OLD General Electric Clothes Conditioner

[karen]

Hello!
I've been exploring this interesting site for several months. Love the videos! Especially Paul's Launderall arockin n arollin!!

I have an old GE Clothes Conditioner. It's white with turquoise trim on the control panel.

The metal label says:
Model # 1DA 620S2 W
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY

Can anyone tell me how old this dryer is?
I used it occasionally from 1986 until 2003, when it just stopped heating, if I remember right.

It's still sitting right next to my washer, but I use my clothesline to dry clothes.

Could it be worth something to someone or should I just junk it?
Sorry, I don't have a photo. I do not own a cell phone or camera. If needed, my son could help me with posting a photo.

Karen

 

[pulltostart]

Karen

Can't tell for sure without knowing the Serial Number, but, I'm willing to venture a guess that it's a 1959 (based on the fact that the model is a 620 "S").  Either a photo of the dryer or the Serial Number could confirm the date.

 

lawrence

 

[karen]

Thanks, Lawrence.
Sorry, I didn't know the serial number mattered. Here it is:

WS 204 727

Karen

 

[rp2813]

It's possible that one of the members here has the companion washer to your dryer, so it might find a new home that way instead of going to the scrapper.  It can likely be easily repaired.

 

[pulltostart]

I still think it's 1959, although the "W" doesn't show up in this chart.

 

lawrence

GE Appliance - How to Determine the Age or Manufacture Date

 

[pulltostart]

Probably looks like this....

 

lawrence

 

[karen]

Lawrence, it looks exactly like that photo! Thanks!

 

[goatfarmer]

Where in the state of Cheddar are you located? Someone here should want that.

 

[pulltostart]

I would love to have that dryer - it is identical to what we had from 1959-1963; but I'm in no position right now to consider having it shipped from WI to the Gulf Coast.

 

But I would implore you to not scrap it - others would love to get their hands on it, too.

 

lawrence

 

[wayupnorth]

In the mid 60's, my mothers old Kenmore died. She snagged the matching washer to that for $25 when Dow AFB upgraded their Base Housing. She ended up buying a new Kenmore a few years later and that Filter Flo served at least 2 neighbors fine. One speed, Normal and short cycles, temp controls and water saver. Solid tub had to be at the top for the filter flo to work.

 

[karen]

Goatfarmer, I'm in the center of the state.

Lawrence, don't worry, I won't scrap it. Just not sure what to do with it.
It's been sitting idle for 13 years now.

 

[lesto]

That is definitely a MOL 59 model. My great aunt had the matching washer. When she died in 1972 we moved into her house and my mom used that washer for many years. The tranny final gave out in the late 70's. It would no longer spin. One speed, two cycles, Normal with black letters and short with red letters. The dial lights up on that model. The top of the agitator was also turquoise with the copper filter flo pan.

 

[bajaespuma]

I also have this model. Not only this model, but a series #2 model. In 1959 GE redesigned the heating coils and along with that, the drum of the dryer to the configuration that would last for decades.

 

I would be ecstatic if I could find either the matching washer that was this dryer's mate in 1959, or the carry-over 1961 two-speed washer that would match this dryer.

 

[karen]

Well, I listed my house for sale and included all the appliances except for the dryer. I stated on the condition report that it doesn't work. Now that I think about it, that didn't make sense... either include the dryer and say it doesn't work OR don't include it and then there's no need to mention it. Oh well, it's already done.

Altho.... my listing description says "all appliances included." But then it goes on to list only the "fridge, range, washer, and dehumidifier." Talk about confusing!

Since we didn't actually include the dryer in that ^ list, my realtor says I'll need to remove the dryer before closing.

Great.

It fits sideways in my laundry room right next to the washer. Only room enough to fit them in there side by side. To remove the dryer, the room door needs to come off. It's a heavy solid wood bi-fold door.
Then the washer needs to come out.... thru the hall and into the living room. Only THEN can you get the dryer out. Sounds like a nightmare to me.

So, I got an offer on my house and countered, and we now have an accepted offer.
Inspection is this Tuesday. Closing is scheduled for Oct. 5.

I keep thinking about this dryer situation...

Maybe it can be repaired?
Can it be repaired from the front, without moving it and the washer?

There's an old guy that used to repair appliances and I just found his phone number still listed in the phone book! Could he possibly just replace the heating element - from the front?
If so, I'd love to just leave the dryer where it is and include it with the house.

 

[karen]

Called the appliance repair guy...

Talked to the appliance repair guy today. He kind of doubted he could get parts for a 1959 dryer, but he took the model no. anyway and went to look it up.
Called me back and he said No.

Now what?

I myself don't need a dryer. Haven't used one in 13 years.
The dryer's not specifically listed in my real estate ad, so I don't have to include a working dryer in the home sale.

I'd really like to just leave it there. They can replace it when they can afford it.
Maybe I should ask the buyers if I can leave it in place.
They might not mind, if they're planning on using the clothesline a lot, like I do.

I'm on a tight budget. They're on a tight budget, too.
We close around Oct. 5th. What would you do if you were in my place?

 

[goatfarmer]

Well, I understand old dryers, so I would tear into it, and make sure it wasn't anything simple, like a broken wire.

 

But that's me.

 

[karen]

@goatfarmer, I'll ask my realtor what we need to do. If the buyers don't want it, and it needs to leave the house before the buyers move in, I'll give it to you for nothing. You live sort of close to me. Would you be interested in it?

 

[goatfarmer]

Free is good.

 

[pulltostart]

My two cents' worth

It needs to GO somewhere before closing.  If it's left in the house, especially since it does not work, it is guaranteed to go to the curb and from there to a new car.

 

Kenny - go get it, you're it's best hope at this point.

 

lawrence