I finally got a machine I wanted for a long time!

[philr]

A 1968-70 Canadian Frigidaire Rollermatic washer, the last series that GM made in Canada. The TOL model available here. There's no model name on late 1960's Canadian machines. But this is the only model that had the "Rapidry" feature here.

It has the same mechanism as the US-made 1968-70 Custom Deluxe with the Rapidry feature, the WCDATN, but with more options (including the extra rinse feature, automatic advance from soak to wash and fabrics selector with more water temperature and wash/spin speed combinations) and a lighted control panel with pushbuttons, lighted cycle dial and remote timer knob.

Unlike the US Imperial and Custom Imperial models from 1968-70, this is still a time-filled machine. The control panel looks very similar to the 1966 WCIAK but it has all pushbuttons and a few more features. In fact, it has the features of the 1966 WCIK less the clear plastic control panel, automatic dispensers and the cabinet chrome trim.

The fluorescent light doesn't have a starter, you have to hold the button to start it (something I wasn't aware Frigidaire ever had). Unlike the 1965-66 models, it does have the Sure-Spin clutch and it has the updated control panel colors like the US "N" models.

Now I hope to get the matching dryer!

 

[brucelucenta]

Interesting. That looks much like the US version of about 65-66 vintage. I know the last made in the US had a metered fill instead of the timed one. Those were good machines as far as durability. They washed and spun very well too. Nice find!

 

[appnut]

Yay, congratulations!!!  Looks just like my mom's friend's 1965 CI.  No dispensers right?

 

[chestermikeuk]

Frigidaire

Greaa find there Phil, and whats not to like with a Jetcone all those push button programme options and lighted controls !!

Enjoy, Mike

 

[tomturbomatic]

I am happy for you. I do not understand why the DPC cycle had slow agitation and fast(er) spin

 

[toploader55]

Beeeyoooteeful Phil.

Congratulations on that great machine.

 

[gregingotham]

very nice!

looks like it's in fantastic shape!

 

[gansky1]

That is in nice shape - a good find, Phil!  Was it still in use when you found it?

 

 

[combo52]

Very Attractive Washer

And a great combination of features, and now to find the matching gas dryer.

Its interesting how the little differences make for an interesting machine.

 

Can't wait to come and see you and Paul's collection some time.

 

[mayken4now]

Congrats! Nice machine.

 

[philr]

Bob, I also have a 1965 Custom Imperial. The differences between both are the dispensers (the Canadian Frigidaire washers never had them), the cabinet of the 1968 is painted instead of porcelain and it lacks the chrome trim on the edges, the fluorescent light lacks a starter (first time I see this on a Frigidaire) and the control panel is aluminum instead of clear. Mechanically, the 1968 is a bit different too as it has a "Sure-Spin" clutch and no start capacitors like the 1965 and 1966 did.



Tom,

I haven't tried all the cycles but I assume you're right! The "Durable Pres Care" setting replaces the "Special" setting from the mid-1960s. On my 1965 Custom Imperial, the "Special" setting is also slow agitation and fast spin but not the fastest "Rapidry 1000" spin. I guess they wanted to show their machines did have something equivalent to a Permanent Press setting by just changing words!

The 1971 1-18 2 speed machines with the "Fabrics" selector had a "Delicate Permanent Press" setting on their selector which replaced the previous "Special" and "Durable Press Care" settings and the "Sturdy Permanent Press" setting was fast agitation and fast spin but but there was still no real Permanent Press cycle. The 3 speed machines re-introduced a "Special" cycle with extra slow (Hand Washable) agitation.

In 1972, the timer of many 1-18 machines finally included a Permanent Press cycle and the names of the "Delicate Permanent Press" setting on the "Fabrics" selector of the 2 speed machines went back to "Special" as it is on mid-1960s Rollermatics like my 1965 Custom Imperial with slow agitation and fast spin. I like this cycle for some uses but I don't use it for Permanent Press clothing! In fact, I don't have clothes that need to be washed on Permanent Press and I'm not too fussy about wrinkles! I'm so fat that I have other issues with clothing and what I look like when I wear them!!


John,

I have to PM you about a visit before the convention... I haven't figured the details yet and I have to check your availability!

As for gas dryers, the matching dryer will have to be electric and vented as Frigidaire didn't sell their gas dryers here and they stopped the production of the Filtrators at the same time as in the USA in 1967.
It would be (or it WILL be!) very similar to your 1966 Turquoise dryer with the electronic dryness control.

 

[frigilux]

Congratulations! It's always nice to finally find a machine you've been searching for. Once again, another knock-it-out-of-the-park console from Frigidaire.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Congrats!

on an amazing find.
WK78

 

[swestoyz]

Congrats on the dream machine, Phil!  It is pretty cool to see the N line panel with the earlier 1965/1966 circular control dial.  It also looks to be in amazing condition.

 

Ben

 

[turquoisedude]

Glad you got it home safe and sound Phil!  I was worried about what the weather might turn into after you left Ogden yesterday. 

 

It's a real beauty - had this one been paired up with a matching dryer??

 

[washerlover]

Phil -- awesome score! Beautiful and fun machine. Hope to see more (interior) pics/videos soon. Enjoy!

 

[panthera]

Wow.

Now, that's a Thumper!

 

[washdaddy]

That's a great looking machine with loads of options to choose from. Congratulations on a fantastic score and best of luck to you in finding it's mate to complete the set.

 

[jetcone]

Saweeet machine

Is it Jet  Cone  or FringeFrigidaire Flapper inside ??