Vintage appliance repairman needed

[jimbo]

Longtime closeted reader of AW, first time to post! I need a repairman in the Atlanta area that can work on my 57 GE Refrigerator. I defrosted the freezer this weekend and I can't get the temp back below 50 degrees - may just be the thermostat, but after 55 years, I can't complain too much. Is there anyone in my area that can call? Thanks for your help/advice and constant entertainment!

 

[firedome]

You ARE IN LUCK...

Call John Jowers at: www.antiqueappliances.com

They are in Atlanta, and the leading dealers/repairers in the entire US if not the world! They will be able to source parts if needed. Nice people too.

 

[jimbo]

Perfect! You ask and you shall receive.

 

[jimbo]

Oh spoke too soon. John is a great source, but only repair in the store, and he is running about a year out for servicing (guess I need to get my name in for a total refurb). Anyone out there that does house calls?

 

[rp2813]

The cold controls seem to be the seriously weak link on this vintage of GE refrigerators.  I had to change mine out last summer. 

 

If you're mechanically inclined, the job isn't that difficult.

 

You might be able to find a new old stock cold control at Modern Parts in Parma, OH.  Talk to Larry there and he'll take a long walk to the back and see if he has one.  It won't be cheap, but if you love your fridge as much as I do mine, it's worth it.

 

Also, I have adopted the practice of unplugging the fridge to defrost instead of turning the cold control to "OFF."  It's too much trouble to get the fridge back to the proper setting otherwise.  Mine can take a good week or so before hitting its stride and holding at the temperature it was before defrosting.

 

Here's a picture of mine:

 

[appliguy]

Call Larry at Modern Parts

in Parma Ohio 216-661-6966....he may have a nos thermostat for your fridge. I got one for my 1957 GE single door Combo last spring and ever since then my fridge has worked like a champ. Mine cost me about $90 but it was worth it.

 

[jimbo]

Thanks for the info. After 3 days the thermostat has finally settled back down to the normal temps. I'll keep Larry's number just in case - and I guess it's time to see about the complete overhaul with John in North Georgia.