Introducing the 1956 Rheem Gas dryer!

[revvinkevin]

About a week ago I saw a thread about a Rheem dryer on Craig's List, turns out it was pretty near by so I contacted the seller. Long story short - it's now in my BLINDINGLY BRIGHT garage! Woo hoo! LOL

So here it is folks, the 1956 Rheem Wedgewood gas dryer!

 

[revvinkevin]

According to the seller, his parents bought the dryer new in 1956. But it saw very little use over the years because his mother, being very energy conscience, would only use the dryer on days she could NOT hang the wash on the cloths line outside!

Of course you all KNOW it NEVER rains in Southern California, right? LOL

 

[revvinkevin]

It's really in VERY good condition!

 

[revvinkevin]

It has the drum light and what is it, an ozone lamp?

 

[revvinkevin]

It even has the owners manual, original warranty certificate and inspection card!

 

[toploader55]

Wow Kev.

That's Sweet !!!

 

[revvinkevin]

Close up of the panel. The timer has the tic-tok-tic-tok sound of an old wind up alarm clock or kitchen timer.

Question: Were Rheem and Wedgewood (stoves?) related, or was this just a "model name"?

The two buttons on the left, I assume, are for the temperature (being a typical guy I just try it first rather then read the manual! LOL)

 

[spiralator60]

Showroom Bright

Congratulations Kevin! You have quite a talent for finding (almost all, it seems) the classic machines in the region.

A question for you: What is the size or capacity of the drum - is this listed in the manual?

 

[super32]

I guess the cars are going outside....lol

 

[westingman123]

Um, Kevin, where did you say you hide the spare keys to the garage? LOL

 

[revvinkevin]

Cars & Keys....

LOL! Actually no, all the cars are STILL in the Blindingly Bright garage right along side ALL the washers and dryers (fortunately), THO... it IS starting to get pretty tight in there! LOL

Thanks Eddie and Darryl! To answer your question Darryl, I have not really read through the manual yet so I don't know... sorry!

In the interest of recording as much info for the archive as possible... here are more photos of this rare dryer!

Here is a good "full frontal" shot......

 

[revvinkevin]

The lint filter (1 of 2). From L to R: Open the grill, remove the access plate and slide the filter up.

I am assuming... if one wants to add heated or humid air to the room, you just remove the access plate and close the grill before running the dryer.

 

[revvinkevin]

Here is the back of the dryer. Yes the exhaust vent is small, just 3 inches in diameter! But then as you will see, it also has a small blower (low CFM).

 

[revvinkevin]

A close up of the electrical schematic. Apparently they used both Westinghouse and GE motors.

 

[qsd-dan]

According to the schematic, this unit has an ozone lamp. I wonder if it still in place and operational?

 

[revvinkevin]

And finally the front access panel.

Here is the 2nd air filter, in the front access panel. This is also where the air is drawn into the dryer.

You can see the small blower in the middle photo there on the right.

You can also see the gas valve and burner assemble on the left.

 

[revvinkevin]

this unit has an ozone lamp. I wonder if it still in place a

Yes Dan, you can see it (lit up) next to the drum light in the 4th photo I posted.

 

[revvinkevin]

Three things I almost forgot to add.......

1. BOTH the ozone lamp AND the drum lamp are on when the dryer is running.

2. A BIG thank you to Russell for his assistance, his time and his truck (since mine is inop) to help me bring this dryer home!

3. For our webmaster Robert and all those Unimatic fans out there....

the ADDRESS of the house where (we) picked up this dryer yesterday...

... was actually 1140! *smile*

 

[a440]

Awesome Dryer!

So advanced that it had a filter for the incoming air! I wish our "modern" dryers had that now!

So glad you saved it! It looks so great!

Can't wait to hear your report on it's drying abilities. I wonder if it will be a "hot" dryer. Perfect for Towels and heavy fabric!

Does it say anywhere what the burner BTU's is rated at?

Thanks for the great pictures! What a beauty!

Brent

 

[circlew]

Kevin, you asked if Rheem and Wedgewood stoves were the same, or if it was just a model name. I saw on the inspection ticket (shown with the manual and warranty) that it was made by "Wedgewood Home Appliances, Division of Rheem Mfg. Co., Newark, CA". I believe Wedgewood stoves were made in California, so it is probably the same. It is a very interesting and unusual dryer. Glad you got it.