Great looking turquoise GE combo in S.F.

[rickr]

Looks very clean... These old GE/Hotpoints run forever! We have two of them in daily use, that are older than this one.

Rare that this one is hinged on the left side....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1957-GE...ViewItem&pt=Refrigerators&hash=item19bda9337b

 

[duet83]

complete with a light in the freezer, how rare is that.

I will bet that it has the coils on the back. A very green and quiet idea compared to a frig, like most GEs today that have an additional fan to cool a coil rolled up in a ball UNDER the cabinet. Not a green or quiet or easy to clean idea. but good for utility companies, no doubt.

 

[rp2813]

"I will bet that it has the coils on the back."

No, they're underneath. That was a sticking point for me when I was considering this same model in white that I eventually retrieved from RCD's pile. I didn't want "forced draft" condenser cooling but I caved in, and I'm glad I did. And, it's still a very quiet running machine.

The interesting thing about the new styling for '57 is that these machines are truly counter-depth. They are designed to have a built-in look and with no coils on the back, they can be shoehorned into an opening without any need to provide for ventilation. There was also no need to accommodate exposed hinges. These machines could go right up against a wall without having to allow the obligatory few inches on the side for the door to be able to open 90 degrees. I'm sure they looked stunning with the rest of a '57 GE kitchen that had all built-ins.

The machine in the ad has been for sale before. I don't know if it hasn't sold because of the leak that's been described or what. It's probably just a gasket issue.

You can't beat the price, particularly for two-tone turquoise on pink!

 

[rp2813]

Check out the photo Rick posted of his '48 in his other GE Combo thread. Notice the clearance needed on the right for the door to open fully. This is not required for the "straight line" design Combination launched in 1957 that employs shoulder hinges.

As you can see in the photo below, my machine requires no extra clearance for the hinges. If you look closely you can see that the full-width foot pedal is right up against the tile baseboard.
Also, notice that the fridge is even with the counter-depth cabinet next to it. This was a major exterior styling modernization of a tried and true mechanical system.

 

[rickr]

space needed on hinge side on the old rounded fridges..

This photo shows exactly what you are talking about, Ralph.

Anyone wanting an old fridge should be aware of this. It adds about 3 inches to the overall width of the fridge with the door open

 

[qsd-dan]

UGH!!

I may just take a sledge to my POS 2004 GE side by side just so I have an excuse to buy this gem.

 

[westingman123]

hey rick!

I remember you said a friend at a body shop painted that beauty. Any suggestions on finding a good shop if you don't have that talented friend? My Philco needs a beauty treatment.

Keith

 

[rickr]

.during shot

Hi Keith, I would simply call around and ask a few (good) body shops if they do this type of work. My friend loves restoring classic cars, so if you find someone that likes restoration work, thats the best way to go. It is best (and less $$$) if you do the tear down yourself. Remove and label the hardware, chrome,handles, door seals ect. That way the body shop will not have a chance to loose the little parts. Keep that stuff at home. Install new insulation in the doors, before putting them back together and rehanging them.

Good luck with the Philco! Be sure to post some before and after photos for us.

 

[rp2813]

Dan!

Bid on it, or contact the owner to go see it. It apparently didn't sell last time, and the reserve is low. I'd be happy to rendezvous with you if you can arrange something and would be interested in a second opinion. I would love to see that fridge land in AW territory.

Ralph

 

[rp2813]

Well, it looks like somebody really wants the fridge considering the bids appear to both be from the same party, so it's likely going to a good home.

 

[rp2813]

Reserve was not met. Clearly, the sellers want way too much for this machine, as the high bid was almost $300. It will likely resurface on ebay again at some point in the future, and will likely not sell again.

It all strikes me as the perfect definition of seller insanity.

 

[sensi-temp]

the owner's manual says to pour a little water around the drain plug in the freezer to make a seal, bet they didn't know this & is probably why it leaks.