Frigidaire 1-18 gets a makeover!

[westytoploader]

Let's just say my 1-18 (model WC) has never been the prettiest machine, mostly thanks to 27 years of hard use and the previous owners using Spray & Wash and ruining the finish and overlay on the old control panel. I did the mechanical work during the summer, but I hadn't run the machine for a couple of months recently, because I needed to do some much-needed maintenence on it and locate an ever-elusive 3/4" drain hose, which I finally found! So after a new drain hose, silicone spray on the snubber, a good cleaning inside the cabinet, and a new hose that connects the water valve to the fill flume, it was time to move on to the other, more serious, cosmetic problem.

I never thought I would find or come across another control panel, until last week, when Greg M. in Massachusetts offered me a MINT panel that appeared to have never been used!! So 2 weeks ago, it arrived, and the weekend before last, I switched them out. The new timer turned much more smoothly than the old, so I put the old motor in. I also jumped the lidswitch, which made way for another addition...A WINDOW LID!!

I decided to give it a try with the new panel, and what would be better than to do a huge towel load that the 1-18 is best known for!! And, we seem to be snubbing and braking well on spin, unlike when I first brought it home! Yes, the tub actually "bounces back" like it should after the machine stops!

Here are the pictures, before and after the makeover. What a difference!!!

--Austin

http://automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/00ShowCollectionGETD.cgi?photoshow=28@1-18%20as%20of%20May%[email protected]&dir=/COLLECTIONS/WESTYTOPLOADER

 

[toggleswitch]

Gorgeous job junior!

 

[compwhiz128]

Nice!

That would be awesome if it had a knob to adjust the spin speed, I had a dream that I found one like that.

 

[lavamat_jon]

Woop!

That looks fandabbydozey . Great work!

All ready for the December wash-in yet?

Jon

 

[Unimatic1140]

Wow Austin, it looks just beautiful, I'm impressed. Congrats on a job well done!

 

[westytoploader]

Thanks guys! The tub's leaning to the back a little bit on spin, so the snubber might need some adjustment, but I'm not going to mess with that until the wash-in, when everyone is out and can "oversee" the operation and possibly help correct the problem. I've had the front off and moved the tub back & forth from the top a gazillion times in an attempt to straighten it out...but I digress. It balances OK, just leans.

Corey, if I remember correctly, the 1969 WXP and "High Fashion" WXN Rollermatics (solid-tub machine) had an infinitely variable agitation and spin control. They are both EXTREMELY rare though!

 

[drmitch]

That made a cool washer Austin! Looks great! Looks like your enjoying your laundry room!

 

[petek]

What a difference now eh? (that's my Canadian "eh" ) LOL

 

[appnut]

Austin, soo cool. I'm getting soo excited. Frigidaire row. Can't wait--laundry is collecting.

 

[bethann]

Good job Austin. It looks so much better!

 

[mayken4now]

I am so excited! I will play with my twin when I get there! It looks great Austin!
Steve

 

[DADoES]

I had a quick look at it with the original panel, but haven't yet seen the machine run. I'm in for a treat!

 

[rickr]

That machine looks soooooo much better! And the window lid is a great added touch also. It looks much like the 1971 Gold Crown I had for many years,right down to the Harvest Gold color.

 

[gregm]

great pics

wow, your welcome and it sure looks great, what a difference, before and after .......... very glad it worked out for you, I don't know about that one but I know I polished another one of my consoles with "jubilee" kitchen/appliance wax, it helps protect and those consoles scratch and mark easily, you can only use mild, liquid soaps, NOTHING ABRASIVE WHATSOEVER. After cleaning, the wax helps provide a "stronger" finish less susceptible to scratches or markings from detergents or otherwise ..........

My mom use to polish all her appliances with "jubilee" and her formica countertops. You can still buy it on the internet but not in stores ..............

Hope you and your family had a nice thanksgiving.

 

[petek]

Wow Jubilee. That's a name I had long forgotten. My mother also used it. Came in a round glass bottle with screw top cap didn't it. And the smell, I can almost remember it.

 

[foraloysius]

Austin, great makeover. I love the window in the lid too. But what is that? You're washing towels in cold water? Oy! LOL

 

[appnut]

Luigi, maybe the water heater will be installed by the wash-in. Everybody ship your towels in LOL!!

 

[rinso]

Beautiful job of restoration! It almost brough tears to my eyes. I still feel that the 1-18 was one of the best washing machines ever made.

 

[agiflow]

Great job Austin!!