Back when GE washers featured a full width fluorescent light across the control panel and used toggle switches on the left for speed and temperature selection did the dryers also have the same panel light? And did dryers also have the toggle switches or push buttons?
Mid-Late 60s GE washer & dryer question
- Thread starter ken
- Start date
Help Support :
I don't know about the toggle switches, but...
These are 1970 models (or I assume they are). Yes if the washer was an upper end (near TOL model) and had a lit control panel, the matching dryer also had a lit control panel.
Kevin
[this post was last edited: 6/10/2014-11:22]
These are 1970 models (or I assume they are). Yes if the washer was an upper end (near TOL model) and had a lit control panel, the matching dryer also had a lit control panel.
Kevin
[this post was last edited: 6/10/2014-11:22]
There was a dryer control panel that matched that washer, I think the number is 1220. I have it in my basement. There was also a programmed washer that matches that dryer with the vertical buttons. The washer had a couple of little knobs in the center of the panel for water level and extra rinse settings. There is about one year's difference in the two styles. My dryer is either a 67 or 68.
The answers are yes and yes.
The models that Kevin posted are 1968 "D" models and IMHO, 1968 was the BEST year for illumination because not only was there a canopy light shining down on the controls, but on the TOL's the escutcheons behind the toggles and buttons on the control panel were made out of translucent plastic(Lexan, most likely), so the fluorescent bar backlit them as well. Very nice. The TOL dryers of this generation, as a rule, featured buttons rather than toggles for selections; toggles were used on the BOL's. The only drawback on the '68 models, in my opinion, was that they replaced the spiral ramped activators with the straight-6's which made for bigger and better mini-basket washing, but less effective normal washing. There are many here that prefer the straight-6.
The models that Kevin posted are 1968 "D" models and IMHO, 1968 was the BEST year for illumination because not only was there a canopy light shining down on the controls, but on the TOL's the escutcheons behind the toggles and buttons on the control panel were made out of translucent plastic(Lexan, most likely), so the fluorescent bar backlit them as well. Very nice. The TOL dryers of this generation, as a rule, featured buttons rather than toggles for selections; toggles were used on the BOL's. The only drawback on the '68 models, in my opinion, was that they replaced the spiral ramped activators with the straight-6's which made for bigger and better mini-basket washing, but less effective normal washing. There are many here that prefer the straight-6.
mrb627
Well-known member
Spiral...
I always thought the GE Filter-Flo with a ramp/spiral agitator could outperform the DAA of the day. Never saw them marketed in competition, though...
Malcolm
I always thought the GE Filter-Flo with a ramp/spiral agitator could outperform the DAA of the day. Never saw them marketed in competition, though...
Malcolm
Toggle vs Button
One thing to remember about the toggle switches, I'm not aware of any these that had more than 3 positions (left, center, right; top, middle, bottom), so whatever feature the toggle was controlling couldn't be terribly complicated. In the case of dryers the toggles were usually Normal, Delicate, Fluff. Once PP fabrics and cycles were introduced the higher end dryers offered a fourth temperature and so something other than toggles were needed to control the selection., thus the push buttons.
lawrence
One thing to remember about the toggle switches, I'm not aware of any these that had more than 3 positions (left, center, right; top, middle, bottom), so whatever feature the toggle was controlling couldn't be terribly complicated. In the case of dryers the toggles were usually Normal, Delicate, Fluff. Once PP fabrics and cycles were introduced the higher end dryers offered a fourth temperature and so something other than toggles were needed to control the selection., thus the push buttons.
lawrence
Straight vane agitator
Yeah my washer (above) has the straight vane agitator and I'm not a fan, wish it was the ramp/spiral agitator instead.
Kevin
Yeah my washer (above) has the straight vane agitator and I'm not a fan, wish it was the ramp/spiral agitator instead.
Kevin
You can exchange them easily. They're usually available on eBay. Although if you have one of the original black or green ones with the vanes that extend a little beyond the base, I'd keep it.
Toggles and buttons
My 1968 washer has toggles on the left and the matching Versatronic dryer has buttons on the left. The toggles have three positions for both wash speed and wash temp. Spin speeds and rinse temps are two position. Buttons on the dryer are for High temp, Low temp, Signal on, signal off, and start.
My 1968 washer has toggles on the left and the matching Versatronic dryer has buttons on the left. The toggles have three positions for both wash speed and wash temp. Spin speeds and rinse temps are two position. Buttons on the dryer are for High temp, Low temp, Signal on, signal off, and start.
Hey Jon, welcome BACK!
Good to see you post again!
Kevin
Good to see you post again!
Kevin
Thanks Kevin!
They are doing well. I'm actually having to replace the inlet valve since the original one sprung a leak. The dryer also has a new terminal block. The old one cracked and caused a short. Other than that they are still good to go. Oh, well except I still haven't found an extra rinse switch for the washer... Thanks for the warm welcome.
1968 GE Pics
Water valve replaced and the Filter-Flo is back in business. They are doing just fine
Water valve replaced and the Filter-Flo is back in business. They are doing just fine
Jon, good to see you back. I was thinking about y'all within the last month or so, wondering if y'all were ok.
Hi Bob! We're doing alright. Pretty much been a roller coaster ride the last few years and things are finally starting to settle. I finished nursing school last year and gainfully employed now. Tony's back in the airline business so we can hop on planes again which is really nice too. Other than that we are just living it up in Portland. Good to hear from you Bob!
Jon
Good to hear from you Bob!Jon
