Pure gold. This is when the NYTimes really shines. Reporting in If the Shell Fits, Fix It, Carole Braden tells the story of Mike Arnold, who has forsaken new houseold appliances for old ones, for a very simple reason: the old ones last longer and are easier to fix (oh, and they can be very beautiful as well).
In a 360-degree turn of Mike Arnold's kitchen, it's the dishwasher that disconcerts. A late-model Jenn-Air with a stainless steel front and jet-black detailing, it looks as if it has crashed a party of hotties from another era. In one corner stands a 1928 Frigidaire refrigerator with a porcelain face. In another sits a white 1950 Frigidaire range, its shiny hubcap-like knobs practically begging to be touched.
Starting when he was 15, Mr. Arnold began fixing used appliances. He now runs a business out of his home in Troy, NY rehabilitating old appliances for collectors and afficianados all over the country who send theirs to him for repair. Prices range from $950 to $3,000. We're talking about vintage refrigerators, stoves, washer dryers, and even electronics, which he takes completely apart, cleans out, fixes, paints and puts together like new.
MonitorTop.com, Mr. Arnold's website bills itself as one stop shopping for 20th Century Appliance Restoration, complete with parts, literature, appraisals and sales. If he doesn't have it, he says he'll get it, build it or copy it! If this was ever an interest to you or if you have a great old appliance you'd love to resuscitate, Mr. Arnold is for you. MGR
MONITOR TOP LINKS
- Antique Stoves.com
- Craters & Freighters.com
- Historic Properties.com
- The Old Appliance Club
- Antique Appliances.com
I kept a copy of the article that was in the Times Union a few years ago regarding your restorations of old appliances etc. I have an old
GE refrigerator that looks like the 1952 Monitor Top one on your web site except it doesn't have the motor on top. I have had this a long time at least close to 40 years & my family had befor that at their tourist camp. It still works great. We have used it as second one in the cellar. I am getting ready to sell my house & was going to have the trash people pick up & dispose of when I remember you. If you would like it i would give it to you no strings attached.
g
Does anyone out there know of a place that would buy a 1928 Frigidaire refrigerator. Have one to sell in mountain time zone. It works and is in good shape for its age. Buyer would have to pick up. Can supply photos for seriously interested only.