Finally found Grandma’s Filter Flo…

[ianbobian]

This has been a bucket list machine for a long time. Grandparents bought the exact same set new, the washer died in 2013 or so and was replaced. I’ve been on the hunt for the same set for quite a while now and these will be my new daily drivers. Curious as to if anyone can pinpoint the general year before I pick them up tomorrow. I know they’re at least late 80’s early 90’s as the cabinets seem to change multiple times in that period. Brochures would be a bonus! my earliest memories are sitting on the dryer helping my grandma do the laundry and getting to watch the machine do its thing. So excited to have this! And hoping my grandma might still have accessories from hers she’ll be willing to part with.

 

[pulltostart]

Ian,

I can't be certain, since these are Canadian models, but they're definitely among the last of the Filter-Flos.  The dryer cabinet has already been switched to the next design, although it retains the old FF top.  I believe the comparable US pair would have a Rim Flo washer.  Definitely early 1990's.

 

lawrence

 

[ianbobian]

Oh great! Another Canadian model in my household lol! I think the only non-Canadian models I have are the Kenmore portable and the Maytag. Didn’t realize there were Canadian and US model Filter Flo’s, very interesting. What made these different from an American model?

 

[nmassman44]

Well the dual language English and Quebec French on the control panels and the white washbasket is a dead giveaway. Both washer and dryer are made by Camco in Canada.

 

[ianbobian]

So just the obvious French text and the white tubs made these different from US models, otherwise the same? Interesting about Camco, would love to know more on that too - these are all I’ve ever known, and made under different names as well (Hotpoint, Beaumark, Viking)

 

[repairguy]

Congrats! These would’ve been circa 1993-1995 in the states based on the control panels. As mentioned the dryer is already the newer design. I have a 1992 Hotpoint rim flo with a white tub.

 

[barcoboy]

ianbobian, I can't tell by the photos... what do the control panels say the manufacturer is? My Canadian Filter-Flo set has dark tubs and GE badges on the control panels, but the small model/serial number plate on each machine confirms they were made by Camco.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Yep, these are the last of the FF around 93-94. We know this because the control panel SHAPE changed for the first time on a GE since the 1960s. It became slanted and elevated more. They were also using thinner metal in general.

I had a Hotpoint from the early 90s where the motor literally fell out because the mountings for the motor was so thin it just broke.

 

[ianbobian]

Barcoboy, yep, these are GE units as well. I’m going to have to double check with my grandma on if hers had a white or dark tub, I am pretty sure it was white as well.
bradfordwhite, hmmm I have to wonder if that’s what happened to my grandparents machine! My grandmother doesn’t know, she was just told “it wasn’t fixable”.
Picking them up today, so I’ll have a lot more photos later on.

 

[ianbobian]

They’re home!

Got them! Turns out they’re made in February 1995! Here’s some more pictures needs a good cosmetic cleaning but otherwise in nice shape!

 

[potatochips]

Congratulations! I had this exact machine in white. It was bad though, bad outter tub and basket mount on the transmission. I got this machine right around when I took a hiatus from collecting. Pictures of it are in my post history somewhere, and since you're not a premium member, I'll post the thread for you!

 

Canadian models had some cool differences between the US machines. As mentioned, the basket colours (white, pure black, blue speckled white, weird shades of grey), serviceable pumps that were bolted together, and if you had a GE machine from the 80s you would experience symbol city instead of English/Frensh (which I prefer symbols way more). Often times too the extra large capacity machines would use large cap agitators with an extender on them. 

 

Here is my thread.

 

Interesting to note, most of the non GE filter flos that were Beaumark, Moffat, Hotpoint, Viking, etc... the top of the line machines seemed to be three speed options, five temperatures, and infinite water level. All the timers seem to be identical in programming too. 

A near final Canadian filter flo

This popped up on Kijiji for $20, couldnt lose. Its a TOL Canadian filter flo from April of 1993, just before NAFTA became a thing. I wanted this machine since it was unique, being TOL, and since I was also looking for a machine with a good outer tub and transmission. However, as you will...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[bradfordwhite]

I'm happy for you finding something you've been looking for for awhile. That's such a rewarding feeling.

Be sure and check the area where the motor mounts to the the frame for signs of cracking.

These consoles were the first modular control panels that with the simple removal of a few screws would push slightly forward and could be removed entirely. Previous models had the control panel mounted on with screws and it wasn't easy to remove.

As for the the electrical controls they seem very similar to U.S. made

 

[ianbobian]

All moved in and just waiting on a plumber…

Almost ready to fire this up. I have the setup complete, just need the plumber to hook everything up and I’ll be washing again. Very excited. Here’s the new setup, with lots of room for the portables to be hooked up to the sink as well.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

speeds

How many speeds are on this washer?