Finally Found One - Kelvinator Foodarama

[58limited]

Hi Hydralique, I was updating my post above as you typed your post. I'm reaching the conclusion that I will need to check the relay and, as noted above, I may have to remove the compressor assembly to gain access. My boss' son runs an A/C business that also works on appliances. I'll get him to take this project over since he has the freon recovery equipment and the know-how.

 

[hydralique]

Letting a pro check out the system is probably a good idea as refrigerators are much pickier about refrigerant charge levels than a/c systems and an incorrect charge isn't good for one. Looking at the photos, I'd be sorely tempted to cut a little inspection hatch in the left hand side of the box and make a removable cover for it. Of course it would be a deviation from stock, but in a unit this old it would be really nice to be able to service items like the fan, relays and capacitors without having to discharge the whole system.

 

Good luck with it; when I was small my family had one too, though a later model.

 

[58limited]

Service Hatch

Not a bad idea.

 

[58limited]

I've been talking with a guy on the Chambers forum who has two Foodaramas. He pointed out that there is enough slack to slide the compressor chassis out the back without undoing the refrigerant lines. The chassis is held on by 4 bolts. The date code on the compressor is April 1955. According to the tag on the front of the condenser, this unit holds 1 lb of freon, I would have guessed more.

 

[58limited]

Here is a closeup of the relay that mounts to the compressor. As soon as I verify with my friend that it is wired correctly, I'll check the connections leading to the thermostats and make sure a wire was not crossed. Since the fan wires are connected to the same terminals as the power wires, I'm assuming that the fan motor is out since it doesn't turn on with the compressor - the wires go directly to the fan, not to a thermal switch.

 

[goatfarmer]

That condenser fan needs to be running when the compressor runs, I'm betting that the fan itself is bad. They used a similar style of fan for years in GE 'fridges for sure, along with others. 3 bolts on the back hold it to the mount.

 

[58limited]

I guessed as much. I'll pull the fan and see about either rewiring it or finding a replacement. As soon as the wiring is situated and the fridge is running as it is supposed to, I'm going to start disassembly and get ready to paint it, weather permitting. Gotta stop now and move everything back into the garage - rain coming.

 

[58limited]

I've talked with the seller, his daughter apparently has the juice containers and is mailing them to me. I'm betting she saw them in dad's old fridge and thought "Neat, I'm taking these." Dad got onto her and now they are on their way - I hope.

 

[58limited]

For reference: If anyone acquires a Foodarama and the fan motor by the condenser  isn't working, here is the replacement part number:

 

A.O. Smith (now Century I think) UB04CWLA2F

 

The original is a GE motor, part # 5KSP51AL63C

 

[58limited]

The new fan motor arrived Wednesday and I just installed it. The fan works fine so I remounted the compressor chassis. Now to sort out the wiring....

 

The seller mailed the juice containers on Wednesday and said that I should have them Monday (tomorrow).

 

[alr2903]

58Limited,  Congratulations on your find. I wish you the best with your restoration.  How much does a  Foodarama weigh?  alr

 

[58limited]

The original shipping weight was 565 lbs - not sure if that included a wooden crate.

 

Specifications:

 

<div>60" Tall X 47 3/4" Wide X 26 1/2" Deep if you include the handles and doors, if not, then it's only 19 3/8" deep.

The Freezer door is 19 1/4" Wide and the refrigerator door is 28 3/8" Wide. So with both doors open all the way, the width becomes 61 1/4".</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Total Capacity: 15.9 cu. ft.
Frozen Storage Capacity: 4.7 cu. ft. (166 lbs.)
Shelf Area: 27.3 sp. ft. NEMA
Fresh Food Storage Capacity: 11.2 cu. ft.
Shipping Weight: 565 lbs. (approx.)</div>
<div>As big as it is, the Foodarama is a rather short refrigerator.</div>

 

[alr2903]

58Limited,  Thanks for the info.  I have always admired the Foodarama.  I am looking forward to seeing the finished photo's. I bet the original delivery guys in the 1950's, scheduled delivery of these early in the day, while well rested. Best of luck. alr

 

 

[58limited]

The juice pitchers arrived today - Finally!

 

[58limited]

They are not very big: 6 3/4" X 4 1/2" X 2"

 

[travis]

David,

For years a 6 oz bottle of Coke was the norm. Get your tiny juice glasses ready!

 

[westie2]

Looking at the size od them I bet made to hold one of the small frozen cans od orange or grape juice concentrate with the 3 cans of water added.  Just the right size to do up the night before to have for breakfast.  Now you have a complete Food A Rama.

 

[maddymox]

kelvinator foodarama

hello 58limited lovely fridge.im new to forum and was wondering if you have any spares for the foodarama.i have recently imported one from illinois to the uk.It needs work but i love it soooo much.hope you can help.

 

[58limited]

Very nice Foodarama, congratulations. Unfortunately someone else bought the parts Foodarama so I have no spare parts.

 

[rickr]

Congrats on the Food a Rama! I am sure you will find the parts you need. It just will take some time. Love the handle design of this year.