Frigidaire 1-18

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jetstream

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Joined
Mar 31, 2007
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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.
 
SudSaver Feature

If any of you ever finds a 1-18 with this feature, please take a photo and post it here. I don't know of anybody who has ever seen this washer in the flesh.

Thanks!
 
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!
 
jetstream & soapnsuds

To answer your question on turnover for small and mini loads, the turnover is good but the action seems a little harsh with so little water and I feel they work best on gentle speed when washing a load this small.

I can guarantee you'll be impressed with the wash action of the 1-18 machine. I can't answer your question on the wash capacity to a Norge since it's been years since I've seen one and it was in a laundromat.

I'll post some more pics soon of more control panels. They came from a 1976 Frigidaire service booklet that I have.

I sure wish I lived near those warehouses in PA and GA that seem to be brim full of 1-18's.

Here is a pic of a set that I picked up at this past fall.

Patrick

4-12-2007-23-14-10--pdub.jpg
 
mickeyd

As far as a suds return I have never seen one. There are references to part numbers for these setups and on the back of the machine below the D for drain there is an S which is probably where the suds return hose outlet would have gone.

I don't think anyone has ever seen one and maybe it was one of those things you had to order and no one did. There is not even a reference to them in the use and care guide.

Patrick

4-12-2007-23-24-5--pdub.jpg
 
Now there's my set!

Nice set Patrick! I have the Harvest Gold WC-6 1976 washer and have been trying to find a dryer to match forever! But I have to admit, the Avacado is my favorite. They look sooooo nice side by side. I'm just green with envy!! ;)

Thanks for the excellent pic's!!
Have a great night--James
 
Thank's for reposting the pic of the WEG Patrick. It's a real beauty.

I'm going to strive for that model or the WCI which basically is the same except it has rotary knobs. MIRACLES can happen.

I love that the WCI has a Hand Washable agitation speed but, doesn't have the Spin Only cycle option and a 5 infinite water level selector.

Glad to know the Jet-Cone washes very effective for smaller loads because some agitators can only clean larger loads.

I've read from Westytoploader that the 1-18's TURNOVER power decreases when using too high a water level.

I notice that alot of the washing pics and video washloads aren't full-to-capacity. Does that mean you cannot load clothes past the top circulator ring, beyond the tub rim.

What about your experience?

Is your 1976 GM Frigidaire service booklet something you had in the past or did you buy it recently? If you did, I love to get one also.

Does it show pics of the other features in the washer, if so, please post them.

I'm in NY closer to PA , what warehouse are you talking about that is filled to the brim with 1-18's.

Please tell me more.

Your set is nice.

Harry
 
jetstream

The service literature booklet (or actually sections to go into a large binder) is something I ordered through WCI-Frigidaire back in the early 80's when I acquired a '76 WC-6 model. At the time you could still get this stuff from Frigidaire by calling an 800 number. Unfortunately this stuff is no longer available.

The other pics the literature shows are mainly service related, not general pics of the machine.

There are some other members here (lightedcontrols, gyrafoam, trainguy, etc.) who reside on the East Coast who have very impressive collections and have posted pics of what look like warehouses full of machines and so this is what I was referring to. Look through the Photo's of Collections tab on the main screen and you'll see what I mean.

Good luck on your search for a top of the line set. The bug has bitten!

Patrick
 
Steve,
I knew someone had just the control panel but couldn't remember who. That's right, the Frigidaire guy gave it to you. You lucky man! Did he happen to say how long they produced a model like this? I was thinking maybe it was the last year before the WCI switch but could be wrong.
Patrick
 
Norges and Norgetags versus the 1-18

In terms of capacity relative to my 20-lb. Norge, the 1-18 kicks it in the head and sends hit home crying. But a lot of that depends on what you're washing. The Fedders Norge is a very capable machine, but bladed agitators don't do well with huge, bulky items, like our California-king comforter, which the Norge can't do anything with, and the 1-18 rolls like a charm. It all depends on your needs and what you're looking for in a washer.

Part of that is also due to the 1-18's deeper tub and higher fill, too.

For the Norgetags (modern Maytags with a Norgesque underpinning and dual-action agitator), I find that they're capable but still not as capacious as the 1-18, mostly due to the fact that the ones I've used don't fill all the way up. Unlike the Fedders Norge or the 1-18, however, they are quiet!

I have found that, for very soiled laundry, the Norge cleans better than the 1-18, depending on what sort of soil it is.
 
Roto204

If the 1-18's Jet-Cone agitator could rollover a Cali-King comforter with ease its washtub must be (3.4 or 3.5 cu.ft) in size.

Whirlpool/Kenmore have some, if not the deepest washtubs in the industry.

Your Whirlpool design 2000 washer tub is (3.0 cu.ft) and is 16" deep from (bottom of tub rim-to-tub bottom).

W/K (3.2 cu.ft) tubs are (16 5/8"),how do you think 1-18 tub compare to them.

What kind of agitator(pics) did the Fedders Norge have?

Why and how can it clean better than the Jet-Cone agitator?
 
Dragalation

Hi jetstream,

Well, cleaning's a matter of perspective. The Norge has a very aggressive agitator wash pattern and some huge vanes at the base that really whack things around. I think that, for really dirty stuff, it really moves detergent and water through the clothes...moreso than the Jet-Cones. Just because something has incredible turnover doesn't mean that it forces a lot of that water through the clothes. Conversely, if something doesn't turn stuff over, you can be sure it won't get very clean (or, it'll come out with a ton of cat hair/lint on it from the stagnant water areas).

The Design 2000 washer tub is capacious and extremely deep but very narrow. It has a very tall agitator, but not a lot of space outward from the agitator through which clothes can move. The 1-18 tub is wide and deep. The Norge tub is wide but not very deep.

Here's a Norge agitator similar to the kind I have (except my agitator pumps water for lint filtering, or "burpalating"). This is from mrmaytag's photos:

4-20-2007-12-28-30--roto204.jpg
 
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