New for 1956! Imperial Unimatic by Frigidaire

[swestoyz]

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.

 

[swestoyz]

I'm not sure what is under this cover. Let's take a look.

 

[swestoyz]

BAM - a Frigidaire!

I couldn't believe the condition of the outer cabinet when I pulled off the cover. Even the driver was impressed!

 

[swestoyz]

Close up of the dirty controls.

 

[swestoyz]

Let's take a look inside. Yep - this tub is going to be a project in of itself. Happy to see the lint chaser and circulator rings, even if they have drooped over time.

 

[swestoyz]

Look ma - no cracked glass dial! YAY!

 

[swestoyz]

Dirty controls. The load size selector seemed frozen in place - more on that later. Again, I still don't understand the logic of these safety lid switches....

Love the font!

 

[swestoyz]

Rear shot. Everything seems to be in place.

 

[swestoyz]

Wiring diagram. Look ma - two pilot lights!

 

[swestoyz]

Thought this shot was fun. That tape is going to be a PITA. So, is this lid smaller than that of a WO-65?

 

[a440]

Very nice!

 

[swestoyz]

YAY - the Healed Unimatic has company.

Similar, but yet very different washing machines.

 

[swestoyz]

Lids up - and yes, it appears it does have a smaller lid. Again, love the grey porcelain on the lid.

 

[rickr]

That is a beautiful machine Ben! Congratulations!

Sure a lot of vintage Frigidaires showing up lately! Keep em coming... <:

 

[swestoyz]

Woops - as always, a mistake.

 

[swestoyz]

I just couldn't go back to work, so I stayed for a bit and cleaned it up for a few minutes. BAD, BAD!

 

[rickr]

Love the chrome trim!! Looks to be in very nice condition too!

 

[swestoyz]

Okay, I just had to know what the dialed looked like all lit up. Just too kewl. (Don't worry, no power was applied to the mechanism.)

Cool - at least on bulb was working!

 

[swestoyz]

So tonight after work, I decided to see what condition the mechanism was in. First off I wanted to see what the water bellows looked like.

Here is the pulsator column. I think I may be the first person to take any of this apart. I love the droopy circulator ring.

 

[swestoyz]

I've never seen this plastic washer before either.

 

[swestoyz]

Underneath the pulsator, we can see the original grey color of the rubber parts. Again, gotta love time, and bleach.

 

[swestoyz]

Ah the tub. A before shot. (btw, bellows: good shape)

 

[swestoyz]

Time to take a look underneath the machine. When I pulled out the drain hose, I was happy to see the original drain hook!

 

[tagfan75]

Congrats!! A great find...and in such good shape for its age. Will be a real beauty when she's done! I know your Unimatic has to be glad to have some company now...lol!

 

[swestoyz]

Hum, things aren't looking so hot down here. The snubber is going to need a good cleaning as I can barely move the mechanism on it. Also, all the hoses will need to be replaced. A trip to the auto parts store will be my destiny. I bet the cap will be shot too.

 

[swestoyz]

Hum, let's see if the motor will spin. UH OH! The fan seems to be tight as a _____________ (fill in the blank) with no movement, what so ever. I think a complete rebuild will be in store. Good thing power wasn't applied to this yet.

 

[swestoyz]

with the back panel removed. Everything seems to be in good shape up here, and the timer seems to be advancing just fine. The linkage to the escapement is nice and loose, so I imagine that it is jamming up somewhere prior to. This girl will need a complete resto! And I'm looking forward to it ;-)

LOOK - WE HAVE LIGHTS, two of them!

 

[swestoyz]

After scrubbing on the bizarre hole in the tub for about five minutes, this is what I was able to get it to look like. So, I'm interested to hear what you guys think caused this. A manufacturing defect? A hex? A sour piece of candy? Had to be something!

As soon as I get time in the next few months, I'll start to dig into it. Till then, enjoy the photos!

 

[swestoyz]

One last photo. So guys and gals, say hello to the red-headed step child Unimatic! The 1956 Frigidaire Imperial Washer.

Ben

 

[tuthill]

Wow Ben, congragulations... it looks to be in really good shape!! I love the dial lights!! Hopefully she won't be too much of a pain in this ass, and you'll have her purring away in no time. Looking forward to seeing the progress and good luck.