How to move a GE FF?

[volvoguy87]

I'm back in Virginia visiting my folks right now (why I haven't been posting lately). I'm getting ready to go back to Ohio but I want to try to take my grandmother's late 70s MOL GE Filter Flo with me. What advice do you have on how to move it without damaging anything?

I'll need to fit it into my dad's conversion van and there might be some height clearence issues. I can't put it in the back because of the rear seat and AC unit on the ceiling. I'm going to try to load it in through the side doors. I know you should keep a GE FF upright when moving, but is it okay to tilt one or lay it on its side to get it through a door? Right now the back panel is removed and so is the motor/clutch. Will that affect anything? If necessary, will removing the top be a good idea or a bad idea? Is it difficult to remove the top? With the top and back removed, will the structural integridy of the machine be compromised?

So many questions, I look forward to your answers,
Dave

 

[polkanut]

Paging Martin "Yogitunes".

 

[volvoguy87]

Bump

I remember I'm supposed to keep it upright, but like the title says...

Bump,
Dave

 

[cfz2882]

moving or transporting a filterflo on it's side might place
extra strain on the tranny boot,but i have never had any
damaged by transporting horizontal,also chance of banging the
washtub into the outer tub,but damage unlikely.
I have got FFs that were dumped out of the back of a pickup
but had no damage to the boot,suspension or tub.

 

[geextrarinse]

Horizontal is fine...

I've transported all of my FF's (and I've had four) on their front side in the back of an SUV and never had any problems. I never even worried about it because GE's are built so tough. The one I currently enjoy in my kitchen here in California was probably dropped out of the back of a truck before I found it and the control panel was completely bend forward and the chrome sides badly bent and cracked. It was clear that whoever moved it from its previous home didn't give a damn about it. There are two small dents on either side of the front panel from where the suspension must have slammed against it. This machine otherwise was in great shape and so I took it home. I replaced the side panels of the chrome on the backsplask and all it needed was a belt - no other repairs were necessary. So - transporting it on its side is no big deal for a GE. Trust me!

 

[geextrarinse]

P.S. -

Don't take the top off - it will just make the machine less stable. Keep it as together as possible. I laid a blanket on the back of the SUV floor with all the seats down and tilted the machine on its front legs. With the help of another person, lift the machine and slide it onto the blanket and into the vehicle. The blanket should be long enough to cover the area for the ride as well as with enough excess to slide it over the bumper and any door catch that might be there. When you get it to its destination - do the same in reverse and voila! - piece of cake!

 

[dnastrau]

No worries - GE FF toughness tested and passed!

Ten years ago I picked up a used early '90's BOL GE FF set (badged as RCA) for my in-laws. As we were trying to carry the washer down the basement stairs my very skinny helper was in the front. I said "maybe you'd better let me go in the front." Well, he didn't stop and the next thing I knew, he went @$$ over tincup down the stairs with the FF following behind. The washer ran him over, then bounced down the stairs and crashed onto the concrete floor. The whole thing was a sight to behold.

After I peeled him off the stairs and made sure he was OK (amazingly just a few bruises) I checked the washer expecting the worst. I righted it and found that there were scuff marks all over the cabinet but they came right off with some WD40 and car wax. I then put the washer in place, levelled it and hoped for the best. It ran perfectly for six years until the transmission decided to pee its oil all over the floor. I replaced it for them with a nice used TOL Whirlpool DD and KitchenAid dryer at that point.

My point is that if that GE FF could survive that adventure I doubt that transporting one on its side, front or back will hurt the suspension.

Andrew S.

 

[stainfighter]

Speaking of (early 90's) RCA...hmm

here is one for sale...

http://columbia.craigslist.org/app/1663322926.html

 

[stainfighter]

dial close-up

wonder how they got badged RCA?...

 

[dnastrau]

RCA and GE

I'll bet the RCA and GE relationship happened when RCA consumer electronics started being produced by Thompson Electronics who are part of or owned by GE starting in the late '80's. I don't know the details but it is ironic that the RCA badge was found on Whirlpool washers for some period through '67 or so and then became associated with GE.

 

[yogitunes]

I just brought 2 home in the back of my Jeep...laying on its back....the second one stayed there for about a week till I got around to getting it out....not a single problem....

 

[volvoguy87]

It's in.

It's upright, now I just hope it fares well on a few hundred miles of road trip. I'll see about unloading it Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Happy Passover y'all,
Dave

 

[circlew]

Dave, hope you and the GE have a safe and enjoyable trip home.