Vintage GE Fridge Restore

[FordsnFishin]

Every Tuesday night we have a local auction house that a buddy and i frequent. We pick up all kinds of nick nacks, tools, to things we plan just don't need. But we love it!

I've always been a fan of older vintage things. They look neat, are plain and simple, and are built RIGHT!

A recent find of mine was this old General Electric refrigerator! As soon as i saw it i could just see a finished product, sitting in my garage someday!

We got it home and plugged it in and to our suprise it actually ran, and got cold fast!!! But looking at the wiring, i knew i was going to have to go through it first thing. All the wiring was so old that any movement in it the insulation was cracking and falling off.

So first things first, im going to go through it and get it all rewired and safe!

Here are a few photos of the fridge, some slight dismantleage of it sorry.

 

[Amitygravel]

Welcome FordsnFishin.
Nice score on the fridge !
Photo the rewire and repaint so you can post up the overhaul.

 

[MFolks]

When I was going through an appliance repair course taught at a city college, my instructor said the best refridgerators were the type with the "Bedspring" cooling fins on the back. The other types rely on a cooling fan, and this usually fails, over time. Just don't block the flow of air on the back, if your's has them.

 

[FordsnFishin]

Thanks! For sure, plan on keeping a update on all the progress of the restore with pictures.

Amitygravel, i have some relatives that are in your area. You know any Belmonts or Buchanans?

 

[FordsnFishin]

When I was going through an appliance repair course taught at a city college, my instructor said the best refridgerators were the type with the "Bedspring" cooling fins on the back. The other types rely on a cooling fan, and this usually fails, over time. Just don't block the flow of air on the back, if your's has them.

Hmmm, i believe mine does have what you are talking about. Heres a few photos of back, condensor on bottom, and all along the back of the black backplate are lines that run all along it. Look like what you are talking of?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

We had that same refrigerator in our basement when I was growing up. I think my parents may have even still been using it as recently as 15 years ago...

Tommy

 

[C96]

Nice find, that’s going to be sweet when it’s done. By all means keep updating your pictures so we can see the progress.

Good Luck

 

[G_P]

Those older fridges are tough as nails. I still have an older one in the basement marked "product of general motors". The only reason its down there is because its a bit noisy and was replaced with an auto defrost model.

 

[zip95864]

Very cool


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[danv]

I love these old fridges also. They do use a ton of power though. There are rebates here in ontario to get rid of the older power hogs. They will even come and pick them up and dispose of them properly. They were made like tanks though and just like old cars bring back memories of the simpler good old days.

 

[kenfath]

I agree to a point that old refrigerators have a certain amount of nostalgia. After saying that, I don't want one. In my youth many of the 1930-1940 built models were being replaced and the old ones discarded. It seemed like every week the newspapers reported some kid or kids had gotten inside a derelict refrigerator, the door closed locking them inside resulting in suffocation. Some locales passed regulations that doors had to be removed. Best improvement was the magnetic door locks and seals which eliminated the possibility of being trapped inside.

WHY am I writing this. For those that have old refrigerators which have doors that are locked when closed please be aware of this largely forgotten danger and store them in a safe manner while they await repair and/or return to service. I'd also suggest disabling the positive door lock and replacing it with a magnetic catch on restored refrigerators.

 

[G_P]

Even the modern fridges I see going away as trash have the doors removed. Not sure if it is law here in CT but it seems everybody does it.

 

[superdutymike27]

Nice find, that’s going to be sweet when it’s done. By all means keep updating your pictures so we can see the progress.

Good Luck

+2

I bought mine in southern Maryland last summer while out east working. I still have it on the books for a winter project.

 

[Ragged Earl]

Even the modern fridges I see going away as trash have the doors removed. Not sure if it is law here in CT but it seems everybody does it.

A lot of the time you have to take the door or handles off, whichever is easier, to get it out the door. No reason to put the door back on if it's going to the curb.

 

[aar0s]

Another Illinoisian! I love me some resto frefers, cant wait to see how this turns out.

 

[Chris Stapley]

Hate to tell you Dan but this myth is BS, if you were to have a proper door seal on it and were to run a meter on it and a new Energy Star fridge for a month you will find that the old one will kick the new ones *** out the door,not to mention that the carbon footprint of having a fridge that will last 100 years as opposed to the new ones that typically make it 10 years now. Remember these old fridges don't have a defrost mode that automatically goes off and when they are down to operating temp they do not cycle on and off every hour or two like the new one will. Ask any qualified "honest" appliance guy and they will tell you this is the truth..

I love these old fridges also. They do use a ton of power though. There are rebates here in ontario to get rid of the older power hogs. They will even come and pick them up and dispose of them properly. They were made like tanks though and just like old cars bring back memories of the simpler good old days.

 

[gm54210]

Hate to tell you Dan but this myth is BS, if you were to have a proper door seal on it and were to run a meter on it and a new Energy Star fridge for a month you will find that the old one will kick the new ones *** out the door,not to mention that the carbon footprint of having a fridge that will last 100 years as opposed to the new ones that typically make it 10 years now. Remember these old fridges don't have a defrost mode that automatically goes off and when they are down to operating temp they do not cycle on and off every hour or two like the new one will. Ask any qualified "honest" appliance guy and they will tell you this is the truth..

Agreed 100%. Our '54 Philco uses about half what our side by side uses. Confirmed with a Kill-A-Watt. I've had the Philco for almost 30 years, needs a new door seal, but purrs along minding it's own business.

 

[onewheat]

I've got a mid-50's Philco as well. Still cools very well - although it may be time for it to go. Used to use it for 1/4 barrels of beer and don't buy them anymore - just go for case by case purchase now.

 

[ADSR]

Sub'd

 

[Norcal]

Those older fridges are tough as nails. I still have an older one in the basement marked "product of general motors". The only reason its down there is because its a bit noisy and was replaced with an auto defrost model.

It's a Frigidaire, GM era Frigidaire appliances seemed to be well built, want nothing to do w/ them today.


Ford had Philco, Chrysler had Air Temp air conditioning, AMC had Kelvenator (Not sure I spelled it correctly).

 

[softailgarage]

Man, I love these old fridges. Been looking for a GM, but anything I have found the seller wants $$$$$. Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

 

[Amitygravel]

Hey FordsnFishn ,
I didn't grow up in the area so outside of all the many cousins in the area I don't know too many locals.
My parents were from Richland and Jasper county and I grew up in Champaign county.

 

[danv]

Hate to tell you Dan but this myth is BS, if you were to have a proper door seal on it and were to run a meter on it and a new Energy Star fridge for a month you will find that the old one will kick the new ones *** out the door,not to mention that the carbon footprint of having a fridge that will last 100 years as opposed to the new ones that typically make it 10 years now. Remember these old fridges don't have a defrost mode that automatically goes off and when they are down to operating temp they do not cycle on and off every hour or two like the new one will. Ask any qualified "honest" appliance guy and they will tell you this is the truth..

I don’t know if you are right or wrong about the BS in the energy consumption of a refrigerator newer vs. older but I cannot find any verifiable evidence anywhere for what you are saying Chris. I know that you cannot believe everything you see on the internet but the overwhelming number of sites from all sectors of the energy field seems to agree with the energy consumption issues as I have stated them. I have a 1950 chev ½ ton with a babit pounding 216 cu. Inch in line 6 cylinder in it. Whenever I am at the pumps I invariably get someone reminiscing how great the old vehicles were and how little gas they used. Well let me tell you that at 20cents a gallon it was great but at todays priced it is a fuel hog. HAHAHHA. Maybe it’s because of the government placing higher energy efficiency standards on the industry in 1990, 1993 and 2001. This has probably forced the manufactures to come up with better insulated units and more energy efficient motors and compressors to do the work

 

[MN4x4]

That fridge is WAAAAAY cool! Now all you need is a '53 Studebaker parked next to it!

 

[HemiRambler]

To the OP: I have that EXACT same one! My grandparents got it USED as a house warming gift in 1950. It has been in constant use since then - minus the last couple years - when my grandma passed away I rescued it from being tossed for scrap, but unfortunately someone threw away the racks before I knew it. So it still works - I just haven't figured out what to do with it yet!

 

[FordsnFishin]

Hemirambler! Very awesome!! Very cool fridges ayy?

I don't mean to be a pain, but i've been having a hell of a time trying to find info on this fridge. No chance you've been in the back of it and checked out that relay have you? Held on with two metal tabs.

My wiring has been toast, and not exactly sure where everything was landed on that relay. Do you happen to know of a specific year yours is? You said from the 50's?

 

[HemiRambler]

FordsnFishin, I haven't looked at the back, but I can take a peek and see. I don't know the exact year, the family story places it sometime BEFORE 1950. My grandparents came to the US in 1949 - in those days you HAD to be sponsored (live with your sponsor family for a year) my grandparents got their first place in a year and the lady of the house that sponsored my grandparents GAVE that fridge to my grandparents as a house warming gift - so I know it was used when they got it so I'm guessing 1940's - I dunno really. Shoot me a picture of what area you need a pic of. Also could I ask YOU a favor? Could you take a picture of the shelves for me? I'd like to see what they are supposed to look like. Thanks!

 

[FordsnFishin]

Rambler, very cool! I appreciate the info on it! I had not realized it was even that old! I kinda figured it was more in the 60's era.

I would very very much appreciate it if you could possibly throw me a photo! If you go back to the beggining of my post, i believe its #3 or 4, you will see a photo of the back side where the motor is. The wiring from the fridge runs down the back and down into a black box/relay. There it connects the upper wires, wires from the motor, and the cord. The relay pops off just by two metal holders that clip on and on the back where all the wires connect to the terminal screws is what i need. Just trying to figure out where everything lands.

Honestly, it would require you to remove the back side, and don't blame you a bit if you don't want to go that far.

If so, would be a good idea to unplug just to be sure you dont get shocked or short anything.

I will get you photos of the inside racks for sure though! Will be by it tomorrow and will get some for you!

Thanks!

 

[ScurvyPete]

I don’t know if you are right or wrong about the BS in the energy consumption of a refrigerator newer vs. older but I cannot find any verifiable evidence anywhere for what you are saying Chris. I know that you cannot believe everything you see on the internet but the overwhelming number of sites from all sectors of the energy field seems to agree with the energy consumption issues as I have stated them. I have a 1950 chev ½ ton with a babit pounding 216 cu. Inch in line 6 cylinder in it. Whenever I am at the pumps I invariably get someone reminiscing how great the old vehicles were and how little gas they used. Well let me tell you that at 20cents a gallon it was great but at todays priced it is a fuel hog. HAHAHHA. Maybe it’s because of the government placing higher energy efficiency standards on the industry in 1990, 1993 and 2001. This has probably forced the manufactures to come up with better insulated units and more energy efficient motors and compressors to do the work

Yeah, but there's a big difference between a 64 year old truck and a similarly-aged refrigerator.
Most of what I have read concerning refrigerator efficiency concerns replacing your 90's/early 2000's model fridge with a newer "Energy Star" model (which I tend to believe).
Personally, I think it's the government trying to stimulate the economy by telling us to "buy more ****".
Those old ones (such as the fridge in the OP) hit operating temp and cut off until the temperature rose enough for them to cut back on. Coupled with the massive amounts of insulation around those suckers (they didn't build them like tanks for the hell of it), it took quite a while for that to happen.
Meanwhile, your auto-defrost fridge is constantly switching on and off, and I'm willing to bet that insulation may be more efficient now, but back then they packed in more than enough to make up for the difference.

It has been verified by multiple members here (including one who has already posted in this thread) by use of electric bills/meter readings/Kill-A-Watts/etc. that the old refrigerators are indeed comparable, if not better than late-model offerings when it comes to energy use.
I'm not trying to bash you here or call you stupid or anything of the sort. I appreciate those who are willing to do their own research on subjects, and I respect your opinions. However, I for one, am inclined to believe the testimony (especially from posters on this board) about the actual running costs of those old refrigerators.
/end rant

 

[HockeyDave13]

Here's my philco I picked up on CL for $100. The guy rhino lined it with a cheap kit. I plan to repaint. It runs great. I've tried to research to see about what year it is. Anyone know the time frame on this fridge?

 

[Davefr]

Collecting these can be addictive:

 

[magnusk750]

Sorry for stealin the thread, hope you excuse me for showing off todays find, 1967 soviet made Dnepr fridge for free. What I'll do with it, dont know, just couldn't walk away from it.

 

[Zeke]

I had one like in post #31. Those things are HEAVY and with the legs very hard to move unless your dolly can fit under 2 side legs. I just can't be burdened with monsters like that anymore. But they are cool.

 

[Arne73]

Davefr-
We had a GE monitor unit like the one on the right in your picture. It was my dad's beer fridge and had a foot lever to release the door when your hands were full of beer. Someone had painted it pink but it was still cool. The door seal was shot and NLA from GE so my folks got rid of it. I remember seeing the date stamp on the inside of one of the legs from 1939.

 

[Tucko]

Cool project! The only downside to these old fridges is the huge jump in your power bill. My only evidence is from when I got rid of my fridge (an oldie from my grandma's friend) 20 years ago. A brand new one cut my electric bill nearly in half....

 

[Alan Douglas]

It has been verified by multiple members here (including one who has already posted in this thread) by use of electric bills/meter readings/Kill-A-Watts/etc. that the old refrigerators are indeed comparable, if not better than late-model offerings when it comes to energy use.

That may be so, but no one ever mentions cubic capacity. My 10-year-old Kenmore top freezer would hold at least eighteen 1.5qt boxes of ice cream (however I usually only keep five flavors). How many fit in the freezer compartment of an old fridge? Two? By my reckoning, the new ones are nine times more efficient. What is the actual cubic capacity of an old model? I've asked owners but have never had an answer.

Another side of the coin is operating power. Our old fridge would not start from the emergency generator (I think a 2.5kW Coleman), but the new one will, and also the full-size upright freezer, and one will start while the other is running.

 

[Samh]

Here's my philco I picked up on CL for $100. The guy rhino lined it with a cheap kit. I plan to repaint. It runs great. I've tried to research to see about what year it is. Anyone know the time frame on this fridge?

I have an old philco like that one sitting in my basement

 

[b-body-bob]

Just please don't paint a demon on it like I saw them do on "Counting cars" the other day. Those guys could mess up a *********.

 

[er3456df]

Those old ones (such as the fridge in the OP) hit operating temp and cut off until the temperature rose enough for them to cut back on.

Yeah, that's how a refrigerator works. Please explain how a new refrigerator is different, and I'm dying to know WTF this has to do with automatic defrost?

Personally, I think it's the government trying to stimulate the economy by telling us to "buy more ****".

Obviously.