I think this may be one of the first times that I've brought home a washer that I've never seen before in person. What I mean is, I've never seen a 1956 Imperial Frigidaire washer before in person. I always thought they looked cool from the few photographs that have surfaced over the years here at automaticwasher.org, but it seems to be the read-headed step child of the Unimatics. We've seen plenty of WO-65 machines, quite a few control control towers, a 55 set here and there, some showing of the early WA machines, and the elusive Custom Imperial, new for 1958. Either the buying public did not generate enough enthuiasm around the pink trim, or by chance this one off model year made it to the crusher more often than it's siblings.
I've always been the kind of person to root for the little guy, so when I saw this WI-56 come up for auction, I thought what a great washer to bring home and have around as a project. (I will say it now, for those who will ask, I was not able to retrieve the dryer. It has found a new home in applianceville heaven). I could tell from the photos that it would need some work in the tub, and it also appears there will be some fun work on the mechanism as well.
So - without further adieu, here she is! First up - as seen from my front door. I think we'll be seeing - and using - a lot more of these crates in the next few years here at aw.org!! Fresh from the DFW area.
I've always been the kind of person to root for the little guy, so when I saw this WI-56 come up for auction, I thought what a great washer to bring home and have around as a project. (I will say it now, for those who will ask, I was not able to retrieve the dryer. It has found a new home in applianceville heaven). I could tell from the photos that it would need some work in the tub, and it also appears there will be some fun work on the mechanism as well.
So - without further adieu, here she is! First up - as seen from my front door. I think we'll be seeing - and using - a lot more of these crates in the next few years here at aw.org!! Fresh from the DFW area.
