Frigidaire Unimatic washer and dryer

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J

jessed

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 11, 2017
Messages
147
Location
Saint Marys, Pennsylvania
I am looking for a set of Frigidaire unimatic washer and dryer. The 1957 models are my favorite but really any unimatic would do. I would like to purchase the machines in working order as I am really short on time and would not be able to rebuild them myself. Please leave me know if anyone has a set of these machines that they would be willing to part with. It can be any from the wo-65 to the '58 models. Please leave me know
 
Time to start looking at advertising alternatives

Jesse,

I'm sure everyone here understands your desire to find your dream Frigidaire pair, but it's probably time you start looking at alternative advertising techniques.

As the majority of collectors here that have Frigidaire's and other vintage machines would testify, there are plenty of ways to find machines: eg: wanted adverts in local papers, checking craigslist regularly, setting up alerts on craiglist (if that can be done at all), ebay, wanted flyers, going to estate sales etc.

Yes, all of this, plus transport is going to cost money but that is part of being a collector.

I understand a member did come forward and offered you a 1-18 but it had to be transported to you.

If no one else has come forward through this site, then I think its time to start thinking a little 'outside the square'.

Regards
Leon
 
Amen Leon.

Thanks for enlightening this young man.

We all want vintage machines NOW.

How ever patients is a virtue.

Jesse, It took years for me to find my Unimatic. When I was a child growing up there was a Laundromat next to my Dad's business.

As a child, I remember wandering into that laundromat with the fragrance of Tide or Cheer, multiplied by the sound of a bank of Unimatics Pulsating, Solenoids slamming and aromas of starch, bleach and hot cotton being dried.

Jesse, You have to move to acquire these machines. No one is going to drop these in your lap.

It's part of the adventure. Be smart, quick, inovative and clever to figure out a way to get these desirable s.

I wish you well young man. After all we need youngsters to take the helm of AW.org. : )

As you will see in my Avitar pic, I went and rescued a ABC for Turqoisedude because I had the time, he's a great guy, I was on a trip to NJ for a machine for me. and if I ever can would do the same for any other member here.

It's all about taking care and saving machines.

Get a dight creative and your dreams will come true . : )

I wish you the best Young Man...
 
As I have stated before, I am in school and currently have a job. THIS TAKES UP MOST OF MY TIME!!
I am not rich and I don't come from a rich family. I am willing to find a shipping company to get the machines to me. My family does not leave me bring anything home that is not in working order and they cannot see paying for something that is broken. My hands are tied when I comes to this.

I AM SORRY THAT I ASKED FOR PEOPLE TO KEEP A WATCH OUT FOR ME IN THEIR TRAVELS AND IT CAUSED SUCH AN UPROAR!
I SELL SOME OF MY ANTIQES IN MY VARIOUS COLLECTIONS AND I WAS SIMPLY ASKING IF THERE WAS ANYONE WHO WAS GETTING RID OF SOMETHING.

SORRY FOR ANY BAD FEELINGS
 
Jesse,

 

No one has been negative towards you.  We all have read your numerous posts about the desire to have a Unimatic.  I will admit that I got a chuckle out of your desire to have a control tower pair.

 

I am sure that something will come up in time.  The offer from Bob was a good offer.  I realize that you can't travel that far.  I have had numerous machines shipped from all over.  I would suggest that you watch craigslist locally.  I would also suggest that you start putting away whatever money you can to pay for the shipping expense when a machine pops up.  It's highly unlikely that a working Unimatic is going to appear close by.  I had one shipped from Colorado and another was found an hour away.  Neither of these worked.

 

If you are patient, something will appear.
 
KENNY

You wouldn't see it if it hit you.You have hundreds of rare machines in a
barn,remember ?Why don't you email him your standard answer.

I have 6 of them in my barn.You must drive to Mars to get 1 and no guarantees.
 
Duke,

 

No one has been unkind to anyone here.  Kenny is a lot like me, we have more stuff than we will ever get to.  I save things because I want them to be saved.  I seldom expect appliances to work properly.  I certainly wouldn't ever guarantee anything in my garage to be without issue.

 

Kenny has offered various members appliances for free or close to it.  I understand that the distance is a problem, but the drive to see Kenny isn't his problem, it's the one going to him. 

 

Everyone that wants something will eventually find it.  The key is having patience and a little cash when that time comes.

 

Maybe John L. has something excess in the museum.  Jesse and John appear to be 4.5 hrs away.  That's "right around the corner" in appliance terms.
 
I'll chime in..

I'm young, I know what it's like being excited about these vintage machines. Us younger guys didn't get to see them around all over the place like you guys did. We did not have that experience, sadly. What excites me is owning a piece of history and sharing it for future generations. But, Jesse, one will come along. There is one out there with your name on it. People who frequent automatic washer know that you want one. I want one as well, but, I am going to be patient. I have been very fortunate to find what I have found. Keep checking all of your sources, call dealers, place ads on Craigslist etc. One will turn up in time, It may not be for another year, or 5, but it will!
You live in a good part of the country where there are basements and older people who kept everything still may have one around.
I have found some of my best vacuums and washers from Craigslist, estate sales, and through friends and family. I know what it's like wanting something, but good things come to those who wait. :-) This stuff is getting harder and harder to find, but there are some sweet deals and good things out there. You just have to know where to look and have to be in the right place at the right time. Just save your $ and get ready to drop some on something that comes along. One might turn in right down your street, or in Los Angeles, just be prepared to ship and do your research on that. I hope one turns up for the both of us.
Best of luck in your search,
-Tyler
 
Travis,
I'm sorry for my attitude on this.Question ,Did Bob from winston-salem follow up?
 
They Kenny ? They who? Uncool to use that with Black folks.Gay folks,Even Martians-Who is they?
 
I feel so bad about how I acted earlier. I had a horrible day and I have many family issues I am dealing with at this time. I did not mean to accuse anyone of being mean, I just simply wanted to leave everyone know that I would like to have their help.
I have found a company that ships for extremely cheap rates. I will use Uship hopefully in the future.
I have a lot of trouble with non working things but I have some ways to get around it. My family members tend to doubt that things will ever be repairable because parts are no longer made.
I really would like to find a Unimatic only because they are becoming rare and I would like to get one while I still can. I really do not want a pulsamatic because for some reason they just do not appeal to me as much.

I missed out on the machine from Bob because I had no definite answer and by the time I found Uship from other members, the machine was already gone.
 
Jesse,
There's my point. Bob has a busted A806 that I tried to buy when he came to Rockingham,He refused to sell even though its broken.I saw he offered you a free machine if you could arrange shipping.Didn't materialize.SO--Bob is in a hurry to get rid of a unimatic? --WHATEVER DUDE

Post a few of your appliance pics of WANTED under appliances on craigslist.You are mostly dealing with hoarders here.I'll keep a lookout in the south for ya.
 
Duke,

 

What you're dealing with are collectors that wish to keep or see the right people adopt their machines.  I have more monitor top refrigerators than I will ever use.  I would be fine with selling some to reasonable people.  I flatly refuse to sell off things to people that wish to have a kegerator or need a fridge for their porch.

 

I cross the line from hoarder to extreme collector daily.  We all have our comfort levels in giving and selling things.  I have given and sold off lots of things.  The key is to be ready in your mind to let it go.  I have had collectors mention they would like something and I respond with I'll let you know.
 
I haven't chimed in so far because I figured it is pointless to do so. Anything I would have to say would be viewed as unfeeling and possibly rude. I just think Jesse was born way too late to pick up what he is wanting for the price he could pay for them. Unless of course he gets one of the older collectors to put him in the will to get their collection when they are gone. Many are older now and a few have passed on already. They certainly can't take it with them! Another place to start looking might be at estate sales of older people. Look at the set that was just found this week and for $50!!!!!
 
He's in the same boat I am in. No pick-up truck. I still regret selling mine, but, I just wasn't using it like I once did. I have to borrow one whenever I need to move some machines, however, it's just as well. I no longer have any business trying to wrestle machines around too often.

Jesse, on the other hand, is young and maybe he can buy an old "beater" truck to use.
I just know the Pennsylvania countryside is full of cast-off Frigidaires just waiting to be discovered. When I was new at collecting I left no stone un-turned. Estate Sales, Appliance Stores going out of business, Appliance Repair businesses liquidating, parts houses liquidating, thrift stores, etc. The best of the best are when you can find a warehouse that belonged to a long-time repair person being liquidated. That's cherry-picking!

If Jesse puts his mind to it he will find what he wants. But, he is going to have to do the work.
 
<blockquote>
  Another place to start looking might be at estate sales of older people. Look at the set that was just found this week and for $50!!!!! 

</blockquote>
EXACTLY! When is the last time you went to an estate sale, or a garage sale? Or an old junk shop, in the wrong end of town?

 Last year I found a set of Hamilton 800's at an estate sale. Some people here more knowledgeable than me said they might be the only set left anymore. Ya know what I did with em? A good friend and collector contacted me, and he gave me what I paid for them. And I drove the few hours to his house, and delivered them. Helped put them in the basement. And ya know what else? THEY WERE UNCHECKED! Can you believe it? People actually buy things the way they are! Unbelievable, eh?

 There's another friend and collector who lives a lot closer to you, Duke, than he does me. I've GIVEN him probably 20-25 machines over the years. 63 Kenmore 70 series set, Lady Kenmores, belt drive portable washer, etc. ALL UNCHECKED again. The deal is, I get a few I know he would want, he says OK, and then he arranges transportation. I meet his truck, move machines from my truck to his, and they head south.

 Call me a hoarder, idiot, whatever makes you feel better. I'm going to continue to do what I do. Whether anyone else approves of my ways, or not.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?65894
 
.
Although you may find an amazing $50 set at an estate sale, consider the gas used to get there. Okay big deal, but what about the *dozens* of such sales one will likely have to frequent before getting a shot at something desirable? It adds up and why paying more up front might save you in the long run and you get to enjoy the machine that much sooner.
In vacuums, when a collector puts a machine on EBay he has painstakingly restored to near perfection after a long initial search to locate the vacuum and needed parts...well the price you will pay is a bargain. That person made pennies an hour for their skilled labor.
I have to think the same applies to washers and dryers. The mint ones are stupid rare...but are out there and deserve a sizable finders fee.An average one, brought to mint condition through many hours of skilled labor and cursing also deserves fair compensation to the owner.

Although as already expressed above, concern for the home the machine is going to will likely often out weigh the possible monetary gain. Or in the case of a fixer, the confidence the new owner will be able to be successful in bringing the machine back to top shape may be the necessary ingredient to getting the current owner to let go. And don't forget, 'you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.'
[this post was last edited: 2/7/2017-23:01]
 
I do not have a problem with buying things that need to be fixed or cleaned or unchecked.

My family members that leave me put the things in their house do not like me spending money on something that is not guaranteed. They get very angry and yell. They thing that anything that is not in working order is worthless.

I strongly disagree with them but my hands are tied because if I cannot say that the thing is guaranteed to work they simply say "well you can't bring it into my house then."
 
After talking with Travis last night and thinking about things today,My mind is a little clearer on being a collector vs someone who can't stand to see a classic trashed and therefore rescue's it. Kenny,I apologize-Duke
 
Jesse,

 

I sympathize with your predicament.  One of my grandmothers was like that.  I can't tell you how many rotted cords she snipped trying to protect me from getting shocked.

 

You might just have to wait until you have your own place.  All of this old stuff is old and can be a bit unpredictable.  I am sure you've read various posts from other members about the work involved to get a desired machine repaired.  I don't think I have ever gotten anything that didn't need repair and that includes things that I bought as "restored".
 
It does take time to find things..

I waited about 20 tears to get a Apex Strato Cleaner, over 30 years to get a 58 Ken Kart with a powermate,but keep on, you will get what you want eventually.
 
Thanks everyone, I really enjoyed getting some of this extra info. I get really frustrated with my family over this sometimes because they think that old things in general are going to be damaging to the house. I am continuing my search for unimatics, filtrator and 1-18.
I also now understand the difference between a collector and a person who saves the classics. I would label myself as a collector because everything I obtain I plan on making work as it would have originally. I spend my weekends at my aunt and uncle's house where the newest appliance is the 1986 whirlpool time master microwave. I have most of washing machines at that house but they are the same as my parents in the way that it must be functioning before it goes to their house.

Please leave me know if anything turns up!
Thanks,
Jesse
 

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