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Post by dorothyoz on May 29, 2014 22:28:54 GMT -5
Hello I've written a couple of posts on here and I know you seasoned Chambers experts have probably muffled a snigger or two at my inexperienced excitement over the Moore's oven I went gaga about a couple of days ago - but I'm hooked on Chambers already. To cut a long story short - I bought a Chambers and had it shipped to Australia. It arrived damaged - the front panel, a tiny ship off the low back, and busted legs mainly. I still want to cry thinking about it. Anyway, I've yet to take full possession as I'm awaiting some form of compensation by the shipper. I did however go to the transport depot today and peeled off the cardboard and parcel tape and had a REALLY good look inside. All I can say is she is absolutely GORGEOUS. A tiny, tiny bit of rusting on the inside, but it is very much superficial. The burners are a little used looking around where the flame comes out, but all in all she is so totally IMMACULATE. Whoever owned her really loved her and I think what the owners son said was true "Mom cleaned it after every use." So thank you Mrs Pavinlek. The next part of the adventure is to pull her only slightly apart to fix whatever bits came loose (I found two 3" cylindrical metal pieces floating in the bottom - don't know what they are?), degrease, grease, clean, clean, clean. It won't be a full restoration, just a clean basically, then someone to check all the valves, connections, install safety and convert to LPG. My husband can not understand my excitement. The guys at the transport depot (who thought they were unloading car parts!!!!!) are puzzled by my excited chatter about a 60 year-old cooker. One thing I can say though is you Americans really know how to build stuff. Especially your mid-century appliances. I'm about to take possession of a Nesco roaster that I found on ebay which I read somewhere on a Chambers forum were FANTASTIC for Christmas turkey. What I can't wait to use is the Thermowell, for porridge!! Thanks so much for a wonderful forum. And I look forward to receiving tonnes of advice from you!
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Post by vaporvac on May 29, 2014 23:00:11 GMT -5
Oh dorothy, you have it BAD!!!! I think chambers people just love most old things, especially appliances. I love all the old stoves, but really would only want a Chambers to cook on for so many reasons, not least of which is the amazing insulation. But I appreciate the other stoves and looked at many before getting lucky with my B (which of course let to three more cs!)The Moores stove was adorable.
I'm into old toasters (Sunbeam t-9) and especially old waffle makers so the nesco may not be your last purchase. Oh yeah, I forgot vacuum cleaners and waxers, ironrite manglers and especially coffeemakers! I'm definitely NOT alone. I remember the post on the Nesco(lwagne's post?)Lt seemed quite useful for a large party. The Twell is really the best and I use it ALL the time for so many things, from warming plates, to drying fruit and keeping tea/coffee warm. I also makes the best beans and legumes.. Can't wait to see her up and running.
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Post by dorothyoz on May 30, 2014 1:24:00 GMT -5
Ahahahaha....have you got your Atomic coffee maker? I still admire mine every morning. I think I've found my forum home!! lol.
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Post by karitx on May 30, 2014 9:13:27 GMT -5
In case no one has warned you, there is no cure for the Chambers fever. But don't worry, you'll have plenty of like-minded company here! I keep looking at those old Nesco and Westinghouse roasters, but I don't have one... yet. The old waffle makers keep sneaking into my house, though. I'm not sure how that keeps happening.
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Post by lwagne on May 30, 2014 9:37:33 GMT -5
Oh, I do SO want an Atomic Coffee Pot!! It sounds like your stove is very fixable, just as I suspected. Bent legs are nothing to us!!.. Keep us posted! And, if you run in to a stash of Atomic Coffee Pots, I'm sure we would be glad to purchase them from you, right here!!
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Post by sporko on May 30, 2014 11:14:24 GMT -5
If you are unsure about the cylindrical metal pieces, post photos. I'd wildly guess these are part of the flash tubes. They have a tendency to fall off in transit. The flash tubes are effectively 3 cylinders that reach from each of the 3 top burners to the pilot light.
If this is what they are... take care that the "little square ends" are still around. They tend to get lost.
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Post by vaporvac on May 30, 2014 14:30:17 GMT -5
Forgot about those in my excitedment over swapping collection stories. Be sure to look for any misssing tips in the bottom of the storage cabinet...they often fall there. YOu absolutely need them to use the pilot feature. Some are welded on (I believe in the Cs?) so maybe that's not an issue. Just check.
BTW, what's an atomic coffee make...sounds like I need one if i want to complete my collection.
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Post by cinnabar on May 30, 2014 16:14:24 GMT -5
Yup, one of those waffle makers followed me home today. Universal 9314. works just needs a cleaning, maybe a new cord. Two toasters are hanging out on the counter too. also work , have yet to make a lot of toast. The Westinghouse stand roaster is in hiding in the basement, I would like to sell it I need the space, but gotta find somebody who will loooove it. Hey dorothyoz , we need to see pictures of the Atomic Coffee thing, I don't have one. (not like I NEED one either. Lost count at 20 coffee pots here.)
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Post by chipperhiker on May 30, 2014 21:48:05 GMT -5
It starts with a single stove, and then maybe another one, and then maybe a roaster, then waffle maker, then a coffee maker, then…
Welcome to the madness, Dorothy!
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Post by dorothyoz on May 31, 2014 3:43:31 GMT -5
I would love to post photos and have tried, but I don't know how to download my pics as URL - I don't even know what that means? Techno baby lol.
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Post by vaporvac on May 31, 2014 9:33:30 GMT -5
dorothy, you don't have to do it that way. Go to reply (not quick reply) and click "add attachment" then you can just drag it from your desktop or wherever you have your pics. It's much easier.
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Post by mach12 on May 31, 2014 10:46:03 GMT -5
I love reading how there are others like me who love the quality and utility of classic kitchen gear. We have two Nesco's and use them a lot. We cook the roast or the turkey in the range oven and the dinner rolls are cooked in a Nesco on a small table near the dining room table, or on hot days put the Nesco out on the deck and keep the heat out of the kitchen. I go to antique stores and thrift stores just to go through kitchen utensils and have been known to buy stuff because I don't know what it does just so that I can research it. My cookbook collection is another story. Some of our favorite recipes came out of old church cookbooks (like our 1896 Portland, Oregon Methodist Church cookbook) or car club cookbooks (like our 1928 Studebaker Club cookbook). I can't wait to pull that first roast or turkey out of the Chambers!
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Post by dorothyoz on May 31, 2014 22:58:25 GMT -5
Deleted due to gobblediegook
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Post by dorothyoz on May 31, 2014 23:00:03 GMT -5
And that is what happens when I try to attach photos
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Post by dorothyoz on May 31, 2014 23:48:36 GMT -5
And that is what happens when I try to attach photos
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Post by vaporvac on Jun 1, 2014 0:42:00 GMT -5
hello?! That is wack! what exactly are you doing. Maybe someone can help.
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Post by dorothyoz on Jun 3, 2014 4:40:50 GMT -5
Hi again So I've accepted my girl - and renamed her Auntie Beat - after my friend's aunt Beatrice who loved her food. Now I haven't a clue where to go to from here...so I'm begging for some of your expert advice please. It seems that many of her aluminium gas pipes may be missing. Also I noticed that there is a round hole on her interior right hand side that shows insulation - but it is a pinkish colour and I can see a square edge. There is a gap between the edge and the cavity toward the front of the oven. Does that sound right? The guy I bought it from gave me the impression that she was wholly original (belonged to his Mum). I need to replace her front panel - do any of you have one you are willing to sell to me that are in perfect original condition? What would be a fair price for an unblemished original front panel? I also need to clean the surface rust and a greyish fluff from the interior carcass - what are the best products to do that? I'm terrified of doing the wrong thing to Auntie Beat as mistakes could be costly. I also need to convert her to LPG from natural gas - what do I need and do any of you have parts you are willing to sell to me to do this? What prices should I expect to pay. The reason I ask is that I've been poring over the forum and often see posts about people being ripped off on ebay etc. Thanks so much everyone!!!!
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Post by lwagne on Jun 3, 2014 18:35:03 GMT -5
So, you got her! I think that was a good move. I would say - ask for parts here first but some of us have them on Ebay also, I believe. I think I saw a complete set of gas lines there not to long ago. You sure need those for a start and I also thought I saw a set of leg bolts. Have fun!
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Post by chipperhiker on Jun 3, 2014 20:09:36 GMT -5
I've had really very good luck on ebay, from stoves to pots, to parts. Most things come up eventually, if you can be that patient. If not,then it's time to contact some stove dealers. Don Mattera is a member here and he almost certainly has everything you need right in stock. As for prices… that's pretty hard to say. The whims of ebeyers are unpredictable, to say the least, so prices can be all over the map. Have you downloaded the C service manual off www.vintagechambers.com yet? That's the Commune's sister sight, and a good place to start for all kinds of free literature, including the all-important manual and installation instructions, as well as cookbooks, restoration pictures and a stove safety system plan. Check it out if you haven't already done so.
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Post by dorothyoz on Jun 3, 2014 20:30:29 GMT -5
Thanks Chipperhiker. I have downloaded quite a bit of info. Now time to sift!
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Post by chipperhiker on Jun 3, 2014 21:05:37 GMT -5
You and me both! I'm studying the gas adjustment section diligently.
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