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Post by Slw on Sept 2, 2018 8:34:16 GMT
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Post by turbokinetic on Sept 2, 2018 12:55:46 GMT
Hey, it would be a tough choice since they both have things going for them, as well as some negatives.
The white cabinet fridge is an older and simpler design. It is less likely to have problems which could be expensive to fix. There aren't fans inside it to go out and cause you problems. As for a negative about this one; the price is probably out of line. Pricing is regional and I live far from California; but the price of $500 seems very high for a refrigerator that has not been rewired and given new gaskets. Along the same lines; the wording used by the seller indicates to me they possibly have attitude issues which would make dealing with them an unpleasant experience.
The turquoise model is newer. It has a more modern system and would maintain a more even refrigerator temperature. It's also fancier with more shiny bits to add "wow" factor. The price is reasonable, however the seller is claiming it needs a fan. This should not be hard to repair, but other members from California have had very limited success getting even small repairs done to antique refrigerators. This model does have a big "gotcha" however. From online research I found that GE had a spell when they had bad compressors. Almost all of them failed early in the life of the unit. If the compressor was replaced, you're fine. If this fridge was put in storage for years and somehow has the original compressor in it, you might be in for a costly repair. You should be able to look at the unit underneath and see that the lines have ben cut and soldered, a tag on the lines; or some other evidence of a repair.
So, as I see it, the choice boils down to this:
White cabinet: -Simpler design. -Working correctly at this time -White color goes with most any kitchen. -Potty-mouth seller with highball price -Early design, less accurate temp control.
Turquoise: -More advanced, modern performance. -Needs what should be a simple repair, but nonetheless needs repair. -Price is right. -More desirable model to most.
In my opinion, in my situation, I would go for the turquoise model. This is because I am very capable of doing my own repairs; which takes the needs repair out of the equation. The newer model has a separate freezer, which would be more useful for me since I use a lot of frozen foods.
So as you can see, it will depend on your needs. Hopefully we hear from some of the other members as well! Sincerely, David
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Post by coldspaces on Sept 2, 2018 13:31:01 GMT
I have a NOS can or two of GE valve grinding compound. At one time some of these compressors would get valves that would not seal ( I believe it was the loaf style compressors.). You inject this R12 and grinding compound and it would maybe make them seal again. I know my grandfather and I used it a few times years ago. If I remember right it worked.
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Post by turbokinetic on Sept 2, 2018 13:37:03 GMT
I have a NOS can or two of GE valve grinding compound. At one time some of these compressors would get valves that would not seal ( I believe it was the loaf style compressors.). You inject this R12 and grinding compound and it would maybe make them seal again. I know my grandfather and I used it a few times years ago. If I remember right it worked. Wow that is wild!  I would never have imagined that injecting any sort of abrasive into the compressor would have improved things. Can you post a picture of that when you have a moment?
I believe it is indeed the "loaf" shaped compressor in this unit. Our family had one like this for years. It had a hot gas defrost system that ended up being the death of it. The reversing valve got stuck and it would not go into defrost mode. I tried all sorts of things to free it up but never could. That was before I could fix things. I was in gradeschool at the time.
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Post by Travis on Sept 2, 2018 13:40:44 GMT
I would go for the newer one. I like its style and color. It's something like a 63 or 64. I personally dislike single door models this new. I find it a hassle to open the main door and then another to grab the ice cream. On older models I forgive that because they were all that way.
I would be happy to watch for something if you would tell me the area of the country you're open to travel in.
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Post by Slw on Sept 2, 2018 14:51:59 GMT
How hard is it to find a fan & ready place it in the newer turquoise GE?
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Post by turbokinetic on Sept 2, 2018 15:03:16 GMT
How hard is it to find a fan & ready place it in the newer turquoise GE? It has been a long time since I had to change one. The job was very easy. If I remember, the fan is behind some trim in the back of the freezer compartment. The fan its self is a more or less generic part and should be readily available.
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Post by jake on Sept 2, 2018 15:29:32 GMT
I'd go with the newer one as well. For a few reasons. First it appears to be complete. All the shelves, bins, etc., appear to be there. It's more reasonably priced, in my opinion. If it has a problem with the evaporator fan you can determine that when you go look at it. Also look at the condenser fan, if equipped. Many times the condenser will be so clogged up with dust and dirt the fridge will stop cooling effectively. This can also kill the condenser fan motor. If either is the case it can be replaced with either a NOS one or a universal motor. I googled the model number and it appears to be a 1965 model. It would also be more suitable, in my opinion, as a main fridge.
The older white fridge is missing the drip pan that slides under the freezer box. Not only is this a problem when defrosting but it also helps regulate the temperature in the lower, fresh food section. Without it you're probably going to have temperatures that are too cold for the fresh food section unless you keep the temperature control at a warmer setting. Then you may have a problem with the freezer being too warm. This fridge would, in my opinion, make a good second fridge or maybe a basement bar fridge. But I'd want the drip pan that goes with it.
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Post by Slw on Sept 3, 2018 0:46:53 GMT
I live in California both in the San Francisco area and in the center of the state known as the San Joaquin Valley. Seems like it’s harder to find nicer vintage appliances in this area than some other parts of the country.
I really liked the turquoise GE bottom freezer model the best. Any helping searching is appreciated.
Looks as though I missed out on the one I posted earlier. She who hesitates is lost as the saying goes. Not meant to be today I guess.
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Post by ckfan on Sept 3, 2018 1:30:55 GMT
Don’t worry. If you persist you will find what you want. Just don’t give up hope!
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Post by elec573 on Sept 3, 2018 6:18:23 GMT
Slw
Have seen some very nice old fridges in and around LA . Also we have had some members from that area post . Do you have in idea of what type you’re interested in? I like
Monitor Tops .
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Post by Swhip on Sept 15, 2018 0:34:27 GMT
I’m back. The turquoise ge refrigerator is back on Craigslist Ad now says needs renovation to work again. Can anyone tell me what would be involved with getting the refrigerator and freezer to cool again? Are parts available and what is the Freon situation with old refrigerators?
Again thanks for the help.
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Post by birkie on Sept 15, 2018 0:58:50 GMT
I’m back. The turquoise ge refrigerator is back on Craigslist Ad now says needs renovation to work again. Can anyone tell me what would be involved with getting the refrigerator and freezer to cool again? Are parts available and what is the Freon situation with old refrigerators? Again thanks for the help. It depends, some parts have functional (if not identical) replacements, some don't. A repair could involve rectifying a simple wiring snafu, or brazing. At this point, it probably makes sense to get in touch with the seller, and maybe even see the thing in person (and observe what happens when you attempt to start it up). |
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Post by turbokinetic on Sept 15, 2018 2:46:45 GMT
I’m back. The turquoise ge refrigerator is back on Craigslist Ad now says needs renovation to work again. Can anyone tell me what would be involved with getting the refrigerator and freezer to cool again? Are parts available and what is the Freon situation with old refrigerators? Again thanks for the help. Awe no; that is really disappointing.
The Freon situation is easily solvable. These units used R12, which is expensive but still available. There is another alternative called R152A. This, although it is mainly used for cleaning, it is gaining popularity as a refrigerant. On the positive side, it is very inexpensive and very effective. On the down-side, if it has never been tried in this model of refrigerator, you have a small chance there could be compatibility problems.
These fridges used a fan to transfer "super cold" air from the freezer to the refrigerator. That fan was what maintained the fridge temperature. This is a relatively common maintenance item on these refrigerators. If this goes bad, the freezer works but the fridge does not.
As Birkie said, you need to see what the problem is; and what sort of noises, if any, happen when it's powered on. Definitely don't give up on it. Use this to get a very low price on it, and then you can spend a little to get it working. 
Sincerely, David
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Post by jake on Sept 15, 2018 3:52:21 GMT
I agree, take a look at it and access the situation. If the seller isn't familiar with the workings of a refrigerator it could be a simple fix. Maybe a failed temperature control or open compressor relay. Actually, if it's completely "dead", that may be to your benefit. That points to the temperature control if the compressor does nothing but the interior light works. If the light doesn't work in addition to the compressor not doing anything, that points to a power supply problem. Probably a broken or disconnected wire at the compressor. If the wiring diagram is still on the back study it. That may point you in the right direction. If the compressor hums or buzzes for a few seconds then stops for a few minutes then hums or buzzes again, the compressor may be stuck. Hope that helps!
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I would never have imagined that injecting any sort of abrasive into the compressor would have improved things. Can you post a picture of that when you have a moment?
