Relax guys. These ESCAPED 'The Pile'...

[redcarpetdrew]

I was dumping scrap at one of our local 'piles' and arrived just in time to see these sitting there awaiting oblivion. The claw was actually swinging around to grab them and feed the crusher with them. All I could do was get out and yell "STOP, PLEASE!!!". As luck would have it, the operator of the claw was I guy I'd done favors for in the past and knew me. After getting a 'Go for it' wave, I dumped my scrap and rescued these. My first ones of this flavor although the color is no stranger (my luck...). Ladies and Gents, meet the luckiest set to ever escape appliance oblivion: The Frigidaires!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The washer console...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The washer says AHHHH!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Her birth certificate... How old is she?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The dryer console. Missing a timer knob... How much of a pain will THAT be to get?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Open wide...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

and the dryer I.D. How old is this one? I'm guessing early 70's?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Stay posted!

Those who know me (hush, QSD!) know that as you read this, I'm going thru them... Let me have them 'strut their stuff' and I'll post some more later.

RCD

 

[qsd-dan]

(hush, QSD!)

Awwwww, come on, man

 

[norfolksouthern]

I just can't fathom why anybody would be dumb enough to scrap these. It's a great set, for sure! Also, the knob for the dryer should be easily obtainable. I am sure I can find a source some place.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[supremewhirlpol]

I'm liking the silver trim at the bottom of the console!! Very nice set.

 

[joelippard]

Wow

Those are beautiful. What fool would have thrown those out!

 

[autowasherfreak]

WOW!!!!!!

You are lucky man to have found these. I hope the work perfectly. Evidently the person throwing them out didn't realize exactly what he/she had.

 

[frigilux]

Man, they are in wonderful shape. That washer tub looks pristine. Great save!

Most people wind up dumping machines like these because appliance dealers tell them "No use keeping them; you can't get parts". Or they redecorate/remodel and get rid of the old ones.

You have to remember that old appliances mean absolutely nothing to the vast majority of the general public.

 

[tlee618]

Talk about being in the right place at the right time!!!YAY Congratulations!!! Great save.

 

[a440]

Very, Very nice!
They are in great shape!!!!
Congratulations!
Brent

 

[lebron]

Amazing find! That is one great looking set!

 

[Unimatic1140]

T is 1971, the second year of 1-18s. Those are just beautiful Andrew, congratulations!!!

 

[appnut]

Andrew, YOU DA MAN!! I'm so proud of you. Those are beautiful. I"m wondering if that set came form one of those Sun City housing developments nearby. From what I've heard, still many a 1/18 set can be found there. I'm actually very jealous!! Congratulations again. Bob

 

[alr2903]

Redcarpetdrew, best of luck with them, Man, what a save. alr2903

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Here we go...

First off, thank you all for the kind words. I haven't touched a thumper for YEARS! And yes, I have been working... EErrrmmm... ok, ok, PLAYING with it all this time since last post. Takes a while to upload video to Youtube, but more on that later.

NOW THEN...

The washer is CLEAN! Very little to clean up here. The lid is just one clue how well this was kept.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Took off the front panel. Didn't know what to expect on a dumped washer... Pandora's box... Again, CLEAN!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I was expecting rust, leakage stains, who knows what. Then I got a look at the mechanism... No obvious ugliness. Hope began to swirl!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I wonder what to do next? Duhhh!

No guts, no glory! Lets run the thing! Towels should do the trick. Load them in and start her up... And...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

SUCCESS!!!

It runs! In came the water. I love the water fill from all around the tub cover!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

OK, it fills. Does it...

WASH! Yes it does. Started right up with that lovely thump that I remember from so long ago. There might be a slight 'tap' or 'click' from the lower end. It's not overly loud, so maybe normal for a washer with a few years of service? I forgot how these move the load!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Forgot the soap! Well... Maybe I should have!

I *DID* put in only a little bit. Ooopppss! I guess the jetcone churns up the soap!

For those who have never seen a Jetcone in operation, I shot some video. It also shows the mechanism underneath at work.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The big question... Will it spin out?

Again, YES!!! Why did the previous owners get rid of this wonderfull machine? Beats me. Am I just imagining things or did this start out on slow speed for a little bit when first pumping down then shift to high? Anyway, there is a tiny squeek as it first starts out. I'm thinking belt. After all, it's most likely the original belt... I love this camera! You'd never know this was taken during full spin...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I think this machine has the longest spray rinse duration I've ever seen. I'm used to the Maytag top loader with it's short sprays... The spin is quiet. There's no apparent bearing issues here! What IS the rpm on the spin for this?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

As I said, there was little cleanup for me to do. The inside of the cabinette wiped right out as did the outside. It shines! The towels came out absolutely dry! I don't know why this little one was booted out into the night, but she has a new, loving home here. AW has helped me join the conventional washer club and now the 1-18 club!

Anything I should be looking for as preventative maintenance for this one? I will admit to being a thumper neophyte but thank goodness I started out with the right unit. Maybe the washer was taking it easy on me for snatching her, quite literally, from the jaws of death...

The dryer runs and drys but I can hear rumblings from inside. Possibly a roller or two or an idler. It's late, and I'm tired. The dryer will get her turn later. I think this is the Franklin design with the bazzillion rollers. Not my favorite, but I'll give it a chance... Later...

RCD