GE Combination Washer Dryer

[spacepig]

Can anyone give me more info on this? It is not currently for sale but will be. No idea if it works or not but that's going to be one of my questions. There's also a GE dishwasher but there are no racks. It also looks like the tub has been painted or coated with something??

 

[pulltostart]

Jeanine,

I would guess this to be a 1959, based on the turquoise color on the backsplash.  It matches the color of GE's 1959 line of laundry products.

 

I can't guarantee that I'm correct, and that's about the limit of what I can offer.  However, if it becomes available my advice would be to get it!

 

lawrence

 

[swestoyz]

Nice combo! It's a 1959 WD860S, and more than likely an S2 as the parts catalog skips over S1 and goes right into S2. It also should have lighted dials and is the first year for the variable drive belt for spin, vs. a dedicated two speed transmission found on the 1955-1958 models.

The 861 was the 115/208v version, with both being the only year for the fabric softener only dispenser. By 1960 GE brought over combo bleach and fabric softener dispenser and went with dark tones on the control panel, w/ lighted dials.

Ben

 

[combo52]

1959 GE combo

Neat machine, wow this was the first year of the variable speed compound pulley drive system. The bad thing was everything was unique. They switch the system over around 1963, so there are very few parts available for this machine but if it’s in good shape, it could be viable.

We stripped of 1959 under counter version a few years ago so I have a few parts for one.

They were interesting machines might take a bit of work to get and keep it running.

John

 

[spacepig]

Thanks for the comments and the info. It is officially for sale now but I still haven't decided whether or not to get it. It's rare to find something like this down here that hasn't been beat to hell or rusted through, but they've also not tested it so who knows if it will work. John, you bring up some good points about part availability. I'm going to assume it's not working and while very cool looking and neat to have, I'm not sure if I want it if it will turn out to be a giant paperweight.

 

[pulltostart]

Jeanine,

Better a paperweight than a KIA

 

lawrence

 

[combo52]

1959 GE combination washer dryer

How much are they asking for this machine?

 

[bajaespuma]

Hey Lawrence,

Thanks for posting that picture of the disembodied Washer control panel. Is that from a WA-853T?

 

Hey Jeannine, good luck getting that neat machine. That dishwasher looks like somebody set a fire inside of it. Or is that rust? I hope these Cut-Sheets give you some useful information:

 

[pulltostart]

Ken,

I don't know the model number for that console.  That item was listed on Ebay maybe a year ago and the seller was asking more than I felt I could pay.  It did sell, but I did manage to save the photo that I posted.

 

lawrence

 

[spacepig]

John, The price for the combo is 750. I've attached a pic of the tub that I lightened in photoshop. I asked if there was any rust inside and she said no. Ken, thanks so much for sharing those Cut-sheets. I've attached a picture of the booklet that comes with this particular machine. Seller says it's "circa 1960".
I would really love to have this moreso to give it a good home, but I'm trying to downsize and buying more appliances (especially nonworking) is going in the opposite direction--lol.

 

[bajaespuma]

Lawrence

If you ever want to sell it, please allow me a shot at it. I'd love to have it. I'm guessing it's a WA-853 T because the blue dial has newer graphics than the similar S model.

 

The picture below is one of Trainguy's collection (note the Combo behind it); it has a 1963 replacement dial  probably because the original dial melted when stalled with the hot back-light in the on position (I think this happened with many of the backlit dials, they discontinued the feature IIRC after 1961).

 

[spacepig]

So I ended up getting this machine and have attached some additional pictures. The drain hose is severely cracked so that will need to be replaced before testing it. It may have been replaced before because the metal where the hose goes into looks like it's been pulled apart. Why they couldn't just taken the back off, who knows. The inside of the tub is rust colored, so I'm assuming there was a lot of iron in the water when it was used. How that will impact anything remains to be seen as well. [this post was last edited: 4/26/2023-17:32]

 

[pulltostart]

Jeanine,

Congratulations!  It's beautiful!  I hope it proves to be a fun project for you.

 

lawrence

 

[luxflairguy]

SCORE! The fact that the wiring diagram is still attached in whole is wonderful. Good luck! Greg

 

[repairguy]

That’s great! I’m glad you were able to save this machine.

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice save!!

 

 

[swestoyz]

1959 S4 GE Combo!

Nice save! Looks like this one was made in March 1959 (PS code on the serial number), and has the early 4 vane drum but the revised condenser S trap system. The rust coloring on the drum may come off with some scrubbing with Bar Keeper's Friend, but I'd first make sure the machine operates without putting too much effort into getting the tub back in tip top shape. Both dials should also be backlit, too, if the bulb hasn't burnt out.

The page below goes through all the revision changes for the belt drive combos, from 1959 through 1961. Quite a few!

Ben

 

[jamiel]

Intrigued about what a plastic bag system might imply...was that some protection that got removed when they changed design?