Serenity Now! Another GE

[swestoyz]

My God I think I've gone mad.

Maybe I'd feel better if it were a washer. But it is still oh so cool.

Okay - here is the story (fast forward to the next post if you just want to dig the photos). Today can be summed up in one word: urgency. A large winter storm is expected to hit Iowa tonight. Estimates are ranging anywhere from 5 to 12 inches of snow. Originally the storm was supposed to start mid afternoon but has been pushed back to this evening. Last I checked Waterloo was just about to get it as of 8:30 PM.

All I wanted to do today was work, hit the gym, check the house, and head to the parents. So, after work I hit the gym. But before I could head to the house I needed to pick up an automotive tool from a buddy who lives near Menards, and you know that a diehard collector can't just drive by Menards without checking the pile in back.

As I scan the row of appliances from about 250' back - everything looks normal. As I walk closer I spy a fridge with a lot of chrome. As I get 50 feet away I say to myself, "Damn, it's PINK!"

 

[swestoyz]

I couldn't believe how cool this thing looked. I was also in disbelief about what I was thinking, but in a fury of adrenaline I walked back to the truck, grabbed my wallet, and proceeded to pay for the 'bargain fridge' out back.

Mind you - a storm is coming. Also note that I was just at the gym and I am still wearing my gym shorts and gym shoes. But this thing was just too cool for words. Now what the hell am I going to do with it?

 

[swestoyz]

First I thought I could throw it in the garage. No - too much snow in the way. Then I thought I could just leave it outside until tomorrow when my brother and I could haul it in the house. No - would be tough with 12 inches of fresh wet snow on the ground.

I decided to pull it out of the truck. My God is this thing HEAVY!

 

[swestoyz]

I decided that I didn't have a choice and I needed to get it in the basement tonight.

Another thing to keep in mind is the sheer size of this pink beast. Probably the largest vintage fridge I've ever seen. I didn't know if I would be able to muscle it down to the basement.

 

[swestoyz]

I get the ramp set up and I throw my tattered and beaten appliance cart on the GE. It takes everything I have to just tilt it back. Maybe I shouldn't say, "put your back into it." That'd be a bad pun, right?

 

[swestoyz]

The first 4 attempts to get it just on the ramp were unsucessful. My fingers were freezing, as well as my body. Oh yeah - 18 degrees out. Still in shorts too.

I thought to myself, "okay, one more try. If you can't get it up on the ramp then try tomorrow."

Backed up, pushed with full steam and BUMP - it rolls up the little lip on to the ramp. Success!

I then muscle it down the steps into the basement - then caught my breath. Woo, she's heavy!

 

[swestoyz]

The rest of the photos will show off the goodies. Such a cool fridge!

The first thing I looked for were the bulbs for the fridge compartment. Where the heck are they?

 

[swestoyz]

Oh my, they're behind here! I guess we need three bulbs to light this thing up!

(Never ceases to amaze me that when you find a vintage fridge how FILTHY they are)

 

[swestoyz]

Temp control for the fridge compartment. Much different than the later control on the Hotpoint/GE's that I'm used to.

 

[swestoyz]

Behind the right hydrator drawer, I find this switch. Holy crap this is cool! Too bad the tray system is missing.

 

[swestoyz]

Behind the other hydrator drawer (meats) I found this nasty mess, along with this air diverter. Again, very cool.

Note the blue plastic divider that is between the two drawers.

 

[swestoyz]

Left hand drawer label.

 

[swestoyz]

right hand drawer label. Yes, both drawers are present (woo hoo!)

 

[swestoyz]

This is the only freezer compartment shot I got. Love the dual racks and the black porcelain finish. As I mentioned the ice tray racking system is missing.

 

[swestoyz]

Door shot. Found out that the blue plastic door in the freezer was actually the butter dish! Yay!

The snow flakes are so appropriate for the holiday season.

 

[swestoyz]

Butter door open.

 

[swestoyz]

Guessing there was a rack that went inside for the egg storage?

 

[swestoyz]

The adjustable shelves are so cool.

 

[swestoyz]

I *might* be able to fit a two liter in this.

 

[swestoyz]

Some of the stickers on the door. The heat gun will take care of these in no time.

 

[swestoyz]

Nice to see that this fridge went from one Democrat to another.

 

[swestoyz]

Model number tag kids.

The serial number decodes that this was built in July of 1962.

Model No: TC479WGP 616

Serial No: UW678528

 

[swestoyz]

Well - that's all folks! I have the day off tomorrow, and might have a few minutes that I can spare to clean her up and test her out. I'll let you guys know.

In this last photo you'll notice the only thing missing from the refrigerator - the kick plate. I might have a spare from the Hotpoint around, but not sure if it will fit.

Brrrrr!

Ben

 

[swestoyz]

Woops - I just realized I posted this in the Imperial forum. Robert, can you wave your magic wand and glide this post on over to the Super? Thank you!

 

[jetcone]

OMG that is a riot

You are full on an out and out collector now! I know I was there once, couldn't pass a machine on the curb!

There's no turning back. But you should have included a shot with the shorts on!

I love these early GE fridges, they had real style. My favorite styling in fact. I saw this model in a home once, I don't think they had egg trays in theirs, they just piled the eggs in the box. But maybe theirs broke too. Maybe they were prone to that.

 

[rickr]

Great old fridge Ben! Hope you know you had the double workout tonight... lol!! That thing is a BEAST!

Love it! And it will be a great basement fridge for you, as the 50 GE doesn't hold that much. (don't I know) :>

I will be moving the 77 Kelvinator to the basement for my "overflow" once the 48 GE is painted and in place in the kitchen. I have an old Gibson fridge in the basement now, and that will become a basement fridge for Budders mom.

Congratulations on your find Ben, and A+ for your commitment to the hobby!

 

[magic clean]

Ben

I think this fridge is a 'frost-guard' model. So it should have a hot-gas valve in the sealed system. The valve diverts heat from the condensor to defrost the evaporator instead of the typical electric radiant elements.

So nice....congrats & enjoy the Christmas weather!

Leslie

 

[tlee618]

Wow Ben, another great find!! Sounds like you earned it, what a work out. Have to agree with Jon, I just love the style and detailing this one has. If this proves out to be working you'll have to decide if you are going to use it in your kitchen or not. Keep us posted. Hope that the storm doesn't get to bad there for you.

 

[autowasherfreak]

That is one pretty fridge. My roommate loves pink, I think an all pink kitchen would be the neatest thing.

I never thought about checking behind Mendards. I will have to start checking there and Lowes too.

 

[pdub]

What a beautiful fridge Ben. Glad you were able to move it inside.
I don't know how but you just keep finding the best stuff!
Iowa must be a gold mine for vintage appliances.

Patrick