

[gefilterflo]

I joined this forum back in 2009 because of my grandfather's old 1992 GE Filterflo, which was leaking. Upon the advice of the forum, I decided to look into fixing it and have since got the leak fixed and cleaned it all up.

 

[gefilterflo]

He passed away last year and his house is about to be sold. Because of all the interesting things I have learned on this forum over the years, I decided to pull the washer out of the basement and sell my portable World-Washer and my 110 volt dryer and upgrade to at least standard capacity machines. I figured that I would use the recently-repaired GE myself.

 

[gefilterflo]

I spent a great deal of time fixing it and I figured it would pay off over the years, even if it does only last a few more. It still had the manual, receipt, filter pan, fabric softener dispenser and the mini-basket with it. [this post was last edited: 5/17/2012-13:20]

 

[gefilterflo]

And the porcelain basket was in great shape, too.

 

[gefilterflo]

So I set out to find a dryer to go with my "new" Filterflo. It had a 1975 big-load GE with it, but it was gas, didn't work very well and wouldn't fit past some custom shelving that had been installed in the 80s, so I set off to find a dryer. I know that the general opinion of the masses is that Whirlpool 29" dryers are reliable and solid dryers, so I tried to find one that was inexpensive and somewhat close to the house. I found a 1994 Kenmore 60 Series electric dryer for $45.00 two miles from my house.

 

[gefilterflo]

It wasn't very pretty and it was in need of cleaning, but I got all the lint out and changed a seal around the filter tube and plugged her in. Quiet and very powerful. It worked far better than the GE ever could have. It even had an end-of-cycle signal.

 

[macboy91si]

GE FF

I'm glad you saved this machine, it looks to be in good shape. I liked the story and sorry to hear about your loss, the machine will have sentimental value in addition to functionality. Remember, the only thing that really matters when it comes to collecting anything is the relationship it has to YOU.

 

This is a later machine, it's the big capacity machine, a nice mid-range machine. The Mini-basket is a nice add-on to still have as well.

 

-Tim

 

[gefilterflo]

It had some gum melted in on the drum but a little goof-off made quick work of that and she's ready to go. The drum was not as blue-tinged as I would have expected, either.

Now I know this post is quickly becoming rather long-winded, but it has a purpose (somewhere, at least.) I want to say, "thank you," to all of the fine people of AutomaticWasher.org. I never would have had the ability to do any of this stuff, nor would I have saved the Filterflo, for which I now have a great admiration. The repairs and restorations documented here are magnificent and I have much respect for those who are able to restore these things with such prowess. Thank you, everyone. You provide a great service and I have learned so much about washers and dryers and I can't thank you enough. You guys are all AWESOME! I hope someday I can contribute something worthwhile to everyone else.

Tony T.

 

[gefilterflo]

Thanks, Tim! Your posts about your Spotscrubber-Hotpoint conversion were extremely beneficial when it came down to tear in to this bad boy. I studied those pictures extensively.

The receipt stated that the washer was purchased in January of 1992; I think from what I have seen that this was one of the last of the Filterflos to have the standard-looking console before they were slanted back in a Whirlpool-esque way.

 

[macboy91si]

Posts

You're very welcome, I'm glad they provided some help. I think this is a good combination of units, I really wouldn't pick a GE dryer if I had other choices due to the proximity of the heater to the clothes. I've had large items that couldn't move freely in the drum be singed in the back of the drum. This is a very solid dryer, and I really do like the WP designed dryers. Relatively fast, big and super easy to service. If you don't care about a matched set, I think you have a functionally great pair.

 

You should give yourself more credit though, after all, in the end YOU made it happen.

 

-Tim

 

 

 

[mrb627]

Nice Filter-Flo

That machine looks to be in MINT condition. Good Save.

Malcolm

 

[supersuds]

I like that control panel a lot, and the backstory of the machine is wonderful. Good job.

And I agree, AW.org people are the greatest!

 

[mtn1584]

I bought the same machine in 1991

the only difference being 4 water levels instead of the variable, and the pre-wash cycle, was a mini-quick cycle to use with the mini basket. I wish I never got rid of this machine, it never gave me a problem for nine years, and then I bought a ninety series Kenmore because I got tired of the filter-flo....big mistake
good luck
Mike

 

[frigilux]

Wow, that washer is in mint condition. And it has a ramped agitator, too. Nice!

 

[gansky1]

That does look mint! Great job on the restore and clean up.

Don't you wish the dryer signal was actually a horn? That would be so fun - honk honk!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

HI Tony,

I have to say, THANKS for sharing your photos and story. I'll bet I looked at this thread ten times over the weekend in admiration.

I think the washer is a particularly good looking model, and you've done a stunning job cleaning it up and bringing it back for further use. It looks out of box fresh! I remmeber thinking that control panel was really striking when I saw them in the stores, circa 1992 or so.

I think you made a great choice in the dryer too. The panels are even somewhat similar, being black, red and silver/white. I'm very impressed.

I think you'll be much happier with these machines vs. your previous set, and I wish you luck with them!

Gordon

 

[gefilterflo]

Thanks, guys!

Yeah, that Kenmore dryer is not quite a match to the GE but it works so well that it doesn't matter much to me that they aren't the same color or brand. I did notice how similar they looked right next to each other. It's nice that they were only two years apart. I was very impressed with the quality of both of them when I had them open for cleaning and maintenance.

That dryer signal would be much better were it really a horn. It's nice, though, that it isn't the old big-load GE dryer's buzzer that would constantly buzz until one went down to the basement and shut it off. This one in the 60 series sounds exactly the same as my former portable dryer's buzzer.

I'm flattered that you like my work, Gordon; that means a great deal to me coming from someone who used to rebuild them for a living. I actually thought of you when I bought the dryer because of your '79 60 series. The pictures on CL weren't clear enough to see what it was. It's surprising to me how accurate the Auto Dry is even without a sensor. It does its thing, buzzes and shuts off.

Tony

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice washer!!  I'll have to look, but I might have the matching GE dryer.

 

[whirlcool]

You'll love that dryer. It'll probably last you 25 years or so. Those Kenmore/Whirlpool dryers with the filter on top are VERY reliable machines and dry your clothing very well without over drying.