Work Begins on the 1960 Coin-op

[Unimatic1140]

I've begun working on the 1960 Coin-op, it appears that the washer mechanism is working perfectly with no issues. It probably could some oil, but otherwise its fine. The only problem I can find with the machine is the water temperature switch is defective. So I wired in a 3 position toggleswitch to take the place of the water temp switch...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here is the original water temp switch taken apart, one of the three plastic shifter cams has broken, this is allowing all the buttons to be pressed in at once. Normally when you press a button, any other button that is depressed comes up. This is causing a short and poping the breaker...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Check out this very interesting timer inside the coin mechanism box. The washer model is WCOB-LT, LT stands for "Less Timer". This was meant to have a timer provided by the coin slide manufacturer. In this case the coin slide manufacturer is Cissel. Notice how you can adjust the Wash and Rinse fill time! That is very cool.

 

[Unimatic1140]

How fun is this?

The timer itself is like nothing I have ever seen before. Its nothing more than four switches that the actuators ride on rollers along tracks up against the metal timer dial...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here is how I rewired the washer to use the new 3-way temperature toggleswitch...

 

[Unimatic1140]

The machine is now all hooked up and ready for its first 18 minute cycle in my basement...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Check out the 18 minute cycle, I have never figured out why Frigidaire put pause/overflow fill in a coin-op Unimatic Cycle, they never did that with the home/domestic models...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Tonight I'll wash in the coin-op, I'll take lots of pictures, oh and this is what I'll wear...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Yay for Round Windows...

 

[pdub]

I've been waiting for this!

Robert,

Congrats on the cool find. I remember living not far from a laundromat in Bloomington that was filled with these turquoise Frigidaires. I would go in and look sometimes but always got a dirty look from the woman behind the counter. I'm sure she thought a kid had no business in there and was up to mischief.

When I saw your earlier reveal of finding this machine I was looking forward to your restorations and pictures. Great job so far.

thanks again, Patrick

 

[swestoyz]

Hey Robert - Glad to see that this one has fit into the schedule. The timer reminds me of a Paragon 24hr/7d Timer in its opperation of using actual switches. Should be a good time tonight - don't forget the heals!

Ben

 

[westytoploader]

YAY!! That coin-op Unimatic is certainly an interesting machine (NEAT timer)...and with that Deep Action agitator there will be a lot of window-smackulation as well!

Would "The Pig 3" be a good name for this one? ;-)

*ducks and runs*

 

[filterflo]

Nice washer Robert, did this washer orginally come with a jetcone? or is that a replacement? Its wonderful looking either way....

 

[jeb]

Great washer! We had a Fridgidare laundromat in town with all tutquoise machine much like this one. I'm sure you will have fun and send lots of pics but please don't go to all the trouble of girdle, heels, and stockings on our account. You know to truly wash the laundromat way you need sponge curlers a cigarette and faded, floral housedress

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Red shoes will be a lovely compliment to

the turquoise cabinet! I just know Robert would never be caught in his rollers!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hey Patrick me too! When I was a kid we used to go down to south Florida every summer. There was a Laundromat within walking distance to my grandmother’s condo. They had sunny yellow 1966 Frigidaire coin-ops with the square window lid and I used to do the exact same thing. I also got “dirty looks” for the old lady attendants, but usually they let me stay and watch the machines as I tried to be as polite and well behaved as possible (unlike me now).

Ben, don’t worry I certainly wouldn’t forget the heels!

Austin, "Pig 3", WELL, I beg your pardon

Mister; some is going to get a slap.

Hi Jimmy, yes originally this washer came with a three ring agitator but without the turquoise rubber cap.

Jeb, who says I was going through all that trouble just for you guys

You are correct Darrel, I would be caught dead using rollers to wash, I only go for gears.

 

[lesto]

Robert, you should look LOVELY in that dress this evening! Not to mention the boufant hairstyle. I hope you have lots of vintage hairspray to keep your doo piled nice and high and stiff.

BTW, why did Frigidaire discontinue the unimatic for domestic machines after 1958 but retained them for the coin-ops?

 

[toggleswitch]

So I wired in a 3 position toggleswitch.
HA! don't make ME have to tell Neal about this.......

Anyhoo, seriously AWESOME.

Is the switch double pole, double throw? How did you get to to do what was needed?

 

[westyslantfront]

Hi Robert. What a fun looking machine? Sort of a big piggy bank...my 61' Westy slant front coin op is getting full of quarters. Congratulations to you.

Ross