Help dating Frigidaire Refrigerator

[kb0nes]

I have a buddy that recently bought a cabin out West of Minneapolis. He sent me a few photos of the refrigerator that is in the kitchen. He is trying to date the unit and find any information that may be available on it. Currently the unit is working like it should.

Model # is FD-1231N
Serial # is 38A 67805

I'm guessing mid to late 60's

 

[rp2813]

Nice cabin.

 

I'd say that fridge was produced closer to the front end of the '60s.

 

[philr]

FD-123TN

The model number is not FD-1231N but FD-123TN

 

"F" designates Cycla-Matic refrigerators, "D" is for the Deluxe line 123 is for 12.3 cubic feet, "T" for a top freezer and "N" is  for the  1968 models.

 

But this model was probably produced from mid-1967 to mid-1970.

 

The "FD-123TS" replaced it in the 1971 lineup.

 

Note that it has the "CSA" approval on the tag. In the late 1960s, Frigidaire started to import US-built refrigerators like this one to Canada so they had them CSA-approved. They still made washers and dryers, front-load dishwashers and cooking appliances here but imported disposers, top-load dishwashers and refrigerators for a while. 

 

[kb0nes]

Thanks Phil R!!

Just the info needed.

Unit is still working as it should be. Seems like it should make a nice cabin refrigerator. Was curious how its vintage compares to the age of the cabin, it may well be original.

Phil L

 

[goatfarmer]

Like Phil says, "N" designates 1968.

 

I've always liked that style of Frigidaire. Simple elegance.

 

[philr]

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I like them too.</span>

<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This style was introduced on the small new for 1965, 59¾"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> tall "J" models in the US.</span></span>

 

<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In the 1966 "K" line, it was also adopted for many of the taller 64" models. The cabinets were also made narrower than the previous 32" cabinets at 30". Here in Canada, we still had the 1963-style, 32" wide cabinets, even on our small</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 59¾" </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">models.</span></span>

<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Canadian refrigerator doors, while retaining the shape of 1963-64, lost the chrome trim at the top of the refrigerator door and at the bottom of the freezer door on top-freezer models (on both 59¾" and 64" models). In the US, the chrome trim was still there on the 1965 64" models.</span></span>

 

<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These pictures show some Canadian 1965 models.  The first two demonstrate the Ride-Aire kit on a 1965 64" Canadian fridge. This is one of the few Canadian innovations that made it in the US later! Usually, it's the opposite!</span></span>

<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span>

 

 

 

[philr]

Here are some pics of 1966 Canadian "K" Deluxe and Imperial models. Still with the old style 32" cabinets. Quite a few differences inside too and emblems that look a bit like those used in the US in 1964 but repainted in different colors. 

 

[goatfarmer]

That "ride aire" works great, doesn't it, Phil! 

 

[philr]

Yes it does!

The Ride Aire kit that I have, I got it from Kenny! New in box!

Now I wish I could find a 1966 Frigidaire dishmobile that rides on air! Not only these had a Ride-Aire pad instead of casters, they also had their own air pump to make it work!

 

[polkanut]

<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">We have a very similar 1972 non frost free model in our basement which we love.  It is a very quiet unit, and keeps things wonderfully cold.  Tell your friend it's a keeper for sure!</span>