My First Dishwasher! 1965 Frigidaire Custom Imperial Dishmobile

[1952crestwood]

Hi to all,

Well after MUCH hassle and aggravation, I finally got my first vintage dishwasher home! I will let the pics speak for themselves, but I couldn't be happier with it. I haven't tried to hook it up or run it yet, but I wanted to get some shots into the forum. I found a date stamped on something underneath that says July 23, 1965. Since I have to keep it in an unheated garage but would like to hook it up and test it during the warm spell we are having here in VA, is there a way to make sure all the water is drained out to avoid damage from any freezing temps to come? I also don't have access to hot water in the garage, so hopefully running it with just cold water won't make any difference since it's just a test run. I'd like to see if it cleans out the little bit of old rinse aid that ran down the door and the white residue on the washer arm. The guy I bought it from said that it works but it's been quite a few years since his late Mom had used it, so I am going to keep my fingers crossed. Things look pretty nice with the wiring and motor so I will hope for the best.

 

[1952crestwood]

I'm no expert but the underside and "workings" seem in good shape.

 

[1952crestwood]

Racks appear to be in good shape as well. No chips or rust that I've seen.

 

[1952crestwood]

I'm gonna enjoy using this!

 

[1952crestwood]

Feed meeeeeeee!

 

[1952crestwood]

Buttons all ready for the pushing.

 

[1952crestwood]

Hopefully this won't leak.

 

[1952crestwood]

I figure some purists might fuss me a little but if I don't try to install this under my counter (as I would like to) I will at the very least be changing out the butcher block top for a boomerang patterned Formica top with stainless steel edging to match the counter tops and use it as an island for more workspace when not in use.

 

[1952crestwood]

Since my family and I have several 1955 Oldsmobile cars, I though it was cool how this was made by GM and is a "Dishmobile".

 

[1952crestwood]

Might not be the mid-50's Hotpoint I have always wanted but the color is right and it seems like it is more "optioned" than the old Hotpoints were.

 

[aldspinboy]

Congratulations!!! what a beautiful streamline Frigidare dishwasher in a nice color.
I hope everything works out for you.
Happy washing.

Darren k.

 

[appnut]

Robyn, congratulations!! Beautiful color. This is the first year, I do believe, of the SuperSurge Frigidaire dishwashers. With the P'n'P cycle, it actually might clean quite well--I used a few of these that weren't the Custom Imperial. It's in beautiful shape. And you'll find it holds more than a ton of stuff if loaded the correct way, ha ha ha. These were one of my all-time favorite dishwashers for capacity and flexibility, far better than KitchenAids of the same period. I think you'll enjoy this more than the Hotpoint you were seeking. And who knows, the dishwasher gods may still smile down on you for that. Ya done GOOD!!!

 

[mikepaquette]

WOW

Beautiful dishmobile. Congratulations. Michael

 

[turquoisedude]

A prize dishwasher to be sure!!

Wow, Robyn, that is just GAWGEOUS!! I bet it will run like it did the first day it was delivered!! The cabinet looks wonderful and what a great colour... LOL
Congratulations and have fun with this beauty!!

 

[alanlendaro]

we had a top loader Frigidaire dishwasher from around that e

It had a round knob in the center of the control panel that you pushed and turned to release the butcher block top. If I recall correctly the butcherblock covering was on the top and then slanted down to the control panel. It also had electronic (?) controls similar to those, with a cancel button. It used to make the coolest sounds if you pressed the cancel button. Dad had converted it from a portable to a freestanding permanent hookup - we had it until 1972 or 1973 when we remodeled the kitchen and got a TOL Roper in harvest gold. We had given it to a friend who never installed it and it sat in their garage for years. Not sure whatever happened to it. would love to know more about it and perhaps see a pic of one.

 

[alanlendaro]

one more detail

It also had lights above the buttons that lit to show the cycle progress.

 

[1952crestwood]

I'm just loving this

These replies are great. Thanks to everyone for your compliments. This is sure a red letter day for me.......well ok, a turquoise letter day. The more I am reading here, the better I am feeling about this purchase.

Any thoughts about my testing it, and being able to remove all the water before a freeze sets in?

Also there is something I noticed. I was looking for ways to get that butcher block top off and all I could find are two screws under the front edge of it with the door open. No visible screws in the back or the sides. Is it something where you take out the front screws and the back had some kind of "tabs" that hold it down?

 

[easyspindry]

In the event of freezing weather . . .

. . . Get yourself a gallon of antifreeze for campers. It's digestable in the event any is ingested. Pour this into the tub and let the motor run enough to get it pumped into all the pipes and washer arms.

We use the antifreeze in our camper and have never had a problem with freezing or with ingesting any of the antifreeze. It's pink in color and can be bought in many different places including Walmart and camping stores.

That's a great machine. I had an aunt that had that model built in and it ran for many years.

Jerry Gay

 

[toploader55]

What a Great Find.

Congratulations.

Fantastic Machine. I wish you great luck and many BobLoads. Eddie