Frigidaire 1-18

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

jetstream

Active member
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
28
Does anyone who owns a 1-18 or know about the 1-18's, whether GM produced a washer that featured a Soak, Pre-Wash and Extra Rinse cycles. Also with (5)Wash & Rinse Temperatures, (4)Wash & Spin Speed Combinations, a Infinite(5)Water Levels (selector:MAXI, LARGE, MEDIUM, SMALL & MINI) and a 3 Speed Motor?
 
Frigidaire 1-18

Yes the Top of the Line Models had most the features you describe when Frigidare introduced the 1-18 models back in 1970-71. I don't remember if there was a pre-wash cycle option. There were 6 models of washer and dryers when first introduced. The matching gas dryer, caused the repairman to visit us to replace the igniter 3 times in 15 yrs. However the TOL washer had a 30 min. soak cycle, extra rinse option, a 3 speed motor to have a handwash setting. The fabric selector made the temperature & speed settings. There as a chart printed on the inside of the lid explaining all settings. There was a cold water option selector also.
 
Frigidaire 1-18

Thanks for the feedback. I thought the Frigidaire 1-18's were always a HOT topic in the (VWFI) so I immediately expected tons of responses when I posted my 1st thread #11110. (Peteski50) was the only member who answered me and welcomed me to the club. That's because I mention it to him. After I posted this thread #11216 and no response, I deleted myself from the club because I didn't know what to make of . Ironically, that's when a couple of others responded to my post. Can someone take a look at my 1st post and tell me if I'm was asking too much for a "newone"?
 
Frigidaire 1-18

Mixguy and Mixfinder would you guys by any chance know the model number and have any photos of this washer. Eventually, I love to buy one.
 
Not called pre-wash, it was simply a Soak Cycle.

My mother used to use the Soak cycle on her Frigidaire(Rapidry 1000) for bleaching(sheets). When the soak was done, it would spin out, then shut off. She would then add other clothes and advance to a regular wash cycle.
The overflow rinse was great in that machine.
 
Frigidaire 1-18

I wonder how effective would the "Overflow Rinse" be if used in modern washers combined with long spin spray rinses. I think it would be more water efficient than a new tub of rinse water with the additional spray rinses.
 
Frigidaire 1-18 Model Nos.

All I recall is that the models were all letters WSA, WAIS,etc. My mom kept that literature on file for years. She purged her files after she bought the Maytag set. They made a point of showing serviceablity having a detachable console with just two screws to remove and one electical harness to unplug, and a removable front panel showing most major parts could be accessed without moving the washer. One selling point in the literature is that their spin was faster than most other automatics being near 800 (770) rpm, (not sure which is correct). The spin of one of these models did go to 1,100 rpm. but it was not the TOL model. Only one model has the Suds saver option available. Dials were chrome plated except the BOL which was white plastic of the same shape. The staggering of features at the time I thought was strange becase there was no one washer with all those features. I remember how mom did not like the "bed of nails" lint filter. She had to tap the lint filter in the sink to clean it. It had to be tapped kind of hard & loud and it often woke up people at home that were asleep. The design in later models was changed to a perforated "basket" that fit in the same slot.
 
Model WCI

Here is a console shot (middle photo) of what I think was the top of the line as far as features went during this model year (1976?).

It has a Fabrics selector which gives you your water temp and speed combinations based on fabric type which is decoded by looking at a chart printed on the underside of the lid.

The Options selector gives you Extended Soak, Soak, Pre-Wash with Extra Rinse, Normal, Wash with Extra Rinse, Pre-Wash with Wash.

Then there is the Cold Water Control and the infinite Water Level Control.

The cycle names printed around the cycle selector are Permanent Press/Knits, Pre-Wash, Regular, and Extra Rinse.

To top it all off it has the lighted console.

Unfortunately I only have a picture of this machine but consider it a holy grail model and would kill to have it.

Hope this helps you! Welcome to the club. Patrick

4-10-2007-12-19-1--pdub.jpg
 
NICEEEEE!!! Thanks alot for the photos Patrick, I really appreciate them. I'm really glad I found this site. I have so many questions about these machines. I wonder if the WCI model is the closest to the WEG "Holy Grail" washer ,as far as features. Mixguy I thought the 1-18's highest speed spin was "660 RPM". As for the Jet-Flow filter system (dribble-drip), suppose the "bed-of-nails" were chopped down (shortened). Maybe the more water would move through it faster. Patrick, on the water level selector, is NORMAL the same as(large)? Are they noisey, if so, have you thought about lining the cabinet with sound-absorbant dampening materials? That's what I will do when I get mine. Do you guys know whether the pulsation stroke is 1 7/8" or 1 1/4" in the 1-18's and also what are the "ribs" at the bottom of the washtub used for? If you guys you'd wondered why I asked for the (LxWxD) dimensions for the Jet-Cone agitator, it's because I drafted my own (ENHANCED) version of the agitator. That will clean MORE powerfully and will be able to wash MORE clothes in the same tub.
 
I'm glad you liked the photo's. As far as the bed of nails lint filter, I don't think cutting down the nails would change the flow of water as it has to do with what the recirculation pump is putting out.

I would say on the water level selector you could think of Normal as Large. Your mileage may vary. Some fill higher than others but the internal water level switch is adjustable so that's a plus if it's not to your liking.

I too have thought about the sound dampening materials out there and lining the inside of the cabinet but have never gotten around to doing it. I think it would make a big difference.

Here's a pic of the ribs at the bottom of the tub. Excuse the not perfectly clean agitator cap as this was a just arrived pic and hadn't been touched yet. I think the ribs are for directing water flow as the agitator pulses but whether they really make a difference, I don't know.

So are you just beginning your search for your machines or do you already have your eye on a set?

Patrick

4-11-2007-10-59-22--pdub.jpg
 
Intrigued

Someone has an over-the-top push button model with all the options. Pictures of it were posted here some months ago--maybe by trainguy, not sure. But it looked like the 1-18 that God must have!

But you've really got me fired up about the suds-return. I was under the impression that the 1-18's did not come with that feature. If it's true then that is a dream come true for me. Can you get ahold of the details. Thank You.
 
I'm just starting my search because until recently I never imagined that I could buy a Jet-Cone washer, almost 20 yrs later after discontinued. If the WCI is closest to the WEG then that is the model I want. To have a 1-18 with the same features as the WEG, without the pushbuttons would be great. The just arrive photo is cool as is, don't worry about how the cap looks. Patrick how well does the Jet-Cone agitator TURNOVER the washloads using the MINI & SMALL load size levels? How does it circulate smaller loads when using less water. The 1-18 washtub is pretty BIG, but how does it compare to the "Norgetag" washtubs? This is for anyone that owns a 1-18, have you guys ever tried to find out just how many (pounds of clothes) these machines can handle. Gather the biggest load of clothes together, weigh all the items that can fit comfortably, filling the entire tub, then wash them. Of course, not to overload it but, the load still turns-over smoothly. You'll be able to compare the results with the Kenmore Elite TL 3.2 cu.ft(17 lbs.) since they have one of the largest capacities. Peter is the picture of the consoles from a catalog booklet? If you don't mined, post more pics when you have some available.
Harry
 
Differences in 1-18 Models

When first introduced, most 1-18 models had two cycles on their timers. One for the was wash cycle and another for the 30 min soak cycle. The only exception was the top of the line model having pre-wash, and extra rinse added to the timer settings. Too bad most appliance manufacturers don't keep a sample of each model they produce.
 
Found out what happened to Mom's avocado 1-18

Mom's old 1-18 was doing fine until until hurricane Rita struck. It was in a house in rural Vermilion parish what badly damaged by the combination of tidal surge, high tide and south-east winds. The wood frame house was not long ago abandoned because the owner had died a few month earlier and the family was undecided what to do with the house.
 
Top-o-the line

Here is a pic that was posted here in the past just to wet your appetite. I think this machine belongs to a neighbor of gansky's and that should they ever part with the set, he already has dibs on them. Also, someone on the East Coast has either the washer or just the control panel but these definitely are a rare breed, maybe only made at the end just before the closure of the GM factories. Anyway, start drooling!

4-12-2007-23-02-20--pdub.jpg
 
Bingo!!!!!!!!!

Patrick, that's the baby--how did you ever find it? You're so good. Who wouldn't kill for that.

While we're here, have you ever heard of a 1-18 with a suds-return?

Great bedtime treat--thanks!
 
Back
Top