International Harvester Refrigerator

[westingman123]

Hey, can anyone help a Newbie find a handle for a 1950 IH fridge? It belonged to my depression-era parents, runs great, but I broke the handle off as a teenager (in the dark ages). It will make my vintage kitchen perfect. Also, do any of you know the best way to freshen up the enamel finish?
This is the coolest site ever, btw.

 

[alr2903]

International Harvester, was sucked up by Whirlpool in the 50's. The do have a "club", they only offered home refrigerators, freezers, and i think window Air conditioner. the IH club mentions finding a working IH appliance would be a very rare find, they mfg for less than 10 years. Maybe someone on the IH site has an idea. alr2903

 

[davek]

I remember that one of the kitchens on Friends had an IH refrigerator in it. It was interesting looking. Good luck finding that part!

 

[norgeway]

I H fridge

In my hometown of Lenoir N.C., I saw several as a kid, if im correct,the dealer was F.C.X., which was a farm co op store, they also sold appliances under the co op name, if you watch re runs of friends ,I believe that is an I H . fridge....at least I think it was friends,I never watched it much...it was one of those shows ,that I just never got around to,now if a Hazel rerun was on or Lucy.....well that was another story.!!!

 

[jeffg]

Here's an auction for a '54 IH. Is that the same handle you're looking for? I think at some point IH had colored inserts in their handles, but these were larger and rectangular.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[jeffg]

Here's a Craigslist ad for a 1950 IH.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/hsh/1196681035.html

 

[polkanut]

A friend of mine has an IH fridge in his garage just like the one for sale on fleabay. If you lived closer, I bet you could get it from him for a song.

 

[polkanut]

William,

Is this 1948 model similar to yours?

http://graphic-design.tjs-labs.com/show-picture?id=1200889409&size=full

 

[goatfarmer]

My brother in law has one like the Craigslist ad in his garage that I gave him. It hasn't been defrosted in years, the freezer is a ball of ice, but it's still going!

 

[twintubdexter]

IH tidbit...

The latch (the part on the frig itself, not the door) doubled as a bottle opener on many International Harvester refrigerators, kind of an innovative fun touch. I know so many things about old appliances and virtually nothing else about anything else. I haven't received a party invitation in years.

 

[westingman123]

Hey everyone, what a response! Thanks for the leads!

 

[everythingold]

I know a guy who has a 52 IH. Nice fridge, even has defrost! He wants to sell it too. matt

 

[dnastrau]

Broken handle: repair?

Do you have the broken pieces of the handle? Perhaps it can be welded/braized back together and rechromed. They do this with chrome car parts, so why not refigerator handles?

Just a thought...

Andrew S.

 

[danemodsandy]

Finish Freshening:

Automobile products can help spruce up a finish that's not worn through or rusted. You will need an auto polish; I would suggest one that is not too harsh, such as the ones made for clearcoat finishes. After that, a good waxing will reseal and maintain the finish.

I don't think brazing and rechroming of the old handle will work; it works on auto trim because trim does not take any stress. A mechanical door handle on a vintage reefer takes a lot of strain when you pull on it; that's why they break.