What is the difference between the Frigidaire Imperial Frost Proof and Deluxe Frost Proof fridge?

[frogkid11]

Well.....

I received the dimensions for the GE and it seems it is no different than the almost perfect condition Frigidaire. Since I'm not spending a ton of money for either one, I'll just decide on one and then later, if a taller model comes along I'll consider getting it.

Thanks for all of the input you guys have given. I have loved finding out about these appliances and am anxious to get my kitchen converted back to the way it was.

 

[frogkid11]

Another one has shown up on CL...

So another Frigidaire has shown up on Craigslist and it's much closer to my home. I don't have any information on this one yet because I'm waiting for a return call. The inside doesn't look like anything I've seen posted here yet (or at least that my searches have shown). If anyone has any information on the specs or model year, please let me know. The big red flag for me is that the post says it's been stored for 15 years and was working when stored - but I'm waiting to hear if it starts again after all those years.

 

[philr]

That's a tall one from 1961. FPI-15B-61, the TOL model for that year and the height you want!

But...

Unless it's very inexpensive and local, you want to make sure that the owner plugs it for a few days before you get it and control the temperatures in it. Ask that they set it to the  coldest setting. Also, look under the compressor for traces of oil around the 3 electrical connectors. It's missing the "egg" drawers on the left on the picture. You should ask if they still have them somewhere.

 

It could be very costly to fix if it doesn't work! 

 

[frogkid11]

Thanks Phil. I have talked to the owner and he is going to plug it in and get me the measurements - but I'm excited by the news you have already provided about the model. He said it's in almost perfect condition inside and out and just needs to get it out of storage. He's only asking $100 and it's just over an hour drive for me to pick it up.

I will definitely check out the compressor area (which I assume is under that large silver kick plate near the floor) for any oil leaks as well as note the temperature readings from the thermometers he's going to put in it for me.

I didn't realize that small, lower compartment was the egg drawer - I will definitely ask about it.

 

[turquoisedude]

OOO!  The Hydrator in that '61 looks to be in good shape!  Hope it's still functional - that would be quite the score. 

 

[goatfarmer]

$100 is a fair price, if it works. Good luck!

 

[frogkid11]

What is a hydrator?

Hey turquoisedude, you said the hydrator looked to be in good condition but I have no idea what section or part of the fridge that is referring to so that I understand. I haven't found any other information on this model yet, except what PhilR has been so kind to educate me upon.

If any of you know about the original equipment or luxuries of this model, please impart you knowledge. I have my fingers crossed for this unit because it's everything that I have wanted for my kitchen "rewind".

 

[turquoisedude]

The 'Hydrator'

Is the compartment that fruits and veggies are kept in - other refrigerators, vintage and modern, call them 'crispers' and they are usually drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator section.  BUT in the days of 'Sheer Look' bottom-freezer design, Frigidaire used a transparent, tilt-out compartment that was in the door of the refrigerator section.  The idea was that you could immediately see what you had in the compartment without opening it.  The idea was, in my opinion, a good one, but they often broke or wore out.  I've only seen a few intact ones, so it's encouraging to see this one is in such good condition!   

 

Neither of my vintage Frigidaires (a 62 and a 65, both Imperial Cycla-Matics) have this feature, so I am jealous... LOL

 

I don't know if there would be a butter conditioner in this model; if I had to bet, I'd say there was...  

 

PhilR will know more sure,  but I hope this helps! 

 

[philr]

As Paul said, the "picture window hydrator" (as Frigidaire first called it in the mid-1950s ads) was the door-mounted hydrator featured in the taller Frigidaire models made before 1964. It can be removed easily from the door for cleaning. Here are pictures of mine.

 

[frogkid11]

She's mine now!!!

Ok, this 1961 Imperial is now mine and we are bringing her home as I post this. She looks like it's never been used!! The pics from the CL posting didn't do her justice at all. Two things missing are the actual foot pedal itself (the mechanical parts are still in tact) and the egg bins.

Does anyone happen to have a part number or know where to look for a foot pedal? I can't wait to get her home and put in place.

 

[philr]

Congratulations!

 

I had an issue with the foot pedal in my 1961 as well but a friend was able to weld it. These are made of pot metal and can break easily. The 1962 Imperial bottom-freezer models should use the same. Maybe earlier ones too.

 

[frogkid11]

Thanks PhilR

Thank you PhilR ! I'm really excited to have her home finally. This model is fabulous and I love all of the luxuries it offered for it's time.

Can you tell me this - the seals on the doors have the magnets to help them stay closed and the freezer door doesn't want to stay tightly closed like the fridge door. I noticed there is a lot of dirt on the seal going around the freezer so I'm hoping once I get it cleaned up (tomorrow) that it will stay shut tightly - but by any chance does the foot pedal mechanism have anything to do with keeping the freezer door closed? I'm thinking not but figured I would ask. Also, would you mind, when you get a chance, taking a picture of the foot pedal mechanics with the door open so I can have a baseline to compare mine to know that I have everything? Thank you so much for considering my request.

 

[retro-man]

I would possibly imagine that if the foot pedal broke off while someone was stepping on it to open it, the metal bar that opens the door might be stuck in the opening position or part way. This may cause an obstruction in keeping the door closed firmly.

Jon

 

[frogkid11]

Solved the freezer door seal issue !!

It just took loosening the pairs of screws on the top and bottom hinge, pulling the door out from the unit a little and tightening them all back down - now she seals like the top - perfectly!!!

 

[philr]

Keep us informed on what you find!