G.E monitor top problem

[rp2813]

Thanks Ken -- you provided a more thorough explanation about Lilt than I ever could have! 

 

I just remember the ads from prime time TV in the '60s and '70s, and always during beauty pageants, where Lilt, Clairol, or other such products were invariably the sponsor, as sure as Helen O'Connell provided the color commentary.

 

[ken]

You're welcome Ralph. In checking my facts after posting above I saw that Toni, at least, was available in the 1940s. Was thinking of posting some pictures I found but didn't want to hijack the thread unduly.

 

[stan]

Received

The wiring harness from Travis, While waiting, I started the paint restore. Need to stop and focus on the rewire now.

 

[michaelman2]

Stan, I am glad this is repairable...it is in great shape and perfect for the space.

 

[stan]

Hi Mike

Don't get me wrong, it's working now! It did from the beginning! She runs very well, efficiant and quite.
The problem is..that since the wiring is 80 + years old, Travis has suggested doing a rewire to keep it that way.
And it's not like I can wait til it fails, then do the rewire, as current wire failure could cause damage that would be fatal.
I've always had the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" attitude, and it usually serves me well. But in this case I'm forced to operate sooner or later. I'm nervous about it but..hope I don't hesitate too long
My partner has named her Bessie..We'l see if Bessie makes it through her surgery!

 

[michaelman2]

Ahhhh...fully understood...on both the refrigerator AND the mindset (I am the same way regarding "if it ain't broke, don't fix it") and it comes back to bite me in the ass, almost every time!

I think the re-wire is smart and I understand that Travis sent the entire package to accomplish the feat. Again, a smart move, in my limited understanding of electricity and refrigeration items.

It really is a beautiful unit and again, I am glad it will be going strong another 80 years!

 

[stan]

It requires

A heavy lift..no pun intended
The compressor needs to be lifted off and either propped up or taken off completely to get under the deck to the compressor termanals. Replacing the relay, and running new wires to the control switches on front.
Hope Bessis can't read this LOL

 

[stan]

Worked on her feet today

Looks like she sat in 3 inches of water for too long sometime in her life.
Gave her a pedicure.
I use a floor Jack to lift one side, used Jack stands to hold while I un bolted two feet.
Sanded off as much rust as I could, primed with Rusty Metel Primer.
Used appliance appoxi on inside of feet. (Will use oil based enamel on outside of feet later)
After re attaching, repeated the process on the other side.
Still working up the courage for the rewire.

 

[panthera]

Stan,

The quality of your work is beyond words - it's better than factory!

As to the re-wiring: I agree that it is better to do it before permanent damage occurs. Here's a few things I do when dealing with ancient equipment:

1) The way these refrigerators work makes it very hard to install a fuse set to blow as one would in an old tube amp or AA5 radio, but it would not hurt to keep this plugged into a single user, 15 amp circuit using a GFCI outlet until you can get the rewiring done. 

2) There are much better choices for the wiring you draw into hard to reach places today then there were back when this magnificent refrigerator was built. Thinner insulation, yet better and (most importantly, more slippery). I don't have a link to him, there is however a man in Australia who rebuilds these refrigerators all the time and I recollect him mentioning this point. Somebody around here will know how to find his extensive photos and videos and written advice.

3) Before I started 'recapping' AA5s I practiced my work on less-valuable things such as (in those days!) 1950s and 1960s transistor radios. You clearly have the skills to do this really well, a bit of practice will increase your confidence.

 

[stan]

Thanks Panthera

For the vote of confidence.
I do have this plugged into a power strip with a 15 amp breaker, it was only a attempt to save me from possibly having to change a fuse in the basement. This is a old house with glass fuses, and no ground wiring.
As I understand.. The old relay on these.. has a overload protector.. but with age can sometimes be a problem if it gets stuck in a closed position.
I worked on the door today. The door isn't as heavy as my old one, so managed to get it off and outside without straining my milk LOL
Use a putty night to dig off the very old and very dry door seal.
I repainted and replaced door seal. Also tinkered with the hinges. I repainted the hinge covers Travis sent me. When I got this, one hinge was broken..and missing both the covers.

 

[stan]

Wanted to mention

That while I used appliance epoxy for the inside portion of the legs, my preferred paint for this project has been oil based gloss enamel. Long dry time, but works for me. If somethings not right, I can usually wait a couple of days, wet sand with 1500-2000 grit, then use polishing compound, and it seems to work out.
Smells like real paint to.

 

[rp2813]

Stan, that is going to be a showpiece once you're done with it.  I'm glad Travis is helping you with the parts you need to accomplish this.

 

I don't blame you for feeling intimidated by the wiring job.  I suppose if I could see a master like Travis do it first, I'd feel confident about it.

 

[stan]

Good idea

I have written instructions, the wiring diagram, some pics, and now the parts to do it! But a complete vidieo would be great.
If I can talk myself into doing it, maybe I make the video LOL

 

[stan]

Ralph

Don't go by those pics of the hinges. Those are on wrong. Either way the holes and screws match up, and the door closes the same. They just look better to me this way

 

[panthera]

It is looking better and better

As to the electrical: Are we working on the basis of prejudice or sound assumptions? When dealing with vintage electrical installations, it's a sound principle to think things through carefully.

We were given one of the last IH refrigerators. Yellow interior, everything still cooling perfectly after 61 years (no surprise, there - IH might have built some dodgy drive trains, but their engineering was top notch).

Having schematics at hand and a video showing how the work is to be done, I plunged right in. Got the motor compartment done quickly and easily. 

Split and cracked and broke the now fragile plastic cover and trim all around the thermostat, chipped the porcelain around the lamp and discovered that the 'ancient' door switch which took two hours to get to...was brand new and made in 2007.

So, yeah - if it must be, it must be, just - I totally understand why Stan is taking stock of things, first.

 

[stan]

Vintage electrical

and thinking things through is right!
this has to be done right on the first attempt as one mistake could cause death.. Hers not mine. LOL
With these old things.. I've always tried to practice what you might call A Hippocratic oath "first do no harm"
It's why I feel like I've got to court her a bit longer, at the same time the clock is ticking. So Panthera is right I'm "taking stock " of things and planing my best course of action. I have my tools lined up and my craftsman workmate set up to sit the compressor into, but haven't ruled out just lifting the compressor up just high enough to prop up in order to get into the deck.
Once the cord is cut, there's no turning back. (Scares me a bit) so..I've just been making Bessie look better, still some details and polishing to do.. I'm really trying to warm up to this.
I do feel better knowing Travis is a email or phone call away when the time comes.
Thank for the interest and words of encouragement with this guys. I appreciate it

 

[rp2813]

Travis

Stan, you have the best guide you could ever ask for with Travis.  He can do this stuff blindfolded, and, like I even need to tell you or anyone else here, he is truly dedicated to saving any monitor top that he can, even from afar.  I've even assisted in the rescue of a local monitor top for him.

 

I agree with what Keven said above, and like you, I'd be hesitant to go against the "if it ain't broke" axiom, but this is more of a wellness issue.  Doing nothing could just as easily be terminal for the old gal, so the realist in me feels it's worth giving her what she needs to run for another 80 years.

 

I'm sure she'll wait until you feel up to the challenge. 

 

[retro-man]

Question for you, since I have never had one of these units or have seen this particular one, I noticed 2 knobs for the controls. One says colder so that is the thermostat, now the other says defrost. Do you just turn this on to defrost? Is it just an on and off switch or a timer? Was this a reverse gas defrost? Have seen monitor tops but they only had one switch and that was just shut off to defrost. Do you have to turn the cold control off?

Jon

 

[stan]

Jon

Here's a closer pic.
Control is either on, off, or in defrost setting.
While in defrost stating, the machine allows tge evaporator to thaw, but no allow things to get warm.
The compressor will kick on (while in defrost mode) long enough to keep things from spoiling

 

[rp2813]

Lots of vintage refrigerators had their own versions of a defrost setting.  Our '49 Westinghouse had it.  It was one notch below (warmer) than the "vacation" setting.