Cavalier 51

[Jim]

Wayne,

I'm coming in a little late here, but it appears the two auctions are for the SAME machine...?
And as stated previously, the condensing unit is missing!
You might to adjust the price if the machine is supposed to "cool well"...

[johnieG]

The electrical cord you guys see in the one picture (rear right side of the machine) is indeed from the evaporator motors electrical lead, which should run down behind the condensor cover, all the way down to  the compressors electrical junction box, I hate to say it, but methinks yon machine is sans a compressor at the very least, or its slammed against the rear of the compartment out of view (maybe some broken mounting bolts) hope it isn't so, let us know whats what! hmmmmm.  '>

The restored example has a modified cooling deck with the condensor assy mounted right on the deck as shown, an original C51 will have a large (simular to a standard refrigerator) air cooled (convection cooled) condensor mounted behind the large rectangular cover shown in the auctions pictures.

[90grad]

Okay, now I am scared.  I have emailed the guy and asked if the compressor is there and explained the difference between the compressor/condensor and the evaporator.  I was thinking the plug end of the cord was just hanging on the top of the shroud on the back of the machine (a place to put it when they moved the machine outside to take a picture).
I've emailed the guy.  I also have his cell # and will give him a call this morning.

Jim,

Yes, they are two different auctions for the same machine.  It got no bids the first time, and he relisted it.

Guys, I can't thank you enough for watching out for others.  This site is great, as are the people.  What would be a good offer if it is missing the compressor?

[90grad]

All,

I took the open-door shot of the machine and it looks like something is down under there (maybe wishful thinking on my part).  Here's the photo with the brightness/contrast adjusted.  I don't have a good photo editor.

[johnieG]

Quote (90grad @ Aug. 18 2005,6:18)

Okay, now I am scared.  I have emailed the guy and asked if the compressor is there and explained the difference between the compressor/condensor and the evaporator.  I was thinking the plug end of the cord was just hanging on the top of the shroud on the back of the machine (a place to put it when they moved the machine outside to take a picture). I've emailed the guy.  I also have his cell # and will give him a call this morning. Jim, Yes, they are two different auctions for the same machine.  It got no bids the first time, and he relisted it. Guys, I can't thank you enough for watching out for others.  This site is great, as are the people.  What would be a good offer if it is missing the compressor?

Well, if he accepted $400.00 for supposably complete machine, I can tell you that a used compressor deck will set you back at least $200.00, and a new complete compressor/condensing assembly for R134a will price out close to $300 for a small 1/4 H.P. Coupland/ Tecumseh unit,
plus the time it takes to install it... so offer half, it depends on how bad you want it & what your willing to put into it too.

It looks like a fairly straight machine regardless, he could knockoff at least another $100.00 in my opinion...hope it works out for you...

[firemun]

To my knowledge this is the original compressor in this Cav 51, it looks identical to what is in my other CAV 51 which is also supposedly all original and had been in storage since the early 70's.

Looks like the photo you have does show something, maybe it has already been replaced with one of the new small units?

jeff

[petey64]

This seller needs a swift kick in the !@#$%^& he has been deceptive at best, if he took 400 offer him 200, if he won't tell you that the compressor is missing what else is he hiding.

sins of commision, sins of ommision

[90grad]

All,

Thanks for all the advice and help.  I spoke with the guy via email and he assures me everything is there.  The machine is about 20" deep and if the condensor is a covection-type as JohnieG said, the compressor ball may be lurking in the shadows.  Regardless, I will check it out on Saturday, as the guy is only about 50 miles from me.  I will post later that day to tell you what's the deal.

Thanks again, you all are great.

[BrianB]

Firemun,

The picture you took is really helpfull. It identifies yours as a "newer" model compressor configuration. The one inside 90's is going to be a Frigidaire with the configuration Mr. G described. Looks like this from the backside:

[BrianB]

Here we go: