Automotive grade restoration on a vintage Westinghouse - need help identifying

[Culturekiller]

Model Number

M-7

I work at an automotive restoration/retrofit fabrication shop. We’ve had this Westinghouse freezer chest for a year or two just sitting around.

I took a few of my weekends to restore it. Exactly like I would a car. Removed the rust, patched it, sealed the inside so it can’t accumulate moisture then insulated it.

I sanded the panels and door to 600 then sprayed epoxy primer. I sanded the primer down to 600, then cleaned those scratches up with 800 and prepped it for paint. We used Nason brand ful-base in “National Fleet Green”, and then followed that up with 4 coats of Nason select clear. These are expensive automotive grade paints. The inside panel of the door was white, but we sprayed that in Porsche 936 silver.

I then spent over 5 hours color sanding and nibbing over 80 trash spots/fish eyes with 1500, bringing it back with 2000, then 2500, 3000, then running a 3 stage buff we use on our cars. 3M compound, 3M polish, then 3M glaze and a wax finish.

I put a tape line on the door about 3/4 of the way up and didn’t touch that paint so you can see the difference. All the trash and orange peel.

I’m trying to identify what model/year this Westinghouse freezer chest is. The Frigidaire customer service hotline is closed for the weekend. They gave 5 examples of VIN numbers to identify your appliance, but my vin doesn’t fit any of those.

Any idea what model/year?

 

[Dan O.]

You did make sure it worked before starting this I hope?

I’m trying to identify what model/year this Westinghouse freezer chest is.

1. That is a refrigerator not a chest freezer (which is an actual "chest")

Chest Freezer

Any idea what model/year?

There is (or was) a tag on the appliance with its model and serial number. Sometimes on the lower front edge of the cabinet, sometimes on the rear. I don't know anyone that can identify it otherwise. M-7 does look like a valid model number of that era.I do not know its age range.

Maybe search ebay for "westinghouse refrigerator ads" and compare the pictures.

BTW. It will likely be the door and door handle that is most recognizable to a particular model.

The Frigidaire customer service hotline ...

It is extremely unlikely the current Frigidaire company will be able to help you with that age of product. Don't hold your breath.

JMO

Dan O.

 

[Culturekiller]

You did make sure it worked before starting this I hope?

1. That is a refrigerator not a chest freezer (which is an actual "chest")

There is (or was) a tag on the appliance with its model and serial number. Sometimes on the lower front edge of the cabinet, sometimes on the rear. I don't know anyone that can identify it otherwise. M-7 does look like a valid model number of that era.I do not know its age range.

Shop owner told me it worked. So, I would hope. However, in my search it seems I’ve managed to find parts for it but not a single image or anything.

The inside panel says “freezer chest” but that might just be referring to the small box that’s labeled such, now that I’m thinking about it. It made me assume the whole thing was a freezer.

 

[Culturekiller]

Also, 2 Westinghouse fridges sold on eBay this month (on the 9th and 12th) for $1,600 and $1,800 both of which were in rough condition.

But there’s no dates on them or similarities.

I can’t for the life of me find a list of the models they made.

 

[Dan O.]

I seen this ebay auction that says it's an M-7

LINK > Retro Green Westinghouse 5930703 model M-7 made in USA Refrigerator Fridge Parts

You can also try searching or asking some of the Appliance Restoration companies at the following link. One might have a reference.

LINK > Appliance411: Links: Restoration


Dan O.

 

[Old Fridge Guy]

The freezer door design is very late 40s to early 50s. May we see a picture of the main door for the refrigerator? That will help. If the handle points straight up it was made before 1951. If the handle points to the 2 o'clock position it's a 1951 or 52 model. The words "Freezer Chest" on the freezer door are just to make it sound fancy. Frigidaire and Coldspot did the same thing on their freezer doors. This is a conventional refrigerator with a small freezer compartment.