Frigidaire Washer Restoration Part 1

[filterflo]

Last October Rich(trainguy) gifted me with this wonderful Frigidaire Rapidry 1000. He and I had located the matching dryer just previously at the washer graveyard in PA. We were both shocked when we hooked it up and it leaked, only to find the outer tub rusted completely thru in a couple of large areas near the support boot. I finally got around to working on it last week--here are some of the disassembly and restoration pics on it. Its just a great looking washer and wonderful design with the dispensers.........

 

[filterflo]

Top of the washer removed...............

 

[filterflo]

Fill flume, with multi ports. Top port with hose attached is for the water inlet. Two ports on the left are for the dispenser inlets. Unused port on the right is used is this was a suds saver washer (which this is not)

 

[filterflo]

Hole in top ring. This proved not to be a problem so I didnt patch it, and will hopefully find another good top ring someday soon............

 

[filterflo]

Jetcone, pulsator, and bellows removed..........

 

[filterflo]

Jetcone parts on top of the matching dryer..........

 

[filterflo]

Wash tub removed, and this is the outer tub. I have replaced many many outer tubs on Kenmore/Whirlpools and also on GE FilterFlos, but this was the first Frigidaire outer tub that I have EVER seen so rusty. I think that maybe this was a one of a kind production flaw, perhaps this particular tub did not get fired properly when the porcelain was applied. Frigidaire usually had excellent porcelain that was quite durable..........

 

[filterflo]

Close up of one of the rust thru spots. I was originally hoping that I could just patch the outer tub, but a closer look upon disassembly proved that it was not supporting the tub mechanism very well anymore because of the rust. This is kind of a scary thought with a Rapidry 1000! So I thought for safetys sake its just best to change the tub.........

 

[filterflo]

I first tried to wire brush the bolts to see if they could be removed with a socket or wrench. That didnt work as they were pretty far gone. Tried vise grips and there was not enough mass left to get a grip on the metal........

 

[filterflo]

So, I guess cutting it away was my next choice! All this took was an everyday pair of pliers, and was not a hard tast at all.......

 

[filterflo]

Pulling the old tub out.......

 

[filterflo]

Bottom of the old tub.

 

[filterflo]

Old tub on the left, new tub on the right!

 

[trainguy]

What a Task

Jimmy,

I just can't believe how rusted that tub was. The machine seemed to be so cared for otherwise. Maybe it was a flaw as you indicated. So sorry for all the work you have to put into it, but it does match well with the dryer. BTW, how many matched sets does this make for you now?

Rich

 

[filterflo]

Hi Rich, I think I have 15 matched sets now, many of which are because of your thoughtfulness! Thanks!!! But what Im really looking for is the match to my Norge Dispensomat washer.......its out there somewhere Im sure, just a matter of finding it...... BTW, you sure must have as many matched sets as I do or maybe even more.......how many do you have now? I think you have the record number of Frigidaire sets.....right?

 

[rickr]

Great job Jimmy!

Thanks for the detailed photos.I have never seen one of these torn down before. I can't believe how rusted that tub was! Lucky you could get another for it. That machine is really a nice one. Love to see them "brought back from the dead" like this.It is great to be able to do that,as some people would have scrapped it out for parts. Please keeps us posted on this project.

 

[trainguy]

I Need to Update

Jimmy,

I am so behind in updating my profile. And congrats on having 15 matched sets. Want a few more??!? I've just got to clean house to make room. I feel badly about putting appliances on the back burner for the winter, but I picked up 2 medium sized train collections and that has kept me very busy. Now to start putting the pieces on eBay. I think I have 10 matched Frigidaire sets with one more on the way. I still owe Rick a pic of the 56 Whirlpool dryer.

I just got back from my train show and picked up a few more promising appliance leads. Sorry, no Norges at all. But it certainly seems as though the corridor between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia is Frigidaire Alley.

I'm still getting settled in and just can't wait to go back to work tomorrow after 11 days off. I'll be in touch.

Rich

 

[programcomputer]

WOW is that a 56 Patrician or 400?

WOW,

Filter-Flo!!!!!

That car is HOT. I just saw a 1955 Packard Patrician the other day, and commented to a freind, who also enjoys old vehhicles also; on how I don't like the broken side trim of the 1955 models, and that the 56' looks more together as a whole?

Would you have an issue posting some more pic's of it in the SUPER forum. I love the 1956 Packards becasue they were probably the best attempt the company ever made to make a modern version of it's beautiful cars from the 30's; not to mention that after the 56' model year, Packard became a Studie in drag, thru a tawdry two year period.

I just acquired a 1956 Packard Senior Series Full Size Color Catalog, thru e-bayhe, and absolutly LOVE the black and orange Caribbean in a two page spread.

Anyway, just wanted to comment on your absolutly beautiful Packard....

Chad

 

[filterflo]

Hi Chad, I will post some pics in the Super section, btw thats a 1955 Patrician, made late in the model year with 1956 trim!